Rawayana brought a Venezuelan-style Halloween party to New York City’s Barclays Center on Saturday night, October 31st, entertaining a sold-out crowd with a vibrant performance as part of their ¿Dónde Es El After? World Tour. The beloved trippy-pop band delivered an electrifying set, showcasing their signature blend of infectious rhythms and psychedelic melodies, punctuated by elaborate costumes and a palpable sense of celebration. The concert, which featured a diverse array of Latin American flags among the nearly 12,000 attendees, highlighted not only the band’s growing international appeal but also their commitment to their roots and a spirit of collective support.
A Spectacle of Sound and Vision
The evening kicked off with Rawayana taking the stage in full costume, embracing the Halloween spirit. Beto Montenegro sported dreadlocks, Fofo donned a chic bob wig, Abeja rocked an ’80s hair-metal inspired wig, and Tony embraced a bold female persona. This playful theatricality set the tone for a night that was as much about visual spectacle as it was about musical prowess. The main stage was adorned with a dynamic backdrop screen that transitioned between evocative tropical imagery and visuals directly inspired by the songs being performed. Smoke columns billowed and confetti rained down, creating an immersive sensory experience for the audience.
The band launched into a selection of their most popular hits, including "Uber," "Feriado," and "Hora Loca," immediately igniting the energy within the arena. Their unique "trippy-pop" sound, characterized by its fusion of indie rock, psychedelic elements, and Latin rhythms, resonated deeply with the diverse crowd, many of whom were clad in outfits referencing their South American heritage. The sight of Venezuelan flags waving prominently alongside those from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic underscored the band’s significant cross-cultural following.
An Interactive and Star-Studded Performance
A key highlight of the evening was Rawayana’s strategic relocation to a second stage positioned in the heart of the audience. This move transformed the concert into a truly intimate and participatory event, allowing the band to connect with fans on a more personal level. From this central vantage point, they delivered a series of crowd-pleasing anthems such as "Si Te Pica Es Porque Eres Tú," "Que Rico PR," and "Veneka." The latter, a collaboration with Akapellah, saw Beto proudly display the Latin Grammy for Best Latin Electronic Music Performance that the band received in 2025, a testament to their evolving artistic recognition.
The mid-concert stage shift also facilitated the appearance of special guests who further elevated the night’s excitement. Cheo Pardo, a celebrated figure from the iconic Venezuelan band Los Amigos Invisibles, was introduced by Beto as "one of our great heroes, great influencers in our musical history." Pardo, dressed as a priest, delivered a compelling DJ set that kept the audience’s energy at its zenith. His selection included timeless Latin classics like El General’s "Qué Es Lo Que Tiene Esa Nena" and Proyecto Uno’s "El Tiburón," skillfully bridging musical generations and genres. Following Pardo’s energetic set, Yorghaki, initially disguised as Spider-Man, revealed his identity to rapturous applause before performing his collaboration with Beéle, "abusadOra."
A Commitment to Homeland Support
Beyond the electrifying music and festive atmosphere, the Rawayana concert also served as a platform for a significant charitable initiative. In a deeply moving moment, Beto Montenegro left the main stage to sit amongst the audience, accompanied by his guitar, to perform the poignant ballad "Tonada Por Ella." This performance was dedicated to those affected by the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June of the same year.
During this segment, Beto earnestly invited attendees to contribute to Fundación El After, a non-profit organization established by Rawayana to support long-term recovery efforts in their homeland. QR codes were displayed prominently on the arena screens, directing fans to the foundation’s website with a clear call to action: "Donate with El After. Your donation will help bring kids back to school." This message was accompanied by powerful imagery of school desks, underscoring the tangible impact of the donations. This initiative highlights the band’s dedication to using their platform for meaningful social change and supporting their community during times of crisis. The earthquakes, which registered magnitudes of 6.2 and 6.1 on the Richter scale, caused widespread damage and displacement, making such support efforts crucial.
Chart-Topping Success and Growing Influence
Saturday night’s performance in Brooklyn was a pivotal stop on Rawayana’s ¿Dónde Es El After? World Tour, which is in support of their album of the same name. Released on January 1st of the same year, the album has been a significant milestone for the band, yielding their first number one hits on the Billboard charts. Notably, the single "Inglés en Miami," a collaboration with Manuel Turizo, dominated the Latin Airplay and Latin Rhythm Airplay charts in May. The song’s virality was further amplified by a successful social media dance challenge, showcasing the band’s adeptness at engaging with contemporary digital culture.
The New York City concert also followed closely on the heels of another significant recognition. Just one day prior to their Barclays Center performance, the state of Massachusetts officially proclaimed October 30th, 2026, as "Rawayana Day." This designation came in honor of the band’s performance at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, acknowledging their cultural impact and growing influence in the United States.
A Global Tour and Continued Recognition
Promoted by Live Nation, the ¿Dónde Es El After? World Tour has seen immense success, with the U.S. leg selling out rapidly. Following their Brooklyn engagement, the tour was scheduled to continue with a performance on November 1st in Philadelphia, followed by anticipated stops in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles, before concluding on December 6th in Miami. This extensive tour schedule underscores Rawayana’s robust international appeal and their commitment to connecting with fans across diverse markets.
Rawayana’s presence in the global music landscape has been further solidified by their recent features in major industry publications. They recently graced the cover of Billboard Español, a significant achievement that highlights their prominence within the Latin music sphere. Furthermore, the band actively participated in a panel discussion during Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami Beach. This panel included insights from Hans Schafer of Live Nation, who himself was recognized as Billboard’s Latin Power Players 2026 Executive of the Year. This involvement in key industry events and their consistent media presence point to Rawayana’s rising status as influential figures in contemporary music. Their journey from their Venezuelan origins to headlining major international venues and receiving critical acclaim reflects a remarkable trajectory of artistic growth and widespread audience engagement.
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