Argentina
Like a bandage for the heart, Argentine singer-songwriter Yami Safdie teams up with multi-award-winning Colombian artist Camilo to release her new single “Querida Yo,” a sweet pop ballad loaded with incredible performance.
The new ballad is a tribute to personal empowerment and the hope of releasing the vulnerabilities we face by choosing to become our greatest strength, conveying the true message of the meaning of faith.
“It’s like a letter to myself,” Yami Safdie tells Billboard Español during an interview in Miami. “I do this a lot of spoiling songs on TikTok when I don’t even have them finished or recorded.” If I wrote something that I liked, I uploaded it, and that video went quite viral, many people connected.”
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Safdie continues, “Then I uploaded a story, and Cami saw it and told me: ‘What a beautiful song.’ And I’ve been following him for a long time; I admire him a lot; it was like, ‘Well, let’s do it together! It’s for you. “I invited him, and we finished it together.”
As a manifestation, the Argentine singer-songwriter visualized this collaboration in a certain way. For his part, Camilo tells how he connected to join this collaboration. “I found it to be a sincere, unpretentious way to have a conversation with yourself. I saw myself in that song, more than singing it, and as an artist, I was part of the song,” Camilo reveals. “I saw myself, my story, and my life in that song. I saw myself reflected. It is the power of the song, and it is very nice to see how it happened to me.”
For Yami, this collaboration is another dream come true in his career. Camilo also remembers some of the collaborations that he dreamed of at some point and that have occurred in his career. “I remember, for example, when I was in the pandemic, there was one day when Pablo Alborán uploaded a video, and he was singing a song of mine, and he told me, ‘Let’s make this song together,’ says Camilo. “And I was like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe it.’ Or when Shakira sent me a message and said, ‘I love this song,’ to see if I wanted to join in. Suddenly, those kinds of things don’t happen if you plan them. “It’s very nice when things happen in a real way.”
“But if I tell you the truth, my favorite moment in my life and career is this,” the Colombian singer-songwriter confesses. “I love doing this with Yami because it is also very important to see [the] perspective. “I see the future, and I see someone as talented as Yami.”
Five individuals have been charged in connection with the death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction singer who died Oct. 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, according to a public notice by Argentina‘s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office.
Those charged include hotel manager Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi, and Payne’s friend Roger Nores, all facing manslaughter charges. Additionally, hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz have been charged with supplying drugs. In Argentina’s legal system, prosecutors gather evidence for a judge to determine whether to proceed to trial. Judge Laura Bruniard has moved the case to the next stage, a decision the defendants’ lawyers may appeal. If the appeal fails, the case will proceed to trial.
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Court documents identify the suspects only by their initials. Payne’s friend, identified as “RLN,” is accused of manslaughter for allegedly neglecting his duty of care and abandoning Payne despite knowing of his impaired state due to substance abuses. Hotel manager “GAM” is also charged with manslaughter for failing to prevent Payne from being taken to his room under circumstances deemed hazardous. Chief receptionist “ERG” faces similar charges for allegedly instructing others to forcibly take Payne to his room instead of ensuring his safety.
“Payne’s consciousness was altered and there was a balcony in the room,” the judge said. “The proper thing to do was to leave him in a safe place and with company until a doctor arrived. The people responsible at the hotel that day were the manager GAM and the head of reception ERG.”
Judge Bruniard emphasized that while these individuals likely did not intend for Payne to die, their actions or inactions posed significant risks to his life. “They were imprudent in allowing him to be taken to the room and taking him there respectively,” he concluded. “They created a legally disapproved risk and Payne’s death is the concretization of that risk.”
If convicted, the manslaughter charges carry sentences of one to five years in prison, while the drug-supplying charges carry much harsher penalties, ranging from four to 15 years, according to the BBC. The judge ordered Pereyra and Paiz, the two individuals accused of supplying drugs, to remain in custody and appear in court within 24 hours.
Payne’s death was attributed to multiple traumas and hemorrhages resulting from a fall from the third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel. Toxicology reports revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine and prescription antidepressants in his system. Before the fatal incident, the head receptionist made two emergency calls — the first call reported a guest “trashing the entire room,” and the second raised concerns that the guest’s life “may be in danger.” Despite these concerns, the receptionist requested only medical services, not police assistance.
Last month, Payne’s funeral was held in Amersham in the UK. It was attended by his former One Direction bandmates — Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik — as well as his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and ex-partner Cheryl Cole, with whom he shares a son.
In our Latin Remix of the Week series, we spotlight remixes that the Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors deem exceptional and distinct. We might not publish a review every week. This is our selection today.
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Originally a poignant pop ballad, Tiago PZK‘s “Mi Corazón” undergoes a buoyant transformation in its latest remix. Joining forces with Tex-Mex sensations Grupo Frontera, this version not only continues to pay homage to La Mosca Tsé-Tsé’s iconic “Para No Verte Más,” but it also reinvents the wheel by splicing in lively cumbia rhythms, proving yet again that true artistry lies in innovation.
Together, they’ve infused some lyrical tweaks while preserving the original chorus, all while masterfully transforming the track into a cumbia that commands you to dance. Backed by the hallmark sound of güiros, accordion, requinto, and rhythm guitar, the song now pulses with an undeniable vitality.
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Accompanying the remix is a music video that places Tiago PZK and Grupo Frontera in a stark tableau of black cowboy rocker get-ups, boarding a train bound for the unknown. The video captivates with a vintage flair reminiscent of 1940s film noir dipped in warm sepia tones.
Selecting this week’s top remix was tough with contenders like “Mis Amigas (Remix)” by a star-studded roster Brray, Zion, Wisin, Jowell & Randy, Ñengo Flow, Maldy, Jory Boy, Gotay, Ñejo, and Luigi 21 Plus, with classic reggaetón samplings from Tego Calderón, Daddy Yankee, and Chaka Demus & Pliers. Also in the mix was ROA, De La Rose, and Luar La L’s “ETA (RMX)” featuring Yan Block & Omar Courtz, a simmering, seductive take on subtle trap. Elswhere, Dani Flow paired with Veracruz legends Grupo Climax for a fun rendition of “Mesa Que Más Aplauda (Remix).”
Yet, “Mi Corazón” stood out — not just for its deft blending of genres but for its ability to breathe new life into the soul of a song.
Watch the official video for Tiago PZK & Grupo Frontera’s “Mi Corazón” remix below:
Karol G sets a new record on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 as “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” rules for a 12th consecutive week (chart Dec. 7-dated ranking), the longest-leading No. 1 song in 2024. The song breaks from a tie with Valentino Merlo and The La Planta’s “Hoy” which dominated for 11 consecutive weeks, starting the July 6-dated tally.
Further, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” which added a 20th week atop Billboard‘s overall Latin Airplay chart on the current ranking, also enters a tie with Maluma and The Weeknd’s “Hawai” and Pedo Capo and Farruko’s “Calma (Alicia Remix),” for the fifth-most weeks atop the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 since its inception in 2018. Here is the recap of the songs with the most weeks at No. 1:
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Weeks at No. 1, Song, Artists, Peak Date25, “Tusa,” Karol G & Nicki Minaj, Jan. 11, 202016, “Entre Nosotros,” Tiago PZK, Lit Killah, Nicki Nicole & Maria Becerra, July 31, 202115, “La Bachata,” Manuel Turizo, Sept. 10, 202213, “Otro Trago,” Sech, Darell, Nicky Jam, Ozuna & Anuel AA, May 25, 201912, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” Karol G, Sept. 21, 202412, “Hawai,” Maluma & The Weeknd, Aug. 29, 202012, “Calma (Alicia Remix),” Pedro Capo & Farruko, Jan. 12, 2019
Rauw Alejandro adds a second song on the current chart as “Khé?,” with Romeo Santos, arrives as the Hot Shot Debut of the week, at No.55. The Puerto Rican also takes the Greatest Gainer honors with “Qué Pasaría…,” with Bad Bunny, which rallies 28 spots, from No. 56 to No. 28 for a new peak.
Five other songs debut below the top 50, starting with the bilingual “¿Cómo Pasó?” by Ela Taubert and Joe Jonas, at No. 76. It’s the first chart appearance for both the best new artist Latin Grammy winner and the American singer-songwriter.
Maluma adds his 38th entry as “Cosas Pendientes” starts at No. 84. Meanwhile, Argentinians La T y La M secure their 14 career visit with “Un Montón De Estrellas (Gran Rex)” at No. 84.
Lastly, Nicki Nicole breaks from a tie with Emilia for the third-most entries among women with 38 career performances thanks to two new debuts, “Forty” and “Sheite” which open at Nos. 88 and 97, respectively.
Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” orders an eighth round at No.1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart. The song, which became the singer’s fourth leader on the tally in September, extends the third-longest command in 2024, and moves to within three weeks of tying the second-longest domination this year. Only two other […]
As the last rays of sunlight illuminated the facade of CasaSur Palermo Hotel on Wednesday night, the first fans began to arrive. News spread like wildfire on social media: Liam Payne, former member of the boy band One Direction, had died after falling from a third-floor hotel room. The shock was immediate, and within hours, dozens of followers gathered at the makeshift shrine in front of the place where the 31-year-old British singer met his tragic end. Buenos Aires, the city that embraced him in life, was now bidding him farewell in death.
Payne, one of the voices that defined a generation of pop music, had arrived in Argentina to attend former bandmate Niall Horan‘s concert at the Movistar Arena, amid a resurgence of fame following his recent solo musical projects. However, no one could have imagined that this trip would become his final goodbye. The fateful fall from his hotel room left his followers engulfed in collective grief, which most are trying to process from the sidewalk on Costa Rica Street, where candles, flowers and letters have filled the scene.
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A vigil that never ends
“I can’t process it; I’m still in shock. He was a fundamental part of my childhood, he meant everything to me,” says 22-year-old Martina, one of the first fans to arrive at the makeshift shrine. With a trembling voice, she recalls the moment she first heard the British band: “I was in the car with my dad when I heard ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ for the first time, and from that day, I never let them go. From that moment on, their music became an essential part of my life. Every song accompanied me through different stages, from happy moments to the hardest times. It was as if they always had the exact words for what I was experiencing,” she continued. “One Direction was much more than a band for me; they were my refuge.”
The area in front of the hotel transformed into a space of catharsis for Payne’s followers. The pain is palpable, but so is the sense of camaraderie. Twenty-five-year-old Felicitas, wearing a Harry Styles shirt, arrived with flowers to pay tribute: “When I found out, I couldn’t process it. I felt like the world stopped for a moment. Everything he had meant to me crumbled in seconds. The idea that someone so present in my life was no longer here was devastating,” she says, tears streaming down her face. Like her, dozens of young fans gathered to remember the singer’s life, singing his songs and sharing anecdotes that connect them to the British artist.
Billboard Argentina
The Impact of His Death
Payne’s sudden death shook the entertainment world, especially among One Direction fans who had grown up listening to their songs. The group, formed on The X Factor in the U.K. in 2010, quickly became a global phenomenon. Their music became the soundtrack to the adolescence of millions of young people worldwide. According to Spotify, One Direction has more than 40 million monthly listeners on the platform, even years after their breakup. Songs like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life” continue to be anthems defining a generation.
Twenty-three-year-old Ludmilla explains it succinctly: “Every song was part of our story, a reflection of what we were living. They helped us feel understood, find comfort, and above all, connect with each other. They were not just a band; they were the thread that united us and accompanied us as we grew and discovered the world.”
The latest police report revealed disturbing details about the state of the room where Payne died. According to sources, pills, a nearly empty whiskey bottle, and other substances suggesting possible drug abuse were found. Investigations are ongoing, but these details have added another layer of tragedy to an already painful loss. The exact circumstances of his fall remain a subject of debate, but for the fans gathered at the shrine, the details matter less than the void he left behind.
The vigil on Costa Rica Street continues. Television channels broadcast live, but for the young women who remain there, the focus is on remembering the good times and bidding farewell to their idol with the music that united them. “I don’t know how I’m going to get through this,” says 25-year-old Candela, a Chilean fan living in Buenos Aires. With a notebook in hand, she wrote a letter now resting at the makeshift altar alongside flowers and photos. As the candles burn low and the noise of the city begins to envelop the scene once again, the words of one fan resonate in the air: “With his absence, he took a part of our existence.”
Billboard Argentina
While Karol G, Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma dominate the charts — and elevate Colombia, Puerto Rico and Mexico’s music scenes, respectively, to the world stage — a new wave of artists across other Latin American countries is also seeking, and earning, the spotlight.
Earlier this year, Chilean artists scored their first No. 1 Billboard hit since 1991 when newcomers FloyyMenor and Cris MJ’s viral reggaetón hit, “Gata Only,” spent 14 consecutive weeks atop the Hot Latin Songs chart — a feat that would have seemed impossible for the country’s thriving local urban movement just five years ago.
The new generation of Chilean artists has broken out in part thanks to star-studded linkups: Pablo Chill-E on Bad Bunny’s “Hablamos Mañana” (alongside Duki) in 2020; Paloma Mami on Ricky Martin’s “Que Rico Fuera” in 2021; and Cris MJ enlisting Karol G and Ryan Castro for his “Una Noche en Medellín (Remix)” in 2023. All of those tracks made major inroads on Billboard’s Latin charts.
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“We believe a lot in the Chilean market, as it’s experiencing an extraordinary exploitation of music that’s still very young,” says Emilio Morales, managing director of Rimas Publishing, which this year expanded its services to the country through a strategic agreement with Chilean-based label Wild Company, providing A&R services, artist development and more. “Our interest in signing Chilean artists is not just to sign them. We are looking for new horizons for them and for them to be consumed outside of Chile. We want to boost their music to European and international markets.”
Argentina’s music scene has also stretched beyond the country’s borders. Among the speakers during this year’s Latin Music Week, María Becerra recently recorded with Paris Hilton and Enrique Iglesias, and Luck Ra, an emerging act from Córdoba, teamed with Chayanne for a revamped version of his 2003 hit “Un Siglo Sin Ti,” which peaked at No. 15 on the Tropical Airplay chart in September, Luck Ra’s first entry ever on the chart.
“I love collaborating with artists from abroad,” the Argentine newcomer says. “I feel that everyone in their country grows up with different music, everyone has different rhythms in their blood, but the fact that people from different ages and countries listen to you is the most beautiful thing.”
As Chayanne puts it, the song is proof that collaborations across the Latin world help all the artists involved: “The song’s rhythm, so close to Caribbean beats, once again demonstrates the deep brotherhood of all Latinos, reflected in our cultural expressions, especially in music.”
During Latin Music Week, Morales will appear on the “Role of Music Publishers in Cross-Cultural Collaborations” panel, Luck Ra on Billboard Argentina’s “Entre Amigos” panel and Becerra in a conversation with Thalia on mental health.
This story appears in the Sept. 28, 2024, issue of Billboard.
It’s Valentino Merlo and The La Planta’s winning week on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart as the Argentianians first team-up “Hoy” dominates for an 11th consecutive week (list dated Sept. 14).
With the new week at No. 1, “Hoy” breaks away from a tie with “Una Foto (Remix)” by the all-star team comprising Mesita, Nicki Nicole, Tiago PZK, and Emilia, for the longest-leading song in 2024. Plus, it becomes the seventh-longest run at No. 1 on the almost six-year chart.
Here’s the recap of those longest-leading songs on Billboard Argentina Hot 100 dating back to its 2018 launch:
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Peak Date, Song, Artist, Weeks at No. 1Jan. 11, 2020, “Tusa,” Karol G & Nicki Minaj, 25July 31, 2021, “Entre Nosotros,” Tiago PZK, LIT killa, Nicki Nicole & Maria Becerra, 16Sept. 10, 2022, “La Bachata,” Manuel Turizo, 15May 25, 2019, “Otro Trago,” Sech, Darell, Nicky Jam, Ozuna & Anuel AA, 13Aug. 29, 2020, “Hawai,” Maluma & The Weeknd, 12Jan. 12, 2019, “Calma (Alicia Remix),” Pedro Capo & Farruko, 12July 6, “Hoy,” Valentino Merlo & The La Planta, 10
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Luck Ra and Nicki Nicole add a new top 10 to their chart career with “Doctor,” which arrives at No. 8 as the week’s Hot Shot Debut. While Luck Ra scores his seventh top 10, Nicki Nicole banks her 11th, tying with Karol G for the fourth-most among women. With 11 top 10s each, both trail Maria Becerra, who continues to lead with 28 top 10s, and Emilia and Tini, both with 18 top 10s.
Luck Ra also crosses off a new achievement, as “Hola Perdida (Remix)” with Khea, takes home the Greatest Gainer award, as the song flies from No. 92 to No.19.
Spanish artist Ana Mena earns her first entry with the Emilia collab, “Carita Triste” at No. 26. Meanwhile, Maisak’s “Se Me Olvida,” featuring Feid, debuts at No.45.
Below the top 50, seven other songs make its first chart appearance, starting with Salastkbron and Omar Varela’s “Dímelo Mami” at No. 56.
Elsewhere, Vilma Palma makes its maiden debut thanks to “Auto Rojo,” with Marama, at No. 75. Omar Courtz, De La Rose and Haze follow with “Kyoto” at No. 77, Q’ Lokura and La K’onga’s “La Última Granada” at No. 85, Lisas’ “New Woman,” featuring Rosalia, at No. 88, Ciro’s “Me Gusta” at No. 89, FloyyMenor’s “Tu Ta Rika” at No. 90, while Lira Música and Kingto’s “El Pronóstico” at No. 94.
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The Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas, or CAPIF, has released its 2024 music report, which analyzes last year’s music consumption in the country.
In 2023, the market grew by 8.2% compared to 2022 with a sustained revenue growth trend in the digital space. According to the 70-page report, the data reflects the predominance and prevalence of digital consumption in today’s music industry with audio and video streaming dominating the market with 75%.
Furthermore, the public communication rights, collected by AADI-CAPIF, make up 16% of the market, while physical sales, represented by CDs and vinyl account for 8%. Synchronization, which covers the use of music in advertising, films and television, accounts for the remaining 1%.
“The music industry in Argentina has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years,” wrote Diego Zapico, president of CAPIF, in the report. “From the explosion of urban sounds to the resurgence of traditional genres, the production of our music is leaving an indelible mark both nationally and internationally. The current state of Argentine music is vibrant and is full of challenges and opportunities, typical of this moment we are living in the country and globally … there’s a possibility of reaching the public through multiple platforms and formats.”
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While Argentine hitmakers like Maria Becerra, Bizarrap and Nicki Nicole have offered a global spotlight to the country’s burgeoning urban music scene, their music also fared well at home. According to the report, 53% of the music played in Argentina in 2023 was local repertoire.
The data also includes the top 10 songs from last year, which include Maria Becerra’s “Adiós,” “En La Intimidad” by Emilia, Callejero Fino and Big One, plus Ke Personajes’ “Pobre Corazón” ft. Onda Sabanera.
Read the full report in Spanish here.
Argentinian music sensation Paulo Londra has inked a deal with WME for worldwide representation, the company tells Billboard.
Since exploding onto the scene in 2019, the 25-year-old singer/rapper has been a dominant force in the Latin American music scene and is widely considered one of the pioneers of Argentina’s burgeoning trap movement.
Born Paulo Ezequiel Londra, he began his musical journey as a battle rapper in Buenos Aires’ El Quinto Escalón. Soon after, he released popular singles like “Relax” and “Condenado para el Millón” in 2017.
However, it was his 2019 debut album, Homerun, that catapulted Londra to international recognition. The album debuted and peaked at No. 12 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart and at No. 10 on Latin Rhythm Albums, with its hit single, “Adan y Eva,” landing in Spotify’s Global Top 10. Its music video currently boasts over 1.2 billion views on YouTube.
In 2022, the Córdoba-born artist released his second album, Back to the Game, under Warner Music Latina. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart and boasts collaborations with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Travis Barker, Timbaland, Feid and Duki.
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Adding another feather to his cap, Londra performed the official Latin remix for “The World is Yours To Take,” a song off the 2022 FIFA World Cup soundtrack, alongside Lil Baby and Tears for Free.
Most recently, Londra signed with indie powerhouse label Dale Play Records — home to producer Bizarrap, rapper Duki and urban/pop act Nicki Nicole — and is currently working on new music.
Additionally, plans are underway for Londra to embark on a global tour. He continues to be managed by Ignacio Amato and Cruz Pereyra Lucena from Buena Productora.