Tony Pabón formed La Protesta in the late 1960s after leaving the influential salsa group La Lupe & Joe Cuba Sextet, where he had been a lead vocalist during the boogaloo era. Pabón was already well known in the Latin music scene for his powerful voice and energetic stage presence. When he created La Protesta, he wanted to form a band that blended salsa, boogaloo, and Latin soul while reflecting the cultural pride and social awareness of Latino communities in New York during that time.

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La Protesta quickly became popular in the growing salsa scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly among Puerto Rican and Caribbean audiences in New York City. The group was known for lively dance rhythms, strong horn sections, and songs that combined traditional Afro-Caribbean styles with modern urban influences. Their music reflected the energy of the Latin music movement that was developing in New York alongside artists such as Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe.