30 under 30, a feat to not only celebrate but admire. Credit to Jose Manuel Vidal.
Los Angeles, California (July 15, 2025)- Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, better known to the world as Keityn, has officially been named to the Forbes Colombia 30 Under 30 list—an honor that recognizes the country’s brightest young leaders shaping the present and future with vision, creativity, and impact. At just 29, Keityn’s influence in the global music industry is not only undeniable—it’s transformative.
From selling his first songs for just $150 in his hometown of Palmira, Valle del Cauca, to penning chart-topping hits for superstars like Karol G, Shakira, Maluma, J Balvin, and even Ed Sheeran, Keityn’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance and talent. His lyrics have echoed around the world in anthems like Tusa, Provenza, Hawái, Te Felicito, TQG, and BZRP Music Sessions #53—the last of which earned him three Latin GRAMMYs, including the coveted Song of the Year and Best Pop Song awards.
More than just a prolific hitmaker, Keityn has become a cornerstone of Latin music’s evolution. In both 2023 and 2024, he was named ASCAP Latino’s Songwriter of the Year, a rare back-to-back recognition that speaks volumes about his consistency and brilliance. His work on Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito—the first Spanish-language album by a female artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200—further solidified his reputation as a driving creative force. This year, his fingerprints are also all over Tropicoqueta, Karol G’s latest project, and BORONDO, the new album by Beéle, once again proving his versatility and cultural influence.
Keityn’s artistry extends beyond songwriting. He co-leads La Crème, a Medellín-based production house with his longtime collaborator Juan Camilo Vargas. There, they are cultivating the next generation of Latin talent, including rising artist DFZM. It’s this blend of entrepreneurship and mentorship that makes Keityn’s Forbes recognition not just a celebration of his past achievements, but a preview of the future he’s helping to build.
His inclusion in Forbes Colombia’s 30 Under 30 list is more than a milestone—it’s a reflection of his deep cultural impact. With billions of streams, global acclaim, and a clear commitment to using his platform to uplift others, Keityn exemplifies what it means to lead with authenticity and purpose.
From Palmira to the world, Keityn is writing not just songs—but history.
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