State Champ Radio Brray
Episode to Watch: 1
Brray makes a small cameo in the first episode, where he portrays himself and is performing at an industry event in Miami. He also recognizes Santi for his banger “Exagerao.”
Nine Latin Artists Who Make Acting Cameos in Netflix’s Reggaetón Series ‘Neon’
Written by djfrosty on November 1, 2023
Netflix is currently airing the reggaetón-inspired series Neon, a joint creation of Shea Serrano and Max Searle that stars Tyler Dean Flores as Santi, an aspiring reggaetón artist who moves to Miami to chase his dreams.
A series about ambitions, the music industry, loyalty and overcoming fears, among other life lessons, the eight-episode comedy series follows Santi; his sister, who’s also his personal manager; and his best friend, who’s also his creative and marketing director, on their clueless journey to landing a record deal — all while they take advantage of the momentum Santi built with his viral hit “Exagerao.”
The track was produced in the real world by Latin hitmaker Tainy, who also serves as one of the executive music producers on the show, along with Lex Borrero and Ivan Rodriguez from Ntertain and Neon16.
Created for the U.S.-born Latin artist (like Santi), the Puerto Rican producer said in a statement that “the production bangs and feels like a club song, but it also connects with the character culturally. The slang, the delivery, his lover-boy persona, even the choices on his pronunciation being more like a second-generation Latino in the U.S. In subtle ways every line tells you about Santi.”
Additionally, a wave of Latin music stars, such as Daddy Yankee and Jhayco, have had acting cameos in the series. (See the full list below.)
Neon’s executive production team consists of Serrano and Searle, along with an outstanding list of collaborators, including Scooter Braun, James Shin and Scott Manson of SB Projects, Anne Clements and Daddy Yankee. Kyle Vinuya and Demi Adejuyigbe serve as co-executive producers, and Jordan Mendoza serves as consulting producer.
The first episode of Neon was previewed at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week ahead of its Oct. 19 premiere to a select group of viewers.
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Image Credit: Francisco Roman/Netflix © 2023 -
Daddy Yankee
Image Credit: Francisco Roman/Netflix © 2023 Episode to Watch: 7 and 8
Daddy Yankee can be spotted in the last two episodes of the series, portraying himself. In both episodes, we see how he’s an advocate and supporter of new talent.
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Jhayco
Image Credit: Mary Beth Koeth Episode to Watch: 1, 3, 6, 7, and 8
This is Jhayco’s great acting debut, where he portrays a passionate singer-turned-magician called Javier Luna — he’s the “rising star” of the moment in the series, even more than Santi.
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Jon Z
Image Credit: Francisco Roman/Netflix © 2023 Episode to Watch: 1
In the first episode of Neon, Jon Z shares the screen with Brray. At the same industry event, the Latin trap artist is seen offering Santi (the main character) some career advice.
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Jota Rosa
Image Credit: Francisco Roman/Netflix © 2023 Episode to Watch: 4
Puerto Rican producer Jota Rosa portrays himself in this episode — where he connects with Santi, is not impressed by his music, and instead helps him find his muse.
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Jowell
Image Credit: Francisco Roman/Netflix © 2023 Episode to Watch: 2
Santi opens for Jowell, who acts as himself, at a Miami club. After doing a rookie performance, Jowell goes backstage to show respect for his hustle and even wanting to collaborate.
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Ken-Y
Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023 Episode to Watch: 3
Ken-Y, of famed reggaetón duo RKM y Ken-Y, also portrays himself in the series. On this episode, he’s seen in a video call meeting with his record label.
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Lyanno
Image Credit: Gustavo Caballero Episode to Watch: 2
Lyanno makes a small cameo in episode two, where he portrays himself and is seen having a conversation with the label’s assistant at a hotel lobby.
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Villano Antillano
Image Credit: Michael Buckner for Penske Media Episode to Watch: 5
Villano Antillano makes her acting debut in the fifth episode of Neon as herself, where she’s seen collaborating with an upcoming artist called Isa.
