Pepsi: The Rhythm of Music

Talking about the history of pop music without mentioning Pepsi is like ordering tacos without salsa. Far from just being a soda to quench your thirst, the brand turned into a genuine talent hunter and promoter of massive concerts that left a mark on entire generations.

It all started in the eighties with the Pepsi Generation campaign, an effort to connect with young people through their favorite language: the rhythm. The real bombshell came in 1984 by signing Michael Jackson. That historic alliance changed the rules of the advertising game, turning commercials into events that people actually looked forward to seeing on TV.

After opening the door with the King of Pop, true industry titans marched through its ranks. Madonna caused a global stir in the eighties, while in the two-thousands, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and P!nk dressed up as gladiators in the Roman Colosseum for an epic ad. In Latin America, figures like Shakira and RBD got the whole continent singing with unforgettable collaborations.

Aside from dominating the small screen, Pepsi got heavily involved in the biggest stages on the planet. It sponsored massive festivals and Super Bowl halftime shows that today are part of the collective memory.

Even though nowadays it seems totally normal to see brands associated with artists, the reality is that this company blazed the trail. It showed that by combining a good idea with the right music, you don't just sell a product, but you become part of popular culture.