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Shakira closes off 2024 regaining the throne on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart with “Soltera,” marking her 24th No. 1 on the tally.
With this feat, the Colombian global star extends her record for the most No. 1 hits among women, dating to the chart’s 1994 inception. Karol G is the closest female contender, amassing 18 No. 1s. The latter’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” spent 23 weeks at No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart before “Soltera” topped on the chart dated Jan. 4, 2025.
Overall, Shak ties with Maluma for the sixth-most rulers, both following J Balvin (36); Ozuna (34); Enrique Iglesias (32); Daddy Yankee (28); and Bad Bunny (25).
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Shakira earned her first No. 1 hit on the Latin Airplay chart with “Ciega, Sordamuda” in 1998, and scored three other back-to-back hits without a billed collaborator: “Tú” (1998), “Suerte [Whenever, Wherever]” (2001), and “Que Me Quedes Tú” (2002).
In 2005, she topped the chart with “La Tortura” in collaboration with Alejandro Sanz. The sensual tune is still crowned the longest-leading No. 1 on the chart, where it spent 25 weeks.
Other No. 1 hits that Shak has earned on the chart—which is the week’s most popular songs ranked by Latin radio airplay audience impressions—include “Hips Don’t Lie”; “Loba”; “La Bicleta” with Carlos Vives; the Maluma-assisted “Chantaje”; the unapologetic “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” helmed by Bizarrap; and the female anthem “TQG” with Karol G, to name a few.
What’s your favorite Shakira No. 1 hit on the Latin Airplay chart? Vote here!
As we come to the end of 2024, it’s a good time to look back at all the great music that has come out this year, with December rounding out the past 12 months on another high.
And 2025 is already looking promising, with Afrobeats heavyweights Burna Boy and Davido announcing their new albums No Sign of Weakness and 5ive, respectively, and entering rollout mode with their prosperous singles “Bundle By Bundle” and “Funds,” featuring Odumodublvck and Chike. It’s no surprise that Chloe Bailey, who’s been cuddling up with Burna in Lagos, is featured in the “Bundle By Bundle” music video. Meanwhile, there has been a ton of great music releases, including by highlife icons The Cavemen., Afrobeats legend Wande Coal, superproducers Sarz and Kel-P and a gorgeous reinterpretation of “Jerusalema” by the incomparable Angélique Kidjo.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new songs by African acts that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and get in the spirit of Detty December with our Spotify playlist below.
SuperSmashBroz & Fave, “Shut It Down”
On the heels of her sophomore EP Dutty Love, Fave links up with Nigerian American sibling DJ duo SuperSmashBroz (Muyi Fre$co and Noma Nomz) on the slinky club single “Shut It Down.” “Lesson of the day: Don’t trust DJs, ‘cause all they do is play me,” she sings while continuing to tell off someone who lost her trust. But the irresistible Afrobeats production will send us straight to SuperSmashBroz’s booth to have them run it back.
Boj & Minz, “Sara Jay”
The alté pioneer cooks up a heater with Minz on “Sara Jay,” one of four new tracks featured on the Summerfornication deluxe edition of his 12 Summers album. Boj and Minz love their lavish bachelor lifestyle, and whichever girl understands they’re here for a good time and not a long time gets to enjoy their flashy whips and other pleasures. From Genio Bambino’s skittering beat to the catchy “Put your ass in a Murciélago” refrain, “Sara Jay” will have you coming back for more.
The Cavemen., “Medicine”
Nigerian highlife sibling duo The Cavemen, featuring bassist Kingsley Okorie and drummer Benjamin James, take your troubles away in less than four minutes with “Medicine.” The sweet antidote is composed of faded, dizzying horns, twinkling keys and jazzy percussion, making it livelier than its temperate B-side “Opportunity.” “In a world where all has been said, we have decided to end the year with a call to groove and reflect,” The Cavemen. said in a press release. “‘Medicine’ and ‘Opportunity’ explore the possibility of therapy in modern highlife. Both songs are a mix of two worlds heading in the same direction to uplift listeners.”
Tayc & Davido, “PrAy”
The Cameroonian-French crooner connects with Davido on the touching standout track “PrAy” from the former’s latest album TESTIMONY. Tayc wonders who’ll pray for him long after he’s gone, while Davido bodies his verse about maintaining his peace amidst life’s mystery. And their smooth R&B-tinged melodies have us in our feelings just like them.
Burna Boy, “Bundle By Bundle”
When Burna throws money in the club, he’s throwing it “Bundle By Bundle,” as evidenced by his new single that will be featured on his upcoming eighth studio album No Sign of Weakness. It’s an anthem of abundance, with Burna stacking his W’s and relishing in the lifestyle they’ve earned him. Produced by Telz, who worked on much of Burna’s 2020 Grammy-winning album Twice as Tall, the pulsing bass line and intoxicating rhythms will surely be blasting at every Detty December party, while its swelling orchestral flourishes make the African Giant sound truly larger than life.
Davido feat. ODUMODUBLVCK & Chike, “Funds”
Davido’s melodic and effortlessly creative hot streak of the past decade continues with this new track, which brings in both ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike to celebrate the high life, and what they plan on doing with the money they’ve accumulated — namely, “mismanage my funds on you,” as the hook states. The production is bright and airy, and matches the vibe effortlessly.
Sarz feat. Asake, “C’mon, Look!”
Super-producer Sarz returns with this propulsive, insistent beat that powers Asake’s flow perfectly — almost a spiritual successor to their collaboration on Asake’s latest album, with the Travis Scott-assisted “Active.” If Asake has proven anything this year, it’s that he’s one of the most versatile vocalists out there, and Sarz continues to provide him with production that allows him to stretch his horizons — with this being another great example.
King Promise & Tom Walker, “Eyes Dried Over”
King Promise has been on a great run of late, with his vocals standing out among his peers. This collaboration with the Scottish singer/songwriter Tom Walker represents him stepping out of the lane he carved so well on his album True To Self, and seems in line with the Ed Sheeran-assisted remix of Fireboy DML’s “Peru” that made such a big splash a few years ago. This song is an emotional ode to the healing powers of liquor to mask the pain of relationship drama — in other words, a timeless feel.
Wande Coal & Kel-P, “Old Soldier”
Another collaboration between Afrobeats icon Wande Coal and innovative producer Kel-P — the first since “Kpe Paso” nearly two years ago — produced, unsurprisingly, a serious gem of a song, with Kel-P bringing the vibes with a danceable groove augmented by staccato guitars, steadying keys and a horn section that pushes things forward, while Wande Coal floats over top MC’ing the party. A great feel for the end of the year.
Angélique Kidjo, “Jerusalema”
Kidjo is truly a legend, and her take on this track brings beauty and emotion to a song that positively overflows with it. The original, by Master C and Nomcebo, became a sensation when it was released several years ago, and Kidjo’s rendition — released as a single following her performance of the track at the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral — replaces the underlying pulse of the original with ethereal strings, slowing it down and bringing the deep feeling of it out in full force — particularly towards the end, when she digs deep and lets her voice truly shine.
Sometimes, understanding the full impact of your work happens only when someone else points it out. Producer Ernesto “Neto” Fernández recalls the moment that brought him that realization: “Did you know Peso [Pluma] is now global?” someone told him after Fernández debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in early February 2023 with Peso Pluma and Natanael Cano’s “PRC.”
“That’s how you start realizing it, but you keep getting wrapped up in work, and sometimes you don’t fully assimilate it,” he tells Billboard Español.
But that changed when he was named Producer of the Year at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
In an astonishing breakout year, Fernández amassed 26 production credits on the Hot 100. He is also a mastermind behind 20 Hot 100 hits by Peso Pluma, three by Xavi (“La Diabla,” “La Víctima,” “Corazón de Piedra”), one by Junior H (“Y Lloro”) and three by Tito Double P (“Rosones,” “El Lokeron,” “Dos Días”).
However, this is far from his first successful year. Fernández’s influence dates back to the ’90s quebradita explosion — a period defined by a booming regional Mexican dance style and music. He started his career creating songs for Jessie Morales, known as El Original de la Sierra, and Los Jilgueros Del Arroyo. It was then that he initiated a longstanding collaboration with George Prajin, who worked with those artists and who now leads Prajin Parlay Studioz and co-founded Double P Records with Peso Pluma. Under Prajin’s management, Fernández’s productions have solidified his role as a pivotal voice in modern-day Latin music.
2024 marked a milestone for Fernández, as he won the Producer of the Year award and topped the Hot Latin Songs Producer year-end chart, outpacing super producers such as Edgar Barrera and MAG. His rise mirrors the seismic shift in the regional Mexican music landscape, establishing Fernández as a key producer to watch.
Read on to learn more about Fernández and his work in his chat with Billboard Español below.
Congratulations on reaching No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs Producers list. Did you expect this achievement given the success of many hits you’ve created this year?
I wasn’t expecting it. When I found out, I was like, “Wow!” This year has been very blessed — a lot has happened. Thanks to all the artists who have also been part of all this.
Let’s talk about some of the hits you produced, for example, “La Diabla” by Xavi. What was the creative process like?
Xavi is a very talented young man with many great ideas. All the musicians were here in the studio working on the song “La Diabla.” It’s a very friendly environment and a smooth vibe. We all work very comfortably that way; everyone gets along and chats. I think that is also reflected in the music. [The management] did new things with Xavi and it was very successful. In part, Xavi’s music helped with being named on the charts.
George Prajin is good friends with Nir [Seroussi] from Interscope. So, Xavi started coming here [to the studio] earlier to record some songs he was just starting. He liked working here, so we continued collaborating with him until he started doing all the new stuff, “La Diabla,” “La Víctima” and all that.
You also have many hits with Peso Pluma, more recently “Gervonta” and “La Durango,” among others. Can you tell me about one of your favorite tracks with Peso?
Choosing a favorite is very difficult. But what I like about working with Peso is different ideas come out. For example, in “Bruce Wayne,” we added a piano, which I played. In “Gervonta,” we did something very different at the beginning, you start listening and you’re like: “Oh, what’s going on here?” Little things and new ideas we try together; everyone contributes ideas. Besides, I’m also the musical director of Peso Pluma. As for the musicians, we all work as a team.
Tell me, which other artists do you collaborate with?
Right now, we are working with Jasiel Núñez, Los Dareyes de la Sierra, Tito Double P, new artists like Estevan Plazola — who sang “Hollywood” with Peso Pluma — and another we call el Chivo. We have worked with Luis R. Conriquez, and Junior H, among others. But right now, new things are coming from Los Dareyes de la Sierra, who’s preparing his new album.
Could you tell us more about your beginnings in the industry and how you became a producer?
I was born in El Paso, Texas, but I was brought to Los Angeles when I was three years old. My dad is also a musician; he plays piano and keyboards. I also play music, specifically the piano, and then a bit of drums, bass and guitar. In ’89, ’90, my dad took me to a recording studio with a friend of his, and that’s where I started learning the engineering of recording and producing. During the ’90s, the quebradita movement exploded. I experienced that whole era: banda, norteño, mariachi. And over the years, [I continued] producing and recording that way.
Like in ’99, 2000, I met George Prajin with whom we started producing Jessie Morales El Original de La Sierra, Los Jilgueros [Del Arroyo] and other artists of that era. From there, we started working banda and norteña music. As the years went by, everything was changing, and evolving. Currently, like in 2018, we started with Prajin here in the studio, and in 2021, I began producing Peso Pluma and other artists that George handles. It has been a long process. We’ve been in the industry for a long time, but what happened with Peso was a complete game-changer.
Ernesto Fernández
John Rodríguez
Given this new chapter in your career, how did you experience the recent Mexican music boom along with the rise of Peso Pluma?
When it all started, one could hardly believe it. But what happens is that there comes a time when you’ve been working so long that sometimes you don’t even realize everything that’s going on outside. And just when you least expect it, they tell you, “Did you know that Peso is now global?!” and that’s how you start realizing, but you keep working and getting wrapped up in work, sometimes you don’t fully assimilate it. It wasn’t until I was informed about the Billboard [Latin Music] Awards when I was named Producer of the Year. That’s when you get it, you’re like: “Wow, this really is happening.” This movement does have an impact. You don’t realize it until you begin to look around and see how much impact the movement has had and what it has done. Many artists are behind it, including Nata (Natanael Cano) and Junior H, who opened the doors, and Peso took it to another level. It opened up the market further. It’s such a pride to be part of this movement.
After reaching No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs Producer chart and earning the Producer of the Year award, what’s next for 2025?
This coming year, we are going to release new music with new artists and try different things in an effort to broaden the genre in terms of different sounds and styles, and try to make regional Mexican music more global.
Doechii is gearing up to drop her rumored Comedy Central show, Denial Is a River, on Jan. 2, and she continued the rollout on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) by releasing another comedy sketch.
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The clip, which features Zack Fox and ScHoolboy Q, is fittingly titled “Can I Hit THat?” and opens with Q peeking through the door of a kitchen before lighting a joint on the stove. The scene then flashes to him in conversation at the table, with the “What It Is (Block Boy)” singer explaining, “Q, you know how I am. I’m an alpha female. It’s different for me. He does everything for me, he helps me set up the house. He doesn’t drink. He doesn’t smoke.”
Fox then arrives, immediately contradicting Doechii’s praises, asking ScHoolboy Q, “Woah, is that zaza?”
“You’re kidding. Comedian! He’s so funny,” Doechii noted, before Fox kept pushing for the joint, noting, “It’s the roach. I love when it’s the roach, and it’s almost done and it tickles your lip a little bit.”
At last, Fox asked one more time, “No weed?” before Q bluntly replied, “No.”
It’s been an exciting year for Doechii, who is coming off the release of her Alligator Bites Never Heal mixtape, which came in at No. 10 on Billboard‘s Best Albums of 2024 List. The Florida native’s rise also resulted in her jumping to No. 6 on the Hottest Female Rappers list for 2024 after not appearing on the first iteration earlier this year.
Watch the new Denial Is a River teaser below.
Ariana Grande is reflecting on a highly productive and successful year.
On Tuesday (Dec. 31), the 31-year-old pop star and actress looked back on 2024, sharing a series of nostalgic photos and videos. In her Instagram post, Grande highlighted some of the standout moments from the past 12 months, including the filming of her record-breaking musical movie Wicked and the release of her seventh album, Eternal Sunshine.
“a year full of art and heart,” the “We Can’t Be Friends” singer captioned the post. “thank you eternally for your love and support, words truly don’t suffice. i love you always and am wishing you a all a very happy new year !”
Grande’s carousel begins with a stunning shot of her “Sleeping Beauties”-themed look, worn at an afterparty following the 2024 Met Gala. The gallery also includes photos with friends and Wicked castmates, including Cynthia Erivo and Bowen Yang, along with a playful shot of her in a Catwoman-inspired outfit from her “The Boy Is Mine” music video. Several heartwarming pictures with her mom, Joan Grande, and brother Frankie Grande are also featured.
In her Instagram Story on Tuesday, Grande shared a mysterious clip showing her head tilted against what appears to be film equipment, with the caption, “to be continued…,” alongside a heart emoji. The image is reminscent of one of her Eternal Sunshine alternative album covers.
It’s been a monumental year for Grande. The two-time Grammy winner, who ranked No. 9 on Billboard’s list of Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century, scored her sixth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with Eternal Sunshine in March. Meanwhile, her new movie Wicked became the highest-grossing film ever based on a Broadway musical at the domestic box office, earning $634.4 million worldwide since its Nov. 22 release.
The year was rounded out with a milestone for her holiday hit “Santa Tell Me,” which reached the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10 for the first time since its release in November 2014. The track landed at No. 9 on the chart dated Dec. 28, after peaking at No. 11 in 2023.
The Recording Academy made Beatlemaniacs happy on Nov. 8, when The Fab Four’s “Now and Then” was nominated for two awards – record of the year and best rock performance. But only the two living Beatles — Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr — are nominated for those awards. John Lennon, who died in 1980, and George Harrison, who died in 2001, are not.
Because Lennon and Harrison have each been dead for more than five years, they cannot meet the Grammy test for “new recordings” – “material that has been recorded within five years of the release date.” There is precedent for this. Nat “King” Cole was not nominated when daughter Natalie Cole won record of the year and best traditional pop performance in 1992 for their studio-created duet “Unforgettable.” He had died in 1965.
Lennon’s last Grammy nomination was at the 1985 ceremony – best spoken word or non-musical recording for Heart Play (Unfinished Dialogue), a collab with Yoko Ono. The album, which reached No. 94 on the Billboard 200, consisted of excerpts from a Playboy magazine interview done shortly before Lennon’s death.
Harrison’s last Grammy nominations were at the 2004 ceremony, where Brainwashed, his posthumously released 12th and final studio album, was nominated for best pop vocal album. Two tracks from the album were also honored. “Marwa Blues” won best pop instrumental performance, while “Any Road” was nominated for best male pop vocal performance.
McCartney co-produced “Now and Then” with Giles Martin, the son of legendary Beatles producer George Martin, who produced the band’s four previous record of the year nominees, “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be.” Martin also produced McCartney’s one post-Beatles record of the year nominee, “Ebony and Ivory,” a 1982 collab with Stevie Wonder.
Both McCartney and Giles Martin are nominated for record of the year as producers of the single, as are eight engineer/mixers and a mastering engineer – but not John and George.
Bonus factoid: If “Now and Then” wins record of the year, McCartney will complete his sweep of the Big Four awards, though it will have taken him longer to do so than any other act in Grammy history. He won best new artist in 1965 (with The Beatles), song of the year in 1967 for “Michelle” (in tandem with Lennon) and album of the year in 1968 for The Beatles’ landmark Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
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Now that comic book fans have gotten their first sneak peak at James Gunn’s DC Universe with the release of the trailer for his Superman film, the rebooted films are getting another boost with its latest addition, and fans are rejoicing.
According to Variety, Jason Momoa has officially been tapped to play Superman villain Lobo in DC’s upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow film. For years, rumors have been running rampant that Momoa would be taking on the role once his ill-fated stint as Aquaman was over. Now, it’s coming to fruition, as aesthcallym the man is basically a carbon copy of the DC villain. Starring Milly Alcock (House Of The Dragon) as the titular character, the film is set to release after Gunn’s Superman: Legacy hits theaters in 2025.
Per Variety:
Craig Gillespie is directing the film, which also features Matthias Schoenaerts as villain Krem of the Yellow Hill and Eve Ridley as Ruthye Mary Knolle. Ana Nogueira (“The Vampire Diaries”) wrote the screenplay based on the run of DC comics by Tom King and Bilquis Evely.
Momoa confirmed the casting news on Instagram by sharing a quote from an interview with Fandango during the press tour for “Aquaman 2” where he discussed his longtime fandom of the character — an anithero known for his violent and irreverent personality.
“I collect comics, and I don’t do so much anymore, but he was always my favorite, and I always wanted to play Lobo, because I’m like, ‘Hello? It’s the perfect role,” he said in the interview. “I mean, listen. If they call and ask me to play him, it’s a fuck yeah. I haven’t received that call, so I don’t want to put any fake news out there, but if they ever call me and ask me to play, or ask me to audition, I’m there.”
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is set to release a year after Superman: Legacy, on July 26, 2026. James Gunn promises it’ll be much different than what they have in store for the Man of Steel come July 11, 2025.
“We see the difference between Superman, who was sent to Earth and raised by loving parents from the time he’s an infant, versus Supergirl, who was raised on a rock chip off of Krypton, and watched everyone around her die and be killed in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life,” Gunn said last year as he and Safran previewed the first 10 film and TV titles for the new DC Universe.
Looks like DC is finally ready to give Marvel a run for their movie money.
What do y’all think of Jason Momoa taking on Lobo in the DC Universe? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cardi B is in a New York state of mind. The Bronx native revealed on X over the weekend that she’s done with her Atlanta residence, and appears ready to unload the estate and settle down once again in the Big Apple.
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“My casa….. I don’t want it nomore tho,” she wrote in response to an X account complimenting her Georgia home with a photo of the castle-like mansion featuring a beautiful backyard pool.
Cardi then explained that she doesn’t enjoy living in Atlanta — where her estranged husband Offset is from — and prefers to be back in New York full time.
“I don’t like living in Atlanta ….i actually don’t like living nowhere else but NY,” she responded to a fan on X who asked why she no longer wanted the lavish home.
Cardi and Offset reportedly purchased the five-bedroom home in 2019 for more than $5 million. She also owns property in New Jersey and the Dominican Republic. The “Bodak Yellow” rapper filed for divorce from Offset for a second time over the summer. They have three kids together.
Though the Grammy-winning artist may no longer want the mansion, another musician may be interested. A blog reposted the photo of Cardi’s tweet of the Atlanta home, and it eventually landed on Rick Ross’ radar, who inquired about the mansion’s cost. “Asking price??” he wrote in the comments section.
Billboard has reached out to Cardi B and Rick Ross’ reps for comment.
The MMG mogul has quite the real estate portfolio himself, including the 109-room Fayetteville, Ga., estate that previously belonged to boxing legend Evander Holyfield.
Rozay also bought Meek Mill’s Atlanta residence for $4.2 million in 2023 after the property sat on the real estate market for more than two years. Meek’s former crib boasts a swimming pool, tennis court, movie theater and more to go along with the eight bedrooms and nine baths.
Bad Bunny released the music video for his latest single, “Pitorro de Coco”, on Tuesday (Dec. 31), just as everyone is gearing up for the New Year’s Eve festivities.
The video, directed by Benito Antonio himself and Robinson Florian, features the Puerto Rican star decked out in a baby blue suit, sunglasses and a winter trapper hat, in a festively decorated marquesina — a space traditionally used for social gatherings in Puerto Rico. The setting is vibrant — with hung straw hats, candles around, an occasional woman that stops by to twerk and a sign that reads “Aquí te espero Boricua” (“I’ll wait for you here, Boricua”) — however, Benito’s demeanor seems a bit down.
“Another Christmas in which I asked you/ Another Christmas that you’re not here/ Happy New Year but not so happy/ You got a kiss at 12 o’clock/ And it wasn’t me who gave it to you,” he sings melancholically.
The single, released Dec. 26, taps into the holiday spirit, named after a festive Puerto Rican rum drink and set to a jíbara rhythm, a genre rooted in Afro-Caribbean tradition. “Pitorro de Coco” delves into themes of loneliness and nostalgia during the festive season, with an interpolation from a song from Chuíto el de Bayamón’s Música Jíbara Para Las Navidades; the track was produced by MAG, Tainy and La Paciencia, with heartfelt lyrics penned by Bad Bunny.
This release follows “El Clúb” and “Una Velita,” and continues Bad Bunny’s trend of holiday drops, including X100Pre on Christmas, YHLQMDLG on leap day, Las Que No Iban A Salir on Mother’s Day, and El Último Tour del Mundo on Thanksgiving.
The single will be a part of Bad Bunny’s upcoming album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, set to release on Jan. 5.
Watch the video for “Pitorro de Coco” below:
