By TuRitmo.com Staff
After more than three decades as a member of one of the world’s most successful pop groups, Howie D is embarking on one of the most personal chapters of his career. The Backstreet Boys star has officially released his first Spanish-language solo single, “Coqui,” a heartfelt tribute to his Puerto Rican roots and a milestone that represents years of personal growth and cultural rediscovery.
The nearly three-minute track blends smooth Afrobeats rhythms with tropical melodies, incorporating the soothing sounds of Puerto Rico’s iconic coquí frog alongside crashing ocean waves. The result is a warm, sensual record that celebrates identity, heritage, and the island that has always held a special place in the singer’s heart.
Born in Orlando, Florida, to a Puerto Rican mother and an American father, Howie says the song reflects a deeper connection to his family’s roots than ever before.
“Making this record, I wanted to identify with things that were true to me, about the culture, the people, and my heritage,” he shared. “This is where my mother is from, and where I have the most connection growing up.”
Although longtime Backstreet Boys fans remember Howie performing Spanish versions of classics like “Nunca Te Haré Llorar” and “Donde Quieras Yo Iré,” he admits that recording an entire solo project in Spanish presented a completely different challenge.
Growing up in South Florida during the 1970s and 1980s, he says he wasn’t surrounded by many Spanish speakers, making it difficult to fully develop the language despite his Puerto Rican heritage.
A Journey of Learning—and Courage
For Howie, recording “Coqui” meant returning to the classroom.
He worked closely with Dominican songwriter Darlin, who helped him perfect his pronunciation and delivery, while even turning to language-learning apps like Duolingo to strengthen his Spanish.
“I wanted to sound authentic,” he explained. “It was almost like re-training my tongue. I was corrected a hundred times because I didn’t want to accept mediocrity.”
The process wasn’t always easy. There were moments of frustration, but also tremendous satisfaction as he became more confident with every recording session.
Overcoming Years of Self-Doubt
Perhaps the most revealing aspect of “Coqui” is the emotional story behind it.
According to Howie, this is actually his third attempt at releasing a Spanish-language project. Previous efforts never made it to the public because he struggled with insecurity about not speaking the language perfectly.
“Making music in Spanish has been a passion of mine, but also a struggle,” he admitted. “I was scared of not being accepted by my own people because I didn’t speak the language perfectly.”
Rather than worrying about his global fanbase, he says his greatest fear came from being judged by the Latin music industry itself.
Today, however, that fear has given way to confidence.
Celebrating Latin Identity
As Latin music continues to dominate the global charts, Howie believes audiences are more open than ever to embracing music across different languages and cultures.
Still, he insists that commercial success isn’t the primary motivation behind “Coqui.”
Instead, he hopes listeners connect with the story of someone who spent years searching for the courage to fully embrace his identity.
“I’ve held myself back, but now is the time,” he says.
With “Coqui,” Howie D isn’t simply introducing a new single—he’s opening a new chapter that celebrates family, culture, authenticity, and the power of finally reconnecting with one’s roots.
For longtime Backstreet Boys fans and new listeners alike, “Coqui” offers an intimate look at an artist proudly embracing every part of who he is.
