Colombian urban artist Soley is stepping into 2026 with intention. Her new single “Shine,” produced by hitmaking duo The Rudeboyz, arrives as both a personal declaration and a strategic positioning move within Colombia’s evolving urbano-pop landscape.
Built around assertive lyricism and polished commercial production, “Shine” doubles down on female empowerment while reinforcing Soley’s brand as “La Bellakita,” a persona rooted in confidence, independence, and resilience. The release follows her recent collaborations with Nanpa Básico on “La luna me dijo” and Miguel Bueno on “A Dios le pido,” signaling a deliberate expansion into both melodic urban and crossover pop spaces.
A Statement Record With Strategic Production Backing
The involvement of The Rudeboyz, known for shaping hits for Maluma and Ryan Castro, is more than a production credit. It places Soley within the same sonic ecosystem that has propelled Medellín’s urbano wave onto global playlists.
Lyrically, “Shine” blends flex-heavy bravado with personal reflection:
“Today I woke up shine,
with a vibe you can’t find in the USA.
Bling bling on the terrace, lighting up a bonsai…”
The record leans into celebratory energy while grounding itself in lived experience. References to family advice, “watch out for the fake ones,” add generational depth, distinguishing it from more surface-level empowerment anthems.
Musically, the track rides a sleek urban pop structure: mid-tempo bounce, radio-ready hook, and a rhythmic cadence that sits comfortably between reggaeton and commercial Latin pop. It’s designed for playlists without sacrificing identity.
The “Shine” Music Video: Personal Archive as Branding Tool
Rather than opting for a high-concept narrative, Soley’s “Shine” music video uses a collage format—stitching together footage from tours, press moments, studio sessions, awards, and behind-the-scenes milestones from the past year.
The decision is strategic.
In an era where fan connection drives algorithmic growth, authenticity often outperforms spectacle. The visual functions as a year-in-review document, reinforcing her grind while humanizing her trajectory. The closing sentiment “Today I raise a bottle for my people, for those who are here and those who’ve passed on” adds emotional gravity, framing success as communal rather than individual.
Career Positioning: Where Soley Stands in 2026
“Shine” feels like a pivot record.
Her earlier collaborations with Nanpa Básico aligned her with lyrical credibility in Colombia’s rap-adjacent circles. “A Dios le pido” showcased her adaptability within urban pop. Now, “Shine” consolidates both lanes into a clearer identity: aspirational, self-assured, commercially viable.
The Colombian urban space is increasingly competitive, particularly among female voices carving out space between reggaeton and pop. While Medellín’s male-led urbano wave remains dominant globally, artists like Soley are helping recalibrate the narrative. The empowerment framing is not new in Latin music—but the delivery here feels generational, less preachy and more lived-in.
The Rudeboyz co-sign further signals industry alignment. This isn’t a grassroots-only moment; it’s a calculated step into higher-tier production circles.
Industry Context: Colombian Urban’s Female Expansion
Colombia continues to diversify its urbano export. While previous waves were anchored by male reggaeton stars, a new cohort of female artists is leaning into hybrid sounds urban pop, melodic trap, and crossover reggaeton.
“Shine” fits squarely into that trend. But its collage-style video and reflective tone suggest something deeper: a brand-building phase. Rather than chasing virality, Soley appears focused on long-term positioning.
That distinction matters.
In today’s streaming ecosystem, sustainability often outweighs short-term spikes. Artists who build narrative continuity—release after release—tend to develop stronger core audiences. “Shine” feels like the opening chapter of a larger 2026 campaign rather than a standalone single drop.
Why “Shine” Matters Now
The timing of “Shine” is telling. As Latin urban music continues expanding globally, the conversation around representation within the genre is becoming more nuanced. Female-led urbano is no longer a niche, it’s an expectation within the mainstream ecosystem.
Soley’s move signals that Colombian urban pop is entering a phase where female narratives are no longer secondary storylines. The empowerment language in “Shine” isn’t reactionary, it’s declarative. She isn’t asking for space; she’s assuming it.
More importantly, the collaboration with top-tier producers like The Rudeboyz reflects a structural shift. Industry infrastructure is increasingly backing female-led projects at competitive production levels. That parity is where real momentum begins.
If 2025 was a building year, “Shine” positions 2026 as a scaling year.
What’s Next
With momentum from her recent collaborations and a polished solo statement in “Shine,” Soley enters 2026 with clarity. The single suggests an artist refining her brand, strengthening industry relationships, and preparing for broader visibility.
Whether through touring, additional collaborations, or a larger project rollout, “Shine” feels less like a closing chapter and more like a launchpad.
Discover more emerging voices shaping Latin urban music on LaMezcla.com and stream curated Colombian urbano and urban pop playlists inside the LaMezcla Music App.