Billboard Latin Music Week 2024
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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.”
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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.
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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.
10/16/2024
Songwriters Armenta, Calle 24’s Diego Millán, and Cristian Avila García accompanied the SoCal frontman during the panel presented by Sony Music.
10/16/2024
Four powerful women who have built upon the legacies of their family names — Camila Fernández, Chiquis Rivera, Lupita Infante and Majo Aguilar — sat down together Wednesday (Oct. 16) at Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 and talked about how they rose above and assumed their own path in leadership roles in regional Mexican music.
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Moderated by Luana Pagani, founder of Fairwinds, and presented by Smirnoff Ice, the artists discussed during The Legacies panel how they are taking their illustrious family names and breaking through with their own sounds.
Here are the best quotes from the panel:
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Camila Fernández: “[Our ancestors] inherit us in affection, and [fans tell me], ‘You remind me so much of your grandfather [Vicente Fernández]’. I’ve been working for 10 years for my hands. My grandfather used to say that success comes from work, not luck. It’s a mantra. You always have to have that thought. Exceed the expectations people have of you. Give honor to the family you come from; to keep elevating Mexico.”
“I need to start from zero to know [about being in the spotlight]; to earn it, that it’s not a whim of mine. Yes, I can do it! I make a fresh spin on mariachi for the new generations. Dressed as a charra and singing mariachi. My tour is called La Fernández.”
Chiquis: “From the beginning, I wanted to put a mark on my career. I want to do it with a lot of love. I’m proud to be Jenni Rivera’s daughter. She [did everything] with ovaries. She said, ‘If you don’t open this door for me I’m going out the window, but I’m going in.’ The first time I got on stage was when I was 10 years old in a competition my grandfather [Pedro Rivera] had. ‘I want to do that.’ An album of corridos. It was in 2012 that I said, ‘I want to try that’. And I sang ‘La Chacalosa’ [by Jenni Rivera] and won second place. Let them say what they say … I feel very proud of what we have been able to do, but even more proud of how I feel as a woman in my gender. We are stronger together.”
Lupita Infante: “It’s a great responsibility [the inheritance]. In the end it’s the public that decides if you continue with this career. I will never stop being [Pedro Infante’s] granddaughter. I feel that I grew up far away from the industry, from show business. My dad [Pedro Infante Jr.] passed away in 2009. My grandfather is long gone. And that’s where I got close [to music]. Connecting with Mexico. I’m from Los Angeles.”
“We who do the mariachi genre, it’s something very beautiful, very traditional, and it’s hard to break away, because you want to represent the genre. I am a producer as well. Change certain elements and find and look for that sound that I still have that I am respecting the mariachi.”
Majo Aguilar: “Since a long time ago I had it clear that I wanted to go forward, not sideways. Of course it helps [being the granddaughter of Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre]. It is important to say it, otherwise it would be very unfair not to recognize it. That you have that surname that your family has done super important things in the industry. I admire all the girls here very much. Your mom is Jenni Rivera, you are already Chiquis, that you have achieved that with such a great mother, imagine being Jenni Rivera’s daughter, [Chiquis] you have paved so much road for us. My case is very particular, music chose me, and not music. Now I understand why I have this restlessness to sing”.
“I do mariachi with love, not to follow trends. To fuse the mariachi instruments with the tumbado format. Mariachi Tumbado is the name of my album. We have to embrace our genres, now they are in the global charts, and feel very proud”.
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.
10/16/2024
The Puerto Rican artist spoke about collaborating with Karol G, Bad Bunny, and about the “lesbian renaissance” in Latin music.
10/16/2024
The annual Latin Music Power Players intimate event was held Monday night (Oct. 14), gathering some of the 2024 Latin Power Players honorees at the Casadona in Miami Beach, Florida. Top executives including Noah Assad, Rebecca León, Alex Gallardo and Jorge Mejía received special awards at the cocktail reception, where George Prajin — founder of […]
10/15/2024
The Mexican music superstar was accompanied by Fidel of Marca Registrada, Jasiel Núñez & Tito Double P during the Nuevo Mexicano panel.
10/15/2024
Five figures from the música urbana and música mexicana landscape — including singer-songwriters, producers, and rappers — shared insights into their creative processes and the paths they have navigated within the music industry during Billboard Latin Music Week.
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The panel How I Wrote That Song: The Urban and Música Mexicana Edition, presented by BMI, took place on Tuesday (Oct. 15), and was moderated by Jesús González, vp of creative, Latin at BMI. González was joined by corridos singer-songwriter Armenta, producer Caleb Calloway, Puerto Rican rapper/singer Álvaro Díaz, singer-songwriter Alexis Fierro “Chachito” and producer Albert Hype.
Below, find some of the best quotes from the panel:
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Álvaro Díaz on his creative process: “Sayonara has really been a great blessing. I fell in love with the sound, especially in Puerto Rico. Pursuing projects that have their own identity, sounding like Álvaro Díaz and not like anyone else, is crucial. At the end of the day, the artists who stand out are those who dare. Things are always changing. I always prefer to be alone, I like to enter the studio and flow with what we are feeling. Having the privilege to work with someone like Yandel or someone like Rauw, who started from scratch with us, makes it more challenging to compose by oneself. The trick should always be to continuously learn, never assume you know everything.”
Caleb Calloway on his first album Hayabusa: “It’s exciting. It’s been a process. I’ve always looked up to many people in the industry, and having my own label The New Wave Group, we did it all ourselves. I always had the vision. Be yourself. With the money we have, we need to support these artists. She [Young Miko] is now a superstar (who Calloway produces for since her foundations). Having an identity takes time. Keep pitching, keep searching for your identity; it will take you to another level.”
Chachito on his beginnings to becoming a hitmaker: “At the age of 13 or 14, when I was a soccer player, I realized that I could write songs and decided to learn to play the guitar. It became my passion; day and night, I couldn’t put the guitar down. I work with Oscar Maydon, he gives me ideas and I execute them. What I enjoy the most is starting from scratch with artists and watching them grow. In my work routine, I have a formula: at night, I clear my mind and start writing titles. Out of about 30, I choose two. For me, the important thing is the experiences; for example, the first time I saw a bottle of Dom Pérignon in a club with the words ‘Lady Gaga’ on it inspired me to write ‘Lady Gaga’ [by Peso Pluma].”
Armenta on his creative process: “Since I was 11 years old, I have been immersed in corridos, Mexican music influenced by figures like Juan Gabriel, Joan Sebastian, and Los Tucanes [de Tijuana]. Transitioning to a songwriter meant adapting to global styles. It’s important to decide the space you want to be in; the intention of the melody, whether it’s sad or happy, is crucial, although studying musical theory can be a bit boring. But you need to understand it; major tones make a melody constitute 70% of a song’s impact. Catchy hooks are essential. You have to accept that you won’t always be the best, but life gives you talent and, with dedication and hard work, you can [stand out].”
Albert Hype on connecting regional and urbano music: “I started making beats in 2015 after playing in a bunch of punk bands. A lot of my style came from playing in rock bands, and now I’m doing the Latin scene, trying to incorporate rock into it. I met Ivan [Cornejo] at a Billboard [event]; he was already on my radar. The Mexican regional genre is massive now, reminiscent of reggaetón in 2019 when there was a massive renaissance. That’s what’s happening with regional; helping push that genre forward. I feel we’re bridging the gaps that used to exist between regional and urbano.”
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.
Four influential Latina executives from diverse sectors of the music industry — including marketing, legal, artist, and label — spoke about how they bossed up and assumed their own power in leadership roles during Billboard Latin Music Week.
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The panel She Runs the Boards took place on on Monday (Oct. 14) during the annual event, and was moderated by Billboard‘s social media manager/staff writer Ingrid Fajardo.
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Fajarado was joined by Apple Music’s music marketing lead Andrea Portela, Dominican actress/artist Dascha Polanco, Rostrum Records president Erika Montes, and Protege Tu Música’s music & entertainment attorney Yira Santiago. During their discussion, the four panelists spoke about the strategies for overcoming challenges, building meaningful connections and thriving in a competitive landscape.
Below, find some of the best and most memorable quotes from the She Runs the Boards panel:
Andrea Portela on the power of authenticity: “Es más fácil subirte en un trend. Authenticity plays a big role in who you are as an artist. It’s easy to follow the noise. The artists who go far are those who are true to themselves. Your team is a big reflection of an artist; be authentic in every aspect. Don’t just follow the trend because there are 500 artist trying to do what you’re doing. Success doesn’t come quick and easy, invest in yourself. Know your audience is Marketing 101. Social media is such a powerful tool but it only resonates if you’re authentic.”
Dascha Polanco on the importance of the team: “The most essential thing an artist must have is a team that supports and protects you legally. Many artists have gone through problems in a contract. We believe in dreams and we are very busy being creative, seeing the vision more than you […] I’ve been working in music for eight years, time waits for no one. I have a dance project with a lot of Latin music essence. I went to Berklee College of Music online. I do my engineering and record myself. Educate yourself and invest in yourself. Letting yourself be guided, trusting the process, is a very magical thing for me.”
Erika Montes on artist development: “I look for two things when I see an artist: You have to want it more than me. Secondly, always make an assessment, what can you do well? If you’re a good songwriter, but not good at production. Know what you’re good at and look at what to build. Focus on who your audience is and not on a look. When I start with artists I let them know this is a grind. Relationships are key. We’ll do everything we can, shake hands and kiss babies. [Success] doesn’t happen overnight, be patient.”
Yira Santiago on the importance of education and transparency in music: “Opening a YouTube channel to protect your music came about when I noticed that certain information was being kept and I felt the need to share it. There were lawyers withholding this information and not sharing it on to the public. It was important for me to share this, to establish that relationship with myself and the law, and how I monetize my music. It’s also crucial to manage relationships with record labels, marketing and handlers, in addition to assistance in all other areas. To take your career to a higher level and turn it into a business, you need a team to support you. It’s essential that the team aligns with your visions.”
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.
Latin music, the term assigned to music performed predominantly in Spanish, is the fastest growing “genre” of music both in the U.S. and worldwide, with Latin acts –- from Bad Bunny to Karol G to Annita and Shakira — dominating both charts and headlines. But it wasn’t always like that: From its initial heyday in the 1950s, when Latin dances like mambo and cha-cha-cha were all the craze, Latin music’s popularity has ebbed and flowed. But for the last 35 years, at least, there has been two constants: the Billboard Latin charts and Billboard Latin Music Week.
What is now the single most important, and biggest, gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world, has been the one, steady foundation of Latin music in this country and for the world. Every single artist of note has spoken or performed at Latin Music Week through the years: Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Selena, Jenni Rivera, Marc Anthony, Chayanne, Bad Bunny, Karol G, Daddy Yankee, Shakira, Romeo Santos, Don Omar, Camilo, Bizarrap, Carin León, Grupo Firme, Peso Pluma, Luis Fonsi, Christina Aguilera, Wisin, J Quiles, Gloria Trevi… The list goes on and on.
This year’s Latin Music Week, taking place October 14-18 at the Fillmore Miami Beach, will feature superstar speakers J Balvin, Young Miko, Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Sanz, Peso Pluma, JOP (Fuerza Regida), Eden Muñoz, Bad Gyal, Mon Laferte,Thalia and Maria Becerra among many others. But Billboard’s history of stellar appearances is 35 years deep. Here are some outstanding moments in the Billboard’s Latin Music Week 35-year history.
Visit Billboard Latin Music Week to register to this year’s event.
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