Sech: Panama’s Best Breakout Artist Since Flex, Redefining Reggaetón with Emotion and Legacy

When Panamanian singer Sech (Carlos Isaías Morales Williams) broke through in 2019 with his viral hit “Otro Trago”, it wasn’t just another Latin smash—it was a declaration: Panama was back at the helm of reggaetón. Since then, Sech has become the most significant contemporary artist from his country, standing tall beside legends like Flex and El General who brought reggae en español to the world stage.

From a young age, he was drawn to music, influenced by the sounds of reggae, dancehall, and early reggaetón that permeated his environment. His upbringing in a working-class neighborhood was marked by both hardship and inspiration, fueling his desire to tell authentic stories through his music. Before rising to international fame, Sech spent years honing his craft as a songwriter and vocalist behind the scenes, building a foundation that would serve him well once he stepped into the spotlight.

As he transitioned from youth to adulthood, Sech began to make waves in Panama’s music scene with his distinctive voice and melodic style, blending soulful vocals with urban beats. His breakthrough came with the release of singles that showcased his ability to fuse romantic themes with danceable rhythms, setting him apart from many of his contemporaries. His perseverance paid off when “Otro Trago” became a global hit, catapulting him onto the international stage and signaling the arrival of a new generation of Panamanian artists ready to make their mark. Throughout this period, Sech maintained strong ties to his roots, frequently drawing on his personal experiences and cultural heritage to inform his music.

Today, Sech is recognized not only as a talented artist but as a symbol of Panamanian pride and resilience. His journey from local performer to international reggaetón star exemplifies the potential of Panama’s music scene and its enduring influence on Latin urban culture. Alongside peers like Boza and Los Rakas, Sech is helping to redefine what it means to be a Panamanian artist in a globalized music industry. His unique voice, versatility, and authentic storytelling continue to resonate with fans worldwide, proving that hard work and dedication rooted in cultural pride can overcome the odds.

Roots in Panamanian Reggae en Español & Romantic Style

Panama’s influence on reggaetón dates back to the 1980s and ’90s, with artists like El General and Nando Boom pioneering Spanish-language reggae and dancehall. Dubbed Romantic Style, the genre blended dembow rhythms with melodies, setting the stage for what would evolve into modern reggaetón. Sech grew up in this legacy, born in Río Abajo, Panama City, where he sang in church choirs and performed as a street vendor before joining the group Los Principiantes. He later produced for local acts before realizing his own voice was worth spotlighting.

Sech’s Songwriting & Rise

Long before he stepped on global stages, Sech was writing in the Panamanian urbana space. His voice began circulating in demos and features, earning him respect as a songwriter. That foundation led to his solo debut X4 Días (2016), followed by the The Sensation mixtape and EP in 2018. But everything changed in 2019: Sueños, his official studio debut, exploded thanks to “Otro Trago” featuring Darell. The track topped charts globally and its remix—starring Nicky Jam, Ozuna, and Anuel AA—cemented his crossover appeal.

It’s the Discography for Us

• 2016 – X4 Días: Sech’s entry into solo work.
• 2018 – The Sensation (EP) & Unplugged Acústico: Showed his early sonic versatility.
• 2019 – Sueños: Featured “Otro Trago,” hailed by Rolling Stone as one of 2019’s best Latin albums.
• 2020 – 1 of 1: Produced by Dímelo Flow; featured heavy collabs like “Relación” with Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, and Rosalía.
• 2021 – 42: A homage to Jackie Robinson and Mariano Rivera’s legacy, continuing his emotional storytelling arc.
• 2023 – El Bloke Hills (EP): Foreshadowed more experimentation.
• 2024 – Tranki, Todo Pasa: A personal rebirth, exploring electronic and urban sounds. The album was preceded by “Toy Perdido” and collabs with Beéle and De La Rose.

Sold-Out Empire: “El Choli” Trifecta

Sech achieved another first in 2022, delivering a three-night, sold-out run at Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot (“El Choli”)in Puerto Rico—selling 45,000 tickets and becoming the first non-Puerto Rican to do so. His shows featured live bands, piano, acoustic interludes, and a full embrace of his Panamanian identity, even uniting fans under Puerto Rican cries of “Yo soy Boricua, pa’ que tú lo sepas.”

The concert was a celebration of Sech’s roots and growth as an artist. Opening with a grand piano rendition of his hit “Otro Trago,” he captivated the audience with his smooth vocals and heartfelt performance. The show featured a live band, acoustic guitar segments, and a drum battle with his brother, blending traditional and contemporary elements. Sech’s pride in his Panamanian heritage was evident, with visuals showcasing his life’s journey and struggles, resonating deeply with the audience.

The significance of performing at El Choli is immense in the reggaetón community. It’s a venue where legends like Daddy Yankee and Wisin & Yandel have graced the stage, and for Sech, being part of this legacy was a dream realized. His success at El Choli not only solidified his place in the genre but also highlighted Panama’s pivotal role in the evolution of reggaetón, emphasizing the genre’s Afro-Caribbean roots and the importance of representation .

Global Collaborations & Versatility

Sech has proven he can seamlessly collaborate across the Latin sphere. “Relación” hit top charts worldwide and its remix further showcased his ability to share the mic with legends like Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Rosalía, Farruko, and Justin Quiles. He also teamed up with Myke Towers, Nicky Jam, Ozuna, Dalex, Lenny Tavárez, Karol G, and even ventured into English crossover ambitions.

“Sech brings a fresh, authentic vibe to reggaetón — his voice and style are changing the game and inspiring the next generation” Daddy Yankee told Latin Billboard. And Spaniard-Singer Rosalia told Rollingstone “Sech has this unique way of blending emotion with rhythm that makes his music stand out. His artistry pushes the genre forward.”

Away from the mic, Sech’s 2024 interview with LOS40 Urban revealed deeper layers: a significant weight loss and mental health journey, followed by renewed creative clarity. He’s matured into an artist who embraces simplicity and well-being, reflecting that in projects like Tranki, Todo Pasa, which he describes as “inventing more” and exposing vulnerability.

Holding His Own Amongst Legendary Peers

Sech holds his own alongside fellow Panamanian stars like Boza, Los Rakas, and reggaetón legend Rubén Blades(“Rubén is part of our soundtrack,” he said in interviews). They’re part of a cultural ecosystem he now belongs to—one poised for global recognition as much as its Colombian and Puerto Rican counterparts.

With his smooth tenor, rich melodies, emotional storytelling, and Afro-Latinx Panamanian identity, Sech represents a new face of Panamá’s urbano exports. He proves his homeland can deliver quality on par with any major market. Spain, Europe, the Americas—they’re all part of his reach now.

Looking at his journey—starting as a street-voiced pastor’s son to co-writing hits, releasing critically acclaimed albums, headlining Puerto Rico’s top venue, weathering personal growth, and shaping the genre’s narrative—it’s clear: Sech is more than a breakout star. He’s the best contemporary artist to come from Panama since Flex’s “Te Quiero.” He’s the next chapter in a legacy built on roots, resilience, and undeniable talent—Panama’s moment is here, and Sech is carrying the torch forward.