Yandel Makes History at New York’s Empire State Building & More Uplifting Moments in Latin Music

From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and those little, important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.

Yandel’s New Career Move

On Thursday (Sept. 21), Yandel kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting a lighting ceremony and offering an intimate concert at the Empire State Building in New York, becoming the first Latin act to perform at the venue. The historic moment came on the heels of the Puerto Rican artist’s signing with Warner Music Latina earlier that day.  

“Yandel’s iconic career has resonated with audiences worldwide, and his influence in the music industry is undeniable,” Warner Music Latina president Alejandro Duque said in a statement. “This collaboration signifies a new chapter of innovation and creativity. We are excited to work hand in hand with Yandel to bring his music to fans across the globe.” 

Roberto Andrade, managing director at Warner Music Latina added, “Yandel is an artist who embodies both iconic status and forward-thinking vision. At Warner Music Latina, we take immense pride in joining him on this new chapter of his career, contributing to its evolution alongside his dedicated and collaborative team.”

In the same week, Yandel received two Latin Grammy nominations for “Yandel 150,” his collaboration with Feid: best fusion/urban performance and best urban song.

Shakira Gives Back

This week, Shakira, Billboard’s latest cover story, revealed that she and her foundation Pies Descalzos inaugurated a new school in her native Barranquilla. According to her Instagram posts, “El Colegio Nuevo Bosque” will educate more than one thousand children. “Thank you to our allies Fundacion FC Barcelona, La Caixa LaSalle College Foundation, Mayor Pumarejo, mayor of Barranquilla and the secretary of education for joining efforts and betting on the future of Colombian children,” she expressed.

The Colombian artist is set for a star Q&A at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week, returning the Miami the week of Oct. 2-6. For ticketing and more information, visit www.billboardlatinmusicweek.com.

Latin Music Week “Calienta Motores”

In other Latin Music Week news, Billboard unveiled the full schedule of the 2023 conference and “en vivo” concert series during a press conference held Wednesday (Sept. 20) at Miami Beach. “We’re so very happy to be here again,” Billboard’s Leila Cobo said at the event. “A lot of people are discovering Latin music for the first time in the past year, but at Billboard, we’ve been part of its growth for over 30 years. We can’t imagine anywhere in the world but [Miami Beach] to bring this fabulous event.”

The final talent additions and full event schedule were presented at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach, where Cobo was joined by Miami Beach mayor Dan Gelber, Valentina Bueno (director of Karol G’s Con Cora Foundation), as well as artists Fonseca, Mike Bahía and Venesti.

Maria Becerra Unveils Major Collaboration

Maria Becerra created a buzz on social media on Friday (Sept. 22) when she announced that her next collaboration will be alongside Enrique Iglesias. “Did someone say bachataaaaaa? What a joy to be able to tell you about this great song that is coming, it couldn’t be with anyone other than Enrique Iglesias. It’s so beautiful to be able to work together, I admire you a lot,” she captioned the Instagram video, where she and the Spanish artist give each other a tight hug. Titled “Asi Es La Vida,” the song will drop Thursday (Sept. 28).

Both Becerra and Iglesias have tested the bachata waters before. The former on the Prince Royce-assisted “Te Espero” and “Antes de Ti” with Rusherking, and the latter on “El Perdedor” featuring Marco Antonio Solis, “Loco” with Romeo Santos, and “Cuando Me Enamoro” with Juan Luis Guerra.

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