billboard latin music week
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.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, we came across at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami, which took place Oct. 14-18. See our recommendations this month below:
Artist: Alex Ponce
Trending on Billboard
Country: Ecuador
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: If you saw an artist wearing large light blue over-ear headphones during Billboard Latin Music Week, you may already be familiar with Alex Ponce. This Ecuadorian singer-songwriter has been making waves on social media with his videos. He used this year’s conference not only to meet new people and forge connections but also to showcase his latest single, “La Sin Sentimientos,” featuring Blanko. His style is impressive, blending elements of regional Mexican music with innovative electronic sounds, fresh vocals, and upbeat pop influences. This combination creates a vibrant sound that could easily become a new party anthem. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song for your playlist: “La Sin Sentimientos”
Artist: Dany Deglein
Country: Bolivia
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Dany Deglein, a Bolivian artist with a decade of solo career success in his native country, is reinventing his music after a transformative sabbatical into eco-tourism, according to a Mexican publication. His roots in the music of his native surroundings are evident in his pop fusions that feature traditional Bolivian instruments, like the charango. A standout track, “Mala,” celebrates this instrument — a small Andean guitar-like piece that usually has an armadillo shell for its body — in a festive song about empowerment after breakups. Deglein, who Billboard Español connected with during Latin Music week, is actively involved in humanitarian causes, utilizing his music as a force for social change. Deglein’s narrative and sound are both poignant and playful, securing his place as an artist to watch. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Mala”
Artist: Grupo Diez 4tro
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Grupo Diez 4tro, helmed by vocalist Jesus “Moreno,” was founded in 2020 in Sacramento, Calif. With its innovative and distinctive fusion of drill rap and Música Mexicana, Moreno brought to life a subgenre he dubbed “Drilla Corridos.” Some of Grupo Diez 4tro’s earlier and viral hits include “En El Refuego” and “Los Hermanos,” gaining traction in countries such as the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. After kicking off its music career, Diez 4tro unleashed three albums: Consejos de la Vida (2022), Blanco (2023), and Rojo (2023). In the midst of attending his first-ever Billboard Latin Music Week, “Moreno” dropped his latest single “Dile,” which captures a romantic corrido tune about falling in love with a girl and encouraging her to tell her parents that they will get married. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song For Your Playlist: “Dile”
Artist: L+U
Country: Venezuela / Italy
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Formed by Italian songstress Luisa Maggioni and Venezuelan artist Claudio Urdaneta (who also has German and Salvadoran roots), L+U is a husband and wife duo that goes beyond just a talented couple. Maggioni—who was a chorist for Phil Collins and participated in “The Voice Italy”—is a survivor of anorexia. Urdaneta—a studied musician who toured the world with Michael Franti & Spearhead—battled with depression when he migrated to the U.S. Today, after meeting in Miami and getting married in 2022, the duo is creating Spanish pop-rock music with purpose. “We channel our life experiences, along with our love for each other, into positive music that explores themes of mental health, resilience, and love,” the duo tells Billboard. “Our hope is that our songs can add something meaningful to the lives of our listeners.” — J.R.
Song For Your Playlist: “Espejo”
Artist: LI-C
Country: Cuba
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Cuban-born artist LI-C is a studied singer and musician, who after taking vocal classes and learning to play the clarinet, became a music professor herself. In Cuba, she formed part of a musical group, having the opportunity to take her talent to Asia. Now residing in Miami, the artist born Lisandra Rondon officially launched her music career this year with her debut album Mariposa (Butterfly). Sonically, the 12-track set helmed by hitmakers La Companioni and Nando Pro, laces LI-C’s captivating vocals with fusions of reggaeton, afrobeat, salsa, and pop. Lyrically, she honors her album’s name, singing about personal growth, self-love, and happiness. LI-C took full advantage at her first Billboard Latin Music Week, where she attended with her managers, networked with her colleagues, learned from this year’s panelists, and even asked a question during the “Billboard Ask Anything” panel. — J.R.
Song For Your Playlist: “Mi Propiedad”
Artist: Lulita (Alexandra Kirtchuk)
Country: Argentina/U.S.
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: With a privileged lyrical voice, Lulita — a New Yorker of Argentine-Israeli descent — fuses the sounds of her ancestors to create inspiring music. Graduated from the renowned LaGuardia High School, she studied international relations before moving to Buenos Aires to learn tango and folklore. With influences as eclectic as the Gipsy Kings, Buena Vista Social Club, Mercedes Sosa and Gilberto Gil, Lulita presents a truly interesting offering. She will release on Nov. 22 her first EP, Alexandra, with songs of the Argentine folklore and fragments of family interviews in Argentina and Jewish prayers in Israel. Meanwhile, you can listen to her on Spotify performing a song titled “song of simple things.” — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song For Your Playlist: “canción de las simples cosas”
Artist: Milo Campos
Country: México
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Milo is a Mexican producer and singer-songwriter who is making a name for himself in the music industry. He started his career as a songwriter for various artists, including Banda Los Sebastianes, Edwin Luna, and Luis “Potro” Caballero, among others in Mexico. Known for his unique storytelling through music, he released his solo album Lotería this year. This eight-track concept LP is inspired by the traditional Mexican game of Lotería, with each track corresponding to a specific card name, such as “El Valiente,” “La Sirena,” and “El Borracho.” The album features a blend of regional Mexican music, including huapango, trap, salsa, norteño, and even reggaetón, all written and produced by Milo himself.
Song For Your Playlist: “El Borracho”
Artist: Nathalie Blain
Country: Ecuador
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Nathalie Blain traveled from her native Ecuador to Miami to introduce her music project to colleagues and industry leaders. The emerging artist and professional dancer kicked off her singing career in 2023 and counts with five singles up to now. She’s also opened shows for Greeicy and Jorge Celedon. From her debut single “Si Te Hubieras Quedado” to her latest collaboration, “Contigo” with Andres Molina, Blain easily navigates different genres such as bolero, R&B, cumbia, and reggaetón. In her lyrics, she opens up about personal experiences that broke her but also shaped her. “I spent a lot of time repressing my emotions until music found me again and resurrected me little by little,” her Spotify profile notes. “Through music I let myself feel, I give myself over to the feeling and the emotion, I don’t resist and that frees me.” — J.R.
Song For Your Playlist: “Si Te Hubieras Quedado”
Artist: Nik Salazar
Country: Colombia
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I briefly met Nik last year during Billboard Latin Week 2023, and then in Puerto Rico, I had the opportunity to check out more on his music further at an event for Premios Juventud. I’ve been following his recent releases, and we caught up again during this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week. During that time, he met new colleagues and gained more insights into his career while continuously working on his music and projects. Nik started writing at the age of 11 and studied music in Bogotá, Colombia where he has been honing his songwriting skills over the years. One thing I’ve noticed about him, in addition to his incredible talent and charming charisma, is his determination to advocate for his project. His latest work, “Los Santos,” beautifully blends sensual pop with an urban touch, showcasing his sweet voice. — I.F.
Song for your playlist: “Los Santos”
Artist: Pedro El Rapero
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Without a doubt, Pedro El Rapero left a mark at Billboard Latin Music Week by creating an unforgettable moment during J Balvin’s Superstar Q&A. The 13-year-old took the stage during the panel to show the Colombian artist his rap skills, performing his infectious song “Retro 1.” Hailing from the city of Barquisimeto, the youngster already performed at the Poliedro de Caracas during a concert of El Alfa, a moment that opened doors for other performances in Venezuela, Argentina and Guatemala. A rapper but also a singer, and more than 250,000 followers on Instagram, he has released the five-song EP Alegría (2023) and has a new single titled “Hasta el final.” — S.R.A.
Song For Your Playlist: “Retro 1”
Artist: Steffania Uttaro
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: The 27-year-old singer-songwriter from Venezuela has already made some waves in the music industry, particularly in Argentina, where she currently resides. She was a semi-finalist on the third season of La Voz Argentina in 2021. Now, she’s looking to branch out and expand her reach, which is what led her to travel to the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week. Most recently, she released her debut album, titled Amor del Bueno y Del Otro También, which showcases her light yet wide-ranging vocals, and her versatile musical palette dabbling in ballads, pop and more rhythmic styles. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song For Your Playlist: “Veneno”
Artist: Zandú
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: With a pop-urban sound and a pleasant voice and cadence, Colombian-Venezuelan singer and songwriter Zandú achieved notoriety in 2020 with the song alluding to the pandemic “Qué Cosa Tan Loca,” after his concerts from the balcony for his neighbors lead him to appear on different international news programs (as documented in its music video). But Zandú started much earlier, singing at folkloric music festivals and also in a salsa and merengue band. Born in Pregonero, Táchira, and currently living between Venezuela and Switzerland, he has released singles including “Combinas Conmigo” with Felipe Peláez and the song about mental health “Esta Me La Dedico,” as well as an EP titled Exhala in 2022. His most recent release is Error de Lectura, a six-song set in which he fuses contemporary sounds with music from the 90s.— S.R.A.
Song For Your Playlist: “Vas a Ver”
The 35th anniversary of Billboard Latin Music Week reached its crescendo with a celebration at the official after party hosted by Bresh, dubbed “the most beautiful party in the world.” The event unfolded at M2 Miami on Friday (Oct. 18), encapsulating an ambience that appealed to all senses. True to its reputation, the traveling party […]
Yandel recruited colleagues and industry friends De La Ghetto, Dei Vi, El Coyote, and Roberto Andrade for the ELYTE: The Beginning and Future of the Genre panel at 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week on Friday (Oct. 18).
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Presented by Warner Music Latina, the reggaeton artists and executives talked about the booming success of Latin urban music. Below, check out some notable highlights.
The Beginning of Reggaetón
Yandel: “Like every artist, you have someone to follow and learn from. For me, one of the leaders was Vico C. I loved his musical style because it was commercial, he set an example, and he had lyrical content. Then I fell in love with perreo when there were duos like Baby Rasta & Gringo, Hector & Tito. I followed Daddy Yankee a lot. For me, reggaeton music was love at first sight. When I got to know that flavor and was able to write about what was happening in the streets, that’s when I fell in love even more. Reggaeton music is in its moment right now.”
Roberto: “I was working in radio in Colombia in 1997. I went to Bogotá to study and work at Tropicana Estereo, which was a salsa station, and I remember between 2002 and 2005, I was a DJ and the programmer would tell us ‘you’re going to play this hourly’ and it was “Gasolina,” “Rakata” or “Felina.” It was a reggaeton hit hourly on a salsa and tropical music schedule. Then they went to a crossover and ended up on a 100% urban music station. […] I want to thank the movement that happened in Panama and plant that great seed, but it was definitely the island, Puerto Rico, that internationalized it.”
The Present & Future
Dei V: “Artists like De La, Yandel and all those who came before me opened those doors. It’s a little easier for us with streaming, but if they hadn’t done it, we wouldn’t be here blessed the way we are. I’m not the only one. A lot of the kids who are coming out now have charged $5,000 for their first parties.”
Yandel: “I always identify with the youth. I always like to be where the youth is and what they are doing. It really catches my attention because they also respect me and I feel that they approach me with respect. For me that is a reward… that the new generation wants to record with me after so many years of working hard.”
Best Career Advice
De La Ghetto: “I always tell everyone to ‘study the greats’. I studied Wisin & Yandel, Yankee, Hector y Tito, Don Omar, Zion y Lennox a lot. From my perspective, when Wisin & Yandel came out, they were the first to make videos with Jessy Terrero, the first to see themselves as American artists. In the late 90s, early 2000s, we saw American hip-hop artists as impossible to get to where they were. These people [Wisin y Yandel] started to invest in their careers, not waiting for record labels, not waiting for anyone. That’s where the change in the genre took place because they made the genre more expensive in the sense of seeing us as the same as American artists. You have to invest in your career, in your image, your clothes, your creams at night. It’s part of your job. Image is everything… It’s a lot of work.”
Watch the full panel below:
J Balvin‘s Superstar Q&A at the Billboard Latin Music Week took a turn when a little hand in the audience went up, eager to get the Colombian hitmaker’s attention. Curious to see who it was, J Balvin called on the audience member and staff quickly handed him a microphone so that he could ask his […]
The 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week officially wrapped on Friday (Oct. 18) with a star-studded concert featuring Ana Mena, Belinda, Elvis Crespo, Floyymenor, Tito Double P and Young Miko.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The evening was hosted by Venezuelan comedian George Harris, who entertained the packed Fillmore Miami Beach with relevant music jokes, and even had a salsa karaoke sesh with the crowd.
Shortly after, Spanish artist Ana Mena kicked off the Billboard Latin Music Week 35th Anniversary Celebration with her sugary pop-dance tunes that included her viral hit “Madrid City” — and yes, a handful of people were spotted doing the ponytail trend during her performance.
Trending on Billboard
Straight from Chile, Floyymenor then took center stage to perform three of his tracks that are creating all the buzz on social media: “Peligrosa,” “Apaga El Cel,” and “Gata Only.” The latter of the three — which spent 14 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart — is a three-time finalist at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards airing Sunday (Oct. 20) on Telemundo.
Belinda, who earlier in the week formed part of the women’s panel at Latin Music Week, arrived wearing a baby blue satin dress and white knee-high boots. And while she oozed pop princess, the Mexican artist flaunted her fierce bélica era on stage, performing “Cactus,” “300 Noches” (her collab with Natanael Cano), and “La Mala.”
With just an acoustic guitar, Tito Double P (who earlier in the week sat down with Peso Pluma for a panel on the new Mexican music movement) helmed an intimate stripped-down performance that left the crowd wanting more. During his set, the corridos breakthrough star sung a couple of his hits, including “Escápate,” part of his debut album, Incómodo, which bowed at No. 2 on the Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums charts, and No. 20 on the all-genre Billboard 200.
The evening continued with the highly-anticipated performance by Young Miko, who pumped up the crowd with bangers such as “offline,” “Classy 101” and “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 58.” The Puerto Rican rapper and artist formed part of a Superstar Q&A at Latin Music Week, where she discussed her rising success. “In reality, if you think about it, social media growth is so abrupt, fast, and global that it can definitely seem like an overnight thing, social media-wise. But indeed, we have been making music since 2018, 2019, and about three years ago is when Young Miko really started to gain a lot of momentum,” she said at the panel.
Closing off the 35th anniversary celebration was global merengue star Elvis Crespo, who, joined by a live band and group of dancers, had the entire venue of all ages on their feet. Crespo performed timeless tropical tunes such as “Luna Llena,” “Nuestra Cancion” and “Tu Sonrisa.”
“I want to thank Billboard because in February of 1998, the people at Sony presented me for the first time at this conference. I’m enjoying this moment to the max, 26 years later. It’s an incredible path where through my dream and my passion for music, I have managed to develop stories of many people I meet on the street,” Crespo said, also thanking Billboard’s Leila Cobo for all the support, before finalizing with the all-time party classic “Suavemente.”
The air was thick on Wednesday (Oct. 16) with anticipation at Wynwood Marketplace as attendees of the Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 gathered for what was billed as Next Gen Reggaetón: An Evening Curated by J Balvin. The event, sponsored by Cheetos and part of a series entitled the House of Huella, promised to spotlight rising stars in the reggaetón genre: Omar Courtz, Saiko, and Dei V.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Little did the crowd know, they were in for a massive surprise. The night kicked off with fiery sets from fresh talents Omar Courtz, followed by Saiko and then Dei V, each bringing their unique flavors and rhythms to the eager audience. Yet, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when J Balvin himself took the stage, unannounced, sending an electrifying charge through the crowd.
Dressed casually yet strikingly in a white T-shirt and light blue jeans, Balvin — with his hair in cornrows — looked every bit the reggaetón titan he is. He opened with “Mi Gente,” a global hit that normally never fails to pump up the volume. Despite a brief hiccup with the audio system at the very start, Balvin’s charisma and energy quickly overcame the technical glitch, and he had the crowd dancing with fervor.
Trending on Billboard
His performance of “Doblexxo,” a hit from his latest album Rayo, originally featuring Feid, was particularly riveting. Balvin delivered the song with such passion and precision that it arguably surpassed the recorded version, resonating deeply with the audience and confirming its place as a new reggaetón classic.
Not content to rest on his laurels, Balvin also dipped into his reservoir of revered hits. Tracks such as “I Like It” and “Reggaetón” had attendees shouting lyrics in unison, while his rendition of “Tata” showcased the potent Latin drill style that has been captivating the urban music landscape. Furthermore, collaborations such as “Loco Contigo” and “Con Altura” reminded everyone of Balvin’s versatility and global appeal.
Later on, Saiko joined the Colombian artist to perform “Gaga,” Dei V on “La Noche” and last but not least, Omar Courtz jumped in to deliver heady verses with J Balvin on “En Alta,” all from his latest album.
The event underscored J Balvin’s role as a torchbearer for the genre. His ability to bridge the old with the new, all while promoting the next generation of artists, testified to his influence and dedication to the music that has shaped his career.
Earlier that day, Balvin participated in a Superstar Q&A during the Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 panels.
Watch his opening set below:
Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.
Hip-hop legends N.O.R.E. (who rose to fame with duo Capone-N-Noreaga) and Fat Joe teamed up for a riveting conversation about the intersection of Latin and hip-hop during the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The chat, moderated by Jesús Triviño, senior director of industry relations and global Latin culture and content, TIDAL, centered on the similarities between reggaetón and hip-hop and their role in taking the genre to mainstream in the United States.
Below, some of the best quotes from The Intersection of Latin and Hip-Hop panel:
Trending on Billboard
N.O.R.E.: On when he first heard reggaetón. “I was in Puerto Rico and I had a party that I thought I sold out but it was Tego Calderon’s show and he didn’t show up. I heard reggaetón and was like what is that it? It sounded like ‘boom boom mami mami.’ I was like is that Spanish reggae? Everywhere in Puerto Rico they were playing it. Radios in New York weren’t playing it so I was like how do I change this? So I kept asking DJs to play it [on the radio]. I thought the was best way to help this music was to sacrifice myself.”
FAT JOE: His interaction with El General. “Vico C he wasn’t reggaetón, he was hip-hop and because of him I heard El General from Panama. I tried to charge El General once for [something] and he cursed me out. It was through him that I first heard reggaetón, then Puerto Rico had its explosion and the guys who paved the way were Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Tego, Ivy Queen, Wisin y Yandel.”
FAT JOE: On similarities between reggaetón and hip-hop. “Hip-hop is the birth of everything. If you want to learn something here is that hip-hop started everything. A lot of the things that you see in reggaetón and Latin hip-hop we’ve seen it already, from fashion to flows, right now it’s latin trap and trap comes from Atlanta, hip-hop and reggaetón they’re side by side.”
N.O.R.E.: On the impact of “Oye Mi Canto.” “Never in a million years people would get behind that. When you listen to that track, you become Latino for three minutes. Label records didn’t want to get behind that record but they did when it got 500 spins. I can say that the first reggaetón on MTV was mine. First reggaetón track on BET was mine. Daddy Yankee left ‘Oye Mi Canto’ out of a documentary he just released and I don’t know why. I sacrificed my own community for it.”
Fat Joe: On recording to reggaetón. “They used to offer me millions of dollars to do reggaetón but I was hip-hop, I couldn’t do that because it would seem like I was a wannabe. But I’ll do whatever for him (N.O.R.E.). I was like, ‘You sure you wanna do reggaetón?’ And he was like, ‘I love the way they feel, it makes me feel more of my Latino side.’ I was like alright I’m with you. And he was legendary. I always worked with reggaetón artists. I was behind this mixtape called Boricua Guerrero but some people say, ‘Oh Fat Joe didn’t embrace reggaetón’ when I put the reggaetón guys on that mixtape. We’ve been embracing reggaetón since day one.”
N.O.R.E: On his place in history when it comes to reggaetón. “When I started doing reggaetón, I had to fly out to these artists and it was a great experience. Back then R. Kelly was doing a gospel album and I thought, maybe it’s my turn to test my creativity. I claim it was my doing when reggaetón came to America.”
The 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.
J Balvin, Billboard‘s current cover star, spoke with Billboard‘s chief content officer Leila Cobo for a Superstar Q&A on Wednesday (Oct. 16) during Billboard Latin Music Week 2024. He spoke about his vision on the future of reggaeton, the power of collaborations and the importance of mutual support in difficult times.
Here are the best ten quotes from the Colombian superstar:
About A Great Day With J Balvin: “[The series] is really about sharing with artists, public figures, and getting them out of their comfort zone. Talking about topics that normally no artist talks about— their fears, their concerns. I don’t know how I did it, but I managed to get a lot of information out of them about their spiritual and mental health situations. With Jimmy Butler, Demi Lovato, Anitta and Brooklyn Beckham.”
Trending on Billboard
About collaborating with new talents: “Since I started [my career] I have always loved collaborating with new artists. It’s not something that’s just happening at this stage of my life. [When I started] I always wanted the opportunity that gave me that thrill to collaborate with [established] artists that could allow people to get to know me. So, I want that to happen for others, to be able to share in that dream of elevating their careers; to serve as a medium, without any interest of absorbing what they do.”
About Latino Gang: “My mindset has not only been about José or J Balvin, but about the general Latin culture, with Latino Gang. That our culture continues rising, that we are present, that in places where before we did not have the opportunity to sit, now we [are seated at the table].”
Explosion of Latin music: “Now there is a movement in Colombia with artists from different urban genres, trap, drill, dancehall, afrobeats, reggaeton. Now there is indeed a movement. Before in Colombia there were very few. The first ones who had the opportunity to get that exposure in the United States… at the beginning I was alone. Not because I was the best; simply because I worked and I was allowed to be one of the first to open the door for reggaeton [in the United States].”
About his friend Karol G: “Carolina is a person to be admired and highly respected. I had the opportunity to see all her process, all her patience and resilience to endure until her time finally came. I always had faith that this moment would come, and she knows it, and I think it has just begun. There’s a lot more to do. She is definitely the woman who strongly empowers everyone, not only women, but all the people who dream and say it can be done.”
About Colombian reggaetón: “We didn’t have a map, but we had a desire. Obviously reggaeton came from Puerto Rico. [In Colombia] we had Juanes, Carlos Vives, Shakira, but in the end, it’s a completely different genre. We lack a reggaeton artist that represents Colombia. We don’t have one. And I saw the opportunity to achieve that.”
About his downfall: “After that storm that fell on me, that earthquake, well here we are, stronger and more mature than before. We have had so many No. 1s non-stop, for a long time. I felt like, I was laughing, ‘why does all this happen to them, and nothing happens to me?’ And then, when it happened to me, I said: ‘Ah! Okay, I wasn’t the exception, it happens to me too.’ And that learning served me a lot, it helped me to know who my friends are and who are not, to give myself more to my family, to my wife, to my closest friends, accompanying me at the time of darkness.”
About his latest album Rayo: “Thank God, that I can make music, not out of necessity, as we did before, but being able to do it from another point of view and from another situation. It allowed me to connect with that inner child and enjoy the music without caring if it sells or not, but what makes me happy.”
About Coachella, extraterrestrials, and Will Smith: “I have always been very fanatical about extraterrestrial life, it makes me very curious. And I, wanting to revive my inner child, decided on that concept. I explained to Will Smith, from artist to artist, that the alien was part of the original concept. We both had our problems. The greatness of a person cannot be overshadowed by a few mistakes. I am not going to judge Will Smith for his mistake. You cannot erase the legacy that man has made.”
Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional
NMIXX made history Wednesday (Oct. 16) at Billboard Latin Music Week, where they became the first K-pop act to participate in the event by being part of the exclusive K-Pop Goes Latin with NMIXX panel on how the Asian genre has exploded in the Latin market and its future in Spanish.
The female sextet, composed of Haewon, Kyujin, Sullyoon, BAE, Jiwoo and Lily, exuded charm onstage as they spoke — through a Korean interpreter, in English and some Spanish — about their taste for Latin music, their desire to participate in Latin American festivals such as Viña del Mar in Chile or Presidente in the Dominican Republic, and their desire to collaborate with stars like Rosalía, J Balvin, Gloria Estefan or Danna.
“I really like Rosalía’s music. That’s why it would be great to collaborate together someday, please, please!,” one of the members said sweetly in Spanish, drawing loud applause from the audience.
Trending on Billboard
During the conversation moderated by Billboard deputy editor Lyndsey Havens, they said that last year they were at Kamp Fest in Mexico and were “very impressed” by the “passion and hospitality” they received from their fans in the Aztec country. They also noted that they have found a great cultural affinity between K-pop and Latin music, and that they are studying Spanish to continue expanding their relationship with their fans in the region and even record in Spanish.
They premiered a fragment of a Spanish version of their song “Soñar,” which they sang a cappella. And in a lovely surprise, they also performed the chorus of Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” with a beautiful arrangement of harmonies.
NMIXX made its explosive entry into the K-pop scene in February 2022 and has been making waves globally ever since. In March 2023, their debut EP, expérgo, earned them their first entry on the Billboard 200 chart (No. 122). His third single, A Midsummer NMIXX’s Dream, surpassed one million copies sold. And his second EP, Fe3O4: BREAK, released in January 2024, cemented his growing dominance in the industry by reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. The EP also debuted at No. 2 on World Albums and No. 171 on the Billboard 200.
Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.
Mexican music star Pepe Aguilar took the spotlight at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week for an Icon Q&A, in conversation with Billlboard‘s Leila Cobo.
The “Por Mujeres Como Tú” singer spoke at length about his iconic career, legacy, his family dynasty — he is the son of regional Mexican royalty Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre — and why, after being signed to major labels at the beginning of his career — he decided to go and stay indie.
Pepe Aguilar will receive the Hall of Fame Award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will broadcast Sunday (Oct. 20). Below, the 8 best quotes from his Icon Q&A:
Trending on Billboard
On being a workaholic: “I’m a workaholic, what can I say. But the last 20 years of my life, I had dedicated myself 100% to guide and focus on my kids’ careers. I thought I was still doing my thing but I was very focused on them. Now that they are on their own, I will return to focus on my career. I believe in discipline, I believe in work and gratitude in the work culture.
What his new single “Cuídamela Bien” is really about: “It was not dedicated to my son in law (Christian Nodal), but I think it is about a moment in my life. Of course it has to do with my daughter and her wedding. It is something totally new for me, I had never experienced that. After 20 years of being with your child, suddenly bye, it is a life experience that had not touched my life, what better than to express it through music, you already fulfilled as a father now it’s her turn to live her life.”
Ángela Aguilar & Nodal being a power couple: “I love it and I told Christian, if you get to be together, who else is there like you two in Spanish-language music. Christian never ceases to amaze me, for good, I can see the love he has for my daughter.”
His passion for music and business, and passing it on to his children Ángela and Leonardo Aguilar: “I eat, I dream of music, the spectacle and I don’t plan on doing anything else. I don’t know if I’ve been doing this the right or wrong way but I’ve always been involved in everything. In fact the cover art of ‘Cuídamela Bien,’ I did it on chat GPT. I produce my records, I design my shows, I pay for my jaripeo shows, that’s how I taught my children too and now with me, they are the same. They’ll say, ‘Dad this is my idea, whether you like it or not.’ They are doing their life according to how I educated them.”
Going and staying indie: “I once got out of a record deal through a lawsuit, I beat them, owing them 12 albums, and I got out. People would say, ‘He’s ungrateful’ but there’s more context to that case. They did not do a good job for me. Now I sign different deals but none with exclusivity, only licenses.”
His bucket list: “To take my jaripeo-style show to Europe, and not only to Spain, is a goal that seemed unattainable, and also to take it to Asia. Mexicanidad has no borders, the folklore of each country has no borders. I am going to do cumbia, tango, vallenato, flamenco, albums and visualizers, with different artists. It may be one of the most important projects but my jaripeo-style show is one of my greatest achievements, my father would have been happy and proud.”
On his family dynasty: “My father taught us that everyone had their own story. I follow Mexican music because I believe in Mexican folklore, not because my father taught me to. Having that last name was a blessing and a curse because the common denominator was Antonio Aguilar and Flor silvestre, it was always a tremendous pride to be their son. For me it was normal to grow up in the family of two famous people, normal to get to the Madison Square Garden often. I never felt it was a competition with my dad, especially when my dad was 87 years old and I was in my prime, it’s not about comparisons. With my children it’s the same. Even if they have the same last name, people don’t do favors, people will consume what they actually like, whatever your name is, they will support you.”
What’s coming up: “I have a new album coming out, and ‘Cuídamela Bien’ was the first single of this album. There’s a lot of music coming, a lot of touring with stops in South America as well.”
The 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.