Relaxed in plain T-shirts, Ana and Lucia Barrantes are enjoying a short break back home too Costa Rica after their first ever performances in Brazil, before heading back out to continue their international journey. Known as DJs In Betwin, the project they created just six years ago has since taken them from small local performances to international stages. Today, the twins are becoming two of Costa Rica’s most recognisable DJs, performing around the world and opening for artists including Bad Bunny. 

But their relationship with music began long before they ever imagined making it their career. 

“I think it started when we were maybe 6 or 7 years old, because we always loved music and used to listen to an urban radio in Costa Rica called Vox FM. We lived with a woman from Panama growing up, she taught us a lot about Panamanian reggaetón and that’s also how our love for reggaetón started.”

Despite their early passion for music, the twins followed a more traditional route. Both studied at the University of Costa Rica, Ana studying production and Lucía public relations. It was during those years, while attending parties that they began noticing something missing.

“When we were in college, we started going to bars and parties, we always noticed that, even though the dance floor was full of girls, there were always men in the DJ booth." says Lucia. "So, it was like, ‘Why don’t we turn this around?’ At that time, in Costa Rica, at least in the urban, Latin scene, there were no female DJs.”

After university, the girls began working at a record label, behind the scenes with the artists, in marketing.

“And that’s when my sister discovered a place where they taught how to mix right here in Costa Rica.” Said Ana ‘And I thought to myself, why don’t we give it a try? Just, come on, let’s try it, and see what happens. And obviously it started as a hobby, but from there it just took off.” 

After a year, they made the decision to leave their office jobs behind and dedicate themselves fully to their own project: DJ In Betwin. 

“We both quit on the same day because it wouldn’t have worked for one of us to keep going while the other didn’t, since we needed both of our time for the project to work.”

Leaving a stable career path was not the easiest decision, the girls explain.

“Our family has never really been into art, they didn’t understand it at first and they weren’t too thrilled about our decision,” says Ana.

“And especially the typical talk that comes from parents,” agrees Lucia “like, from warnings about ‘It’s kind of a male-dominated industry' to out right sexist attitudes like ‘How can she be out so late at night?’"

“I understand that they’re well-intentioned - but at the end of the day, those little acts of sexism made us doubt about whether we should quit our office jobs and dedicate ourselves 100%,” remembers Ana. “Eventually, when we quit our jobs, everything was fine and they understood — but yes, it definitely was a process.”

And then, just when they'd convinced their inner circle, there was the challenge of the outside world. While they were inspired by female artists who had already broken barriers in reggaetón, there were no female DJs in their own scene to guide them. 

“Obviously Karol G, Ivy Queen, who was a pioneer, Tempra, but when we started out, unfortunately, at least in Costa Rica, we didn’t have other women reggaetón DJs to turn to, follow or ask for advice,” says Ana. “We didn’t know anyone in the industry. We didn’t know any other DJs. It was really like starting from scratch, building connections from scratch, and making a name for ourselves from scratch.”

They continued to play gigs, build their brand and then, in 2022, the girls landed the biggest gig of their careers, opening for Bad Bunny's World's Hottest Tour when it came to Costa Rica.

As I observe the twins over Zoom, I enjoy their ability to interrupt and complete each other’s sentences effortlessly, a reflection of the closeness they share. It suddenly makes me realise the power of two and I ask whether being two rather than one, helped them break the macho barriers of the reggaetón world. Having each other as allies, having power in numbers, did is make it easier to challenge the state quo?

“Yes definitely, it’s not like working alone.” Says Lucia. “I think my favourite thing is that when we have a problem, there’s always another person there supporting us. Even though I imagine there are advantages to working alone, because you really make decisions on your own, I think it’s nice to know that you have that support, especially during a crisis. At some points if I feel like I’m not giving enough, then my sister can support me.” 

The sense of sisterhood is reflected in and at the heart of the business partnership they have built together as twins.

“If we’re having a problem, we can empathise with each other, we feel like someone understands your situation 100%. At the same time, when we have an opportunity, or something really exciting is happening to us, then we have a person to share it with.”

It’s also clear from their massive instagram engagement that In Betwin successfully built a brand around their striking sibling identity, by generating lots of interesting content on social media. As well as being great DJs, their unique look has become their selling point.

“When we started out, there were no examples of women DJ examples to copy, no path to follow, but at the same time, we tried to use it to our advantage, because having no point of comparison can also be liberating. I think that also helps you achieve things in your own way, at your own pace, without comparing yourself.” Says Lucia. 

“It’s still an issue, women have a hard time breaking into those spaces in general as DJs, and especially as DJs playing urban music or reggaeton.” Adds Ana. “Hopefully now the next generation of aspiring female DJs, at least in Costa Rica, can see us as a reference. It’s still a long way from being 50-50 split, but hopefully someday we’ll reach that.”

For now, however, these girls are living the dream, travelling the world and doing what they love, showcasing and honouring Latin culture, and of course, giving a great set. 

“When we do these kinds of tours, most of the people who come to our shows are Latinos living in other countries, who really miss their culture and want a night that reminds them of their roots.”

“I feel like part of the spirit behind our shows, is reminding people where they’re from and giving them a moment of nostalgia. I feel like it’s an honour, especially because it’s the music we connect with. It’s the music we love," says Lucia

Ana adds: "It’s the music we feel represents us, our culture, our continent and our people. For us it’s a dream come true, this huge opportunity to travel the world and really show a little piece of yourself.”

That sense of connection is also at the centre of their performances. So, what can audiences expect from a DJ In Betwin set? 

“The shows are always really energetic, and we do try to mix it up a lot, with changes in genre and rhythms, to keep the crowd engaged and make sure everyone is always excited about what’s coming next. We go through a huge selection of songs, but we’re definitely going to cover a little bit of everything. Whatever gets people dancing is what interests us, and we’re really excited to be in London for the first time.”

DJ In Between will perform at the Viva Cluba Arena at LatinoLife in the Park on Sunday 19th July 2025 Tickets www.latinolifeinthepark.com