BBLatin

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.
Music 101 in Puerto Rico

SESAC Latina and Rimas Publishing joined forces to produce Music 101 in Puerto Rico on Thursday (Aug. 24). According to a press release, the event was an effort to “empower and educate songwriters and producers with the necessary tools to succeed in the music industry.” Featuring six panels, the topics ranged from the significance of a performing rights organization, the role of a publisher and creative and legal assessment, among other topics.

“We are thrilled with the results of Music 101 in Puerto Rico. We were looking forward to bringing back this seminar and what better way to do it than at one of the hubs for Latin Music. Our gratitude goes to Rimas Publishing for their invaluable support in making this event a real success,” said Celeste Zendejas, vice president of SESAC Latina. “We remain committed to fostering the development of the music industry ecosystem in Puerto Rico and in the region, therefore events like Music 101 are necessary to educate the new generations and those who want to learn how to navigate this industry,” added Emilio Morales, managing director of Rimas Publishing.

Becky G Announces New Album

Mexican-American star Becky G has announced the name of her upcoming album, which will be her first Mexican music set. During her performance in New York on Friday (Aug. 25), as part of Citi Concert Series on Today, the “MAMIII” singer said her album’s new name is Esquinas and went on to explain what inspired the title. “I have always identified as not this side or that side of the streets that raised me but the corner where two flags, two cultures, two languages meet,” she said. Becky G is set to kick off her first-ever headlining tour Sept. 14 in Boston. See the tour dates here.

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2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards Finalists

Mexican music star Peso Pluma leads the list of finalists for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards, with 21 nods across 15 categories including Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Global 200 Latin Artist of the Year, and Top Latin Album of the Year. His collaboration with Eslabon Armado, “Ella Baila Sola,” is up for six awards, including Hot Latin Song of the Year, Global 200 Latin Song of the Year and Sales Song of the Year. And his hit with Yng Lvcas, “La Bebe,” competes in five categories, including Hot Latin Song of the Year and Latin Rhythm Song of the Year.

Following Peso Pluma are Bad Bunny and Grupo Frontera with 15 nods each. For a second year in a row, Karol G is the female artist with the highest number of entries on the list of finalists. The Colombian star has 13 nods.

See the complete list of finalists here.

Grupo Frontera at the Zócalo

Viva México! Grupo Frontera is set to help celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a special performance at the Zócalo — the country’s most important public square — on Sept. 15. The Texas-based group joins a long list of national and international artists who have set foot in the second-largest public square in the world. Musicians such as Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber, Shakira and the late icon of regional Mexican music Vicente Fernández, among many others, have performed at the Zócalo.

The attendance record for free concerts held in the so-called Primer Cuadro in the Mexican capital is held by the Argentine rock band Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, which achieved the milestone of gathering 300,000 people on the night of June 3.

Nicky Jam’s Scholarship

The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation has awarded the Nicky Jam Scholarship to 19-year-old Dominican Pianist Leomar Cordero. The award was granted during a special presentation with the reggaetón Puerto Rican hitmaker on Thursday (Aug. 24) in Miami, Florida. “When I received the news, I could not believe this was happening to me!,” Cordero told Billboard Español. “I feel very fortunate to have been selected for the Nicky Jam Scholarship and very happy at the same time to see that all my hard work is yielding results.”

The four-year scholarship holds a maximum value of $200,000 and it will allow Cordero to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music in Boston starting this fall.

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

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Luis Fonsi, “Pasa La Página (Panamá)” (Universal Music Latino)

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Luis Fonsi’s new single “Pasa La Página (Panamá)” fuses funk with electric guitars and electronic keyboards. The catchy track is inspired by the common phrase “turn the page” and was produced by by Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo (the team behind “Despacito”). Fonsi explains to Billboard Español that the phrase serves as a reminder to those stuck in a moment or a phase, and keep talking about the same thing, that “life is too short to keep dwelling on the same old things. Let’s move on!”

“Pasa La Página (Panamá)” is the second single from Fonsi’s upcoming album Viaje, which will trace his journey in music. The new song’s music video, created and directed by Carlos Pérez, follows a person who is constantly in the public eye, with a focus on microphones and cameras. – INGRID FAJARDO

Manuel Turizo & Grupo Frontera, “De Lunes a Lunes” (La Industria Inc./Sony Music Latin)

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If “La Bachata” and “El Merengue” are any indication, it’s no surprise that Manuel Turizo is diversifying his sound one single at a time. This time, he teams up with Grupo Frontera — no, not for a song called “La Cumbia,” but rather “De Lunes a Lunes.” Produced and written by Edgar Barrera, the slow-tempo norteño track finds Turizo and the sextet group chanting about a heartbreak so severe and unfair that it has them drinking from Monday to Monday.

“This song speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and the lengths we go to numb the pain,” Turizo says in a press statement. “Collaborating with Grupo Frontera has allowed us to channel these emotions into a powerful and relatable track.” “De Lunes a Lunes” is also the surprise sixth track on Frontera’s debut studio album El Comienzo, which peaked at No. 4 on the Top Latin Albums chart and No. 2 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart. — JESSICA ROIZ

Maluma, Don Juan (Sony Music Latin)

Maluma has been a “Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy,” a “Papi Juancho,” and now, he’s a “Don Juan,” per the title of his new album. It’s a set that the Colombian star describes as “magical,” and far lighter than its more emotional predecessor. “I want to go out and listen to the whole album in a club,” he told Billboard. Certainly, there’s much of that in down and dirty club tracks like “Ave María” and “Luna Llena,” the latter with Ryan Castro. But Maluma shines brightest when he veers into unexpected territory: “Bikini” is a refreshing, lovelorn, mid-tempo track with 60s vibes, “Según Quién,” is a guitar-anchored waltz with Carin Leon that turns the tables on the concept of spurned women — and if you want to get your reggaetón in, our top choice is the old-school “Nómina” with Jowell & Randy. — LEILA COBO

Myke Towers, “Bajo El Sol” (Warner Music Latina)

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Still riding high from his global hit song “Lala,” Myke Towers delivers an equally catchy and magnetic new track titled “Bajo El Sol.” Powered by a trap-like beat, the Puerto Rican singer and rapper uses his lyrical prowess to win a girl over. Singing over sensual melodies and head-bobbing drums, Myke Towers confidently chants, “Yo te quiero ver bajo el sol (I want to see you under the sun).” The track follows a handful of Myke Towers single releases, including “Kiki” and “Hora Cero.” Earlier this year, Myke released the eclectic set La Vida Es Una, which peaked at No. 9 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart. — GRISELDA FLORES

LOUTA & Elsa y Elmar, “Diamante” (LOUTA)

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The Argentine singer-songwriter LOUTA fuses his alternative pop with the “spiritual pop” of the Colombian singer-songwriter Elsa y Elmar to create “DIAMANTE,” a song about happiness. The theme echoes that the often-elusive happiness is not pursued or found on the outside, but is within each one. “Away from the eyes of others/ There was a diamond, it was hidden, it was back there,” they affirm in the contagious chorus.

The video, set in a house with design, shades and lights that recreate a vintage style, shows the two artists performing in different rooms, and accompanied by a live band. The repeat-worthy collaboration between the two artists feels organic, and with the mix of all the elements of both the song and the video, they manage to evoke that feeling of contentment and peace. — LUISA CALLE

Gian Marco & Rubén Blades, “Aún Me Sigo Encontrando” (Enjoymusic Records)

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For the first single of what will be his 17th album, Gian Marco recruited Panamanian salsa master Rubén Blades, achieving a rich fusion of their musical styles. Honest and nostalgic, the song talks about the sometimes-painful path of self-discovery in order to live a genuine life. “Look deeply inward/ With all that that implies/ Life does not replicate/ Brave those who go to meet it,” the Peruvian singer-songwriter narrates in the first verses, before breaking into song. “So many times I got lost, and I still find myself,” both artists repeat in the chorus.

“‘Aún Me Sigo Encontrando’ encapsulates reflections from a distinct period in my life,” Gian Marco explains in a press release. “It extends an invitation to delve inward, an endeavor that few are willing to embark upon, as the song’s opening aptly suggests, due to the profundity it entails.” The music video, directed by Rodrigo Dulanto and Kenneth O’Brien, shows Gian Marco in different everyday scenes; Blades does not appear in it, but his voice is dubbed by people, including a child and a female senior citizen. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Edén Muñoz & Fuerza Regida, “La Tierra del Corrido” (Rancho Humilde / Street Mob Records)

“Esto no es moda, esto es cultura,” declare the heavyweight trio against an energetic corridos backdrop. Bolstered by a menacing accordion riff, “Mi Tierra del Corrido” also isn’t just a modern-day corridos single, it’s a mission statement where three generations of música mexicana giants unite to uplift the Mexican movement that’s taking over the culture. The legendary Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Sinaloense norteño-banda sensation Edén Muñoz, and Mexican-American hitmakers Fuerza Regida represent distinct corners of this ever booming norteño sound, and together they pay homage to Chalino Sánchez, tradition, heritage, and the new belikada lifestyle. Above all, it’s a tribute to the evolution of corridos, the century-old borderland style that came to notoriety during the Mexican Revolution of 1910.

“This song is very important to me because I am singing alongside legends like Los Tucanes and Edén Muñoz,” says Jesús Ortiz in a press release. Written by Muñoz, the song, in his words, “honors the stories that make history.” “Music is for living together, not for competing,” adds Mario Quintero. “So creating together is very beneficial for culture, history and for the genre.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.

Listen to this week’s New Music Latin playlist below:

Colombian superstar Karol G has officially kicked off her Mañana Será Bonito Tour, her first-ever stadium outing, named after her history-making fourth album. Karol began her trek on Aug. 10 in Las Vegas at the Allegiant Stadium. Then, on Aug. 14, she performed at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. In Los Angeles, stars […]

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Maluma & Carin Leon, “Según Quién” (Sony Music Latin)

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For his new regional Mexican song, Maluma is joined by Carin Leon, a leading force in the música mexicana realm. “Según Quién” highlights the fusion of two genres, creating pop-norteño with acoustic guitars and a trumpet that accentuates the song’s lyrics. Produced by Edgar Barrera, this new collab was co-written by Maluma, Barrera, Keityn, Lenin Yorney Palacios “Lexus” and Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño “Casta.” The song is a dedication to someone who mistakenly believes you still love them. “Tell the one who is informing you that you are being misinformed, and for them to inform you well,” Maluma croons. The track will be part of the Colombian star’s next album Don Juan, which is set to be released Aug. 25. — INGRID FAJARDO

Ha*Ash feat. Reik, “Te Acuerdas” (Sony Music México)

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Both Ha*Ash and Reik are known for their power ballads and heart-wrenching lyrics. A collab between the two powerhouse pop acts had been a long time coming, and today, they join forces to deliver “Te Acuerdas,” a soulful romantic song that stays true to their essence. The stripped-down track, powered by a piano and guitars, puts Hanna, Ashley and Jesús Navarro’s striking and evocative vocals at the forefront, as they sing about not being able to let go of a past lover. “Remember you loved me, do you remember, because I do,” they declare.

“It was a collaboration that we knew our fans were waiting for,” sisters Hanna and Ashley (Ha*Ash) said in a statement. “We had been wanting to do something with our little brothers from Reik for a long time. We’ve shared a record label for a long time and we’ve practically grown up together. We wanted a song that represented both of us and ‘Te Acuerdas’ is one of those heartbreaking songs that both their fans and ours love.” — GRISELDA FLORES

Mon Laferte, “Te Juro Que Volveré” (Universal Music Group México)

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It wasn’t supposed to be the first release of Mon Laferte’s next album, but “Te juro que volveré” became an unanticipated new single in recent days when it was leaked. Narrated by an unknown voice, which could be her own (just distorted), the “simple” cumbia — as the Chilean-born artist describes it — is a slow, deep, sad song about a young woman who leaves her hometown to pursue her dreams, and her promise to her mother to go back for her as soon as she could.

“This story is my story,” says Mon Laferte in a press release, noting that, in her case, her mother was actually her grandmother. “I juggled through a lot to be here in Mexico for years. Just a year after my grandmother died, things started to go well for me, so I was never able to fulfill that promise.” The song is accompanied by a captivatingly dark visualizer in which Laferte, wrapped in what a appears to be the flags of her native and adoptive countries, sings from her own grave while being honored with a cholo dance and flowers. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Carlos Vives & Juanes, “Las Mujeres” (Sony Music Latin)

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Colombian superstars Carlos Vives and Juanes come together in a folkloric tribute to women on the song “Las Mujeres”. In this new vallenato-pop version of the classic vallenato authored by “El Cantor de Fonseca” Carlos Huertas, the compatriots celebrate the beauty and plurality of all the races and subcultures that make up the Colombian idiosyncrasy. The theme — which was created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Vives Clásicos de la Provincia album released in 1993 and included in the sequel to volume II in 2009 — incorporates the rock touch of Juanes, who opens the song with his electric guitar and in the video, the two of them sitting enjoying a cup of coffee. “What can we do with women, because they finished me off,” highlights the very Colombian expression in the chorus.

The video shows women of different races, ages, and professions, from indigenous people from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta like the talented accordionist Ati, to the Vallenato singer Lupe with her accordion, “the queen of BMX” Mariana Pajón, models, doctors, pilots, dressmakers, and philanthropists. It also highlights the coffee line of the renowned Juan Valdez brand “Mujeres Cafeteras” in a true tribute to the diversity and power of Colombian women. Recorded on a stage that represents typical Colombian towns, it ends with a colorful mural in honor of “Las Mujeres,” created throughout the song by the talented graffiti artist Ledania. — LUISA CALLE — LUISA CALLE

Anitta, Funk Generation: A Favela Love Story (A Republic Record / UMLE)

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Picking up steam from her viral “Funk Rave” reverie, Anitta arrives with a sweltering carioca funk trilogy: Funk Generation: A Favela Love Story. On the three-track release, the Brazilian superstar brings all back to her favela foundations, unleashing a no-holds-barred fête with two new bangers, “Casi Casi” and “Used to Be.” Bolstered by an arresting baile funk beat, the former trilingual cut sees the Brazilian singer in her most playful phase as she teases with flirty verses while the street party stays lit, as shown in the kitschy new music video. Meanwhile, “Used to Be” sees Anitta reminiscing on her adventurous, pleasure-seeking journey. The visual for the latter track will drop August 24. Bem-vindos à Funk Generation. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Los Ángeles Azules & Maria Becerra, “El Amor De Mi Vida” (Seitrack/UMG Recordings)

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In a first-ever collaboration, Los Ángeles Azules and Maria Becerra deliver “El Amor de mi Vida” (the love of my life). Produced by the group’s Jorge Mejía and Rodolfo Lugo, Becerra starts off showcasing her powerhouse vocals, backed by soft accordion and guitar melodies, before transitioning into an infectious cumbia sonidera and cumbia villera fusion. Composed by Becerra alongside Horacio Palencia, Andy Clay Cruz and Nina Mínguez, the track narrates the story of a person who’s all-in with love. “Let’s go far away/baby, tell me yes/I’m ready to love you, if not, forget about me/give you my kisses all night/and tell you, if you didn’t know, I want to make love but make you the love of my life,” the Argentine singer chants.

The music video was filmed in Argentina and stars Becerra’s actual family members. “They [Los Ángeles Azules] have been the soundtrack of my house and family parties, and that is what we wanted to reflect in the video with my family being part of it because we feel that it is the essence of the song,” Becerra says in a press statement. — JESSICA ROIZ

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Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.

After hitting No. 1 Billboard‘s Latin Songwriters chart early on in his career, releasing back-to-back EPs and making his Coachella debut in April, DannyLux has built a confidence that’s allowed him to be limitless for his debut album. In a span of nine months, the música mexicana artist wrote DLux, an eclectic 17-track set that thrives on a collection of styles including bachata, EDM, pop and his signature guitar-driven sad sierreño sound.
The 19-year-old from Palm Springs winds through love and loss, singing ultra-melancholic songs with a glimmer of hope puncturing through. “I was going through a lot of things in relationships when I was writing this album,” he explains. “That’s why some of the songs are really sad and some are happy.” The heartbreak theme is what makes DLux so relatable, but it’s the sound — inspired by an array of genres — that DannyLux (real name Daniel Balderrama) hopes will strike a chord with his fans.

“I didn’t really put any limits on myself,” he explains. “I’ve always approached my music that way but I used to be kind of scared. Now, I want to show the world that I’m finding my style and the real Danny. That is why I called this album DLux because when you order a meal if you get the deluxe it usually means the better version. DLux is the better version of me. I started realizing the people just want to hear you and who you are authentically.”

And he didn’t shy away from featuring new collaborators. While he taps Eslabon Armado for their fourth collab together, “Me Cambiaste,” DannyLux also recruits emerging acts such as Argentine singer-songwriter Yami Safdie and Dominican-American Melvin War. There’s also Pablo Hurtado from the Mexican trio Camila (“Zafiro”) and indie star Cuco (“Decir Adiós: Oye Narrador),” two artists DannyLux has long admired.

“I put so many emotions into this album,” DannyLux says. “I hope fans will enjoy it. I love how they’ve always supported me even when I try out new styles or genres.” He’s already working on the deluxe version of DLux, which he teases will include five new songs.

In the meantime, DannyLux breaks down five tracks from DLux, out today (Aug. 18), in his own words:

“Decir Adios: Oye Narrador” (with Cuco)

We literally made that song the first time we met. It was two years ago when I had a session with Cuco and I was, like, peeing myself, because I’ve always looked up to him. He truly changed the Latin indie scene. He was one of those pioneers. I remember I showed up that day to the session, we were getting to know each other and we randomly started writing this song. We recorded the whole demo, we stayed in touch. He then told me he wanted to use a part I sing in the demo for his album.

That song on his project is called “Decir Adiós” — and in my head, I was like “D–n, I still really like that original idea of the one we recorded before, the demo.” So that’s why in my album, it’s that demo, but we made a few changes to it. Mine is called “Decir Adiós: Oye Narrador”, because it’s mostly talking like a narrator. It’s like in a movie, when an actor starts talking directly at a camera or to the audience. It’s basically like that but in a song.

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“Ferxxo100”

I’ve always admired Feid and the way he writes. This song is so good, and then it turns into a reggaetón — I was like, “D–n.” I started thinking about it, and thought if I try to slow it down using the same lyrics and melodies but just slower, it might sound sick. I learned how to play it on the guitar, and I remember one day we were in Texas for a show and I was in the hotel room alone and I started playing it on the guitar — it sounded so cool. My engineer and producer was in the same hotel and I called him saying, “Bro, come to my room right now and bring your mics and your computer.”

We recorded the first demo just to see how it would sound, and it was sick. Later, when we were back home, we re-recorded it and put some final touches on it — like an electric guitar and literally the drums you hear in there, I recorded that part. I didn’t even know I knew how to play the drums. I actually just looked on YouTube quickly how to play a certain drums style, and that’s how that song came to be. I really admire how Feid writes. I hope he likes my version.

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“Mi Hogar” with Maye

It’s crazy, because when I started making my own music, I’d listen to her songs, and I was such a huge fan, I still am. When we were in the studio together for a songwriting session, it was unreal. I felt the same way I did when I met Cuco. I love her voice, and I thought, “If she sings this part, it would be awesome.” She was so nice and so down to be part of it. It wasn’t even a bachata at first — it was kind of like a pop song — but I wanted to add more bachata to the album so it became a very tropical song.

When we were writing the lyrics we were kind of stuck at first, we didn’t know what to write. You know when your laptop kinda goes into your screensaver after not using it for a while? The engineer had his computer and it went to his screensaver, which was a bunch of houses on the beach. So, the opener became “una casa frente al mar (a house in front of the beach).” I’ve become a fan of bachata recently. I love that genre. So much goes into that style, and it just makes you want to dance.

“La Lluvia” (with Jordyn Shellheart)

I had a writing session with Jordyn in Tennessee — and, to be honest, I didn’t know what to expect, because it was country artists. I’m always open to anything, and I thought, what if a sick song comes out of this? I’ll just try my best. I met her and she’s such a nice person. I started with chords for that song, and I thought it would be a good interlude in the album — because it’s so soft and calm, just so people could take a break and relax after listening to the other songs. When I first heard her sing “La Lluvia,” it was a crazy thing. Her voice is sick. We finished it that same day and that song is probably one of my favorites on the album.

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“House of Lux“

I’ve always listened to EDM and house music and I’ve always made random beats with that style. When I was making an album I was like low key I want an outro for it, instead of having an intro. And so I started making that beat and I thought I should add my vocals here and there. I just wanted to make a song that I would hear at a club, and I want this one to be played at a club with people singing and dancing to it. That’s my dream for this song.