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DannyLux would run to the door every time he’d hear his dad get home from work. As a sanitation driver in the Coachella Valley area, “he would always find things and bring them home,” the 19-year-old singer-songwriter remembers. “He would find pans for my mom, or furniture that was completely new. And he would randomly find toys. He got home one day and I just see a guitar case in his hand and I’m like, ‘no way did he just find a guitar.’ He gave it to me and I immediately wanted to learn to play.”
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That was 12 years ago. Since then, DannyLux — who is part of a new generation of rising Mexican artists — has only honed his guitar-playing skills, after “begging” his mom to put him in guitar classes. Instead, she put him in the church choir and that’s where he learned to play “the basics.” The first song he ever learned to play was “Let It Be” by The Beatles. “My mom literally has a video of me singing it as a kid — I was like seven years old, and I have a huge guitar with my hand barely going over it,” the “Te Fallé” singer says.
It wasn’t until high school that he discovered Mexican music and his knack for songwriting. “I got kicked out of the school soccer team because of my grades,” he recalls. “It happened around when the pandemic started, so I would just go on TikTok and I’d hear a lot of Mexican songs and think, ‘These songs are sick, they sound so romantic.’ I decided to stick to music. I wasn’t the best at school and I wouldn’t get the best grades, so I wanted to at least do something right.”
In 2021, he hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin Songwriters chart thanks to “Jugaste Y Sufrí,” his collab with Eslabon Armado. Last year, Warner Music Latina signed DannyLux in a partnership with his indie label VPS Music. He’s set to make his Coachella debut on April 14 — a homecoming for the singer-songwriter, since he grew up in that area. Now, he’s also part of the 2023 Fender Next class, an artist development program designed to elevate rising musicians that are pushing guitar forward in music, alongside other emerging artists such as Yahritza Y Su Esencia,
“It’s crazy, because the next guitar that I got, after the first one that my dad found, was an acoustic Fender guitar one for beginners,” he says. “That’s the guitar that I mainly used to learn everything. I would take it to school and just randomly play for my friends. Honestly, it’s crazy to be part of the Fender Next program — it’s a blessing.”
According to Fender, in the last two years, 38% of 16 million new guitar players identify as Latin, “emphasizing the need for Fender and the industry at large to support and ensure players from all backgrounds have a barrier-free experience in learning guitar.” (The company also found that 58% of beginners use TikTok weekly or more frequently.)
Yahritza y Su Esencia broke out last year after they went viral on TikTok. Their debut single, “Soy El Único” debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Yahritza Martinez — the trio’s lead singer — the youngest Latin performer to enter the all-genre tally at 15 years old.
The sibling trio — a best new artist nominee at the 2022 Latin Grammys — is also part of the Fender Next program. “When I play my guitar, I am able to dream out loud,” Yahritza says in a statement. “I drift into a space that is just me, my guitar and my thoughts and it is a big part of how I roll these ideas out, when writing music.”
“Playing my bass has always helped me relax and helps keep my mind busy especially in tough times,” says bass player Jairo Martinez. “It inspires me to create new music and reminds me of how blessed I am to be talented enough to play such a beautiful instrument.”
The trio’s guitarist and songwriter, Armando Martinez, adds: “My guitar just makes me feel complete when I play it, like my best friend that I carry with me almost everywhere I go, especially on this incredible new journey as artists we are on! It’s also important to me because it’s gotten me through many hard times when I didn’t have anything else in life to look forward to. Learning new things on my instrument is really magic for me.”
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Anitta and Warner Music Group are parting ways, both parties announced in a joint statement the Brazilian star posted on social media on Tuesday (April 4).
“After eleven years of successful partnership, we’ve agreed to go our separate ways,” reads the post. “Anitta would like to thank the Warner Music team for all their support. And the Warner team wishes Anitta all the best in the future.”
Anitta signed with Warner Music in the U.S. in 2020 after previously linking with Warner Music Brazil in 2013. Under the U.S. contract, she produced Versions of Me, which was executive produced by Ryan Tedder. The trilingual album was recorded mostly in English with a few songs in Spanish and one in Portuguese. It included the hit song “Envolver,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Global Excl. U.S. chart and on Spotify’s Global list, making Anitta the first Brazilian artist to achieve either feat. Meanwhile, the self-directed video for the song claimed the top spot on YouTube’s Global Top Music Videos chart. It currently has more than 500 million views on YouTube.
The news comes after Anitta took to Twitter in March to say she would have “auctioned off her organs” to be let out of her Warner contract. “If there was a fine to pay, I would have already auctioned off my organs, no matter how expensive it was to get out. But unfortunately, there isn’t,” she wrote. “When you’re young and still don’t know a lot, you need to pay close attention to the things you sign… if you don’t, you could spend a lifetime paying for the mistake.”
It wasn’t the first time Anitta has complained about her relationship with WMG. According to Anitta, Warner refused to produce a video when they saw that the song’s performance on streaming platforms was falling below expectations.
“They only invest after it pays off on the internet,” Anitta said in an Instagram livestream in May. “Unfortunately, there are things I can’t get, that’s why I don’t buy millionaire cars, because when I want to do something, I pay for it.”
Recently, it was announced that Anitta has joined the Elite cast for season seven of the hit Netflix show.
The last time Los Temerarios performed in Chicago was in 2019 at the Rosemont Theater, which has a capacity of a little over 4,000. Since then, the Mexican grupero band hadn’t performed in the Midwest city due to the pandemic shutdown. But their return to the Chicago couldn’t be stronger, even more so than the 90 mph winds that threatened the area on Friday (March 31).
As part of their 2023 tour, Los Temerarios — led by brothers Gustavo and Adolfo Ángel — performed two back-to-back sold-out shows at Allstate Arena (capacity of 18,500), just a few miles from the Rosemont Theater where they last played.
“It’s a complicated night,” an emotional Gustavo, the band’s lead singer, said at the beginning of the show. “I was backstage and was hearing about all these alerts of winds, so we’re really thankful to all of you for being here despite all that. Chicago is special to us. It’s the second city we ever visited in the U.S. when we started working over here back in like 1985. Imagine what we feel to see this place packed. Thank you for all the love you’ve given our music throughout all these years.”
Adolfo, the group’s keyboardist and co-founder along with his brother, was less talkative throughout the set but got equally emotional thanking fans for embracing their music for so many years.
“Chicago brings back so many memories, and we’ve missed you all so much,” he added.
The band went on to serenade a sea of fans who sang along throughout the entire show, during which they performed all the oldies but goodies in the form of ballads, cumbias and pop songs. The setlist included “Enamorado de Ti,” “Tu Infame Engaño,” “Como Te Recuerdo,” “Tu Última Canción,” “Dímelo,” “Ven Porque Te Necesito” and “Te Hice Mal.”
During the more than two-hour set (they kept coming back after the crowd requested an encore three times), Los Temerarios proved their endurance with a high-energy and dynamic performance that had Gustavo working the crowd with jokes and quirky dance moves. But more than anything, they shined with timeless songs that showcase Gustavo’s high, expressive tenor. And, of course, Adolfo’s knack for writing lyrics on love and heartbreak that will live on forever thanks to fans who continue to take solace in these anthems.
Los Temerarios’ return to the live scene coincides with the band’s 40 years in music, which will be marked by a special edition vinyl La Colección (out in April) and will include 10 brand new songs. Overall, the romantic group, known for their wistful keyboard-heavy ballads, has notched 41 entries on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, 17 of which are top 10 hits, including four No. 1s.
“Staying relevant in this industry is not easy so we have nothing but gratitude for our fans, we feel very fortunate,” Adolfo previously told Billboard. “We’ve always had a great respect for this career that has given us so much that’s why we always give our best when it comes to our albums, our live shows, we make sure our production is top quality across everything we do. Our brother and I also have a mutual respect and admiration for each other, that’s been fundamental for us to keep going for so many years.”
Los Temerarios continue their tour — which launched in February in San Jose, Calif., in states such as Nebraska, North Carolina and Georgia before wrapping up April 22 in Missouri.
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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Vico C, “Pregúntale a Tu Papá Por Mi” (Age Muzik Dist. By Nain Music, LLC)
In a triumphant revival, Vico C unleashes “Pregúntale a Tu Papá Por Mi” — a nearly six-minute-long track filled with savvy punchlines and head-bopping rhythms. The comeback single, which translates to “ask your dad about me” and forms part of his first studio album in 14 years, is a reminder to old and new generations that he’s one of the pioneers of Latin rap (Vico kicked off his career in Puerto Rico in the 1980s). “Be careful!/ That it’s been a long time since I’ve sounded/ Because I’ve been like a bear in hibernation, and I’m no tired bull,” spits the artist born Luis Armando Lozada Cruz. “To the reggeatoneros that don’t know that when it comes to beats, I got more options than a street-vendor,” he later chants.
Backed by ‘90s hip-hop beats — charged with live drums and a record-scratch sound effect — Vico explains that the more than 10 years of silence represent over a decade of personal growth, and each wise verse is on “Pregúntale a Tu Papá Por Mi” reflects that. “This is not a moment where I say ‘despite everything, I got up again,’ but one where I say ‘despite everything, I kept walking […] the path was 14 years of growth that is projected today in the form of music… my music,” he expresses in a press statement. — JESSICA ROIZ
Gaby Moreno & Oscar Isaac, “Luna de Xelajú” (Gaby Moreno/Cosmica Artists)
The talented singer songwriter Gaby Moreno has drawn the renowned actor Oscar Isaac into music to serenade us with a touching interpretation of the Guatemalan classic “Luna de Xelajú”. The single is the lead track from Moreno’s upcoming acoustic album X MÍ (VOL. 1) to be released on May 5. In the song, the duet intertwines their voices to give a profound and soulful acoustic performance of the classic, written in 1944 by Paco Perez, which has become a second anthem of their country.
“Just two voices with two guitars, singing together this timeless, sweet, and nostalgic song from our motherland,” comments Moreno in a statement. For his part, Isaac comments, “My grandmother Graciela Argentina Nicolle de Estrada would perform ‘Luna De Xelajú’ in the concert halls of Guatemala. Growing up it was always hummed or sung as a lullaby by my mother Eugenia.” In the video, the artists are seen performing in an empty auditorium accompanied by acoustic guitars and owning their Guatemalan roots — not only through music, but also with their clothing choices. It ends with the phrase, “Con amor para Guate” (“With love, for Guate”). — LUISA CALLE
Yahritza y Su Esencia, “Nuestra Canción” (Lumbre Music/Columbia Records)
Siblings’ trio Yahritza Y Su Esencia have gifted fans a two-song project with the songs “No Se Puede Decir Adiós” and “Nuestra Canción.” The former, penned by award-winning songwriter Edgar Barrera (who also produced the track), is a departure for the Mexican-American act, not so much in the sense of its style — it’s still very much driven by raw acoustic guitar — but in it being the rare song from the young artists to not be written by the trio itself. Still, Yahirtza’s evocative vocals shine in this slightly more rhythmic track. The second song in the bundle, “Nuestra Canción,” written by siblings Armando and Yahritza, takes the trio back to its core somber sierreño sound and signature guitar solos — a bulletproof formula for the group. — GRISELDA FLORES
Becky G & Peso Pluma, “Chanel” (Kemosabe Records/RCA Records)
Becky G further demonstrates her genre versatility on latest release “Chanel,” featuring corridos tumbados newcomer Peso Pluma. With a voice well laid back, or bien tumbada, and an octave deeper than usual, the Inglewood star leaves the past behind her and pushes forward with lyrics that express better days ahead. “I will remember you forever in my life, baby/ And even though I know I’ll never be able to see you again/ And for that I love you, baby,” she remarks. Although Becky and Peso trade verses like two star-crossed lovers ready to move on, their desire for the nice things in life just might have been their undoing: “I took you to Chanel/ Also chose from Cartier/ And one day she left me/ To one day never to return,” he barks back against a snarling upbeat acoustic backdrop.
Peso Pluma is March’s Billboard Latin artist on the rise, and is one of the most exhilarating artists of the burgeoning regional Mexican movement, which incorporates a dash of hip-hop elements into more traditional corrido stylings. The song is Becky G’s first single from an upcoming all-regional Mexicano album she’s set to release later this year, with more collaborations to be announced soon. The Chicana hitmaker is also slated to perform at Coachella on April 14. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Emilia, “Jagger.mp3” (Sony Music Latin)
In her first release since her debut album of 2022 tú crees en mí?, Emilia offers a funky, upbeat dance floor banger inspired by the sounds of the early 2000s. Sprinkled with some English but written mostly in Spanish, “Jagger.mp3” is a steamy song that plays with different tempos and is reminiscent of hits by Ciara and Missy Elliott. “Lo que tengo de buena lo tengo de mala/ I’m, I’m, I’m bad bitch, ‘toy volando sin alas”, the Argentine artist sings. The music video, directed by Ballve, matches the style of the mp3 era, with vibrant colors and choreographies and trendy vintage vibes. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Below, stream Billboard’s New Music Latin playlist featuring other releases in Latin.
Emilia, Big One and Callejero Fino’s “En La Intimidad” extends its reign on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 song chart (dated March 25). With five weeks at at No. 1, it becomes the longest-leading song in 2023 thus far.
Karol G and Shakira’s “TQG” holds steady at No. 2 for a fourth week, encompassing its entire run on the chart. TINI’s “Cupido” remains at No. 3 for a third week, BM’s “M. A. (Mejores Amigos)” keeps at No. 4 for a second week., while, Lil Cake and Migrantes’s “Mercho,” featuring Nico Valdi, adds a second week at No. 5.
This week, Lolo Og, Callejero Fino and Alejo Isakk take home the Greatest Gainer trophy with a 59-rank surge as “Azote” rallies from No. 84 to No. 25.
Plus, La Joaqui and Alan Gomez’s “Amanecemos” notches the Hot Shot Debut of the week arriving at No. 42.
Elsewhere, Arcangel and Bizarrap’s first partnership “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 54” bows at No. 53. It’s the third simultaneous music session placed by the Argentinian producer on the tally, as “Vol. 53,” with Shakira continues at No. 6, while “Vol. 52, with Quevedo” advances 22-20, both which have ruled the chart.
Further, Mexican newcomers Yng Lvcas and Peso Pluma make their first visit to the ranking with “La Bebe” at No. 71. Meanwhile, Karol G collects her 31st entry as “Mientras Me Curo Del Cora” launches at No. 73.
Six other debuts arrive this week, starting with Eladio Carrión who places two tracks from his 3MEN2 KBRN album, which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart: “Coco Chanel,” with Bad Bunny, at No. 74 and “Si La Calle Llama,” featuring Myke Towers, at No. 91.
In addition, Luck Ra and Lit Killah’s “Cuéntame” joins at No. 90; Feid’s “Remix Exclusivo” is at No. 96; Alejo Isakk’s “3 en 1,” featuring Gusty Dj, is at No. 99; while David Bisbal returns with “Ajedrez” at No. 100.
After nearly four years together, superstar couple Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro announced their engagement on March 24 via their music video “Beso.” It was also the same day they dropped their first-ever joint project — the three-song EP RR.
After months of messaging each other on social media, the Spanish star and the Puerto Rican hitmaker officially met in person in 2019 at a Las Vegas hotel lounge during the Latin Grammys. It was love at first sight, the couple told Billboard for their cover story interview.
Since, the Rosalía and Alejandro have been each other’s biggest supporters on and off the stage. Before RR, the couple had subtly collaborated on previous projects. Rosalía sang backing vocals on “Dile a Él” from Rauw’s first album, Afrodisiaco (2020) as well as on “Corazón Despeinado” from Saturno (2022). Meanwhile, Alejandro co-wrote some lyrics for Rosalía’s “Chicken Teriyaki” from her Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning 2022 album, Motomami.
“In terms of collaborations, the big difference is you’re collaborating with the love of your life. At least, I am,” Alejandro shared with Billboard. Rosalía later added, “I’m lucky to be your partner, and I want to be there for you, sabes? And I feel you’re there for me, independent of the careers. For me, our relationship is first, and then there’s everything else. Of course my career is super important in my life, but at the same time, in my life, you’re my companion, and everything else comes second.”
Currently, Rosalía is on a 20-date festival tour, which kicked off at Lollapalooza Argentina on March 17 and includes shows at Coachella and Primavera Sound. Alejandro is on his ambitious 80-plus-date global arena tour, which kicked off March 4 in Tampa, Fla.
Read on for a complete timeline of Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro’s relationship.
November 2019: Meeting IRL
Image Credit: Kanya Iwana
After telling Billboard that they began exchanging Instagram DMs in 2019, the couple officially met in person at a Las Vegas hotel lounge during the 2019 Latin Grammys. “I was nervous, I’m not going to lie,” Rauw says. “Rosi came down and I saw her. I got even more nervous.” The couple also reveals in our interview that it was “100% love at first sight.”
2020: First Collaborative Efforts
Long before going public, the couple had subtly collaborated on each other’s previous projects; Rosalía sang backing vocals on “Dile a Él” from the Puerto Rican artist’s first album, Afrodisiaco (2020).
Later, she also did vocals on his “Corazón Despeinado” from Saturno (2022) and helped pen “Caprichoso” from Rauw’s EP Trap Cake, Vol. 2 (2022). Rauw also co-wrote some lyrics for Rosalía’s “Chicken Teriyaki” from her Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning 2022 album, Motomami.
September 2021: The First TikTok
On September 24, 2021—after a few paparazzi photos circulated the internet and much speculation that they were dating—Rauw and Rosalía posted their first TikTok video together on Rosalia’s account. In the clip, they are in a living room setting and are seen making a heart gesture with their arms to a viral sound. The clip has nearly 100 million views at time of publishing.
September 2021: Instagram Official
Image Credit: Courtesy photo
The next day, on Rosalía’s 28th birthday (Sept. 25), both artists shared never-before-seen photos on Instagram. “BlisssssSSSS, Libra, and blessed,” the Spanish singer-songwriter posted, along with photos in the arms of Rauw as he plays video games. On his Instagram, the “Todo de Ti” singer shared pics with Rosalia out in the ocean. “Even if the sun leaves, the day never ends with you. Happy birthday, bebe,” he captioned the post, referencing the heartfelt lyrics of his track “Aquel Nap ZzZz.”
November 2021: Red Carpet Debut
Image Credit: Isaac Buj/Europa Press via GI
On November 12, the new “it” couple made their official red carpet debut at Los40 Music Awards held in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Not only did they look adorable hand-in-hand, but later in the show, Rosalía presented Rauw with the best international Latin urban artist or group award and they smooched on stage. Rauw thanked his “beautiful girlfriend” for being his “muse.”
May 2022: First Hints of a Collab
During his panel at Billboard’s MusicCon, Alejandro talked about collaborating with Rosalía. “For sure, we have a few [things planned] in the studio already,” he confirmed. “It’s a surprise. Those songs are [under] extra security. We’re planning to do the release — I’m not going to say when, but soon. We’re doing it for the love of the fans and she’s my girl and I did those songs with more love. No. 1 for sure.”
June 2022: Engagement Rumors
Last summer, the couple took time from their busy schedules to spend quality time together in Greece — and many fans believed that Rauw popped the big question during the vacation. On their Instagram accounts, they were seen eating frozen yogurt, riding a bike around town, and enjoying a day out on the boat. Among the countless photos and Instagram Stories they shared, Rosalía posted a blurry photo of herself with a shot glass in hand and a bright diamond on her ring finger, making social media users believe they got engaged.
November 2022: Lovers at Latin Grammys
Image Credit: Christopher Polk for Variety
The couple was all cute and lovey-dovey at the 2022 Latin Grammys in Las Vegas. First, they walked the carpet together serving nothing but power couple vibes. Then, they danced reggaetón for viewers back home during Rosalía’s performance, followed by one of her many wins that night — that one for the coveted album of the year award — for her Motomami album.
“Many, many, many thanks. Motomami is the album that I’ve [most] had to fight for, that’s been hardest to do, but I kept going,” she said. “Thanks for always supporting my music, because my music is always changing,” she added, before launching into a long list of thank-yous that included her famous boyfriend, Rauw Alejandro. “Thank you to the love of my life. Baby, I love you,” she said pointing toward Rauw in the first row.
December 2022: New Year’s Eve in Japan
To close off a successful 2022 for each of their careers but also as a remarkable couple, Rauw & Rosalía spent their end-of-year holidays in Japan. On since-deleted stories posted on Instagram, we saw the couple singing songs by Daddy Yankee and Cher at a karaoke spot, and also spending New Year’s Eve with new couple Christian Nodal and Cazzu, along with other friends.
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March 2023: The EP, The Engagement, The Cover
Image Credit: Pili Vila Tobella
Come Spring 2023, the couple are going stronger than ever. They dropped their EP RR with tracks “Beso,” “Vampiros,” and “Promesa.” In the official music video for the former — following a joyous collage of beautiful moments the couple has spent together during their three-year relationship traveling the world — teary-eyed Rosalía flaunts her engagement ring. And on March 29, Billboard unveiled its Touring Issue, with both Rauw and Rosalía in their first joint cover, where they opened up about their relationship like never before.
On International Women’s Day (March 8), Billboard released a list of 21 powerful Latin women collaborations that included team ups between Karol G and Shakira (“TQG”), Ana Bárbara and Paquita la del Barrio (“El Consejo”) and Yuridia and Ángela Aguilar (“Qué Agonía”). Before Women’s History Month wraps up on March 31, we’re asking readers to vote for their favorite collaboration that’s featured in the roundup.
The list also includes unapologetic bangers, such as iLe and Ivy Queen’s latest track “Algo Bonito” and Ptazeta and Villano Antillano’s “Mujerón,” as well as ultimate breakup songs, such as Becky G and Karol G’s Hot Latin Songs chart-topping anthem “MAMIII.” There’s also a couple of joints that are all about reflection and finding your self-worth after a toxic relationship, such as Kany García and Mon Laferte’s “Se Portaba Mal” and India and Goyo’s “Nubes Negras.”
Representing regional Mexican are powerhouses Yuridia and Aguilar who delivered the epic “Qué Agonía,” a heartfelt ranchera where both admit their own faults in a failed relationship — but recognize that they still love their ex and are asking for forgiveness.
With this song, included in her first Mexican Music album Pa’ Luego Es Tarde, Yuridia scored her first top 10 song on the Latin Airplay Chart in 16 years. For Aguilar, the Edén Muñoz-produced track provided her third straight top 10 on the all-genre tally which launched with the No. 5 high “Dime Cómo Quieres,” with Christian Nodal, in 2021.
Below, make your vote count and choose your favorite Latin women collaboration.
Natti Natasha is set to make her hosting debut at the 2023 Latin American Music Awards. The “Sin Pijama” singer will co-host the awards ceremony — which will broadcast live on April 20 — alongside Julian Gil and Galilea Montijo.
“I’ve never shied away from living new experiences, and tackling new challenges,” Natasha tells Billboard. “Hosting an award show is something new and exciting for me. It gives me a way to connect with a live audience and those watching at home, and celebrate with them our culture and passion through what we love … música!”
The Dominican artist adds that she’s already preparing for the big day. “The work begins now! In the next weeks, I look forward to working with producers, creatives, wardrobe and production as a whole to ensure we give audiences an evening to remember.”
Natti Natasha is also up for three awards this year. She’s nominated in the categories best artist – urban, best collaboration – pop/urban and collaboration of the year for “Mayor Que Usted,” with Daddy Yankee and Wisin & Yandel.
This year, Bad Bunny leads the list of nominations with 11 nods, including artist of the year, song of the year and album of the year. The Puerto Rican star is followed by Becky G and Daddy Yankee, each with nine nominations; and with eight nods each are Grupo Frontera, Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, Romeo Santos and Rosalía. Carlos Vives and Pepe Aguilar will be recognized as 2023 Latin AMAs Legacy honorees.
This year’s nominations are based on streaming, sales, radio airplay, tours and even social media interactions data provided by Billboard and Luminate during the eligibility period (Feb. 12, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2023).
Under the theme “Somos un Movimiento (We Are a Movement),” the 2023 Latin AMAs will celebrate Latin music’s “finest,” as well as play tribute to “today’s most influential and iconic” Latin artists, as voted by the fans. The eight edition of the Latin AMAs is set to broadcast live on Univision, UniMás, and Galavisión from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 20 at 7pm ET.
From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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Los Tigres del Norte give back
Mexican supergroup Los Tigres del Norte announced that they’ve teamed up with venue SAP Center, in San Jose, Calif., to donate partial proceeds from the band’s upcoming hometown show April 1. The donations will benefit Local organizations Ayudando Latinos a Soñar and Hijas del Campo, who aid area farmworkers in the aftermath of recent floods and the Half Moon Bay shooting.
“It has also been important to us to show our gratitude by giving back to the community,” the norteño ensemble said in a statement. “Farmworkers already face many hardships in daily life and we could not stand by when so many people close to home have had to face these additional horrible events. We also encourage more people to join us once again in supporting this hardworking, but underserved community.”
Maná’s Alex González to be honored
Drum Workshop presented Alex González, Maná’s legendary drummer, with a DW Collectors Series Icon Snare, as a tribute to the musician. The snare drums, created by DW drum designer John Good, “pay tribute to some of the most iconic drummers in the history of rock,” according to a press release. Each snare is sized and configured to reflect the snare the artist plays and features an inlaid design made from “exotic wood veneers.”
“I am very happy and excited that my icon snare drum will be able to help others that are in need, that’s why my charity of choice is Nariz Roja A.C. that helps and supports low income children with Cancer in Mexico,” González said. “Thank you DW and thank you to those who have purchased my Icon Snare for your support and help! Big Hug!”
J&N Records receive special award
Executives Juan Hidalgo and Nelson Estévez received the Premio Soberano Especial from the Dominican Republic’s Asociación de Cronistas de Arte (ACROARTE). The special award honors their “productive” career as label executives and owners of J&N Records, which the brothers launched in 1981 in Queens, New York. Some of the artists they’ve worked with include Monchy & Alexandra, Tito Rojas and Johnny Ventura, among others.
“Thank you ACROARTE and to the many artists who’ve been with us for 43 years working for music,” Estévez expressed as they received the award at the Teatro Nacional in Santo Domingo.
Laura Pausini said “I do”
After 18 years with her partner Paolo Carta, Laura Pausini is a married woman. The longtime couple said “I do” on Wednesday (March 22) during a surprise wedding ceremony. The singer-songwriter and the Italian producer married in the city of Solarolo at Pausini’s parents’ house. Pausini and Carta exchanged vows with an original song “Davanti a Noi / Frente a Nosotros” penned by both. They then shared the special moment on social media.
Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro are engaged
Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía revealed that they are engaged in their “Beso” music video, from their three-track joint EP RR. The clip features a collage of moments the couple has spent together during their three-year relationship. At the 3:15 minute mark, a teary-eyed Rosalía appears flaunting her diamond ring while holding the box on the same hand. “Oh my god, and my mascara is all runny now. I love you,” she says before kissing her now fiancé.
Three songs to celebrate their three years as a couple. On Friday (March 24), Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro dropped their highly-anticipated joint project, RR, featuring three songs: “Beso,” “Vampiros” and “Promesa.”
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The EP — which marks the first that the couple recorded songs together — arrives after both artists had hinted at a potential collaboration. In November, the Spanish superstar teased that they had been in the studio together without revealing much. “We’ll see, we’ll see,” she added.
Meanwhile, Alejandro also talked about collaborating with Rosalía during his panel at Billboard’s MusicCon back in May. “For sure we have a few stuff in the studio already,” he confirmed. “It’s a surprise. Those songs are [under] extra security. We’re planning to do the release, I’m not going to say when, but soon. We’re doing it for the love of the fans and she’s my girl and I did those songs with more love. No. 1 for sure.”
Previously, the couple had subtly collaborated on each other’s previous projects; Rosalía sang backing vocals on “Dile a Él” from the Puerto Rican artist’s first album, Afrodisiaco (2020) as well as “Corazón Despeinado” from Saturno (2022). He also co-wrote some lyrics in Rosalía’s “Chicken Teriyaki” from her Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning 2022 album, Motomami. She also lent her pen on “Caprichoso” from Rauw’s EP Trap Cake, Vol. 2 (2022).
Alejandro kicked off his Saturno World Tour last month in the Dominican Republic, and will continue his trek in cities such as New Jersey, New York and Chicago. Most recently, Rosalía was recognized as Producer of the Year at the Billboard Women In Music awards. The Spanish idol, who had one of the most successful tours of 2022 with Motomami, will be performing at Coachella in April.
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