WATCH: Pabllo Vittar & NMIXX Bridge Baile Funk & K-Pop in ‘MEXE’
Photo by Gabriel Renne.
Another killer K-pop and Latin American collaboration just blessed our ears (and eyes). Pop star and Brazilian drag artist Pabllo Vittar just released the single “MEXE” featuring the six-member girl group NMIXX, with an accompanying music video (Aug. 21). Not only is it Vittar’s first K-pop-style song, but it’s also her first English single.
“MEXE” is a baile-funk pop song that seamlessly blends the Brazilian singer’s club sound with NMIXX’s signature high-energy K-pop sound. The lyrics match its international sound, mixing together Portuguese, Korean, and English. It’s high-energy and catchy, perfect for repeated listens while getting ready, going to the gym, or dancing at the club.
The music video— which features Vittar and all the members, Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin — was directed by Jaewon Ham from 88 Gymnastic Heroes, a well-known director in K-pop. It was shot on location in South Korea, and features an industrial car garage, striking choreography, and amazing styling — all markers of a true K-pop music video.
What makes this collaboration so special is that both Vittar and NMIXX are fans of each other’s work. “I really like the girls’ sound and Korean sounds in general. They have innovative and even experimental rhythms. I discovered K-pop in 2015 and have always been a huge fan and follow it closely, so I couldn’t be happier!” Vittar states in the press release.
“When I first heard the song, I realized it was the perfect combination of NMIXX’s sound and Pabllo’s. She came to Korea to participate in the recording and the music video, and it was wonderful to spend time with her during that time,” Lily from NMIXX states. “It was truly an honor, I could hardly believe it! Rehearsing the choreography with Pabllo and her dancers was so much fun, I learned a lot just by watching them. I think the song fits NMIXX perfectly, and the Latin dance style makes it super infectious,” Bae from NMIXX adds.
Fans online are, of course, freaking out about the song and music video, saying: “Pabllo is a legend for making this happen,” and “the final dance break with both Pabllo and Nmixx is what did it for me… They devoured!!” It’s a perfect opportunity to introduce NMIXX stans to Pabllo and her sound, and Pabllo fans to NMIXX. We’re positive this music video converted many fans to either K-pop, Brazilian baile-funk, or both.
It’s clear to see the work and care put in this collaboration, both in song and music video. This is only the latest K-pop group to collaborate with a queer Latine icon, but we don’t see it slowing down any time soon.
Watch the music video for “MEXE” below.