Long before she was selling out stadiums on her record-breaking Tropitour, Carolina Giraldo—known to the world as Karol G—was honing her craft in the most humble of settings: the schoolyards of Medellín. New insights from Colombian reggaeton pioneer Reykon shed light on those early days, revealing a story of raw talent, mentorship, and the inevitable drift that success can bring.
From Medellín Schools to the Stage
In a recent interview, Reykon recalled the first time he heard Karol G sing. It was in a recording studio in Medellín, where she was dating his producer, Cheztom. “I saw how she enriched the show just with the melodies she created,” Reykon said, describing how her voice left him speechless. He quickly decided to bring her on as a backup singer for his local tours across Colombia.
Old videos that have resurfaced on social media show a teenage Karol G at the back of the stage, providing harmonies and backing vocals for Reykon at school events. For Reykon, her presence was transformative. He noted that her talent was indisputable from day one, a sentiment that would prove prophetic as she went on to become the most influential woman in the urban genre.
This training period was the foundation for their collaboration on “301,” a track that introduced Karol G to a wider audience and marked a turning point in her career. Yet, despite the shared success and the bond forged in those early days, the relationship between the two artists has cooled significantly over the years.
The Mystery of the Estrangement
Reykon has been candid about the distance that has grown between them. “I never spoke to Karol again; the truth is I haven’t even run into her,” he admitted. While he clarified that there is no grudge or personal conflict, the separation is evident. As Karol G ascended to international stardom—announcing ambitious tours like her recent Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour—the connection with her former mentor faded.
Reykon, for his part, remains a landmark figure in Colombian reggaeton. He watches from a distance with respect at the empire his former backup singer has built. The story of Karol G’s rise is a testament to the power of early support and the unpredictable paths that talent can take. It also serves as a reminder that in the fast-paced world of Latin music, even the strongest collaborations can become memories.
For fans, this glimpse into Karol G’s beginnings adds depth to her journey—from a young girl singing backup in Medellín to a global icon who has reshaped the sound of Latin pop. As she continues to break records and inspire, the echoes of those schoolyard performances remain a powerful part of her story.
