J Balvin helped open a free professional recording studio in a low-income Medellín neighbourhood; it gives young artists access to music-production equipment

J Balvin public recording studio in Medellín gives young and emerging musicians professional music production equipment without economic barriers. Inaugurated on 6 February 2025 in Comuna 1, it is the first public recording studio in that part of the city and the seventh of its kind across Medellín. The project is part of Medellín’s network of sound production laboratories, backed by the mayor’s office, 2k Foundations and the city’s culture and youth secretariats, with support from the Colombian singer’s Vibra en Alta Foundation. The laboratories aim to train, showcase and connect young people shaping futures through music, art and culture.Why J Balvin urges young Medellín artists to seize a chance he never had when starting outForbes Colombia reported that J Balvin travelled to his home city to open the studio in person. Speaking to those gathered, he said he remembered the neighbourhood well, having performed just a few blocks below the site. He told the young musicians present to make the most of an opportunity he never had, explaining that many artists like him could not find a studio, discover their own sound or meet someone who could show them how the music business works.A professional space for every genre, not just reggaeton, with specialised tools for young artistsAlthough Balvin is the public face of the project, the studio is not reserved for reggaeton. The Vibra en Alta Foundation explained on social media that the goal is a professional environment where emerging artists can develop their talent, with specialised infrastructure within everybody’s reach. It added that the facility was designed so performers from different genres can use quality tools and strengthen their prospects in the industry.How Medellín Music Lab is helping the city’s young people find a real place in the music industryMedellín Music Lab describes itself on its official website as a strategic project of the city’s mayor’s office that encourages young people to become part of the music industry. Forbes Colombia added that the initiative was created to answer the demands of Medellín’s music sector, with particular attention to the city’s youth.Mayor Federico Gutiérrez wants more public studios in Medellín to steer young people from violenceMayor Federico Gutiérrez said the plan is to replicate the model in many other areas of the city, bringing in more artists so that more people can discover local talent. He argued that the tools and opportunities available should go to young people, who cannot keep being overrun by violence. He also pointed out that, around the world, Medellín is now identified with artists such as J Balvin, Karol G, Maluma, Feid, Yatra, Blessd and Ryan Castro. Gutiérrez told the city’s artists and residents to keep working, keep inspiring young people and keep visiting neighbourhoods to find talent in music, art, culture and digital fields.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.