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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.

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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

Stream the New Music Latin playlists below:

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.

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.
Juanes’ very own Fender guitar

Colombian star Juanes celebrated his birthday in a big way. The “Gris” singer unveiled his very own signature Fender guitar called the “Juanes Stratocaster.” The guitar features a custom “Luna White” satin finish, which is an ode to his first born daughter, Luna. According to a press release, all artist proceeds from the Stratocaster Guitar and the Juanes capsule collection will go towards Mi Sangre Foundation, Juanes’ philanthropic initiative.

“Nowadays, I feel that I only need this guitar and many ideas,” Juanes said in a statement. “My relationship with Fender began when I was living in Colombia. I decided to sell everything I had to buy my first Fender guitar and I came to the United States and recorded my first album. And today, I can say that we have a Juanes Stratocaster in Luna White. It’s a dream. I can’t believe it, I’m very happy.”

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Sebastián Yatra at the U.S. Open

When you receive a personal call from tennis star Carlos Alcaráz inviting you to the U.S., you pick up the call and accept. That’s what Yatra did when Alcaráz called him to ask if he’d not only attend but also perform “Vagabundo” at the Sound of the Open show on Aug. 25 in New York. “Let’s go,” responds Yatra. “But you’ll have to sing the song with me. Thanks for the invite. I’m excited to see you again.” Tickets to show can be purchased here.

Family trip

Mexican singer Mario Bautista was recently in Paris celebrating his abuela‘s 95th birthday. The special trip was captured on photos, which Bautista later shared on social media with an emotional caption. “We took my grandma to France for the first time to celebrate her 95th birthday, almost a century old and traveling the world with all her creations, sharing one of the most valuable moments that life has given us,” he wrote. “Thank you, beautiful life, cheers to you, for so many blessing and moments with my family. Happy birthday, grandma, we’re going for the 100.”

Shakira, Shakira

Colombian superstar Shakira is confirmed for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week, set to take place Oct. 2-6 at the Faena Forum in Miami. The global artist — who in May was named Billboard’s first-ever Latin Woman of the Year — will participate in an exclusive superstar Q&A. Shakira joins a star-studded roster for the five-day legacy event that will feature exclusive panels and conversations with hitmakers throughout the week. Other confirmed artists for Latin Music Week include Peso Pluma, Nicki Nicole, Maria Becerra, Grupo Frontera, Natanael Cano, Arcángel, among many others.

Registration for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week is now open at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Vicente Fernández’s upcoming new album

The musical legacy of Vicente Fernández continues to grow two years after his passing. In the years prior to his death, the greatest exponent of ranchera music recorded 200 songs that will be published in a series of albums. The first instalmment, Vicente Fernández Le Canta a Los Grandes Compositores de México, was released on Thursday. The set includes 20 songs by great Mexican songwriters of the 20th century. Ten of them are classics recorded for the first time by the Charro de Huentitán, as Fernández was also known, including “La Media Vuelta,” “Tú, Sólo Tú” and “A la Orilla de un Palmar.” 

Stream the album below: