The Next Wave: Omar Courtz and the Dawn of a Reggaeton Renaissance
In a genre that exploded from the streets of Puerto Rico to global arenas, Omar Courtz stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. The Future issue of Galore Mag dives into Reggaeton’s evolving landscape, where artistry, culture, and technology fuse to propel a sound that’s both unmistakably rooted and boldly forward.
Omar Courtz isn’t just riding the wave—he’s helping to shape its direction, balancing the genre’s raw, street-born energy with polished storytelling that resonates across generations. As Bad Bunny and a new cohort redefine what it means to be a Reggaeton icon, Courtz offers a fresh voice—one that honors his origins while inviting the world to listen, reflect, and move. With his latest album “Por Si Mañana No Estoy” he is cementing himself in history of Reggaeton music and beyond.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
In an era where reggaeton has evolved from its underground roots to become a global force, how do you see your place in guiding its next phase alongside figures like Bad Bunny?
I feel like we’re at a point where the genre is growing without losing its essence. Each artist brings something different, and I just want to keep pushing my sound, representing my generation, and making real music that connects with people. Bad Bunny’s success opened many doors for us; now it’s up to us to keep elevating the culture.
What does it feel like to carry the torch for the new generation of reggaeton stars, both personally and for Puerto Rico?
I’m very proud to represent my island, but it’s also a great responsibility. I come from Puerto Rico, where reggaeton is part of our culture, so representing the new generation is an honor. I just want to keep making real music and leave my mark.
What qualities do you think distinguish you within this wave of new reggaeton artists?
I think it’s my essence. I don’t try to sound like anyone else, as long as it feels organic. I think my fans connect with me because they feel it’s real, from the music to who I am.
How are you breaking into the reggaeton scene in Puerto Rico and abroad?
I feel like everything has been very organic. First, I connected with Puerto Rico, with the streets and with my people, and from there the sound started to travel on its own. I never forced anything. I’ve tried to stay true to who I am, and I think that’s what has made other countries connect with me as well.
Your new album, Por Si Mañana No Estoy, weaves together reggaeton, R&B, trap, and Afrobeats across 18 tracks. Which song do you feel most authentically reflects who you are right now?
There are several songs that represent me, but I feel that the more personal ones, like ” Por Si Mañana No Estoy” (In Case I’m Not Here Tomorrow), best reflect where I am mentally and emotionally right now. This album has a lot of me in it, reflecting what I experience when I’m on tour, what I think about when I’m alone, and the things I don’t always say when I’m talking.
You have collaborations on this album with Myke Towers, Clarent, and Roa, who represent the new voices of Puerto Rico. How did those collaborations come about, and as the island’s new icons, how are they setting the standard for the Puerto Rican sound?
Everything came about naturally because there’s genuine respect between us. We’re artists who come from the same culture and understand the weight of representing Puerto Rico. Each of us has our own essence, but we’re all pushing the sound forward without losing our roots.
Were there any specific personal experiences that inspired any of the songs on this album?
Yes, many. This album was born while I was traveling, experiencing many emotions at the same time. There are songs inspired by relationships, moments of solitude, the exhaustion of touring, the pressure… but also by being grateful for what I’m experiencing right now.
You’re often compared to the Puerto Rican Drake. What would be your dream collaboration for your next album and why?
Collaborating with Drake would be incredibly tough because I grew up listening to him and I really identify with how he blends melody and emotion. I’d also love to work with artists outside of my genre who can take me to another level musically.
What is the main message you hope listeners will take away from this album?
Live in the moment and be true to yourself. ” Just in Case I’m Not Here Tomorrow” speaks volumes about valuing the present, because you never know how quickly life can change.
The Por Si Mañana No Estoy tour has expanded to arenas across the United States. How has performing in these larger spaces changed the way you connect with the audience, compared to more intimate venues?
Everything changes, but the essence remains the same. There are more people in the arenas, more distance, but I seek the same connection as always. In the end, it’s about making each person feel like I’m singing to them up close.
What visual or theatrical elements are you incorporating to create a cinematic experience?
I’m playing a lot with lighting, visuals, and very emotional moments in the show. The idea is that it’s not just a concert, but a live film where the audience is also part of the story.
You’ve become a viral phenomenon on TikTok and Spotify, with songs like “KOKO” generating huge engagement. How do you leverage these platforms to reach Generation Z without losing your authentic voice?
I believe people connect when they feel something is real. I never make music thinking, “This has to go viral.” I make songs that represent who I am and how I feel. With “KOKO,” the audience connected with that energy and genuine personality. I try to stay authentic both in my music and on social media.
Do you have any particular rituals before writing your lyrics? If so, what is one thing that cannot be missing?
I like to be calm, just listen to the beat and connect with what it makes me feel. I often write in the early hours of the morning because that’s when I’m most inspired. And the right atmosphere is essential.
What advice would you give to emerging artists seeking to sustain long-term growth?
I would tell them to stay true to themselves and be authentic with their artistic vision.
Playing in historic venues like the Barclays Center and the Kia Center represents a major milestone in your career. How do you adapt each show to the unique energy of different cities and their audiences?
Every city has its own vibe. I don’t always put on the same show; I adapt to the audience and the energy of the moment. If the crowd is on fire, I get even more into it.
What was the moment when you said to yourself, “Wow, I did it”?
When I saw that I was filling big venues and people knew my songs from beginning to end, that’s when I said, “Wow, this is real.”
Your sound draws from an eclectic mix of reggaeton, R&B, trap, and electronic influences. Which artists outside the urban scene have most shaped your artistic vision?
Outside of urban music, I grew up listening to a lot of different kinds of music thanks to my parents. From a young age, I listened to Maná, classic salsa, American R&B… artists like Chris Brown and Justin Bieber also greatly influenced how I see melodies and how to convey emotions. I like to draw inspiration from everywhere and bring it into my world without losing my Puerto Rican essence. I think that’s where my sound comes from, from mixing everything that shaped me while growing up.
Your work often balances raw emotional honesty with clear ambition. What themes do you find most difficult to explore in your lyrics, and what makes them so complex?
The hardest thing is talking about what truly hurts. Because writing about it is one thing, but reliving it in front of everyone is another.
How do you handle the vulnerability of sharing such personal material with the public?
Over time you learn not to hide. It’s part of me. If I feel it, I say it… and music turns it into something bigger than me.
As your profile grows, how conscious and intentional are you in using fashion and visual aesthetics to define your identity as a leader of the new generation of reggaeton?
For me, fashion and visuals are another way to express myself. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about everything connecting with the music and who I am. I like the aesthetic to feel natural, without forcing anything. I think this generation is breaking a lot of rules, and that’s also reflected in how we dress, how we create visuals, and how we present art.
What is your life motto?
Live in the moment and stay real. In the end, everything can change from one day to the next, so I try to enjoy the process, take care of my loved ones, and never lose sight of who I am.
For the fans who have followed every step of your career, what message would you like to share with them about what’s to come?
First of all, thank you for being there from the beginning and for growing with me. Everything that’s happening is thanks to your support. And what’s coming next is even bigger: more music, more shows, more evolution, and more experiences to share together. I feel like we’re just getting started.
Where can we see you live this summer?
This summer we’ll be in Europe and my ‘POR SI MAÑANA NO ESTOY – USA TOUR’ tour officially kicks off on August 19th in San Jose, California.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Alejandro Meléndez (@alejandro_melendez)
Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)
Gaffer: Howard Zengotita @acheonthebeat)
Wardrobe Stylist: Marchella Salazar (@marchellasalazar)
Makeup Artist: Keishlee Torres (@keishleemakeup)
Management: OD Entertainment (@odentertainment_)
Public Relations: Tiffany Nicole Ramirez (@tnrpublicrelations)
