When Ryan Castro launched Sendé, his second studio album, his aim was to share a glimpse into his life and the island that formed him — Curaçao.
With its Caribbean allure, Curaçao turned the inspiration that helped mould the Colombian star’s creative identification for his sophomore LP. From its rhythmic sounds — dancehall, kizomba, Afrobeats and reggae — to its Dutch colonial structure and beautiful ocean views, the island serves as a relentless reminder of his youth and the cultural influences that proceed to encourage his music.
“Being on this island is the place I made it in Colombia. I feel it was the proper time to inform and let folks know what I skilled right here, as a result of my cultural influences additionally come from right here,” he tells Billboard Español. “I really like dancehall, and perhaps that’s why I’m making this album. The phrases I take advantage of — like ‘awoo’ — have their origin right here, on the island, and plenty of issues about who I’m as an artist are related to this place. That’s why I imagine that is the proper second to share this story with the folks.”
If Sendé‘s success is any indication — it landed on Billboard‘s 25 Best Latin Albums of 2025 So Far (Staff Picks) checklist — Castro’s story is proving as impactful as his sound.
In Billboard‘s 24 Hours with Ryan Castro in Curaçao video, the Colombian artist walks us by way of his life on the island. From working as a waiter on the seafood restaurant Perla del Mar — the place we shared an unlimited lobster — to taking viewers inside the common-or-garden residence he as soon as lived in, and introducing us to his household — together with his mom, who nonetheless works as a nurse in Curaçao — he reveals us of the place that formed him. He even revisited his days as a safety guard at a nursing residence, remembering the sacrifices he made whereas chasing his goals of a music profession.
“I labored in many roles, all the time with the dream of transferring ahead with music,” Castro says. “The very first thing I purchased was a sound system to play the tracks, as a result of I wanted to take heed to them earlier than heading to work, to inspire myself and to set myself on the proper path as nicely.”
From El Cantante del Ghetto to a rising Latin sensation, Castro can respect how far he has come. “Having the ability to rise to fame, journey the world, and handle my household — actually, for us, it’s a supply of delight, and this little nook is part of that,” he shares. “It’s a really particular and humble place for us, one which we stock in our hearts.”