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Bad Bunny‘s “DtMF” hits a 20th week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart (dated June 7).The track’s extended dominance marks a milestone for Benito, becoming his third song to spend at least 20 weeks at the top — a record unmatched by any other artist in the 39-year history of the chart.
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Bad Bunny becomes the only act with three songs to spend at least 20 weeks atop the tally. He previously spent 27 weeks in a row at No. 1 with his collaboration with Jhay Cortez, “Dakiti,” in 2020-21, and 20 straight weeks on top with “Me Porto Bonito,” his collab with Chencho Corleone, in 2022.
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Only two other artists have tallied multiple songs with 20-plus-week runs at No. 1: Enrique Iglesias and J Balvin, each with two. Iglesias’ “Bailando,” featuring Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona, dominated for 41 weeks (2014-15), and “El Perdón,” with Nicky Jam, ruled for 30 weeks (2015). Meanwhile, J Balvin’s “Ginza” spent 22 weeks at No. 1 (2015-16), and “RITMO (Bad Boys for Life),” with Black Eyed Peas, led the chart for 24 weeks (2020).
“DtMF” holds strong atop Hot Latin Songs despite a decline across all metrics. On the tally that ranks songs based on a formula blending streaming, sales and airplay totals in the United States, the song fell by 3% in streams, to 7.8 million, in the tracking week ending May 29, according to Luminate. It also earned 8 million audience impressions, down 12%, which yields a 1-3 dip on the overall Latin Airplay chart.
Karol’s 29th Top 10
Elsewhere on Hot Latin Songs, Karol G adds her 29th top 10 with “Latina Foreva.” The song, released May 22 via Bichota/Interscope/ICLG, debuts at No. 4 predominantly by streaming activity. It logged 6.9 million U.S. official on-demand streams during the May 23-29 tracking week, enough for a No. 3 on Latin Streaming Songs.
Sales, too, assist the song’s high start: 1,000 downloads sold during the same period for a 15-1 surge on Latin Digital Song Sales.
Raphael will be honored as the Latin Recording Academy’s 2025 Person of the Year in celebration of his incredible 60-year-plus career.
Seen as one of the trailblazers in bringing Latin music to the global stage, the legendary Spanish singer will be celebrated on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas, the night before the Latin Grammys, at a star-studded gala where top artists will perform his songs.
“I feel deeply grateful to The Latin Recording Academy for this recognition that I have dreamed of receiving for many years,” Raphael said in a statement Tuesday (June 3). “Being named Person of the Year thrills me immensely; it’s the best way to celebrate so many years of dedication and love for music. It’s an honor I will always carry in my heart. I look forward to reuniting with everyone in November to celebrate together and give back all that affection through songs.”
“We feel tremendously proud to pay this well-deserved tribute to Raphael for an exemplary artistic career that has transcended borders and languages,” Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, said in a press release. “His unmistakable style, resilience, and constant reinvention have kept him relevant throughout the decades, making him a source of inspiration for new generations of Latin music creators.”
Raphael, whose real name is Rafael Martos, is one of the most iconic figures in Spanish-language music. Born in Linares in 1943 and raised in Madrid, his talent was evident from an early age, earning him the title of Best Child Voice in Europe at the Salzburg Festival at just 9 years old. He gained international recognition representing Spain in Eurovision with songs like “Toco Madera” (1988), “Maravilloso, Corazón, Maravilloso” (1989), and “Escándalo” (1992), which reached No. 2, No. 7, and No. 9, respectively, on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart. In 2022, the legendary artist was honored with the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award.
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This past December, it was revealed that the 82-year-old artist had been diagnosed with primary brain lymphoma after being hospitalized in Madrid in October. After overcoming the illness at the end of 2024, he announced his return to the stage this year with Raphaelísimo, a new tour that will take him across Spain and Latin America, according to a statement.
The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts. Past honorees are Carlos Vives (2024), Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).
Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco canceled their scheduled performance on Friday (May 30) in the municipality of Maravatío, in the Mexican state of Michoacán, citing security concerns, the group’s spokesperson, Luis Alvarado, confirmed to Billboard Español.
“In agreement with the event sponsor, local authorities, state security agencies, and members of the band, it was decided to postpone the event due to security concerns,” Alvarado said in a brief statement, without providing further details about the postponement or a new date for the performance.
Previously, the event’s sponsor, Chilangos Grill, had announced on Thursday (May 29) that the show would be rescheduled “for reasons beyond the control of the company and the band.” Organizers reported that the concert was sold out. “Our priority has always been and will continue to be the well-being and safety of our audience, artists, and everyone involved with the company, which is why a new date for the performance will be scheduled,” read the statement on social media.
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The group had recently secured a legal injunction allowing them to perform narcocorridos in Michoacán, despite a state decree that prohibits the dissemination of music or expressions that glorify crime in public spaces, which went into effect in April.
Los Alegres del Barranco became the first act from the regional Mexican genre to be formally accused by the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office of alleged glorification of criminal activities. Authorities in that state, located in western Mexico, are investigating the group after images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), were projected during their performance of the song “El del Palenque” on March 29 at an auditorium at the University of Guadalajara.
This incident even led the U.S. to revoke work and tourist visas for the band members, as announced on April 1 by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in a statement on X.
The band, its representative, and the promoter are facing investigation from the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office for four performances in different municipalities of that state in which they allegedly glorified criminal activities, according to information published on May 9 by the same office.
Ten out of Mexico’s 32 states have implemented various bans against narcocorridos or any expression that promotes or glorifies criminal activities, though such bans have not yet become federal law.
The cancellation of Los Alegres del Barranco’s concert also comes after five members of Grupo Fugitivo — a locally known regional Mexican music group — were found dead in the state of Tamaulipas on May 29, four days after being reported missing. The deaths are allegedly linked to a faction of a drug cartel operating in that region of the country.
Grupo Firme announced the cancellation of their performance at La Onda Fest in Napa Valley, Calif., scheduled for Sunday (June 1), due to the visas of its members and the team of promoter being in “administrative process” at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. The regional Mexican band shared the news on Friday (May 30) without offering further details about the review their visas are undergoing.
“Currently, the visas of Grupo Firme and the team of Music VIP [Entertainment] are in an administrative process by the U.S. Embassy, a situation that makes it impossible for Grupo Firme to perform at La Onda Fest as planned. We regret any inconvenience this may cause,” the band said in the statement published on its Instagram Stories. “We appreciate your understanding and, above all, the love from our fans in the U.S.”
The band added that they would soon have news about their return to the U.S. “to meet again and sing, dance, and celebrate together.”
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A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico told Billboard Español: “Visa records are confidential under U.S. law; therefore, we cannot discuss the details of individual visa cases.”
Billboard Español reached out to Music VIP and a representative for Grupo Firme on Friday night for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.
Previously, the vocalist of the famous band, Eduin Caz, had denied having issues with his U.S. visa during a press conference in Mexico City on April 8. In the same meeting with the media, the singer also denied that his band performed narcocorridos. Days later, Caz announced on social media that Grupo Firme would refrain from performing corridos, complying with new restrictions imposed by some state governments in Mexico regarding music or any public expression that glorifies crime.
The announcement of Grupo Firme’s concert cancellation adds to that of fellow regional Mexican star Julión Álvarez, who, the night before his scheduled concert on May 24 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, announced that the show had to be canceled after his work visa was revoked, according to the artist himself in a video posted on social media.
The work and tourist visas of the members of Los Alegres del Barranco were also revoked following an investigation by the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office for alleged glorification of crime. This was after the group projected images of Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, during a concert in the band’s home country on March 29 in an auditorium at the University of Guadalajara.
Grupo Firme has become one of the most successful groups in regional Mexican music since the band’s foundation in 2014. In September 2022, they performed a free concert in Mexico City’s Zócalo, the country’s main public square, that drew more than 280,000 people, setting a historic attendance record, according to the government of the Mexican capital.
The Billboard Latin Music Awards and Latin Grammy-winners boast 10 No. 1s on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, including “Ya Supérame” and “El Beneficio de la Duda.”
On Friday (May 30), a day after her show at Boston’s Fenway Park was canceled, Shakira has called off her WorldPride Welcome Concert set for Saturday night at Washington, D.C.’s Nationals Park.
The news was shared on social media accounts for Nationals Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals.
“Due to complications with the previous show in Boston, Shakira’s full tour production cannot be transported to Washington, D.C. in time for her scheduled performance at Nationals Park on Saturday, May 31,” the ballpark statement reads. “As a result, the D.C. show has been canceled. Despite every effort to make it happen, it is not possible to move forward as planned.”
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The statement says refunds will be “issued automatically for Ticketmaster and Nationals.com purchases,” while anyone who bought tickets through third-party resellers should contact their point of purchase directly.
The original post on Nationals Park socials included a separate statement from Shakira in both English in Spanish, reading: “Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am sad and heartbroken that I will not be able to be in Washington, D.C. with you tomorrow. I hope that I can come back to D.C., as soon as I am able. Meanwhile, please know that I am eternally thankful for your unconditional support.” That Shakira statement has since been deleted from the Nationals Park accounts and does not appear on any of Shakira’s social channels.
Shakira‘s show scheduled for Thursday night at Boston’s Fenway Park was canceled just hours before it was set to start “due to unforeseen circumstances,” the stadium announced on social media. Live Nation later told Billboard in a statement: “During a routine pre-show check, structural elements were identified as not being up to standard, so the shows were canceled. All team members are safe.”
While Shakira’s WorldPride Welcome Concert has been canceled, the WorldPride D.C. website assures that all other events will continue as planned. Find a full schedule here.
Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is set to continue Monday at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.
Tetris Kelly & QTCinderella were at the AMA’s on the red carpet, and they asked Kehlani, Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Becky G and more who they’d want to party in Vegas with.
Who would you want to spend 24 hours in vegas with? Let us know in the comments!
Tetris Kelly:
We’re in Vegas. If you’re going out with anybody tonight, you can pick one person to hit the streets with. Who are you taking?
Shaboozey: Man, I’ll probably take Morgan Wallen.
Okay. That’s gonna be a night.
QTCinderella: You would have to go. I think you might have to leave Vegas for that one. I don’t know Sin City. I don’t know if that’s God’s country.
Kehlani: Oh, my God. Bruno Mars, I watched this compilation video of him yesterday, of him purposely answering all the interview questions hilariously. And I think he’s hysterical. I would love to have a crazy 24 hours.
Two Friends: I think someone that would be able to, like come on stage and do a couple songs with us. I think Eminem would be cool.
Tetris Kelly: What?!
QTCinderella: That’s incredible.
Two Friends: He hasn’t done really anything EDM. Eminem, if you’re watching this, let us know.
Tommy Richman: I mean, people here, I’m trying to meet Janet Jackson, for real. I’m trying to, you know, get a number, make a song with her, man.
Mark Manio & Scott Hoying: Lady Gaga, she’s my favorite. Beyonce. I mean, Ariana, Ariana, it’s just a super group of girls. It would be so cool.
Tetris Kelly: Power group of girls, love that.
Megan Moroney: I mean, I’d probably go with my girl, Lainey.
Keep watching for more!
Carlos Santana, a living legend in global music, hardly needs an introduction. With nearly eight decades under his belt, his influence continues to ripple across generations of artists and fans alike.
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Now, his artistry intertwines with Grupo Frontera in “Me Retiro,” a Tex-Mex rock collaboration that celebrates resilience and emotional rebirth, with Santana stepping in as both a musical sage and spiritual guide.
The song, produced and co-written by Edgar Barrera, tells the story of someone trying to move past the pain of a broken relationship while grappling with an overwhelming sense of emptiness. Musically, “Me Retiro” blends Santana’s unmistakable electric guitar melodies — dizzying and immersive — with Grupo Frontera’s signature tejano acoustic style, where, instead of the accordion, Santana’s guitar takes center stage. The “Black Magic Woman” artist uses his electrifying rock riffs to elevate the track to a more dynamic level, while Frontera’s Texan instrumentation grounds it in the cultural and emotional roots of norteño.
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In a Zoom interview with Billboard Español, Santana reflects on the essence of the song and his connection to its message. “It’s about someone who doesn’t see themselves as a victim,” he said. “There are so many songs I didn’t like growing up, about people getting drunk and crying, like, ‘Oh, they left me, they’re gone.; That music is so depressing, and I don’t think that way — I’m a lion. If my woman leaves, let her go, I’ll find another queen with even more light. I have very strong faith, and I relate to Frontera’s lyrics because they’re basically saying, ‘I don’t give a damn.’
“I came into this world to transcend,” the musician concludes. “I’m a gardener, and my water is for all the flowers.”
Barrera was the bridge between the iconic guitarist and the Texan-Mexican group. For the producer and songwriter, this project marked a pivotal moment in his career. “It was a very special moment for me to be able to work with Santana because the first song I ever learned how to play on the guitar was ‘Samba Pa Ti’ and I played it in a talent show when I was 10 years old,” shares Barrera. “He is one of the main reasons I fell in love with music and he’s always been one of my idols so this was truly a full circle moment in my career and I’m honored that he agreed to collaborate with me.”
The creative process was just as meaningful for Grupo Frontera, whose members are still reflecting on the unforgettable opportunity to work with a musical legend. “It’s always a surreal moment when you get to collaborate with people you’ve looked up to your whole life,” said the band via email. “Edgar Barrera told us that Santana wanted to make a song together and we were shocked. Being in the same room as him, watching him work, we were speechless. We learned a lot from the experience.”
For Santana, the project felt authentic and aligned with his own musical style, creating a natural connection with Grupo Frontera. “They have so much energy and joy and I really relate to that,” Santana says. “If you break down where their music comes from, it’s African music. It’s blended with northern Texas and Mexican influences, but its foundation — just like Selena’s cumbia — is rooted in African music, and that’s something I can express very naturally.”
Despite his recent health challenges, 77-year-old Santana says he’s ready to keep sharing his magic with the world. “Thank God, I’m better than ever. I’m ready to go on tour and bring this strength and hope to people,” he says.
For him and his unmistakable guitar, the mission has always been clear: to inspire others with a “pinch of light.”
Listen to “Me Retiro” by Carlos Santana and Grupo Frontera below.
What does Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez listen to when she’s fighting for change or passing legislation on Capitol Hill? A lot of Bad Bunny, as it turns out.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone published Friday (May 30), the politician opened up about policy, the Donald Trump administration and, of course, her favorite tunes. “I have had the Bad Bunny album on repeat,” she told the publication, referencing 2025’s four-week Billboard 200 chart-topper Debi Tirar Mas Fotos.
“As a Puerto Rican, the album is very cathartic, and it’s very political,” AOC continued. “It speaks to a lot of what’s happening to us and our people right now.”
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The New York native added that she loves how the rapper is “bringing salsa back.” “Rauw Alejandro is doing that, too,” she noted. “I’m a big salsa person. It’s such a nice outlet. I like it because the lyricism is so dramatic. Everyone’s breaking up, everyone’s got the love of their life. It’s so funny.”
AOC’s praise of the “Titi Me Pregunto” artist comes as he’s gearing up to tour the globe in support of his new album, traveling around Latin America, Asia, Australia and Europe. He’s also been breaking numerous sales records while he’s at it, from becoming the first Latin act to ever sell out a stadium concert in Australia to selling all-time high amounts of tickets in France, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Sweden for a Latin artist.
Other than his upcoming residency in Puerto Rico, however, Bunny is notably skipping the United States on his tour. When asked for her thoughts, Ocasio-Cortez told RS, “We just don’t have figures like that anymore.”
“I think about the Civil Rights Movement, and I think about people like Harry Belafonte and all of these artists who really did risk everything, risk their careers and their popularity in order to support and take part in people’s movements, and to use their art … it’s more rare now, or at least it feels that way,” she continued. “I wasn’t around then. The pressures of the industry are to be as broad as possible. When you have someone who does something gutsy like that, first of all, people come through for it, and it’s super compelling.”
To the representative’s point about Bunny being political, the three-time Grammy winner is also active in politics outside of his music. In the 2024 U.S. election, he supported Kamala Harris’ campaign for president, boosting her messaging about what was at stake for Puerto Rican voters.
Several other Latin stars — including Luis Fonsi, Marc Anthony and Ricky Martin — also expressed support for Harris, though others backed Trump. In September, AOC dissed Nicky Jam and Anuel AA for endorsing the twice-impeached POTUS during a congressional hearing.
“I suppose that puts you and Nicky Jam and Anuel in the same boat,” she told Mark Krikorian, the executive director of the far-right Center for Immigration Studies, after he claimed not to remember Trump saying he wanted to “sell” Puerto Rico.
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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Ángela Aguilar, Nadie Se Va Como Llegó (Machin Records)
It’s a momentous album for Ángela Aguilar, and not only because it’s the first time she’s produced her own music, but also because it captures the 21-year old’s transformational spirit. Aptly titled Nadie Se Va Como Llegó, a nod to being in a constant state of evolution, Aguilar shows how much she’s grown as a singer-songwriter since launching her recording career at just eight years old.
Showcasing maturity in the lyrics — sharing songwriting credits with the likes of Fabiola Guajardo and Amanda Coronel, to name a few — the música Mexicana star captures the peaks and valleys of womanhood via songs of empowerment, heartbreak and love. Sonically, Aguilar stays true to her mariachi roots while also incorporating norteño, pop and cumbia elements for a variety of styles. “I’m getting out of my comfort zone but still honoring my roots and traditions,” Aguilar previously told Billboard. “I just turned 21, so it’s kind of like exploring where I want my career to take me.” — GRISELDA FLORES
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Aitana, Cuarto Azul (Universal Music Spain)
Aitana has opened the doors to her Cuarto Azul (blue room) — a 19-track set that has best shaped her identity as an artist. Lyrically, the Spanish singer-songwriter opens up about evolution, self-discovery, love, heartbreaks, and healing. Musically, it fuses pop, synth, electronica, and alternative rock. The album’s title “represents the room she returns to in order to reconnect with herself, free from judgment and external influence. It’s a space of healing, where darkness rooted in sadness, anger, and frustration gradually gives way to light—a restorative process that culminates in the return of joy,” according to a press statement.
Notable tracks on the set include the riveting punk tune “Segundo Intento,” the flirty pop track “Sentimiento Natural” in collaboration with Myke Towers, and the heartfelt ballad “Hoy Es Tu Cumpleaños” with Danny Ocean. Aitana also welcomed Ela Taubert, Kenia Os, Jay Wheeler, and Barry B, and Fangoria in her Cuarto Azul. — JESSICA ROIZ
Pipe Bueno, Vives con Mariachi (Warner Music Mexico)
Known as one of the pioneer of Colombia’s música popular genre, Pipe Bueno released his latest EP, Vives con Mariachi — a heartfelt tribute to Carlos Vives, featuring the vibrant Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández. The six-track set seamlessly blends the lively Caribbean essence of vallenatos with the rich, emotive sound of mariachi, best capturing a unique aesthetic that celebrates the harmonies of strings, the brilliance of trumpets, and the depth of time-honored traditions.
Vives kicks off with “Bailar Contigo” in collaboration with Majo Aguilar, drawing listeners in with its melodic charm. “La Gota Fría” showcases Pipe’s dynamic vocal performance, where he creates a stunning counterpoint to the bold brass sections of the mariachi. In “Déjame Entrar,” collaborator Adriel Favela delivers a delicate and measured interpretation that adds layers of tension and subtlety to the track. The album moves forward with “Volví a Nacer” and “La Tierra del Olvido,” tracks that elevate Vives’ original repertoire to new emotional landscapes. — INGRID FAJARDO
Reik & Yami Safdie, “Es Tan Corta La Vida” (Sony Music México)
The Mexican band Reik teams up with the emerging Argentine artist Yami Safdie for the single “Es Tan Corta La Vida,” the only collaboration from their recent EP TQ that celebrates 20 years of their career. Together they deliver a sweet contemporary pop ballad that speaks of love in the midst of the fleeting nature of life. The sound, marked by the strumming of acoustic guitars in the style of the band’s beginnings, enhances the sincerity of phrases like “God forgives, but time doesn’t” and “life is so short for you not to be with me.” — LUISA CALLE
Yailin La Más Viral, “Todos Mienten” (Roc Nation Distribution)
With her latest single “Todos Mienten,” Yailin La Más Viral dives headfirst into the hypnotic rhythms of baile funk, once again molding Brazilian beats with her unapologetic Dominican edge. The track breathes fire, delivering biting lyrics that portray her fearless confidence: “Maldita perra tú lo va’ perder,” she sneers, capturing the raw, unfiltered energy that defines her brand.
Anchored by Consobeatz’s sultry production, the song thrives on its sly pulse and effortless swagger, setting the stage for Yailin’s continued ascent. The music video too pushes boundaries, spiking interest with provocative visuals reminiscent of Shakira’s “La Tortura” and Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball.” Drenched in oil, Yailin radiates seductive power while seated atop a motor engine in an audacious nod to rebellious allure. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
3BallMTY feat. Conjunto Nuevo Amanecer, “El Nene” (Top Music)
After an eight-year hiatus, 3BallMTY returns to the music scene with “El Nene,” a song in which their iconic tribal and techno sound feels even more powerful with the joyful cumbia touches of Conjunto Nuevo Amanecer. This fusion of Latin rhythms and trumpets, with a contagious, repetitive chorus (“Let the boy dance, let the boy dance) — sung by José Francisco Mendoza of Conjunto Nuevo Amanecer — is perfect for the dance floor, with “El Nene” as the central character, the life of the party.
The new track is part of an upcoming album that the DJ collective made up of Sergio Zavala (DJ Sheeqo Beat), Alberto Presenda (DJ Otto) and Erick Rincón plans to release soon, under the production of renowned Californian DJ Deorro — with whom they have recently shared the stage at festivals such as EDC in Las Vegas and Sueños in Chicago. — TERE AGUILAR
Alex Cuba & Bacilos, “No es de verdad” (Caracol Records)
Award-winning singer-songwriter Alex Cuba and tropipop band Bacilos join forces on “Nada Es De Verdad,” an upbeat song with a fresh sound that invites us to “let go of the drama, question excessive seriousness, and stop getting caught up in pointless arguments,” according to a press release. “Nothing is real, in every color there’s something imperfect/ Maybe seeing it this way tells us we’re awake,” says part of the infectious chorus.
“This collaboration was already written in the universe, but even I didn’t know it was meant to be,” Alex Cuba tells Billboard Español. “It’s been truly beautiful collaborating with Bacilos. They’re great people—everything has been so easy, so full of voices, so full of light, so full of good vibes.” Cuba adds that he met Bacilos’ leader Jorge Villamizar years ago at the Latin Grammys, and that when he wrote this song, he thought it would be perfect to record together. “Nada Es De Verdad” is a vibrant single perfect for a joyful start to the summer. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Silvana Estrada, “Como un Pájaro” (Glassnote Records/Altafonte)
Silvana Estrada releases her first song since 2023’s “Qué Problema,” and the first preview of the new album she plans to release this year, the follow-up to her 2022 Marchita. “Como un Pájaro” (Like a Bird) was written during the coronavirus pandemic, during a period of insomnia and loneliness following a breakup, the artist has said. Driven by guitars and produced by herself, it features a string arrangement by Roberto Verástegui performed by FAME’s Skopje Studio Orchestra in Macedonia that, accompanied by her poetic lyrics, creates an intimate and melancholic atmosphere while highlighting her seductive, virtuosic voice.
This new single is a beautiful introspective piece, “an ode to silence” and loneliness, and the result of the blend of immense talent, profound sensitivity and creative freedom that the Veracruz-born songwriter faithfully exercises in her music, which has made her one of the most moving and celebrated voices on the contemporary Latin scene. — NATALIA CANO
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
Two Latin-themed musicals have opened on Broadway within five weeks of each other, receiving some love from the Tonys this year: Buena Vista Social Club, which co-leads the list of nominees for the June 8 awards ceremony with 10 nods, and Real Women Have Curves: The Musical, which received two.
Buena Vista Social Club — which narrates the story of the Cuban artists who brought the acclaimed Grammy-winning album of 1997 to the world — competes in categories including best musical, best performance by an actress in a featured role (Natalie Venetia Belcon), best book (Marco Ramirez) and best direction (Saheem Ali). Furthermore, the musicians who make up the band in the show will be recognized with a special Tony Award.
Real Women Have Curves: The Musical is nominated for best original score — by Latin music star Joy Huerta (half of the Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy) and Benjamin Velez — and best performance by an actress in a featured role (Justina Machado). Based on the play by Josefina López and HBO’s movie adaptation, it follows 18-year-old Ana García, a daughter of immigrant parents who struggles between her ambitions of going to college and the desires of her mother for her to get married, have children and oversee the small, rundown family-owned textile factory.
And a third Latin-themed show is currently in the works: BASURA, with music and lyrics by no other than Cuban-American superstar Gloria Estefan and her daughter, songwriter Emily Estefan. Inspired by a true story, BASURA (Spanish for “garbage”) will narrate the journey of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra, a group of young artists who turn scrap material into instruments and music into possibilities.
But Broadway has had a long-standing history affair with Latin music and artists, with shows ranging from classics like West Side Story, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Evita and Man of La Mancha, to more recent productions like In the Heights and On Your Feet! — and legendary stars from Rita Moreno and Chita Rivera, to Lin-Manuel Miranda.
There was also the short-lived The Capeman [1998] starring Rubén Blades, Marc Anthony and Ednita Nazario, a Paul Simon musical based on the life of convicted murderer Salvador Agrón which closed after only two months; and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown [2010], an adaptation of Pedro Almodóvar’s iconic black comedy film, which received mostly negative reviews and lasted three months.
Meanwhile, some non-Latin themed shows have featured Latin stars throughout the years, like Hamilton, starting with creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and including Anthony Ramos and Javier Muñoz; and Chicago, with Mexican actress Bianca Marroquín playing both Roxie and Velma intermittently since 2006, and star guests including Sofía Vergara, Jaime Camil and Sebastián Yatra.
In honor of the 78th Tony Awards, scheduled for June 8 at the Radio City Music Hall and airing live on CBS and Paramount+, here are eight of the best Latin-themed Broadway musicals from past and present, in alphabetical order.
Buena Vista Social Club
Image Credit: Ahron R. Foster/Courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company