When Downtown came out in 2017, it felt like a turning point for Anitta. The Brazilian singer had already built a strong presence in Latin America, but this collaboration with J Balvin helped push her further into the global spotlight. The track was smooth and seductive, and the music video really stood out. It felt calculated, confident, and different from anything either of them had done before.
Anitta and J Balvin filmed the video on November 7, 2017, at the historic Hotel Wolcott in New York City, bringing together a talented team.
Hair and makeup artist Henrique Martins took inspiration from classic Hollywood icons, creating a look that combined Rita Hayworth’s curls with red lips and dramatic eyeliner.
Anitta and J Balvin embraced their roles as charismatic con artists. Anitta described their characters as individuals who “observe every detail in that environment before applying their moves. They are cheaters and accomplices.“
The song marked a significant milestone for Anitta, becoming her first entry on the U.S. Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, where it peaked at No. 14. Beyond its U.S. success, Downtown topped charts in Paraguay and reached the top ten in countries like Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Portugal, Uruguay, and Spain.
Spotify premiered Downtown as a vertical video on November 19, 2017, as part of the ¡Viva Latino! playlist. This release marked the first time a Brazilian artist debuted a vertical video exclusively on the platform.
What really makes Downtown stick with you is the vibe between Anitta and J Balvin. It’s all in the way they look at each other and the confidence they carry. That subtle energy made the video stand out and showed that Anitta was stepping up her game, proving she’s not just a pop singer but someone with real style and presence.
It’s a video that doesn’t scream for attention but holds it quietly with style and presence. This project helped her step into the global spotlight on her own terms, proving that sometimes the strongest statement comes from confidence rather than loud spectacle.
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