There’s a new pulse running through Toronto’s nightlife — one shaped by diaspora, identity, confidence, and rhythm. At the centre of that energy are two of the city’s most important rising voices in Latin music: Papi AQ and ESCO. Their new collaboration, “UNA NOCHE EN EL 6,” is the kind of record that feels instantly familiar yet unmistakably new — an anthem built for midnight drives, club lights, and shared memories.
Building the Movement: Papi AQ
For the past few years, Papi AQ has been one of the main cultural drivers behind Toronto’s Latin wave. Drawing from his Mexican roots, he pushed Latin-urban music into spaces where it wasn’t being heard, becoming one of the first to land Latin/Spanglish tracks on Canadian editorial playlists like Northern Bars and Reggaetón Mexa.
Then in 2023, he founded Gorillax Music Group — a label, creative collective, and all-in-one media ecosystem designed to uplift Latin and tropical artists in Canada. And when he built TRPKL, a live showcase platform dedicated to the scene, it instantly became a staple of the city’s Latin nightlife.
Add performances with DJ BIA, work with the City of Mississauga and SickKids, and soundtrack placements on STARZ’s Power Book IV: Force, and it’s clear: Papi AQ is moving with purpose, building structure where there was none, and showing the world that Toronto’s Latin scene is real.
The Dual Threat: ESCO
ESCO, who represents both Salvadoran and Cuban backgrounds, is the definition of versatility. His artistry, voice, and stage presence are undeniable — which is why he was spotlighted in Live Nation’s Ones to Watch and featured in a CBC JUNO Awards vlog.
But he also plays a major role behind the scenes. As a senior partner and A&R at Gorillax, he helps shape artist identity, strategy, and sound. His performance at Sankofa Square for Hispanic Heritage Month showed exactly why he’s becoming a central figure in the city’s cultural storyline.
With collaborations on the way with Fito Blanko, Papi AQ, Nick Souza, and a growing wave of Toronto talent, ESCO’s trajectory is pointing directly upward.
The Sound of the Night: “UNA NOCHE EN EL 6”
“UNA NOCHE EN EL 6” blends smoky, confident vocal delivery with warm, retro-inspired instrumentation — a vibe that echoes Santana-like guitar warmth but moves with modern club tempo. The record feels cinematic: something played at 2 AM with the windows down, city lights reflecting off the windshield.
It taps directly into a bilingual Gen Z and diasporic audience — listeners who move between countries, cultures, and emotions effortlessly.
And there’s real momentum behind it:
- Papi AQ’s album Eclipse is now over 250K+ streams
- ESCO’s EP Mismo Destino has also passed 250K+ streams
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