Guatemala’s electronic music scene doesn’t often get the spotlight, but DJ and producer Bebbo has spent the past decade developing his sound and career from his home country. Known for high-energy, percussive sets, he has played across Latin America and Europe, as well as in some of Guatemala’s striking outdoor settings.
His latest single, Conga, sees him team up with D.Lacrux for a Latin-tinged house rework of the Gloria Estefan classic, featuring Guatemalan vocalist Adri Ibau. Released on Armada, the track reflects the percussion and groove that have long shaped his musical identity.
We caught up with Bebbo to talk about Conga, his Guatemalan roots, the scene back home, and how a decade into his career he feels he has finally found his sound.
Your new single Conga is out now. It takes a well-loved classic and gives it new life on the dancefloor. What made you want to remix this one, and how did the idea come about?
I was working with vocalist Adri Ibau from Guatemala and she gave me the idea to make a house version of Conga. She is the singer in Conga, most people can’t tell it is not the original sample from Gloria Stefan. Adri’s voice is amazing.
How did the collaboration with D.Lacrux come together, and what was the studio dynamic like working together? Is collaborating something that comes naturally to you, or do you prefer working solo?
I met D.Lacrux in Panama, we played in the same show one night and I showed him the idea I had worked on of Conga and he liked it so we finished it together. I mostly work solo but when collaborations come naturally like this one I enjoy them. It’s also always interesting to see how other artists work and how they make music.
Walk us through your studio setup. What’s your go-to gear, and how do you actually build a track from the ground up?
Since I’m usually travelling I make my music on the go mostly with my laptop and an Arturia minilab I always travel with. I always start working on the main bridge and drop and then deconstruct. So I start by making a nice groove with a strong bass and rhythmic percs, then I make cool melodies and try them out. Then I either find a vocalist or a cool vocal sample and put everything together and make the complete structure of the track. I usually test it a couple times in my sets to see if I want to change anything before it to labels.
Take us back to the beginning. What were your early musical interests or influences before electronic music found you?
I’ve always liked a lot of different genres and music has been a big part of my life since I can remember. When I was younger I was in a rock band playing the drums and also in an orchestra playing the cello and violin. I have also always enjoyed listening to hip hop. My first electronic music influences were artists like Dj Mangoo, especially a track called Eurodancer. I used to play that song a bunch of times everyday.
Born and raised in Guatemala, how does your heritage come through in your music, and how much has growing up there shaped your sound?
Being Guatemalan and latino have naturally influenced me to liking very percussive and groovy music. I think this strongly reflects in my music. Coming out of the Guatemalan electronic scene definitely helped me become a really good dj because I used to play in a lot of different events, opening for all types of djs. This showed me how to read audiences very well and how to adapt to different crowds.
Guatemala’s electronic scene doesn’t get talked about much internationally. One could say it’s still a bit of a hidden gem. What’s your honest take on where Guatemala’s scene stands today, and where do you think it’s heading?
I think it definitely is a hidden gem although it is not too big. It is very underground and the community is very nice. I think some things need to change as a country for it to grow. For example there is a law that prohibits clubs from selling alcohol after 1am, if this would change I think that the scene would grow because the potential is there. We have so many incredible places where parties could take place.
You’ve played across Latin America and, more recently, Europe. How do the two compare — crowds, atmosphere, energy? Any preferences?
From my experience everywhere I’ve played I have noticed some common things like the fact that people like to party, have fun and dance no matter where they are from. Latin American crowds might have more energy but European crowds I feel understand more the stories I try to tell with my sets. I enjoy both a lot and I think the fact that people show up to my show to listen to my music is amazing and that is the most important thing for me.
You’ve played some pretty unforgettable outdoor sets, including one on the slopes of a volcano outside Antigua. What inspired you to play in such a dramatic setting, and do you feel it adds more to the experience for you as the DJ, or for the crowd?
I think it is an amazing experience both for me as a DJ and for the crowd. I have done those sets and probably will keep doing them because I love to show the beauties of my country Guatemala through something we all enjoy like music.
A while back on your socials, you talked about this past year redefining you, both personally and as an artist. What actually changed for you?
These past years have been amazing and have definitely marked my career and life. As an artist I feel I have made some big steps to grow in the industry. Also after basically a decade being a DJ and making music I finally found my sound that really shows who I am as an artist and as a person. On a personal level I have gone through some health issues that have made me slow down, appreciate the important things in life and made me stronger. Music has basically saved me.
What can we expect from you in 2026 and 2027; more music, international dates, anything you’re excited to share?
I am working on amazing music that I want to release as soon as I can. I have been focusing on making amazing music that will help me grow even more in the industry. Also very soon, I will announce a residency in two clubs in Miami. I can’t wait to share all of this with everyone and keep sharing my music everywhere I go.