billboard latin music week
Page: 4
Gloria Trevi, Prince Royce, Gabito Ballesteros, Chencho Corleone and Proyecto Uno are set to perform at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards. The artists join a previously announced lineup that includes Fuerza Regida, Grupo Niche, J Balvin, Pepe Aguilar, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Xavi and Yandel.
The awards show will broadcast on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 9 p.m. ET on Telemundo. Viewers can also watch on the Telemundo App and Peacock and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.
Trending on Billboard
Both Prince Royce and Gabito Ballesteros are finalists this year. The former is up for three awards, including tropical artist of the year, solo; tropical song of the year for “Cosas de la Peda,” with Gabito Ballesteros, and tropical album of the year for his seventh album Llamada Perdida. Meanwhile, Ballesteros is a four-time finalist vying for artist of the year, new. He’s up against Young Miko, Tito Double P, Xavi and Oscar Maydon in that category.
Karol G leads the list of finalists with 17 entries in categories including artist of the year, tour of the year, Global 200 Latin artist of the year, and top Latin album of the year for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season).
The Billboard Latin Music Awards — the only awards that recognize the most popular albums, songs and performers in Latin music, according to Billboard’s weekly charts — coincide with Billboard Latin Music Week, which returns to Miami Oct. 14-18 with a roster of star speakers including Alejandro Sanz, J Balvin, Young Miko, Pepe Aguilar, Feid, Gloria Estefan, Danny Ocean, Peso Pluma and many more. Get your tickets today for the Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 here.
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.
1990
Grupo Frontera, Álvaro Díaz, Debi Nova, Jasiel Núñez, Junior H, La Joaqui, Luck Ra, Mario Bautista, Nacho, Saiko and Tito Double P are set for the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week. Additionally, soccer stars Leo Campana (Inter Miami CF) and Igor Lichnovsky (Club América) have also joined the weeklong event taking place Oct. 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater.
Grupo Frontera will take centerstage for the Making the Hit LIVE panel on Oct. 15. Exclusive to Billboard Latin Music Week, members of Frontera will show fans how they create a hit from scratch. Later that evening, the group will headline Billboard En Vivo, presented by Smirnoff Ice, with Majo Aguilar opening the show at the Wynwood Marketplace. Grupo Frontera En Vivo tickets start at $40 and are available for purchase at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com. Latin Music Week INSIDER pass holders will receive free access to this event and do not need to purchase additional tickets.
Meanwhile, Álvaro Díaz, Albert Hype, Caleb Calloway and Miguel Armenta will join the How I Wrote the Song: The Urban and Música Mexicana edition panel presented by BMI. Debi Nova has been added to the The Women’s Panel, Global Rising: A Conversation with Female Stars from Around the Globe presented by Ulta Beauty.
Trending on Billboard
Jasiel Núñez, Junior H, and Tito Double P will join the Nuevo Mexicano: Peso Pluma and Friends panel. La Joaqui and Luck Ra will be part of the Entre Amigos panel presented by Billboard Argentina. Nacho will join the Venezuela Rising panel, Mario Bautista will participate in the From Viral Hits to Billboard Charts: The Power of Content Creators panel, and Saiko will perform at the Next Gen Reggaeton: An Evening Curated by J Balvin.
Furthermore, for the second year in a row, Billboard Latin Music Week will host a special sports panel featuring Leo Campana, who plays for Inter Miami and Igor Lichnovsky, from Club América and the Chilean national team. The conversation between the athletes will be moderated by Emmy-winning Didi Sports CEO Daniella Durán. Titled Sports and Music: The Winning Combination, the panel will delve into how athletes and musicians are collaborating more closely to promote both industries, highlighting the powerful synergy between sports and music.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, tickets for Billboard Latin Music Week are available for purchase here.
The newly announced group joins a stellar lineup of previously announced participants for Billboard Latin Music Week, including Alejandro Sanz, Bad Gyal, Belinda, Camila Fernández, Chiquis, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Dei V, Domelipa, Eden Muñoz, Eslabon Armado, Fat Joe, Feid, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, JOP, Keityn, Kunno, Lele Pons, Leo Campana, Luis Alfonso, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, Maria Becerra, Marko, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Omar Courtz, Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Thalia, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Yandel, Yeison Jiménez, Yeri Mua, Yisin and Young Miko, as well as Zhamira Zambrano.
Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air on Telemundo. Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, Billboard will host a special 35th-year anniversary celebration on the evening of Oct. 18, where INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to this star-studded event.
For more information on Billboard Latin Music Week, updates on the schedule and more exciting announcements, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Colombian superstar Feid will join over 60 confirmed artists for the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week. Billboard announced on Wednesday (Sep. 18) that the singer — one of the most popular stars of the current urban music movement and one of the top finalists at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards with 11 entries — will participate in the panel “From Clubs to Stadiums” on Oct. 14.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Billboard Latin Music Week will take place Oct. 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Feid will be joined by his manager, Luis Villamizar, and Hans Schafer, Live Nation’s SVP of Global Touring. As Latin acts continue to dominate stadiums worldwide, the panel will offer insights into Feid’s rise to the top in this intimate conversation.
Trending on Billboard
Feid, a multi-platinum artist known for No. 1 hits on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart such as “Perro Negro” with Bad Bunny, “Luna” with Atl Jacob, “Yandel 150” with Yandel, and “Hey Mor” with Ozuna, just received four new Latin Grammy nominations this week, giving him a total of 13 in his career to date. Among the new noms are: best reggaeton performance (“Perro Negro”), best urban music album (Ferxxocalipsis), and best urban song for two tracks, “El Cielo” with Sky Rompiendo and Myke Towers, and “Luna.”
This comes amid a whirlwind year for the artist, whose FERXXOCALIPSIS World Tour sold out tickets in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and more. Last month, he kicked off the Latin American leg of stadium shows with two sold-out concerts in Mexico City, and it will continue through December, wrapping with three consecutive sold-out stadium gigs in his hometown of Medellín, Colombia. on Dec. 6-8.
Meanwhile, Feid has continued to release new music, including his single “SORRY 4 THIS MUCH” this summer, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart (his highest solo entry to date), as well as his joint album with Yandel, MANIFESTING 20-05, in April. He also performed “Luna” at the opening ceremony of the Copa América 2024 on June 20.
Feid joins a stellar lineup of previously announced participants for Billboard Latin Music Week, including: Alejandro Sanz, Bad Gyal, Belinda, Camila Fernández, Chiquis, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Dei V, Domelipa, Eden Muñoz, Eslabon Armado, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, JOP, Keityn, Kunno, Lele Pons, Leo Campana, Luis Alfonso, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, Maria Becerra, Marko, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Omar Courtz, Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Thalia, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Yandel, Yeison Jiménez, Yeri Mua, Yisin and Young Miko, as well as Zhamira Zambrano.
Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air on Telemundo. Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, Billboard will host a special 35th-year anniversary celebration on the evening of Oct. 18, where INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to this star-studded event.
For more information on Billboard Latin Music Week, updates on the schedule and more exciting announcements, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Superstars Thalia, Eden Muñoz and Yandel have been added to the lineup of Billboard Latin Music 2024, taking place October 14-18 at the Fillmore in Miami Beach. The three stars join a group of more than 50 speakers and performers now confirmed for the five day event that kicks off Oct. 14 and runs through Friday, October 18, with the 35th anniversary celebration gala. Previously confirmed speakers include fellow superstars J Balvin, Peso Pluma, JOP, Alejandro Sanz, Gloria Estefan, Young Miko, Lele Pons, Eslabón Armado, Danny Ocean, Yahritza y su Esencia, Belinda, Bad Gyal, Mon Laferte, Fat Joe, , Keityn, Kunno, Luis Alfonso, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, Marko, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Omar Courtz, Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yeison Jiménez, Yeri Mua, Zhamira Zambrano, and many more.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The three new additions represent three distinctly different subgenres of Latin music.
Trending on Billboard
Global sensation Thalia returns to Billboard Latin Music Week for an open discussion about mental health and stardom with previously confirmed Argentine superstar Maria Becerra. Celebrated Regional Mexican artist Eden Muñoz will take part in the “Why Are There 50 Writers on My Song?” panel alongside songwriter Keityn, producer Sergio George, and moderator Pierre Hachar. The panel will provide an insider’s perspective on how much a hit song is worth and who gets songwriter credit. Urban music icon Yandel will participate in “ELYTE: The beginning and future of the genre,” with Yandel and friends panel presented by Warner Music.
“We are thrilled to welcome Latin icons Thalia, Eden Muñoz, and Yandel to Billboard Latin Music Week as we celebrate our 35th anniversary,” said Leila Cobo, Billboard’s Chief Content Officer for Latin/Español. “These artists and their trajectories embody the energy, diversity, and impact of Latin music today. We look forward to hosting meaningful conversations and unforgettable experiences that will resonate with fans and industry professionals alike.”
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Billboard Latin Music Week is the longest-running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world—a must-attend event for new, established, and upcoming artists, executives, and industry leaders alike. The 2024 edition will feature exclusive panel conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars, as well as workshops, showcases, networking opportunities, and more.
To register and access the full schedule of events, visit Billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
Billboard Latin Music Week sponsors include Azzaro Parfums, Cheetos, Chevron, DoorDash, Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky, Smirnoff, Smirnoff Ice, Ulta Beauty and Walmart. This year, for the first time, attendees can purchase weeklong and day passes to tailor their experience at Latin Music Week.
Young Miko is set to perform and speak at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week, Billboard announced on Thursday (Sept. 5). The Puerto Rican hitmaker will join the special 35th-year anniversary concert for INSIDER badge holders on Friday, Oct. 18. She will also participate in an intimate Superstar Q&A on Tuesday, Oct.15.
Young Miko joins a star-studded lineup for the five-day event, taking place Oct. 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter performed at last year’s Billboard Latin Music Week En Vivo concert series before embarking on her current XOXO Tour. Since her meteoric rise, she has undeniably becoming one of the most exciting new voices in Latin music. Earlier this year, her debut LP Att. earned the also rapper her first top 10 entry on any Billboard albums chart. Her presence at Latin Music Week underscores her continued impact on the genre and her exciting future ahead.
“We’re thrilled to see Young Miko return to Billboard Latin Music Week,” said Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer for Latin and Español. “Her journey from debut to stardom has been truly extraordinary. Her continued innovation and dynamic presence have reshaped the Latin music landscape, and we’re excited to celebrate her remarkable achievements and ongoing influence in the genre.”
Trending on Billboard
Featuring exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars, previously announced participants include Bad Gyal, Belinda, Camila Fernández, Chiquis, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Dei V, Domelipa, Eslabon Armado, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, JOP, Keityn, Kunno, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, María Becerra, Marko, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Omar Courtz, Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Yeison Jiménez, Yeri Mua and Zhamira Zambrano. More participating artists will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Tickets for the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week, celebrating its 35th anniversary, are available for purchase here.
Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air on Telemundo. Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, Billboard will host a special 35th-year anniversary celebration on the evening of Oct. 18, where INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to this star-studded event.
For more information on Billboard Latin Music Week, updates on the schedule and more exciting announcements, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Young Miko
Joshua Rivera/@shotsjpg
International music icon Alejandro Sanz will join the lineup of legendary talent at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week. Billboard announced Wednesday (Aug. 28) that the four-time Grammy and 22-time Latin Grammy-winning Spanish superstar will sit down for an exclusive Icon Q&A.
Sanz joins a star-studded lineup for the five-day event, featuring exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars. Previously announced participants include Bad Gyal, Belinda, Camila Fernández, Chiquis, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Dei V, Domelipa, Eslabon Armado, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, JOP, Keityn, Kunno, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, María Becerra, Marko, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Omar Courtz, Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Yeison Jiménez, Yeri Mua and Zhamira Zambrano, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.
“It’s an honor to welcome Alejandro as he prepares to release new music,” says Leila Cobo, Billboard’s Chief Content Officer for Latin and Español, in a press release. “We pride ourselves in being a home for artists where they can speak creatively and openly, and we can’t wait to hear what Alejandro has to say.”
Trending on Billboard
Sanz’s Icon Q&A marks his return to Latin Music Week after he sat for an exclusive conversation in 2003.
From his debut in 1991 with Viviendo Deprisa to his album of the year Latin Grammy-nominated latest studio album SANZ, released in December 2021, Alejandro Sanz has established himself as one of the most well-known and influential artists around the world. With more than 25 million records sold, all his albums have obtained multi-platinum status in Spain, Latin America and the United States.
Throughout his career, Sanz has collaborated with renowned artists from all over the world, from Alicia Keys to Shakira, Destiny’s Child, Laura Pausini, Ivete Sangalo, Juanes, Juan Luis Guerra, Marc Anthony and many more. Among his latest releases are “NASA” with Camilo; “La Despedida,” included in the soundtrack of the movie Bullet Train; and “Yo Soy” with Eros Ramazzotti. He recently obtained his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was honored by his hometown of Andalucía with the city’s highest distinction, a medal with the title of “Favorite Son.”
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Billboard Latin Music Week will take place Oct. 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air on Telemundo. Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, Billboard will host a special 35th-year anniversary celebration on the evening of Oct. 18, where INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to this star-studded event.
For more information on Billboard Latin Music Week, updates on the schedule and more exciting announcements, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
J Balvin is gearing up to headline the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week. This year’s 35th annual event will unfold from October 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Known for his massive influence on Colombian reggaetón and global Latin music, the Medellín superstar — who is fresh off releasing his sixth solo studio album Rayo — will host a special night titled “Next Gen Reggaetón: An Evening Curated by J Balvin” during the week. The event promises an exciting lineup of surprise performances and guests, all chosen by Balvin himself.
The global superstar and entrepreneur is a highly decorated and critically acclaimed cultural icon who has won multiple Billboard Music Awards and plenty of chart accolades, including nine No. 1 tracks on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including “Mi Gente” with Beyoncé, “Ginza,” “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)” with Black Eyed Peas) and a No. 1 on the Hot 100 (“I Like It” with Cardi B and Bad Bunny).
Trending on Billboard
Apart from his curation, Balvin will engage in an exclusive Superstar Q&A moderated by Leila Cobo, chief content officer for Latin/Español at Billboard, providing deeper insights into his music and influence. The session, also sponsored by Cheetos, aims to foster intimate and enlightening discussions.
“Latin music is living its most successful and globally recognized moment ever this year. But Billboard has been proudly at its side for over 35 years as the main flagbearer, supporter and ultimate opinion maker for Latin music around the world,” said Cobo in a press release. “During a year when Latin music is dominating the charts and the cultural zeitgeist, we are thrilled to return to Miami Beach, the global capital of Latin music, for this exciting week-long event.”
The announcement also highlighted the expansive lineup for this legacy event, featuring a blend of established stars and emerging talents including Bad Gyal, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, JOP, Keityn, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Mau y Ricky, Mon LaFerte, N.O.R.E., Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yeison Jiménez, and Yeri Mua, with more to be announced in the coming months. Tickets are now available here.
“We are proud of the decades-long work we have done to celebrate Latin talent and bring the community together. This year’s event will be an unmatched celebration for artists, the industry and fans,” said Mike Van, President of Billboard, in a press release.
“Miami Beach is ready to once again host Billboard Latin Music Week, an event that truly showcases the vibrant and diverse culture of our community,” added Mayor of Miami Beach, Steven Meiner. “This week not only celebrates the rich heritage of Latin music, but also highlights Miami Beach as a global destination for arts and entertainment. We look forward to another unforgettable week of music.”
Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air on Telemundo. Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, Billboard will host a special 35th-year anniversary celebration on the evening of October 18 where INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to this star-studded event.
For more information on the Billboard Latin Music Week, updates on the schedule, and more exciting announcements, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Billboard Latin Music Week is returning to Miami Beach, taking place at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater Oct. 14-18.
On Wednesday (July 31), Billboard also unveiled the first round of participating artists, including Bad Gyal, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, JOP (of Fuerza Regida), Keityn, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yeison Jiménez and Yeri Mua. More will be announced in the coming months.
The 35th-anniversary event, which celebrates Latin music, culture and entertainment, will feature exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars. Tickets are available now at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
“Latin music is living its most successful and globally recognized moment ever this year,” said Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer for Latin/Español. “But Billboard has been proudly at its side for over 35 years as the main flag bearer, supporter and ultimate opinion maker for Latin music around the world. During a year when Latin music is dominating the charts and the cultural zeitgeist, we are thrilled to return to Miami Beach, the global capital of Latin music, for this exciting week-long event.”
Trending on Billboard
“We are proud of the decades-long work we have done to celebrate Latin talent and bring the community together. This year’s event will be an unmatched celebration for artists, the industry and fans,” added Mike Van, president of Billboard.
The 2024 edition of Billboard Latin Music Week will spotlight a 35th-anniversary party on Friday, Oct. 18 — plus one-of-a-kind performances, workshops, networking opportunities and more throughout the week. Last year’s conference lineup featured Billboard En Vivo performances from Peso Pluma, Nathy Peluso with Young Miko and Fonseca, as well as a first-ever conversion with RBD members, a superstar Q&A with Shakira, and a premiere party with Thalia.
“Miami Beach is ready to once again host Billboard Latin Music Week, an event that truly showcases the vibrant and diverse culture of our community,” said Mayor of Miami Beach Steven Meiner. “This week not only celebrates the rich heritage of Latin music, but also highlights Miami Beach as a global destination for arts and entertainment. We look forward to another unforgettable week of music.”
This year, Billboard is introducing new GA day passes providing attendees with the opportunity to join the event on specific days when their favorite stars and industry experts command the stage with thought-provoking discussions, performances, interactive workshops and other engaging events.
Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air again on the Telemundo network. Closing out the packed week of events, Billboard will partner with Bresh to host the grand finale party of Billboard Latin Music Week. More details to come. (Note: Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to the star-studded Oct. 18 celebration.)
Billboard Latin Music Week has been the longest-running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world, spotlighting Latin’s top artists, actors, influencers, and industry leaders. The conference has become a must-attend event for artists, executives and players in the industry, both new and upcoming as well as established.
For more information on Billboard Latin Music Week and the latest updates, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Billboard Latin Music Week 2024
Billboard
To celebrate the first 20 years of a fruitful career and many hits along the way, the tropipop icon Fonseca shared anecdotes about his music and played some of his songs, accompanied by his guitarist Jairo Barón, in an intimate setting Wednesday (Oct. 4) at Billboard‘s Latin Music Week 2023.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
During The Icon Q&A panel — presented by Michelob Ultra and moderated by Sigal Ratner-Arias, deputy editor of Billboard Español — the artist took a musical journey from his beginnings in music, how some of his songs emerged, the role of his children in his compositions and his Latin Grammy-nominated collaboration with Juan Luis Guerra, to details of an upcoming album with which he wants to return to the sound of his beginnings.
The Colombian singer-songwriter remembered his early days as a time of great excitement. He said that during the recording of his self-titled debut album and recorded in Caracas, Venezuela, with the Líderes record label, he spent a lot of time alone walking through the streets of the city, imagining the future and thinking about how he was going to get his music played on radio stations.
After his record label closed in the middle of the promotion process, it took him about two years to free himself from this contract. Bernardo Ossa appeared, with whom he produced “Te Mando Flores.” The song gave him his first entry on a Billboard chart and marked a turning point in his career.
“Overnight we were practically all over Latin America, in the United States, in Europe doing promotional tours, playing,” Fonseca recalled. “It was crazy.”
Now that he is an international reference of Colombian music, Fonseca wants to return to the sounds of his early days on his next album, which he plans to release early next year. “I want to make an album where the instruments are 100% recorded and that’s that phrase of going back to that sound,” he said. “That’s how I recorded that album in Venezuela the first time, and that’s how I recorded my second album, Corazón.”
Additionally, he revealed that at the end of this month, he will release a new song called “Canto a la Vida” as a tribute to Colombian music, with accordion, clarinets and percussion.
He also reflected on the song “Entre Mi Vida y la Tuya” released in 2015, which gave him his first No. 1 on Billboard‘s Tropical Airplay chart. He said that the melody came to him while he was resting in a pool in the middle of a tour through Central America. He quickly found his guitar and recorded it on his phone, where he usually saves song ideas, phrases and feelings.
Among funny anecdotes, Fonseca stated that he shares his songs with his three children — ages 4, 9 and 13 — and they are like his “A&R department: absolutely without compassion.” “They’re like, ‘No, no, no, no, no, that’s horrible.’ [laughs] … They’ve inspired me a lot of songs.”
Regarding his most recent hit “Si Tú Me Quieres” with the Dominican maestro Juan Luis Guerra, who received nominations for the Latin Grammy 2023 for song of the year, recording of the year and best tropical song, he said, “I remember writing the song, arriving at the bridge moment that says ‘like a bee in a honeycomb.’ There I said, ‘Well, this is also like a tribute to Juan Luis’ … and from that moment I began to dream that could happen. It happened two or three years later.”
He also highlighted a special anecdote in his career with the song “Ven,” which he wrote inspired by his daughter Paz and which he said is the fastest song he has ever written. “I started making some chords and literally in an hour and a half, ‘Ven’ landed as if someone was dictating it to me and it was one of the most special intimate moments of my career,” Fonseca said. “I remember singing it after I wrote it so quickly and tears came to my eyes. It was something so personal that it was like a sublime moment by myself.”
Finally, as one of the secrets to staying current in music over the years, the artist stated, “Regardless of the profession one has, one comes to serve through what one does.”
Fonseca also closed Billboard Latin Music Week 2023 with a concert for the En Vivo series at Oasis Wynwood in Miami. Watch a summary of his presentation below, and don’t miss the video of his interview on The Icon Q&A panel above.
[embedded content]