Erika Ender

For three decades, Erika Ender has written songs recorded by artists including Chayanne, Gloria Trevi, Marc Anthony and Los Tigres del Norte. But one song changed the scale of her career forever. “Despacito,” which she co-wrote with Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, became a global phenomenon, spending 16 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning the 2017 Latin Grammy for Song of the Year.

The song began during a writing session at Fonsi’s Miami home, where a cafecito and an idea grew into one of the defining Latin hits of its era. Ender has said it was important to her that its sensual story treated women with respect. Nearly a decade later, its impact continues: in 2025, “Despacito” was named the No. 1 Hot Latin Song of the 21st century.

Now, Ender is entering a chapter that feels much more personal. On November 16, Erika Ender: El Musical opens at Panama’s historic Teatro Nacional for a run through November 29. Written and directed by Benjamín Cohen, the production explores not only her career but experiences she kept private for years, including two divorces and the loss of her uterus.

© John Parra

The musical also brings another part of Ender’s work onto the stage. Young performers from TalenPro, the youth platform she founded, are part of the cast, with proceeds benefiting her Fundación Puertas Abiertas. The timing is especially meaningful as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, after more than 2,000 students participated in its regional stages the previous year.

Ender expanded that role as a mentor this summer when she became Academy Director for the first U.S. season of Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos. At the same time, she has remained active as a songwriter, co-writing “Por Mil Razones” with Paula Arenas for the Colombian singer’s 2026 album Nada Es Permanente.

Her first book, Aprender el Éxito, added another dimension to a busy year, sharing lessons drawn from her experiences in music and beyond. While promoting it on television, Ender appeared in a custom gown by Panamanian designer Breebaart and captured her pride in a simple phrase: “Hoy llevé Panamá puesto.”

© Dia Dipasupil

That pride was especially visible in 2025. When Premios Juventud came to Panama for the first time, Ender joined fellow Panamanian songwriters Omar Alfanno and Gaitanes for a medley that included “Despacito.” She was also recognized with a star on Panama’s Paseo de las Estrellas.

At this point in her career, Ender is not leaving songwriting behind. She is building on it. With new music, her first book and an increasingly important role mentoring young talent, 2026 finds her sharing not only the songs she writes, but the experience she has gained along the way.