Argentine singer Nathy Peluso has transitioned into a dedicated exploration of salsa music, culminating in her 2025 EP, Malportada. The project marks a departure from her previous urbano and alternative R&B sound, signaling a commitment to the genre that has earned her a co-headlining slot at the Hollywood Bowl’s upcoming Salsa Spectacular alongside Grupo Niche.
A New Direction in Salsa
While Peluso has previously released tracks featuring salsa influences, such as "Puro Veneno" (2020) and "Mafiosa" (2021), Malportada represents her first full-length project devoted entirely to the genre. The six-song EP includes a collaboration with the Venezuelan band Rawayana on the title track.
Peluso, 31, has stated that she views salsa as a medium for artistic expression and personal freedom. Addressing past criticism regarding her foray into the genre, she noted in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that her intent is to bring traditional sounds into a contemporary context. "I chose the mission of bringing salsa back to the present because I’m passionate about it," she told the publication.
Influences and Artistic Evolution
Though Peluso spent her formative years in Argentina and Spain rather than a traditional hub for Caribbean music, she cites a long-standing appreciation for the genre. Her musical foundation includes the work of Gloria Estefan—specifically the 2000 album Alma Caribeña—as well as icons such as Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón, and percussionist Ray Barretto.
In her recent work, Peluso has sought to inject the "swaggering feminine energy" of urbano music into the male-dominated tropes often found in classic salsa. This approach is exemplified in the track "A Caballo," where she reinterprets themes of danger and desire from a woman’s perspective.
Industry Collaborations and Live Performance
Peluso’s integration into the salsa community has been bolstered by high-profile collaborations with established legends. In September 2024, she joined Gloria Estefan for a remix of the 1993 hit "Chirriqui Chirri," a performance they reprised at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards. Additionally, she recorded the track "Como en el Idilio" with Marc Anthony in February 2025.
These efforts have led to her upcoming appearance at the Hollywood Bowl. She will perform alongside the veteran Colombian salsa collective Grupo Niche. For Peluso, the venue represents a significant milestone in her career. "It’s like playing in a palace for me," she told the Los Angeles Times.
The Current Salsa Renaissance
Peluso’s pivot coincides with a broader resurgence of interest in salsa music within the Latin mainstream. This trend has been supported by recent projects from artists like Bad Bunny, whose album Debí Tirar Más Fotos featured salsa fusion tracks, and Rauw Alejandro, who released the LP Cosa Nuestra in 2024. By aligning her latest work with this shift, Peluso has successfully bridged her experimental roots with a traditional musical style, securing her place on some of the industry’s most prominent stages.