In May, “Despacito” became the first primarily Spanish-language song to top the Billboard Hot 100 in more than 20 years, marking a victory for non-English pop music. As Major Lazer’s new single, “Sua Cara,” dominates YouTube, it seems that success wasn’t just a one-off, but an indicator of the direction pop music is headed.
The Portuguese-language banger off Major Lazer’s Know No Better EP has become an instant smash. It’s the 13th-highest trending video on YouTube, charting as high as No. 8 on Monday, and it’s already climbed into the top 20 list of most-viewed online videos in the first 24 hours, currently sitting right above 17 million.
Credit the powerhouse production trio of Diplo, Jillionaire, and Walshy Fire for expertly employing the talents of Brazilian singers Anitta and Pabllo Vittar. The latter, who is also the most-followed drag queen in the world on Instagram, previously collaborated with the group for a Portuguese-language version of global smash “Lean On.” Anitta and Vittar’s seductive vocals and steamy on-screen performances have already made the “Sua Cara” video, filmed in the Moroccan desert, a huge hit in Brazil, according to Billboard.
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It’s hard to predict the ceiling for “Sua Cara,” given its massive global appeal and crossover potential. But it’s another huge win for Major Lazer, and cements its status as one of the biggest bands in the world.