Main Facts
Global pop sensation KATSEYE has officially expanded their international footprint, joining forces with acclaimed Brazilian DJ and producer Pedro Sampaio for a high-octane remix of their hit track "HOOTIE FRUTTI."
Released alongside an energetic official dance video featuring Sampaio’s personal choreography crew, the new rendition leans heavily into the pulsating, bass-heavy rhythms of Brazilian funk. The track also features guest contributions from MC GW and Clementaum, adding layers of authentic urban flavor to an already eclectic pop song.
This release marks a historic milestone for both acts. According to representatives for Sampaio, the collaboration makes him the first Brazilian artist to officially work with KATSEYE. The partnership bridges the gap between contemporary global pop and the vibrant, rapidly expanding genre of Brazilian funk, introducing mainstream listeners to the authentic sounds of Rio de Janeiro’s nightlife.
"HOOTIE FRUTTI" originally arrived as a standout track on KATSEYE’s third EP, WILD, which dropped in August to critical acclaim. Even in its initial form, the track incorporated subtle Brazilian funk influences and brief Portuguese-language vocal flourishes, making the collaboration with Sampaio a natural and organic evolution of the song’s identity.
The remix comes on the heels of a massive year for both acts. While KATSEYE wraps up the European leg of their completely sold-out “The WildWorld Tour” ahead of a sprawling North American arena run, Pedro Sampaio is fresh off a landmark performance at Rock in Rio and a historic halftime show alongside Latin music icon Ricky Martin at the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Brazil.
Chronology of the Collaboration
The path to the official release of the "HOOTIE FRUTTI" remix has been a carefully orchestrated rollout, building anticipation across international music markets through strategic live debuts and digital teasers.
- August 2026: KATSEYE releases their third EP, WILD, introducing fans to "HOOTIE FRUTTI"—a track that immediately turns heads for its incorporation of Brazilian funk beats and Portuguese lyrics.
- September 2026: Pedro Sampaio shocks and delights festivalgoers by previewing the unreleased remix of "HOOTIE FRUTTI" during his high-profile set at Rock in Rio, instantly generating online buzz and speculation about a crossover project.
- Late September 2026: Sampaio stays in the global spotlight by teaming up with Ricky Martin for the single "pikito pikito," debuting the track live during the halftime show at the NFL’s historic regular-season game at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on September 27th.
- October 2026: The official audio and dance video for the "HOOTIE FRUTTI" remix—featuring MC GW and Clementaum alongside Sampaio’s professional dance crew—drops worldwide, accompanied by the announcement of KATSEYE’s upcoming North American tour dates.
- October 13, 2026: KATSEYE is scheduled to kick off the North American leg of “The WildWorld Tour” in Miami at the Kaseya Center, where fans eagerly anticipate potential live integrations of the new remix into the setlist.
Supporting Data & Tour Context
The synergy between KATSEYE and Pedro Sampaio arrives at a time when both acts are experiencing peak commercial momentum. KATSEYE’s WILD EP has solidified their status as one of the most innovative and globally minded pop groups operating today, blending the precision of K-pop training structures with Western pop appeal and diverse international genre touchstones.
The group’s live appeal is equally undeniable. Following the conclusion of their triumphant European tour dates, KATSEYE is taking “The WildWorld Tour” to major arenas across North America and Mexico.
KATSEYE 2026 North American & Latin American Tour Dates:
- 10/13 – Miami, FL @ Kaseya Center
- 10/15 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
- 10/20 – Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
- 10/22 – Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena
- 10/24 – Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena
- 10/25 – Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena
- 10/28 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
- 10/30 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
- 11/01 – Hamilton, ON @ TD Coliseum
- 11/03 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
- 11/05 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
- 11/07 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
- 11/10 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center
- 11/11 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
- 11/14 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
- 11/17 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
- 11/19 – Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena
- 11/21 – Los Angeles, CA @ Crypto.com Arena
- 11/24 – Phoenix, AZ @ Mortgage Matchup Center
- 11/27 – Mexico City, MX @ Palacio de los Deportes
Simultaneously, Pedro Sampaio continues to cement his legacy as a powerhouse producer. His recent collaboration with Ricky Martin on "pikito pikito" and his massive platform at Rock in Rio highlight his ability to seamlessly transition from underground South American club culture to massive, stadium-sized global stages.
Official Responses and Artist Statements
The collaboration has drawn immense enthusiasm from the artists involved, particularly regarding the cultural bridge the track builds between Latin American dance music and global pop culture.
In an official statement regarding the release, Pedro Sampaio emphasized the long-term vision behind his career and his desire to export Brazilian music to unprecedented heights:
"This remix represents so much of what I’ve been working toward in my career: taking Brazilian funk to more and more places and creating connections with artists from different scenes around the world," Sampaio stated. "It was really special to bring my vision to ‘HOOTIE FRUTTI’ and add even more elements of Brazilian funk to the track."
Music critics and industry analysts have praised the remix for respecting the roots of the genre while allowing KATSEYE’s signature vocal styling to shine through. By incorporating MC GW and Clementaum, Sampaio ensured that the track retained authenticity, utilizing native vocal cadences and rhythmic structures inherent to modern Carioca funk production.
Implications for the Global Music Industry
The release of the "HOOTIE FRUTTI" remix is far more than a routine promotional drop; it serves as a case study in the modern globalization of popular music.
1. The Decentralization of Pop Music
For decades, mainstream pop culture flowed strictly from Western music capitals (such as Los Angeles, London, and New York) outward to the rest of the world. Today, projects like KATSEYE’s WILD era and their collaboration with Pedro Sampaio demonstrate a multi-directional exchange. KATSEYE—a group featuring a truly international lineup—embraces South American regional sounds, bridging K-pop production standards with Brazilian funk, all while maintaining global appeal.
2. The Rise of Brazilian Funk on the World Stage
Brazilian funk (funk carioca) has experienced a massive surge in international recognition over the past few years, largely driven by streaming platforms, TikTok viral choreography, and high-profile producer collaborations. Artists like Pedro Sampaio are at the forefront of this movement, transforming what was once a localized genre into a global staple of festival stages and crossover pop records.
3. Blueprint for Future Cross-Cultural Collaborations
By debuting the track live at Rock in Rio before a massive physical audience and simultaneously deploying a dance-heavy visual asset optimized for digital algorithms, the teams behind KATSEYE and Sampaio have outlined a blueprint for modern cross-cultural rollouts. As fans clamor for physical tickets to “The WildWorld Tour” and stream the remix into the millions, it is clear that borders within the music industry are continuing to dissolve, paving the way for even more unexpected and thrilling genre fusions in the future.
Nila Kartika Wati
Siti Muinah
Ali Ikhwan
