Who is Nicky Jam and Why Does He Support Donald Trump?

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This weekend, controversy has erupted in Latin music with the appearance of another well-known figure at a Donald Trump rally during the 2024 U.S. presidential race. Just weeks after Anuel AA and Justin Quiles took the stage to support the Republican candidate, this time it was reggaeton veteran Nicky Jam in Las Vegas rally.

«I’m really lucky to say this, but we need you. We need you to be the president. Four years have passed, and nothing has happened. We need Trump, let’s make America great again,» said the Puerto Rican-descended artist.

 

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Nicky Jam, whose real name is Nick Rivera Caminero, is a U.S. reggaeton and urban music singer and songwriter. He was born on March 17, 1981, in Boston, Massachusetts, to a Dominican mother and Puerto Rican father. At 10, he moved to Puerto Rico, where he began his music career. In the late 1990s, he formed the duo Los Cangris with Daddy Yankee, one of reggaeton’s pioneers, which helped him gain popularity in the reggaeton scene. However, his career was affected by personal problems and addictions, leading to a hiatus. In 2014, Nicky Jam made a comeback with his hit single ‘Travesuras,’ followed by other hits like ‘El Perdón’ and ‘Hasta el Amanecer,’ solidifying his status as one of the leading figures in urban music.

Nicky Jam’s support for Trump has been met with surprise and disapproval from many in the Latino community, given that Trump has been a polarizing figure, especially on issues related to immigration and minority rights. The controversy deepened when the Mexican band Maná announced they would remove their collaboration with Nicky Jam from all music platforms, declaring they don’t work with racists. This incident highlights the divisions that support for Trump can create, even within the music industry.

Trump Thinks Nicky Jam is a Woman

Additionally, during the rally, Trump mistakenly referred to Nicky Jam as a woman, creating an awkward moment that quickly went viral on social media. When introducing the singer, Trump said, «Do you know Nicky? She’s hot. Where’s Nicky?» Nicky Jam took the error in stride, sharing it on his social media, but it also highlighted Trump’s lack of familiarity with the artists supporting him.

Nicky Jam did not explain during his appearance at the rally why he supports Trump, but several sources suggest various reasons. Some speculate that it could be related to his desire to maintain good relationships with influential figures in the U.S., where he resides and conducts much of his career. Others suggest it could be a strategy to appeal to a broader and more diverse audience, although this also risks alienating his core fan base.