Beto Montenegro, the charismatic vocalist for Venezuelan band Rawayana, recently experienced a landmark moment at the Latin GRAMMYs 2025 in Las Vegas. His band secured the award for ‘Best Latin Electronic Music Performance’ for their acclaimed track, ‘Veneka.’ This victory marks a significant high point in their career, celebrating a song that has resonated deeply with both critics and a global audience.
In an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly en Español, Montenegro, known affectionately as Monte, reflected on this success with serenity and gratitude. He emphasized that the true secret to their artistry lies in maintaining authenticity and trusting their unique voice. Every time he steps into the studio, his goal is to create from an honest place, detached from industry pressures. “When you make music that truly represents you, people feel it,” he affirmed.
Monte also shared insights into the vibrant rise of a new generation of Venezuelan artists making their mark internationally. He cited names like Elena Rose, Lasso, and Micro TDH among many others, highlighting the powerful sense of camaraderie that binds them. He views this collective spirit of union as a natural response to the challenging times their country has faced. “We come from a hard history,” he explained, “and this moment is a kind of collective relief. It is important to enjoy and recognize this.”
This brotherhood, Monte added, extends beyond the music scene, mirroring the way Venezuelans support one another wherever they are in the world. “We are a warm community,” he commented. “And that is also evident in what we artists do. We are happy to see others succeed, because in a way, it is also our victory.”
Discussing Rawayana’s distinctive sound, Monte explained that the band has always aimed for their music to reflect all facets of life. This includes joy, humor, deep reflection, and even melancholy. He observed that profoundness is often mistakenly equated with sadness, but Rawayana actively seeks to transmit hope and lightness through their tracks. “Not everything in life is drama,” he quipped with a laugh. “There is also space to laugh, to dance, and to be grateful. That joy is also resistance.”
Over time, the band has masterfully integrated these complex emotions into their discography, skillfully experimenting with various genres. They do this without ever losing the inherent tropical essence that defines them. Monte sees this unique blend of chaos and optimism as fundamental to both their sound and their rich Caribbean identity.
Since their formation in Caracas in 2007, Rawayana has forged a robust career built on continuous experimentation and a powerful connection with their audience. Their style is a captivating fusion of reggae, funk, pop, and diverse Latin rhythms, underpinned by lyrics that speak to themes of identity and community. With ‘Veneka,’ the band boldly stepped into the electronic music arena, yet they maintained the warm, inviting quality that is their signature. The song quickly became a viral sensation and an anthem for the Venezuelan diaspora before ultimately earning its Latin GRAMMY.
Monte acknowledged that this recognition from the Academy arrives at a crucial juncture in their journey. He emphasized that beyond the trophy itself, what he truly values most is the affection from their audience and the genuine respect from their fellow artists. For him, this achievement powerfully reaffirms that consistent work and a clear purpose ultimately lead to positive outcomes.
He concluded the conversation with a reflection that encapsulates his vision: the real importance lies not in accumulating awards, but in sharing the journey with the right people. “We share it with Venezuela,” he stated with a smile. “And that is worth more than any prize.”