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Yahaira Plasencia, a prominent figure in the Peruvian salsa music scene, recently performed at Papassitos Bar & Grill in Manassas Park, Virginia, on February 13, 2026. However, the concert reportedly drew a significantly smaller crowd than anticipated, sparking commentary about the singer’s draw in the United States. The event has grow a talking point within Peruvian entertainment circles, raising questions about Plasencia’s fanbase outside of Peru.
Images and video footage of the performance, shared by the Peruvian entertainment program Magaly TV, La Firme, showed a sparsely populated venue. This led Magaly Medina, the program’s host, to publicly deem the show a “fracaso,” or failure, noting the large size of the venue compared to the number of attendees. Medina specifically pointed out the lack of a substantial Peruvian presence in the audience, despite the venue being located in an area with a significant Peruvian population. The incident highlights the challenges artists face when expanding their reach into international markets.
Low Turnout Sparks Debate
The criticism leveled by Medina has ignited discussion about Plasencia’s popularity and the logistics of promoting concerts to diaspora communities. While some have defended Plasencia, citing potential issues with promotion or the timing of the event, the images of the nearly empty venue have fueled the narrative of a disappointing turnout. The event took place on a Friday night, traditionally a peak time for entertainment, adding to the surprise over the low attendance.
Despite the criticism surrounding the Virginia performance, Plasencia has additional U.S. Dates scheduled. She is set to perform in Miami on February 20, 2026, and in New York City the following day, February 21, 2026. These upcoming shows will provide further insight into her ability to attract audiences in different U.S. Cities. Fans can find information about her New York performance at Bandsintown.
Support from Within the Peruvian Music Industry
Not all commentary has been negative. Carlos Cacho, a Peruvian music commentator, recently stated that Plasencia is “the most important female exponent of salsa in Peru,” regardless of opinions to the contrary. This statement, made on the program ‘Mesa Caliente,’ underscores Plasencia’s strong standing within the Peruvian music industry. Cacho’s assessment highlights the disconnect between her domestic success and the reception she received in Virginia.
Plasencia’s performance in Virginia followed her appearance at the Heat 2024 awards, demonstrating her continued presence in the Peruvian entertainment landscape. She has also been recently linked to businessman Luis Fernando Rodríguez, as reported by La República in April 2025, adding another layer to her public profile. La República detailed the sighting of the pair leaving a Lima restaurant together.
Looking Ahead
The contrasting reactions to Plasencia’s U.S. Tour – the criticism following the Virginia show and the continued support from within Peru – set the stage for an captivating few weeks. Her upcoming performances in Miami and New York will be closely watched to see if she can build momentum and connect with audiences beyond her home country. The success of these shows will likely be a key indicator of her long-term potential in the U.S. Market.
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