Is Mi Gente the UK's next big Latin-pop hit? We crunch the numbers on the song taking on Despacito across the world

It seems there’s no stopping the rise of Latin music in 2017. From Puerto Rican powerhouse Luis Fonsi breaking chart records across the world with Despacito, to the Spanish-tinged Wild Thoughts from DJ Khaled and Rihanna, to Enrique's remixed Subeme La Radio, there’s no escaping the genre this summer that is well overdue a revival on an international scale.

Another Spanish track set to break through on UK shores is Mi Gente. Translated as ‘my people’, the song is by Colombian reggae star J Balvin and French DJ and producer Willy William. This transcontinental blend of styles ranks as one of the world's most popular tracks this summer, having already reached the upper echelons of the charts across Europe and South America. 

Here are a few key facts and stats about the song (and its stars!) that is taking on Despacito in just about every territory right now.

Mi Gente is currently the most streamed song in the world

Mi Gente is a party starter of a song – the track is currently being streamed over 4 million times a day across the world on Spotify alone, hundreds of thousands ahead of Despacito.

The video has been watched on YouTube a lot

The feel-good video for Mi Gente is an explosion of colour, matching the bonkers mix of Caribbean, Latin, African and electronic elements within the song. Did we also mention that the song has both Spanish and French lyrics?

Since its release on June 29, the song has amassed over 232 million views and counting.

J Balvin is no stranger to mega hits

A huge star in his native Colombia, J. Balvin has racked up six Number 1 hits in his home country and has collaborated with the likes of Pharrell, Major Lazer, French Montana, Pitbull and Justin Bieber for the Latin remix of Sorry.

Mi Gente was originally another song entirely

In a similar move to Bieber's journey to appearing on Despacito, J Balvin got in touch with Willy Williams after hearing his track Voodoo Song and asked to switch it up by adding his own verses. The result took Willy’s song from Number 182 in the French charts to the top of the charts.

The song has topped charts across the world

While plenty of Number 1s are still in sight for Mi Gente, it’s already topped a lot of charts across South America and Europe. J and Willy have peaked at the top spot in Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama and Spain, while the song has so far leaped to Number 46 on the US Billboard Hot 100. With a North American tour underway very soon, we’re sure J Balvin will continue to rise the ranks Stateside.

View this week's Official Singles Chart Update to see who J Balvin and Willy William are up against.