The group begins a new chapter in Latin American pop
SANTOS BRAVOS is moving quickly, but the group says it wants to build something that lasts. The five-member boy band is the first Latino group created by HYBE, the company behind global acts like BTS and TXT. The group made their debut in October 2025, and since then, their members have been adjusting to a fast and demanding new life. Their identity and style mix Latin American music and diversity with the choreography and training often seen in KPop. Kenneth Lavíll, who is 16 and the youngest member, described the experience as full of strong emotions and major changes. He said the group feels thankful for the chance to travel, meet fans, and keep doing what they love during their first months together.
“It’s crazy to have the opportunity to visit all these countries to meet people and be with the guys. In just five months of doing the things that I love, I can only be grateful and happy about everything.”
The members represent different parts of Latin America
The group includes Kenneth Lavíll from Mexico (16), Alejandro Aramburú from Peru (21), Kauê Penna from Brazil (19), Gabi Bermúdez from Puerto Rico (20), and Drew Venegas, an American of Mexican descent (26). Before the final lineup was chosen, 16 contestants competed for a spot on the series SANTOS BRAVOS, in which the current members were selected. When the group made their debut in October 2025, the members had only a short time to prepare before performing their first single, “0%,” at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. This was a major first step and a strong introduction to the public, who are now seeing their careers grow in real time. Their debut EP, was released on March 13, 2026. Listen to the project here:
The band expands what a Latin boy band can look like
SANTOS BRAVOS follows earlier Latin American boy bands such as Menudo and CNCO, but the group also brings something different to the mix. One important change is the inclusion of Brazil, which is often left out of broader Latino pop conversations because Portuguese is spoken there instead of Spanish. In addition, the group gives visibility to Peru, a country that does not always receive the same attention in mainstream Latino music. Another important aspect is that Drew Venegas joined the group as an openly gay member, which is still unusual for boy bands, especially when they have a KPop background. Together, these details make SANTOS BRAVOS more than a new band, as they represent a wider and more accurate idea of Latino pop in 2026 and beyond.