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Luck Ra and Khea’s “Hola Perdida” holds steady at No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart (dated March 16) for a third week. It’s the longest-leading song for Luck Ra who last ruled the 100-deep tally through “Además De Mi (Remix)” for one week in 2021. FloyyMenor and Cris MJ’s “Gata Only” climbs […]
El Fantasma’s “El Exitoso” continues to find success on Billboard’s Latin airplay charts (dated March 16) as the track surges 5-1 on Regional Mexican Airplay and rallies 18-2 on the overall Latin Airplay tally.
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“El Exitoso” climbs 5-1 on Regional Mexican Airplay with a robust 72% gain in audience impressions, to 8.3 million, earned during the March 1-7 tracking week, according to Luminate.
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As “El Exitoso,” released last October via Afinarte, advances to the summit, it ejects “Por El Contrario,” by Becky G, Leonardo Aguilar, and Angela Aguilar, from the lead. The latter falls to No. 3 with a 20% drop in impressions, to 6.8 million.
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With the new success, El Fantasma captures his sixth No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay, which began when “Encantadora” took over the radio ranking for four weeks in 2019. Here’s a recap of all the champs:
Peak, Title, Artist, Weeks at No. 1June 1, 2019, “Encantadora,” fourAug. 14, 2021, “Soy Buen Amigo,” oneSept. 25, 2021, “Tus Desprecios,” with Pepe Aguilar, oneOct. 1, 2022, “Soldado Caído,” oneSept. 9, 2023, “La Vida Cara,” oneMarch 16, 2024, “El Exitoso”
Thanks to “El Exitoso,” Afinarte leads Regional Mexican Airplay for a second term in 2024, after the label last led through Los Dos Carnales’s “Gracias a Ti,” for one week in charge on the Feb. 24-dated list. The label picks up its 10th champ overall.
Beyond its Regional Mexican Radio reign, “El Exitoso” also conquers new territory on the overall Latin Airplay ranking, where it flies No. 18-2. With the rise, El Fantasma collects his 10th top 10 there, and achieves his best chart performance to date. Previously the singer-songwriter reached a high of No. 4 with “El Selectivo” in May 2023.
Nacho and Maffio each score a career milestone on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “No Es Normal,” with Venesti, reaches No. 1 on the March 16-dated ranking. With the new ruler, Nacho and Maffio achieve their first chart-topper since their maiden chart visits in 2017 and 2012, respectively. Venesti attains his second No. 1.
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“No Es Normal” rolls into the top spot, from No. 5 a week ago, thanks to a 21% gain in audience impressions, to 9.64 million, earned in the U.S. during the March 1-7 tracking week, according to Luminate.
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“Normal” was released Aug. 31, 2023, through AP Global and reaches the top slot on the overall Latin Airplay ranking in its 16th week on the chart. The song is one of 14 tracks from Venesti’s De La Nada album released Sept. 28, 2023.
With “Normal,” both Nacho and Maffio check into the penthouse for the first time. While Nacho surpassed the No. 3-peaking “Bailame” (November 2017), his best ranking thus far, Maffio bests his highest-charting entry to date, “No Tengo Dinero,” which reached No. 29 in Oct. 2013.
Venesti, meanwhile, captures his second No. 1 on Latin Airplay, and first through a collaboration. He previously ruled unaccompanied by any other act for one week with “Umaye” last October.
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Beyond its Latin Airplay command, “Normal” remains steady atop Latin Pop Airplay for a ninth week in charge. The song reached the pinnacle on the Latin pop radio ranking on the Jan. 13-dated tally when it earned the tripartite team-up their first No. 1 there.
Notably, out of the three, Nacho is the only act to have reached the top 10 on Latin Pop Airplay before “Normal.” He nearly missed the No. 1 slot when “Bailame” reached No. 2 in 2017. In between, the Venezuelan secured a second top 10 through another collab, the No. 7-peaking “Déjalo,” with Manuel Turizo in 2019.
Further, with nine weeks in charge on Latin Pop Airplay, “Normal” becomes the longest-leading song in 2024 so far.
Angela Aguilar and Leonardo Aguilar snatch their first No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “Por El Contrario,” their first pair-up with Becky G, soars 7-1 on the March 9-dated ranking. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The track, released via Kemosabe/RCA/Sony Music Latin, is one of […]
The legendary late Frankie Ruiz returns to the top 10 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay for the first time since 1998 — the year he died — thanks to his featured role on Victor Manuelle’s “Otra Noche Más,” which debuts at No. 9. It’s Ruiz’s seventh top 10, and Manuelle’s record-extending 65th. Explore See latest videos, […]
Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors spotlight a group of rising artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.
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Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered by scrolling on social media, networking, or coming across their music at a showcase, for example. See our February 2024 recommendations below.
Artist: Alessandra Aguirre
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Country: Peru
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Ever since she was a little girl, Alessandra Aguirre has been honing her vocal and songwriting skills by being part of competition shows like Perú Tiene Talento and American Idol. Most recently, she graduated from the Berklee College of Music. Her had work has paid off: The pop artist, who has an impressive vocal range, signed with indie label PJ Records (founded by duo Periko & Jessi León) last year. With synth-pop as her canvas, Aguirre’s mature and deep vocals take centerstage expressing a sense of urgency to get a message across in each of her songs. Her latest single “Contravía” is no exception: In it, the Miami-based singer-songwriter sings about giving it all in a relationship where the other person was not reciprocal. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song For Your Playlist: “Contravía”
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Artist: La Mau
Country: Venezuela
Venezuelan indie artist La Mau brings a sweet take to urban pop, with clean, romantic lyrics that nevertheless have personality. Signed to Swag Records and distributed by Glad Empire, La Mau sometimes is reminiscent of Karol G in sound and charm, but veers more romantic. With her girl-next door looks and disarming, down to earth videos, she is immediately relatable. — L.C.
Song For Your Playlist: “Solo Tú”
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Artist: Marcelo Rubio
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Venezuelan singer-songwriter Marcelo Rubio brings back that Latin singer-songwriter vibe of the likes of Ricardo Arjona and Alejandro Sanz, but with a contemporary lexicón that is delightful to listen to. In breakout track “Conversación Con Mi Ex,” a brooding, mid-tempo pop jam set over synth and keyboards, he chats with an ex girlfriend with earnest, beautiful language that also incorporates pop culture references seamlessly, and makes you sit up and listen. This is very impressive stuff for a 20-year-old — and labels agree; Rubio just inked a deal with Sony Music Latin. — LEILA COBO
Song For Your Playlist: “Conversación Con Mi Ex”
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Artist: Noreh
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: This 26-year-old singer and songwriter is already a rising star in his native Venezuela, but he’s an emerging artist beyond his hometown. In the albums he’s relesaed so far — including his debut LP Asocial (2020), the live album Nada Íntimo (2021)and Mucho TXT (2023) — he offers an eclectic taste that ranges from urbano music and ballads to bolero, salsa and bossa nova. Noreh has collaborated with established names such as Jay Wheeler, Nacho, CNCO, and Servando & Florentino, and is now starting his path to an international career. In mid-February he gave his first U.S. concert, in Miami, with fellow Venezuelans Joaquina and Ricky Montaner (from Mau y Ricky) among the attendees. On March 7 he’ll release BALADAS TATUADAS VOL. 1, an EP with songs that combine romantic and urban music, while he plans his next shows in the U.S. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song for Your Playlist: “El Día Que Me Odies”
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Artist: Reyna Tropical
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Dripping with succulent electronic textures, carefully plucked guitar, and hushed vocals, Reyna Tropical emerges as the project of guitarist, producer and singer-songwriter Fabi Reyna. Recent singles “Conocerla” and “Cartagena” serve as captivating harbingers of the project’s studio album debut, Malegría, out March 29 on Psychic Hotline. This title, a poignant blend of “mal” (sorrow) and “alegría” (joy), expresses the complex emotions of celebrating life amidst mourning the death of band member Nectali Díaz, known as Sumo.
Initially a collaboration between the two Mexican expats since 2018, the act has transitioned into one-woman endeavor. Rooted in the “duality between bad and good, bitter and sweet, grief and love, and death and rebirth,” like the press release says, Malegría claims a modern homage to diverse cultural legacies; weaving themes of queer identity, sensuality and love with Congolese, Peruvian, and Colombian rhythms. Drawing inspiration from Chavela Vargas and Manu Chao, Reyna’s artistry shines through her recent work. Earlier this year, the artist signed with WME for global representation in all areas. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Conocerla”
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Andrea Bocelli‘s Viña del Mar debut was a grand affair, and the Italian tenor was awarded not only with the Silver Gaviota but also with the Golden one on Monday (Feb. 26). With more than 110 musicians on stage, Bocelli opened the second night of the week-long event, the 63rd edition of Viña’s International Song […]
Christian Nodal is taking his mariacheño to Europe.
The Mexican singer-songwriter is set to kick off a eight-date European stint, as part of his Pa’l Cora Tour, that will begin June 28 in Zurich and visit other major cities including London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona and Milan. Nodal’s trek in Europe is a significant moment for regional Mexican music in general, and a nod to the globalization of the genre.
“When we performed our first concert in Madrid last May, at the WiZink Center, more than a goal a European tour was a dream and you, my fans, with that SOLD OUT ended up making it come true,” the 25-year-old artist said in a statement. “Thank you for loving my music as much or more than I do … I love you guys so much, see you soon, I will be visiting you in your city so we can dance, fall in love and also have a shot of Don Julio tequila in the name of heartbreak.”
Nodal’s Pa’l Cora Tour in Europe — a mix of theater, arena and festival shows — will follow his Foraji2 Tour, which he wrapped in December 2023. The 31-date arena run in the United States followed his 22-date 2022 Forajido Tour, which grossed $14.5 million and sold 147,000 tickets across 22 shows, according to Billboard Boxscore. In 2023, he grossed $21.6 million and sold 259,000 tickets.
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Most recently, Nodal won his sixth Latin Grammy taking home best ranchero/mariachi album for Forajido EP2. To date, Nodal is the soloist with the most No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, with 15 champs since the list launched in 1994.
The Pa’l Cora Tour in Europe is a JG Music production, Nodal’s father’s management, label and promotions company, in partnership with Spanish concert promoter Iglesias Entertainment. See the dates below for Nodal’s Pa’l Cora Tour dates in Europe:
There are certain qualities that turn a song into a soccer anthem. First, its sense of euphoria to match the game’s twists, turns and rollercoaster of emotions. Second, the song’s ability to get everyone on their feet. So, it makes sense that “Sacúdete” became the Major League Soccer’s (MLS) pick to soundtrack its latest Our Soccer Is Calling campaign spot.
The hypnotic electrónica track by Afro-Indigenous-Venezuelan producer and songwriter Gotopo alongside producer Don Elektron (of Mexican group Kinky) was an unlikely choice given that the song was released last year and Gotopo is a relatively newer artist. However, it was the song that caught the attention of the MLS.
“We fell in love with the energy of the song,” says Jesse Perl, MLS’ VP of brand marketing, who worked with indie label Waxploitation Records to license the track for the campaign. “We think it’s great to use our platform to work not only with an established superstar producer like Don Elektron, but also emerging artists like Gotopo. This year, we wanted to make sure that our commitment to Latin culture came to life through sound, it’s something we really wanted to be intentional about.”
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It’s not the first time that the MLS works with Latin acts for campaigns, Prince Royce and Miguel have been tapped in previous years, but this latest song and campaign captures the zeitgeist of the fútbol movement and excitement with the arrival of Argentine soccer icon Lionel Messi to the league.
“Something really interesting is starting to happen, like it did back with hip-hop and the NBA in the 90s,” explains Perl. “There’s this marrying of Latin music and soccer in such an organic way. Peso Pluma is coming to games with Dr. Dre. Then you have Bizarrap is going to games in Miami. There’s all these people who are fans of the sport and now our league.”
It’s also a direct reflection of the league’s fans. According to data provided by the MLS, the league has the youngest and most diverse fans among the major sports leagues in North America with 30% of the MLS’ fanbase being Hispanic and 69% of the league’s fans are Gen-Z and millennial.
“Our soccer is calling is this idea of it being an invitation to bring people who are curious to discover, and we’re fortunate that there’s more curiosity about our league than ever before.”
Watch the “Our Soccer is Calling” spot, soundtracked by “Sacúdete,” below.
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BMG announced on Monday (Feb. 26) an exclusive recordings agreement with the estate of the iconic Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía. In a partnership with the Paco de Lucía Foundation, BMG is set to release Pepito y Paquito, an album featuring 21 previously unreleased tracks by Paco de Lucía and his brother Pepe, in May 2024.
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“We are delighted that these very special recordings, completely unknown until now, will finally be released with BMG on such a special date as the 10th anniversary of Paco de Lucía’s departure,” representatives of Paco de Lucía’s Estate said in a statement. “These recordings are an extraordinary document that reflects the first steps in the career of Paco de Lucía and Pepe de Lucía, and they are already part of the history of flamenco.”
According to a press release issued by BMG, the recordings — which date back to 1959 and 1960 — give flamenco fans an insight into the “early musical endeavors” of Pepe and Paco at the ages of 13 and 11, respectively. AI was used to help restore the recordings from a vintage Grundig TK46 tape recorder.
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“I never thought these recordings would ever see the light of day, but thanks to the tireless work of the team that has been part of this process, the tapes have finally been restored and are ready to be released,” added Pepe. “When I listened to the tapes again, more than 60 years after their original recording, I couldn’t believe that those children were my brother Paco and me. It is a wonderful recording that brings back fond memories of the happiest time of our lives and serves as a fitting finale to our careers.”
“It has been a privilege to work hand in hand with Pepe de Lucía and the Paco de Lucía Foundation for more than a year to document, restore, and finally publish these tapes that showcase the genius of these two brothers who changed the history of music in Spain and around the world,” said Javier Doria, BMG director A&R Spain.
The deal comes on the heels of a Paco de Lucía Legacy Festival, which took place in New York from Feb. 20-24 commemorating the 10th anniversary of Paco de Lucía’s death. A historical figure in flamenco and a key figure in the globalization of the music, Paco de Lucía was honored by more than 30 flamenco artists at the four-day event.
L to R: Francisco Sánchez Gómez (Paco de Lucía) and José Sánchez Gómez (Pepe de Lucía) with their mother Lucía Gomes Gonçalves
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