Colombian urban superstar J Balvin, renowned for his global hits and his deep appreciation for Japanese culture, is stepping into uncharted territory with the hit anime Solo Leveling. The artist, who has long celebrated Japanese aesthetics through collaborations like his work with Human Lost and his track “Colors” with Takashi Murakami, now lends his voice to Kargalgan—a character defined by darkness, fury, and strength—in both the English and Spanish dubs of the series.
“Interpreting it in Solo Leveling has been an incredible experience and a huge honor,” Balvin told us in a recent interview.
For those unfamiliar with Solo Leveling, it’s an adaptation of the successful Korean web novel by Chugong. The story follows Sung Jinwoo, the world’s weakest hunter who, after a near-fatal mission, awakens to a mysterious system that enables him to evolve and overcome his limits.
The chapter featuring J Balvin premiered on February 22, and the Spanish dub will be exclusively released on Crunchyroll on March 1. This innovative project, dubbed Sonic ID, not only underscores the influence of Latin music in Japan but also highlights the rich cultural exchange between Latin America and the anime world. Balvin believes that the connection between Latin culture and anime creates a unique vibe that gets people dancing, no matter where they are.
Balvin’s ongoing engagement with Japanese culture is evident in his previous projects, and he hopes to continue exploring visual concepts, fashion, and even soundscapes inspired by Japan. Reflecting on his experience, he mentioned that if he could include one of his own songs in an anime, “Poison” from his album Energy would be an ideal match. For him, music is the heartbeat of storytelling—it amplifies the emotion of a character’s journey and brings the narrative to life.
In an interview with ZUP, Balvin recalled, “Since I saw the series, it caught me. I’m an anime fan, and when the opportunity to work on Solo Leveling came, I didn’t hesitate. It was one of those chances you have to grab with both hands.” His passion for anime, rooted in his childhood love for shows like Dragon Ball and Knights of the Zodiac, shines through even as he navigates the challenges of voice dubbing.
Overall, J Balvin’s foray into anime marks an exciting new chapter in his career, blending his musical prowess with his admiration for Japanese culture. His work on Solo Leveling not only broadens his artistic horizons but also reinforces the dynamic connection between Latin music and anime, promising more innovative collaborations in the future.