Reggaeton All-Stars Glorify Sexual Abuse of Minors

In an era where the intersection of culture and music often reflects society’s most pressing issues, it’s disheartening to see a song like "+57" soar in popularity. On the surface, this track might seem like a catchy reggaeton anthem celebrating the nightlife and allure of Colombia. However, a closer examination reveals troubling undertones, as the lyrics of "+57" glorify the sexual exploitation of minors—a narrative that is deeply intertwined with the dark underbelly of sex tourism in Colombia.

Before we talk about this song, I want to make this completely, crystal clear anyone that participates in the sexual exploitation of minors is a complete scumbag and doesn't deserve to draw breath. To me it doesn't matter if you are the customer, provider, people popularizing it or a politician using it for political gain, you're a terrible person and there is no place in society for you. Karma is a bitch.

The Dangerous Narrative of "+57"

The song is performed by an all-star cast in the reggaeton genre, combining the talents of Maluma, J Balvin, Ryan Castro, Blessed and Karol G. This all-star mashup however, crosses a line that should never be blurred in popular culture. The title, referencing Colombia’s international dialing code, positions the country as a tempting destination for sexual escapades, subtly nodding to the infamous reputation Medellin has gained as a hotspot for sex tourism.

The song’s lyrics include explicit references that sexualize young girls, portraying them as willing participants in the fantasies of foreign men. The use of phrases like “niña” in the context of sexual encounters is not just problematic; it is dangerous. The line between a carefree nightlife song and a promotion of predatory behavior becomes alarmingly thin when the most influential artists in Colombia normalize terrible behavior.

Sex Tourism: A Dark Shadow Over Colombia

Colombia is a country grappling with a dual identity. On one hand, it is a vibrant nation known for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. On the other, it struggles with a reputation as a hub for sex tourism. Despite Colombia’s efforts to combat this image, the reality is that sex tourism is a multi-million-dollar industry. Cities like Medellín, Cartagena and Bogotá are known not just for their historical sites and beautiful beaches but also for the thriving sex trade that operates in their shadows.

Sex tourism in Colombia often targets vulnerable women and children. According to reports from human rights organizations, young girls are frequently lured into the industry through coercion or manipulation, sometimes even by their own families out of economic desperation. The Colombian government has launched various initiatives to crack down on this issue, including stricter laws and increased monitoring of known hotspots. Yet, the demand continues to grow, fueled largely by tourists from wealthier nations who see Colombia as a place where they can indulge in their illicit desires with minimal consequences.

The Hypocrisy in Colombian Culture and Music

The glorification of predatory behavior in songs like "+57" reflects a broader cultural hypocrisy. While many Colombians rightfully criticize sex tourists and express disdain for the exploitation of their country’s women and girls, there is a simultaneous celebration of the very behaviors that enable such exploitation through popular music. This contradiction is emblematic of a society grappling with its own internalized issues regarding gender, power, and the objectification of women. It’s incredibly easy for the general population to shake their heads, and mutter in anger “Fucking Gringos!”, and for good cause, but a deep look in the cultural mirror is necessary as well.

"+57" is a stark example of this hypocrisy. The song does not outright condone sex tourism, but it glorifies the fantasy it creates—the image of a foreigner coming to Colombia and engaging in hedonistic pleasures with young, beautiful girls. The lyric “mamacita desde los fourteen” (Sexy since she was 14) normalizes this fantasy in the popular format of mainstream music, perpetuating the harmful stereotype of Colombian women as mere objects of desire, reinforcing the idea that they exist for the pleasure of outsiders.I know the lyric is "just a playful lyric" as some have put it, but in reality it's just a guy leering over a 14 year old girl, and fantasizing about her sexually. The people who are normalizing this just say "It's part of life here, this is just latino culture.", and this is where the problem is.

"Si no le gusta no le escucha" (If you don't like it, don't listen , said artist Fied in this Instagram post

In my time working in the adult webcam space, I became very familiar with a part of Colombian society, called “Doble Morale” which is a cultural phenomena where sex is a taboo subject out loud, and outwardly people will be vocally against taboo topics such as sex, but will whisper to find out more. One example was a girl who was told she is a disgusting whore for being a webcam model by a man, just to have him later privately and discreetly ask how to find her online. “+57” has brought that hypocrisy to another level.

This type of messaging is particularly harmful in a city like Medellin, where many young girls already face significant vulnerabilities due to poverty and lack of education. There is also the "Plastic culture" here in Medellin, which focuses on the appeal of a superficial lifestyle, fueled by music and comparison on Instagram and TikTok. The allure of quick money and the attention of foreign men can seem appealing to teenagers who see few other options for improving their circumstances. When popular music glorifies this lifestyle, it sends a message to these young girls that their value lies in their ability to attract wealthy tourists, rather than in their potential to pursue education, careers, and their own aspirations.

The Need for Accountability

The popularity of "+57" raises serious questions about the role of the music industry in perpetuating harmful narratives. How did a song with this type of content become a hit? Why was there no pushback from producers, record labels, or streaming platforms? The lack of accountability suggests a troubling complacency not just with society, but within the industry, one that prioritizes profit over the well-being of youth.

It is crucial for Colombian society to hold its artists accountable. The celebration of music that promotes or normalizes the exploitation of minors must be challenged at every level—from radio stations and streaming services to concert venues and fans. By demanding better from their artists, Colombians can begin to dismantle the toxic narratives that feed into the country’s sex tourism industry as well as the sexual abuse of minors at the hands of Colombians as well.

A Call for Change

The fight against sex tourism and the exploitation of minors in Colombia is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires action on many fronts. Legislation, education, and community initiatives are all essential components of the solution. However, cultural change is equally important, and this is where music can play a powerful role.

In conclusion, "+57" is not just a song; it is a reflection of deeper societal issues that Colombia must confront. The glorification of sexual encounters with minors in popular music is a symptom of the broader problem of sex tourism—a problem that has long plagued the country and continues to exploit its most vulnerable citizens. It is time for artists, industry leaders, and society as a whole to take a stand against this harmful narrative and to work towards a culture that truly respects and values its people.

I hate to bring this up, but where is the outrage that elected leaders had for sexual exploitation of minors in March of this year? Is the message liked because it is coming from Maluma, J. Balvin, Ryan Castro, Blessd and Karol G? Maybe it is because I have a little girl in my life, or maybe it's because society has changed this much, but I see this as a tipping point. Is this the moment where people pull back and address this shadowy part of society? Or is this the point where we just allow pop culture to glorify being sexually inappropriate with 14 year olds?

If Colombia and it’s elected officials want to shed its reputation as a destination for sex tourism, the must start by putting their foot down against the messages sent through music. The exploitation of minors is not a topic to be celebrated or romanticized, and it is up to all of us—artists, fans, politicians, visitors and citizens alike—to demand better.