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Spanish hitmaker Quevedo is set to return to Latin America with his Buenas Noches Tour, his first trek there in two years. His most ambitious tour in Latin America to date, the “Gran Vía” singer will launch his 14-date stint in Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes on April 23. He will then take his […]
Grupo Frontera is addressing the backlash following allegations of supporting Donald Trump.
On Friday (Feb. 7), the Mexican-American band shared a statement on their Instagram Story, clarifying that they do not align with any U.S. political party.
“We want to clarify that Grupo Frontera has NO affiliation not alliance with any political party that’s against immigrants and the Latino community,” Grupo Frontera wrote in Spanish. “Like many of you, our families and [group] members have fought and struggled for a better future, and we will always take our people’s side, defending our roots and values.”
The Texas-based Música Mexicana band added, “It’s important you know that the opinions of our friends and family don’t represent Grupo Frontera. We are immigrants, we are from the border, and Grupo Frontera will always be by and for the people.”
Grupo Frontera — which includes members Adelaido Solís III (“Payo”), Juan Javier Cantú, Julián Peña, Alberto Acosta, Carlos Guerrero and Brian Ortega — came under fire after a viral video showed the grandmother of a band member celebrating Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, according to The Latin Times.
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As fans began to react to the viral clip, Grupo Frontera remained largely silent on social media.
The controversy coincided with Trump’s promise to begin large-scale deportations when re-elected, a move that would heavily impact Latinos.
“i will no longer support grupo frontera because, how are you voting for Trump while being latino? mind you I live in their surrounding era and it’s heavily latino populated too like???” one fan wrote on X.
According to the LT, other various social media responses included: “Make music in English now,” “Never come back to Mexico,” “Latinos are the ones who listen to your music, and you’ve let us down,” “This kind of betrayal comes at a high price” and “We should cancel them all.”
Artists such as Residente, Selena Gomez, Lupillo Rivera, Becky G, Chiquis and Ángela Aguilar have spoken out against the deportations.
Grupo Frontera will be performing at Billboard THE STAGE during SXSW in Austin on March 14.
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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Rey del Carnaval
Jay Wheeler has been named the 2025 Rey del Carnaval de Miami (King of the Carnaval), joining past crownholders such as Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, and Chayanne, to name a few. The Puerto Rican artist will also headline the popular Calle Ocho street festival held March 9 in Miami, Fla. “Joining the list of so many legendary artists who have represented Miami Carnaval as kings and queens is an indescribable privilege,” Jay Wheeler expressed during a press conference held Thursday (Feb. 6) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. “This is a special moment in my career and I am proud to represent our vibrant heritage as part of this incredible annual celebration of culture, music and community.”
Jay Wheeler
Kiwanis Club of Little Havana
Gente De Zona’s 25th Anniversary
Gente de Zona is turning 25 after kicking off its music career as a duo in 2000. To celebrate, Alexander Delgado and Randy Malcom Martínez have released a two-part single. Titled “Cositas Bonitas de eso Se Trata,” the artists reeled in four new Cuban artists to tell the story of a long-lasting and healthy relationship. “Cositas Bonitas” in collaboration with El Kamel and L Kimii is about dating and getting to know each other, while “Se Trata” in collaboration with Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 is about commitment and building a future together. The former is a saucy reparto and the latter, has more pop elements laced with the Cuban-urban genre. According to a press release, both songs are part of the forthcoming Reparto by Gente de Zona album, and are the most romantic tracks on the project.
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Intimate Night with Arjona
In a very rare appearance, Ricardo Arjona celebrated his new album, Seco, with an intimate showcase in Miami, Fla. The exclusive event, held for select press and a small group of fans, took place Tuesday (Feb. 4) at the Adrienne Arsht Center, where Arjona performed songs from his new set, such as “Mujer,” and timeless hits including “Historia de un Taxi,” “Te Conozco,” and “Fuiste Tú.” In the midst of the presentation, the Guatemalan singer-songwriter shared life anecdotes, the album’s creative process, and even his dream of owning a bar in New York City. See a small recap of the evening below.
Daddy Yankee’s Birthday
Daddy Yankee might be in a legal battle with his ex-wife Mireddys González, but he’s keeping positive in the midst of it all—at least that’s what he’s showing fans on social media. This week, the former reggaetón hitmaker celebrated his 48th birthday (Feb. 3) alongside family and friends in Puerto Rico. “The faith community surprised me by celebrating my birthday last night,” he said in an Instagram post. “Honestly, they caught me off guard and surprised me. What a gift from heaven! When you least expect it, God always finds a way to cheer you up and never lets you down. Thank you to all the pastors, evangelists and artists of the kingdom who volunteered for this surprise party. Also to my AYALA family, who never miss a dance. Blessings to all, we had an extremely good time.” Check out DY’s surprise party in the below videos and photos.
Bad Bunny can’t help but flash his pearly white smile in new Super Bowl ad for Ritz Crackers that also features Aubrey Plaza and Michael Shannon. But his positivity and happy-go-lucky attitude make him an outsider at the Ritz Salty Club, a lounge located in Utah’s salt flats where everyone is … salty. The ad […]
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music from artists including collaborations by Xavi and Manuel Turizo, Calle 24 with Fuerza Regida, as well as a new bachata album from Natti Natasha produced by Romeo Santos. Xavi and Manuel Turizo teamed up for the first time for a […]
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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Natti Natasha, Natti Natasha en Amargue (Pina Records/Sony Music Latin)
Natti Natasha continues to explore the sound of bachata on her fourth studio album, Natti Natasha en Amargue, a 10-track set produced by the king of the genre himself, Romeo Santos. From the opening song “Desde Hoy,” through “Escasez de Besos” and “Cansada,” the Dominican singer shows off her deep, raspy voice as she addresses topics such as heartbreak and betrayal with empowering lyrics of growth and self-respect. The set includes the previously released singles “Tu Loca” and “Quiéreme Menos,” as well as a collaboration with Ozuna, “Ya No Comparto,” in which a couple decides their fate after infidelity.
Santos’ trademark is felt from beginning to end, with elegant arrangements, instrumentation and back-up vocals providing a solid framework for the singer. “All these songs are an offering of love and gratitude to the Dominican Republic and to all those who have embraced bachata, in all its forms, especially to my great friend, songwriter and producer Romeo Santos,” says Natti in a statement. The union of both artists is a success. While they’re not reinventing the wheel by any means, Natti Natasha en Amargue sounds like an instant classic. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
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Xavi & Manuel Turizo, “En Privado” (Interscope Records)
For Xavi and Manuel Turizo’s first collaborative effort, you’d expect them to go either the música Mexicana or pop-reggaetón route — but never a bachata. “En Privado” (in private) is just that, a surprising fusion between the tropical Dominican genre (one that Turizo has dominated) and Xavi’s signature tumbados románticos sound. Produced by Andy Clay, the track is a dedication to “la mas chula del barrio” (the most beautiful girl in the block), with a lot of hard-to-decline invitations and exciting promises. “I’m going to steal you, I’m going to maintain you/ A night in Cancun, and the next in Dubai,” Turizo chants, while Xavi also proposes: “Everything you want, my sweetheart/ I’ll even erase the girls I have on Instagram.” — JESSICA ROIZ
Silvestre Dangond & Emilia, “Vestido Rojo” (Sony Music Latin)
Silvestre Dangond’s melodic vocals could carry the entire song without any other instruments in two, but when his voice joins the vallenato’s accordion, there’s an explosion of rhythms that make this song so catchy. Argentine star Emilia joins Dangond at the minute-mark, adding her velvet vocals to the cumbia track. “Vestido Rojo” is almost like a call and response with Dangond expressing his desire to be with the women in red who seems to be playing hard to get. But he may be overthinking it. Her response? “I didn’t want anything but now I’ll give you everything,” she sings. The Colombian artist says of his collab with Emilia in a statement, “Her way of interpreting gives a new dimension to ‘Vestido Rojo’, and together we achieved a song that we hope will connect deeply with the public.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Calle 24 x Fuerza Regida, “Como Estrella” (Street Mob/Warner Music Latina)
“Como Estrella,” the latest collaboration between Calle 24 and Fuerza Regida, captivates with its evocative blend of somber brass, warm nylon strings, and introspective lyrics. Traversing the themes of perseverance and celestial guidance, the song is layered with Diego Millán’s soaring vocal range and JOP’s impactful interjections. As the chosen theme for Netflix’s series Prison Cell 211, “Como Estrella” superbly enhances the dramatic narrative. “Being part of the Prison Cell 211 soundtrack is a very important step in my career,” Diego Millán shared in a press release. “This series portrays an intense and raw reality, full of strong emotions and personal struggles, and ‘Como Estrella’ fits perfectly with that story. It’s a song that speaks of absence, memories, and the strength left behind by those who are no longer with us.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Los Tigres del Norte, “La Lotería” (Fonovisa)
Los Tigres del Norte return to political-social corridos — with the double-meanings and metaphors that have characterized the group’s career of more than half a century. The song’s title is named after to a typical Mexican board game that’s similar to Bingo. Penned by Luciano Luna, the lyrics compare the characters on “la lotería” game to real-life situations and people, referring to current issues that governments have not been able to resolve. “This life is just like the lottery and there are some who play the brave/ They do everything to climb the ladder because the crown makes them influential,” Los Tigres sings in its well-known traditional northern style. The first single from the group’s upcoming album is accompanied by a very special music video: a short film made by filmmaker Sergio Arau, creator of the acclaimed documentary Un Día Sin Mexicanos, which takes on even more value in these times of uncertainty that immigrants are experiencing. — TERE AGUILERA
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
In our Latin Remix of the Week series, we spotlight remixes that the Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors deem exceptional and distinct. We might not publish a review every week. This is our selection today. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Pipe Bueno has brought back one of his most famous songs from […]
What happens when Caribbean tropical rhythms meet the world of astrology, feminine energy, and spirituality? A colorful supergroup called ASTROPICAL is born.
The new band group created by Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana — two of the most beloved contemporary bands from Colombia and Venezuela, respectively — took the world by surprise just a week ago when it released the track “Me Pasa (Piscis)” while making the announcement that the song was just the first single of an entire project that was soon to come.
On Thursday (Feb. 6), Billboard Español can announce that the 12-track album — one for each zodiac sign — will be released on March 7. Or as Li Saumet from Bomba Estéreo says: “Before Mercury goes retrograde.”
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The LP, also titled ASTROPICAL, includes the songs “Brinca (Acuario),” “Siento (Virgo),” “Otro Nivel (Capricornio),” “Una Noche en Caracas (Tauro),” “Happy (Libra),” “Calentita (Aries),” “El Lobo (Cáncer),” “Llegó El Verano (Sagitario),” “Quién Me Mandó (Géminis)” and “Corazón Adentro (Escorpio)” — in addition to “Me Pasa (Piscis)” and the upcoming single “Fogata (Leo),” to be released on Feb. 20, and which Saumet feels “is going to be one of the most transcendental songs of this album.”
And they have already started scheduling live performances, beginning with the Vive Latino festival in Mexico City, where they are set to play on Sunday, March 16, and the Estéreo Picnic festival in Bogotá, where they will perform on Saturday, March 29.
In an interview with Billboard Español, Saumet and Beto Montenegro from Rawayana talked about zodiac signs, feminine energy, and the musical “child” that was born from their union.
For starters, how did this collaboration come about?
Saumet: I have an intuition, and I visualized. A little voice told me, “The time has come to make the song with Rawayana.” And I woke up and said, “I’m going to call Beto and tell him.” Since my team is close to his team as well, I asked for his phone number. And Beto got me right away and sent a track.
Montenegro: I told her yes, of course, but let’s book two days in the studio instead of one in case the first day doesn’t go so well.
Beto, were you already a fan of Bomba Estéreo?
Montenegro: I have loved what Bomba has done in their career; they are an icon and musically speaking, they are exceptional. And something was happening to me — like I was understanding the power of manifestation and discipline and work. When Li contacted me, it was one of those things. I was watching Bomba Estéreo at a sunset on a beach in Chile, in Pichilemu. We were the four Rawayanas watching Bomba and I told the guys it felt like: “Wow! It seems like this is what’s going to happen now.” And then Li contacts me a year later. We got together in the studio and in two days three songs came out, so from there we agreed: “Let’s make an EP, but let’s go to your house in Santa Marta.”
How was that process, and why is it called Astropical?
Montenegro: Li is so wonderful, full of flowers and light and spirituality. And throughout the process, the presence of the [zodiac] signs was there. It was like: “You are so Aquarius, you are so Capricorn”… her and her friends. So I tell her, “We have to do something that has to do with the stars,” because we had the whole process with this theme. And I tell her, “Honestly, I don’t follow astrology much, but I find it very interesting.” And it didn’t take long for her to say, “How about Astropical?” And I said, “Wow!”
When did all this happen?
Saumet: In January last year. I mean, a year — we literally had a child. In January he impregnated me, or I impregnated him, because from here you don’t know who impregnated who. And now the kid is coming out. And it’s nice because I’m lucky enough to coincide with people with whom I complement with musically and things come out, always trusting also in my intuition, which is accurate in the sense that I can complement something or contribute something nice and organically. I feel it has been incredible to work with Beto and the guys, because their energy is wonderful. He is Aquarius! I mean, my husband is Aquarius. Aquarians are beings that move me a lot because I am Capricorn and I am earth, I am always working and I have many ideas. But he takes those ideas of mine and complements them. When that comes together, it creates a wonderful mix.
Add to that that my birthday (Jan. 18) and his birthday (Jan. 21) are close, so there are the signs. Then the planets align. I mean, it’s all very crazy, even to me as someone who believes in that. I feel that everything that is happening is organic, we haven’t planned it. Of course, there is a general plan, because fortunately, we are very clear about what we want and we have good ideas, but it has been very organic and very nice. It has been like a complement not only vocally, but also lyrically. I feel that the whole image and the whole concept has been complementary and it has been nice because he says he has learned a lot from me, but I have learned a lot from him too.
How do you complement each other?
Saumet: Well, Beto is a millennial, and I am timeless. [Laughs.] I am very open to changes, and he is very aware of what is happening. That was one of the things that attracted me a lot to this new process with Rawa, it inspired me like, wow! Because artists are always reinventing themselves, it’s not something you do or you don’t — you have to do it as an artist. But what people from younger generations have a lot, more and more, is that they reinvent themselves all the time: One day they are one thing or the other o everything at the same time.
They don’t let themselves be typecast…
Saumet: No, they don’t. And that has always caught my attention, because in a way, when I started making music, I did that. I made music that no one else was making and it was weird and people said, “What is this? Or I don’t know, a haircut or something. I mean, very atypical things at that time, because I have always been very atypical and I feel that he has a very good intuition at the work level and he is also very logical, he has like a very masculine energy, which is cool. The Aquarian is always a being who is between heaven and earth, that is, someone who is a bit made to do great things. And well, I am very spiritual, but also very hardworking, very disciplined, so I feel that we complement each other in that: intuition with thought.
What have they learned from each other?
Saumet: I’ve learned to listen, to trust. I’ve learned a lot! From the way he treats work, which I always had at a certain level and now I see from a different perspective, like interacting more. I don’t know how to explain it. Something I’ve seen from Beto in these months that I have been with him, is that he opens up a lot, and I have always opened up a bit but closed, very much respecting my space. I feel that it shouldn’t be like that, that there should be a balance.
I feel that this interaction makes things move forward as well, because it’s always an exchange of energy, and he is very good at that. He takes the leadership and he goes out and he makes it happen. I’m a bit shyer sometimes. When I’m on stage it’s another thing, but in terms of — I don’t want to say the word, lobbying, I’ve learned from him that when you open up, other things open up for you as well.
Montenegro: What happened to me, in the moment I am personally living now, is that the arrival of Li has been like an encounter with spirituality. It’s like a rain of flowers mixed with a strong feminine presence. I mean, I feel super feminine in this process. I have been working with men for many years, and working with a team of girls, where we are debating things or making decisions, I am delighted.
I think God is sending Li to me so I can connect with that, with spirituality. In the creative process, I tell my team: “Here the boss is Li. We are here; let the feminine power take over us.” And I really like that she is a person who has managed to design a life full of colors. She says she is reserved, but she shows a very interesting openness. And I think maybe the mix works because of that. I also think, when you hear her voice, it’s an explosive thing and maybe my voice is a bit sweeter. You can feel that in terms of sound.
Any fun anecdotes from this last year working together?
Montenegro: Well, our birthdays celebration was crazy.
Saumet: Ahhh, it was great! We went to San Sebastián in Puerto Rico, where we were actually doing a listening of the album, and we celebrated every day.
Montenegro: It was like a That was like a fair. We danced… The cultural interaction has been very interesting, but I feel that if we weren’t singers, Li [still] would be my friend. We like similar things. I mean, we celebrated our birthdays and I felt like when parents bring two little kids together to share a birthday, with the same friends. Our friends [ours and hers] are all alike. We are different nationalities, but we are all the same specimen.
Saumet: It was lovely. We did karaoke, salsa lessons. We had a great time.
What can we expect next?
Saumet: A song that I really like, called “Fogata (Leo),” which I feel is going to be one of the most transcendental songs of this album. It comes out on Feb. 20. It also has a beautiful video. I feel that when we made it — I don’t remember if I was on mushrooms or not, I don’t think so. But I remember that it was something magical; that song generated a super nice energy for me.
What is it about?
Montenegro: Well, “Fogata” is like a request of what we want for when we are not around anymore.
And when is the full album due?
Montenegro: March 7th.
Saumet: Before Mercury goes retrograde!
It’s the fifth week of 2025, and Argentinians La T y La M and Malandro de America have held strong atop the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 as their first collab, “Amor De Vago,” adds a fifth week at No. 1 on the chart dated Feb. 08. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See […]
Gabito Ballesteros is proud to be part of a Super Bowl LIX broadcast on Sunday (Feb. 9). The Mexican artist will appear in a video singing alongside Puerto Rican urban star Anuel AA just before the game begins on FOX Deportes.
“It’s Mexican music and Latin culture within this great event that is seen by millions of people,” Ballesteros tells Billboard Español. “Thank God they will know our music, our history, and it fills us with pride to be here.”
It was not specified which song they will perform. The video will serve as the opening for the channel’s broadcast of the most anticipated sporting event of the year in the U.S.: the NFL Super Bowl. This year, it’s the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome stadium in New Orleans.
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According to FOX Deportes, the collaboration between the Mexican music singer and the Puerto Rican trap and reggaetón performer was recorded in December in Mexico City and “maintains the tradition of connecting with diverse audiences through music, culture and sports.” In the past, other prominent Mexican figures — such as Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Los Tigres del Norte and Banda MS — have similarly inaugurated the channel’s Super Bowl telecast.
About his participation alongside Anuel AA, Ballesteros says he was “excited to be able to share this experience with these type of people who are an important part of Latin music” — adding, “I felt a great connection with him, and I look forward to something in the future.”
When asked if he was a fan of American football, he replied that he was a big fan of all sports and the discipline that comes with being an athlete. “In general, I admire all the teams. I look up to them and I know they will offer a great game,” he says.
Originally from the Mexican state of Sonora, Gabriel “Gabito” Ballesteros is recognized as a key figure in the corridos tumbado music movement. He has topped the charts with hits such as “Lady Gaga” with Peso Pluma and Junior H, and “AMG” with Peso and Natanael Cano, two songs that made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 across all genres in 2023. Last year, he debuted on multiple charts with his album The GB. Most recently, he signed with George Prajin‘s Double P Management.
Emmanuel Gazmey, better known as Anuel AA, rose to stardom in the reggaetón, rap and trap genres. Among other chart achievements, four of his albums have reached No. 1 on Top Latin Albums, including Real Hasta la Muerte (2018), Emmanuel (2020), Los Dioses (2021) with Ozuna and Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren (2021).