Lenier

Overview

Álvaro Lenier Mesa, known professionally as Lenier, is a Cuban singer and songwriter from Güines who blends Latin pop with salsa, reggaeton, and other Caribbean styles. After emigrating to Miami at age 15, he developed his musical career, eventually signing with Pitbull's Mr. 305 Records in 2020. His debut single on the label, "Como Te Pago," achieved platinum status and its video has accumulated more than 154 million views on YouTube. Lenier has collaborated with a wide range of prominent artists, including Pitbull, Marc Anthony, 6ix9ine, Yandel, and Farruko. His work with Marc Anthony on the song "Mala" earned a mention in the Best Tropical Song category at the 2022 Latin Grammy Awards. In 2023, he was featured on three tracks from 6ix9ine's album Leyenda Viva. His 2024 album, Blanco Y Negro, includes a collaboration with Gente De Zona.

Early life and origins

Álvaro Lenier Mesa, known professionally as Lenier, was born in Güines, Cuba. At the age of 15, he emigrated to Miami with his father. During his early years in the city, he began his career by creating rural music.

Career

In 2018, Lenier released the single "Te Toqué Sin Querer" with Diana Fuentes, and its video obtained more than 20 million views on YouTube. The following year, he collaborated with Álvaro Torres on the single "Me Extrañarás," which garnered 15 million views on the platform. He also worked with Pitbull on the 2019 track "Cantare."

Lenier signed with Mr. 305 Records in 2020, releasing his debut single for the label, "Como Te Pago." The song achieved platinum status and its video surpassed 100 million YouTube views. His work has led to performances at the Latin American Music Awards and nominations for the Tú Música awards. In 2022, he was mentioned at the Latin Grammy Awards in the Best Tropical Song category for "Mala," a collaboration with Marc Anthony. Other collaborators include Yandel, Tito El Bambino, Farruko, and Jowell & Randy.

In 2023, Lenier was featured on three songs from American rapper 6ix9ine's studio album, *Leyenda Viva*, including the singles "Bori" and "Dueño." In September 2024, Lenier released the album *Blanco Y Negro*, which includes a feature from Gente De Zona.

Style and influences

Lenier's musical style is rooted in Latin and Caribbean sounds, primarily classified as latin pop. His work also incorporates elements of salsa, bachata, reggaeton, and cubaton, along with Caribbean dance, pop, and hip-hop styles. Before establishing his career in Miami, he performed rural music.

As a singer-songwriter, Lenier has written on personal topics, such as his platinum-certified single "Como Te Pago," a tribute to mothers. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Pitbull, 6ix9ine, Marc Anthony, Yandel, Farruko, Tito El Bambino, Neyo, and Jowell & Randy. Other collaborators include Gente De Zona, Diana Fuentes, Álvaro Torres, Chacal, and Micha.

Recent highlights

Lenier released his album Blanco Y Negro in September 2024, which includes the track "La Diferente" featuring Gente De Zona. In 2023, he was featured on three songs from American rapper 6ix9ine's album Leyenda Viva. In 2022, Lenier received a Latin Grammy Awards mention in the Best Tropical Song category for "Mala," his collaboration with Marc Anthony. The singer-songwriter maintains a significant digital audience, with approximately 1.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, 1.4 million followers on Instagram, and 1.1 million subscribers on YouTube. His 2020 single, "Como Te Pago," is his most-viewed music video on YouTube, with more than 154 million views.

Recognition and awards

Lenier received a Latin Grammy Award nomination in 2022 in the Best Tropical Song category for co-writing Marc Anthony's song "Mala." He has also performed at the Latin American Music Awards and received nominations at the Premios Tu Música Urbano. His 2020 single, "Como Te Pago," was certified platinum.

Similar artists

Lenier's peers and similar artists include El Chacal, El Taiger, Jacob Forever, Bebeshito, Charly & Johayron, and Leoni Torres. Other comparable acts are El Micha, El Chulo, Dany Ome, Wow Popy, Divan, Nesty, DJ Conds, Alex Duvall, Ernesto Losa, Dale Pututi, Gatillo, El Carli, El Bandolero, and El Metaliko.