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Watati
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| "Watati" | |
|---|---|
| Promotional single by Karol G featuring Aldo Ranks | |
| from the album Barbie the Album | |
| Language | Spanish |
| Released | June 2, 2023 |
| Recorded | 2023 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 2:46 |
| Label | Atlantic |
| Songwriters |
|
| Producer | Ovy on the Drums |
| Music video | |
| "Watati" on YouTube | |
"Watati" is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Karol G featuring Panamanian musician Aldo Ranks. It was released on June 2, 2023, through Atlantic Records as the first promotional single from Barbie the Album, the soundtrack to the 2023 film Barbie.[1]
Background
[edit]On May 25, 2023, the featured artists of the Barbie soundtrack were revealed, including Giraldo.[2] On the same day, it was revealed that Ranks would also be part of the soundtrack together with Giraldo.[3][4] On May 29, a snippet of the song was posted via the soundtrack's social media accounts.[5][6] The song was released on June 2 without prior announcement for digital download and streaming.[7][8] The back cover of the first edition vinyl of Barbie the Album misspell the track as "Watiti."[9]
Composition
[edit]"Watati" was written by Giraldo, Ranks and Ovy on the Drums, who also produced it.[10] The song has a duration of 2 minutes and 46 seconds.[11] "Watati" is a reggaeton song,[12][13] Latin pop[14][15] and Latin trap[16][17] with elements of dembow and reggae in Spanish[18] and lyrics about dancing.[19] The title of the song is an expression created by Ranks that he mentions at the beginning of his songs.[20][21]
Music video
[edit]The music video for "Watati" was released on Karol G's YouTube channel on June 15, 2023, and features clips of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling from the film.[22][23][24] Throughout the video, the singer is seen in different locations and in different outfits, including a green dress and a pink spacesuit.[25][26] Ranks appears on a spaceship's monitor while singing his verse.[27]
Personnel
[edit]All credits are adapted from CD liner notes of Barbie the Album.[28]
- Carolina Giraldo Navarro – songwriter
- Daniel Oviedo – songwriter
- Aldo Vargas – songwriter
- Ovy on the Drums – producer
- Rob Kinelski – mixing
- Eli Heisler – mixing assistant
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Brazil Latin Airplay (Crowley Charts)[29] | 7 |
| Central America (Monitor Latino)[30] | 16 |
| El Salvador (Monitor Latino)[31] | 10 |
| Guatemala (Monitor Latino)[32] | 19 |
| Honduras (Monitor Latino)[33] | 4 |
| Latin America (Monitor Latino)[34] | 14 |
| Nicaragua (Monitor Latino)[35] | 18 |
| Panama (Monitor Latino)[36] | 2 |
| Panama (PRODUCE)[37] | 2 |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE)[38] | 100 |
| US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)[39] | 25 |
| US Hot Latin Songs (Billboard)[40] | 28 |
| Venezuela (Record Report)[41] | 39 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (PROMUSICAE)[42] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- ^ "Karol G estrena "Watati" como soundtrack del film de Barbie". amp.elsalvador.com. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ Aramesh, Waiss (May 25, 2023). "Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Ice Spice, Charli XCX, and Even Ryan Gosling Feature on 'Barbie' Soundtrack". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ "Aldo Ranks formará parte de la banda sonora de Barbie". www.telemetro.com (in Spanish). May 25, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ "El panameño Aldo Ranks es parte del 'soundtrack' de la película de Barbie | La Prensa Panamá". www.ellas.pa (in Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ Noticias, Redacción de TVN (May 29, 2023). "¡Así suena Watati! La canción de Karol G y Aldo Ranks para Barbie". TVN Panamá (in Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ "Barbie: Revelan adelanto de Watati, tema de Karol G con Aldo Ranks". www.telemetro.com (in Spanish). May 29, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ "Aldo Ranks y Karol G estrenan Watati, canción de La Barbie". www.telemetro.com (in Spanish). June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ "Karol G y Aldo Ranks unen fuerzas en 'WATATI', su colaboración". okdiario.com (in Spanish). June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ Various Artists (2023). Barbie The Album (Vinyl). ATLANTIC. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ "Créditos / WATATI (feat. Aldo Ranks) / KAROL G".
- ^ Barbie The Album by Various Artists, July 21, 2023, retrieved June 23, 2023
- ^ "Karol G And Aldo Ranks Share 'Watati' From 'Barbie the Album'". Uproxx. June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ Mier, Tomás (June 2, 2023). "Karol G Brings a Reggaetón Party to the World of 'Barbie' on 'Watati'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ LOS40 (June 2, 2023). "Karol G se adentra en el universo Barbie y pone el toque latino con 'Watati' | LOS40 Urban". LOS40 (in European Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Karol G une pop, trap y reggaeton en 'Watati', su canción para la película 'Barbie' junto a Aldo Ranks | Europa FM". www.europafm.com (in Spanish). June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ LOS40 (June 2, 2023). "Karol G se adentra en el universo Barbie y pone el toque latino con 'Watati' | LOS40 Urban". LOS40 (in European Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Karol G une pop, trap y reggaeton en 'Watati', su canción para la película 'Barbie' junto a Aldo Ranks | Europa FM". www.europafm.com (in Spanish). June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ Villa, Lucas (June 2, 2023). "LISTEN: Karol G & Aldo Ranks Team Up For 'Barbie' Soundtrack Banger 'WATATI'". Remezcla. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ Pulzo; Pulzo.com (June 2, 2023). "Karol G, como una Barbie, estrenó canción para la película; saludó a la muñeca en video". pulzo.com (in Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ Pulzo; Pulzo.com (June 2, 2023). "Karol G, como una Barbie, estrenó canción para la película; saludó a la muñeca en video". pulzo.com (in Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ LOS40 (June 5, 2023). "¿Qué significa 'Watati', la palabra que da nombre a la canción de Karol G y Aldo Ranks para 'Barbie'? | LOS40". LOS40 (in European Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ KAROL G – WATATI (feat. Aldo Ranks) (From Barbie The Album) [Official Music Video], retrieved June 23, 2023
- ^ Dailey, Hannah (June 15, 2023). "Karol G se sumerge en el mundo de 'Barbie' en video musical de 'WATATI': Míralo". Billboard (in European Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ País, El (June 16, 2023). "La confesión de Karol G tras lanzar su nueva canción 'Watati', que saldrá en la película de 'Barbie'". Noticias de Cali, Valle y Colombia – Periodico: Diario El País (in Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ País, El (June 16, 2023). "La confesión de Karol G tras lanzar su nueva canción 'Watati', que saldrá en la película de 'Barbie'". Noticias de Cali, Valle y Colombia – Periodico: Diario El País (in Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ Dailey, Hannah (June 15, 2023). "Karol G se sumerge en el mundo de 'Barbie' en video musical de 'WATATI': Míralo". Billboard (in European Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ Dailey, Hannah (June 15, 2023). "Karol G se sumerge en el mundo de 'Barbie' en video musical de 'WATATI': Míralo". Billboard (in European Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ Barbie The Album (Media notes). Various artists. Atlantic Records. 2023.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Crowley Charts: Top 10 Latino – Reference Week: 26 June 2023 – 30 June 2023 (26/06/2023 – 30/06/2023)" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Crowley Broadcast Analysis. Archived from the original on July 3, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
- ^ "Top 20 General – Centroamérica – Del 26 de Junio al 2 de Julio, 2023". Monitor Latino (in Spanish). Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ "Top 20 General – El Salvador – Del 24 al 30 de Julio, 2023". Monitor Latino (in Spanish). Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Top 20 General – Guatemala – Del 17 al 23 de Julio, 2023". Monitor Latino (in Spanish). Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Top 20 General – Honduras – Del 10 al 16 de Julio, 2023". Monitor Latino (in Spanish). Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Top 20 Internacional del 10 al 16 de Julio, 2023". Monitor Latino. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
- ^ "Top 20 General – Nicaragua – Del 11 al 17 de Septiembre, 2023". Monitor Latino (in Spanish). Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ "Top 20 General – Panamá – Del 5 al 11 de Junio, 2023". Monitor Latino (in Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ "TOP 50 INTERNACIONAL BMAT-PRODUCE DEL 5 A EL 11 DE AGOSTO 2023" (in Spanish). Sociedad Panameña de Productores Fonográficos. Archived from the original on August 18, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ "Watati - Karol G". elportaldemusica.es (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
- ^ "Karol G Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
- ^ "Karol G Chart History (Hot Latin Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
- ^ "Top 100 - Record Report". Record Report. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
- ^ "Spanish single certifications – Karol G / Aldo Ranks – Watati". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
Watati
View on GrokipediaBackground
Development
"Watati" was written by Colombian singer Karol G (Carolina Giraldo Navarro), Panamanian reggae artist Aldo Ranks (Aldo José Vargas Ábrego), and producer Ovy on the Drums (Daniel Echavarría Oviedo).[5] The title and central hook of the song derive from "watatin," Aldo Ranks' longstanding signature phrase used as an introductory shout during his live reggae and reggaeton performances, a vocal call that has become emblematic of his energetic stage presence over his three-decade career.[6] The track emerged from a direct collaboration initiated by Karol G, who reached out to Aldo Ranks via Instagram, citing her childhood fandom of his music as a key influence.[6] This partnership aimed to fuse Karol G's Latin pop and reggaeton style with Aldo Ranks' roots in Panamanian reggae en español, creating a high-energy anthem centered on party and dance themes.[6] Ovy on the Drums, a frequent collaborator with Karol G, contributed to shaping the song's vibrant, upbeat sound during its creation.[5] Initially conceived as an independent project, "Watati" was later selected for inclusion on the Barbie movie soundtrack.[6]Involvement with the Barbie soundtrack
"Watati" was selected as a promotional single (the second after Dua Lipa's "Dance the Night") for Barbie the Album, the soundtrack accompanying the 2023 film Barbie directed by Greta Gerwig.[7] The track, featuring Panamanian artist Aldo Ranks, served as Karol G's contribution to the project, emphasizing a vibrant reggaeton energy suited to the movie's promotional campaign.[3] The involvement was announced on May 25, 2023, through social media posts by Karol G and Warner Bros., revealing the soundtrack's lineup that included the Colombian singer alongside artists like Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj, and Ice Spice.[8] This reveal coincided with the broader unveiling of Barbie the Album, positioning "Watati" as a key element in building anticipation for the film's July release. On May 29, 2023, a snippet of the song was shared via the soundtrack's social media channels, generating early buzz by teasing its upbeat rhythm and tying it directly to the film's marketing efforts.[9] The teaser highlighted the track's infectious dance theme, which resonated with Barbie's playful and empowering narrative.[10] However, some initial vinyl pressings of Barbie the Album contained a printing error, misspelling the title as "Watiti" on the tracklist.[11] This oversight did not affect the digital or streaming versions, where the correct spelling was used consistently.[12]Composition and lyrics
Musical composition
"WATATI" is a reggaeton track that incorporates elements of Latin trap, dembow rhythms, and reggae influences, particularly through the collaboration with Panamanian artist Aldo Ranks, whose style fuses reggae plena with dancehall and other genres.[1][6][13] The song runs for 2:47 minutes and structures its energetic, dance-oriented sound around a dembow beat that drives the rhythm, emphasizing percussion and bass elements typical of the genre.[14][1][7] It opens with a phone ring sample, transitioning into lively horns that introduce the upbeat tempo of 110 BPM, set in D♯ minor for a vibrant yet edgy atmosphere.[1][15][14] This production style, handled by Ovy on the Drums, recalls classic Panamanian reggae en español beats while delivering a thumping, party-ready vibe suited to the track's thematic energy.[13][16]Lyrics and theme
The lyrics of "WATATI" center on an invitation to a partner to head to the disco for an evening of uninhibited fun, with the recurring chorus emphasizing carefree indulgence: "Papi, vamos a la disco pa' pasarla rico / Mucho humo, aguardientico pa' quedar mareadito."[][17] This line, translating to "Daddy, let's go to the disco to have a good time / A lot of smoke, a little brandy to get dizzy," captures the song's focus on sensory pleasures like dancing amid haze and alcohol.[][3] The verses build on this by urging physical movement, such as "Guau, dale hasta el suelo" (Wow, go down to the floor), portraying the act of dancing as seductive and empowering, particularly for the female protagonist who "meneándolo tú ere' asesina" (shaking it, you're a killer).[][17] Thematically, "WATATI" celebrates dance, nightlife, and flirtation as escapes into joy and sensuality, mirroring reggaeton's emphasis on party culture without delving into complex narratives.[][18] Aldo Ranks' repeated "Watati" shout in the intro and as a hook serves as an energetic call-and-response element, designed to engage audiences in live settings and evoke the rhythmic pulse of Latin American club scenes.[][17] The song's structure relies on repetition—particularly in the chorus and refrains like "Ese bam-bam-bam y yo ven, ven, ven / Muévelo ahí" (That bam-bam-bam and come, come, come / Move it there)—to foster communal movement and hedonistic release, reinforcing a straightforward message of living in the moment.[][18] Delivered entirely in Spanish, the lyrics incorporate colloquial Panamanian and Colombian slang, enhancing their flirtatious, streetwise vibe.[][17]Release and promotion
Release
"Watati" was released on June 1, 2023, as a promotional single from Barbie the Album, the soundtrack to the 2023 film Barbie, through Atlantic Records.[19] The track, performed by Karol G featuring Aldo Ranks, debuted as a digital download and became available for streaming on major platforms worldwide.[20] Atlantic Records, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, managed the global distribution of the single, coordinating with Warner Bros. Pictures to align with the film's promotional timeline.[4] The song was later incorporated into the full soundtrack album, released on July 21, 2023, coinciding with the North American theatrical debut of Barbie.[21] In addition to digital formats, "Watati" appeared on physical releases of Barbie the Album, including vinyl editions; however, the first pressing featured a misspelling of the title as "Watiti" on the back cover, poster, and A-side label.[11]Promotion
Karol G utilized social media platforms to tease and promote "Watati," sharing an Instagram post on June 15, 2023, that highlighted the music video release and her affinity for the astronaut Barbie doll, generating significant engagement among fans.[22] The official Barbie movie accounts also amplified the track through reposts and dedicated reels, such as one on June 14, 2023, directing followers to the music video.[23] The song's integration into the Barbie film's broader marketing campaign included its feature in the official soundtrack trailer released on July 21, 2023, which showcased snippets alongside other album tracks to build anticipation for the movie's theatrical debut.[24] This tie-in helped align "Watati" with the film's vibrant, playful aesthetic. Cross-promotion extended to digital streaming services, where "Watati" was prominently placed on curated Barbie movie playlists on Spotify and Apple Music, such as the official "Barbie - Movie Soundtrack Playlist," exposing the track to global audiences seeking film-inspired music.[25][26] The music video itself served as a key promotional element, channeling Barbie-inspired visuals to bridge the song with the movie's universe.[27]Music video
Production and release
The music video for "Watati" was directed by Mike Ho and edited by Vinnie Hobbs of Union Editorial.[28][29] Filming occurred on location at the World of Barbie experiential pop-up in Los Angeles, capturing the song's party atmosphere in a vibrant, pink-hued setting that complements the Barbie film's aesthetic.[30][4] Produced by Atlantic Records as part of the Barbie The Album rollout, the video emphasizes high-production values with dynamic visuals blending trap and reggaeton elements.[28][31] It was released on June 15, 2023, via Karol G's official YouTube channel, less than two weeks after the song's audio debut on June 1, 2023.[32][27]Visual content
The music video for "Watati" incorporates clips from the Barbie film, featuring Margot Robbie portraying Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, which ties the track directly to the movie's whimsical narrative.[27][4] Karol G commands the screen in a series of vibrant outfits that pay homage to Barbie's iconic style, donning a rainbow dress for dynamic dance sequences on a sunlit beach and switching to a pink spacesuit for the futuristic spaceship segments.[27][33] Her appearances emphasize confident movement, with roller skates and protective gear adding a playful, adventurous edge to the beach scenes.[27] Aldo Ranks delivers his verse via a monitor on the spacecraft's control panel, set in a reggae-infused environment that contrasts the high-tech surroundings with rhythmic, island vibes.[27][4] The video's aesthetic is overwhelmingly pink-dominated, evoking Barbie's dream world through bright, plastic-like visuals, synchronized dance choreography in both disco-inflected beach gatherings and zero-gravity space motifs, all highlighting empowerment and joyful escapism.[4][27]Commercial performance
Charts
"WATATI" by Karol G featuring Aldo Ranks experienced moderate commercial success on international music charts, particularly within Latin markets, driven by its inclusion on the Barbie soundtrack. The track debuted in mid-2023 and demonstrated strong regional performance in Latin America, with peaks reflecting its appeal in reggaeton and Latin pop genres. Its chart trajectory was bolstered by the film's global release in July 2023, enhancing streaming and airplay visibility. The song's highest peaks occurred in Panama, where it reached number 2 on both the Monitor Latino and PRODUCE charts, underscoring its popularity in the artist's collaborator's home market. In Brazil, "WATATI" climbed to number 7 on the Latin Airplay chart published by Billboard, based on radio audience data from Crowley Broadcast Analysis.[34] On the broader U.S. Latin scene, it peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, which aggregates streaming, sales, and airplay metrics, spending several weeks in the top 50.[35] In Spain, the single entered the Promusicae singles chart at number 100, marking a modest entry into the European market.| Chart (2023) | Peak Position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Panama Monitor Latino | 2 | Monitor Latino |
| Panama PRODUCE | 2 | PRODUCE Panama |
| Brazil Latin Airplay (Billboard/Crowley) | 7 | Billboard[34] |
| US Billboard Hot Latin Songs | 25 | Billboard[35] |
| Spain Promusicae | 100 | Promusicae |
Certifications
"Watati" earned a Gold certification from Promusicae in Spain, recognizing 20,000 equivalent units in sales and streaming. The award was granted in week 13 of 2024.[36] This certification reflects the song's performance on official Spanish music charts, where it accumulated sufficient consumption metrics under Promusicae's guidelines for digital singles, including premium audio streams equivalent to one-tenth of a unit sale.[37] As of November 2025, no additional certifications have been issued for "Watati" in other territories, such as the RIAA for the United States Latin market.[38] The track has demonstrated robust digital performance in Latin American regions, bolstered by its inclusion on the Barbie soundtrack, though it has not reached certification thresholds elsewhere.Critical reception
Reviews
Critics praised "Watati" for its energetic dembow beat and infectious hook, highlighting how the track's upbeat rhythm captures a vibrant Latin trap energy that aligns well with the playful Barbie theme. Rolling Stone described it as a "playful single" that brings a reggaeton party to the soundtrack, emphasizing its catchy, danceable rhythm and high-energy vibe as a fun, empowering addition.[10] However, the song received mixed feedback from aggregate sources, with user reviews on Album of the Year averaging a score of 51 out of 100, often critiquing it as "generic reggaeton" featuring average vocals that fail to stand out.[39] Reviewers noted strengths in the successful fusion of Karol G's pop-infused style with Aldo Ranks' reggae plena roots, creating a track with strong dance-floor appeal through its party-oriented lyrics and deep vocals. Billboard highlighted Ranks' contribution as infusing the song with his signature party vibes, blending reggae elements with modern Latin trap.[6] Overall, "Watati" was viewed by critics as a lighthearted commercial tie-in to the Barbie film rather than a pinnacle of artistic innovation in Karol G's discography, prioritizing entertainment value over depth.[10]Public and fan response
Upon its release, "Watati" garnered mixed responses from fans, who praised its infectious reggaeton beat and playful energy as a fitting addition to the Barbie soundtrack, while others found the track monotonous and overly reliant on stereotypes.[40] The song's collaboration between Karol G and Aldo Ranks amplified its cultural resonance, bridging reggaeton traditions with mainstream pop culture through the film's global platform.[10] This partnership marked a pivotal moment for Ranks, elevating his profile and introducing his distinctive style—rooted in Panama's reggae en español scene—to a new generation of international listeners.[6] By 2025, the track maintains steady streams on platforms like Spotify, where it appears in Latin music recommendations, evoking nostalgic connections to the 2023 Barbie phenomenon amid the ongoing surge in urbano music's global influence.[41][42]Production and personnel
Production process
The production of "Watati" was handled primarily by Ovy on the Drums.[43] In post-production, sound samples such as a phone ring and horns were added to heighten the energy of the intro, creating an immediate sense of playfulness and invitation to dance.[1]Credits
The credits for "Watati" are adapted from the liner notes of Barbie the Album.[44] Lead vocalsKarol G (Carolina Giraldo Navarro).[5] Featured vocals
Aldo Ranks (Aldo Javier Vargas White).[5] Songwriting
- Carolina Giraldo Navarro (Karol G)
- Daniel Echavarría Oviedo (Ovy on the Drums)
- Aldo Javier Vargas White (Aldo Ranks)[17]
Ovy on the Drums (Daniel Echavarría Oviedo) – producer.[44][5] Mixing
Rob Kinelski – mixing engineer (at The Fortress of Amplitude, Los Angeles, CA).[44][5]
Eli Heisler – assistant mixing engineer.[44][5] Mastering
Randy Merrill – mastering engineer.[5] The track features primarily electronic and programmed elements, with no additional instrumentation or background vocals credited.[44]
