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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.
Eslabon Armado Inspires Students in NYC
Mexican music superstars Eslabon Armado made a special visit to Baruch College in New York City to participate in Eres Arte: A Panel con Eslabon Armado. The event, moderated by Billboard Español’s Isabela Raygoza, was inspired by a creative student-made video imagining the band visiting their college to perform and speak as a playful alternative if unable to attend their concert.
With about 150 students, the panel offered a rare opportunity for the young fans to engage directly with the Mexican-American group where they shared their journey, from their origins as a family group to their rise to fame. The discussion touched on their leap into independence with their own label, Armado Records, and their excitement about their upcoming tour in Mexico, where they’ll play live in the country of their ancestry for the very first time. “We want to tell our story to people that are our age, that are maybe inspired by us, that just want to make a change in their lives or want to superarse,” frontman Pedro Tovar shared during the discussion. Following the 30-minute panel, Eslabon Armado treated the crowd to an intimate live performance, playing new releases “Esa Noche,” “Eres Arte
Guest artists, surprises and lots of fun. That’s how Rawayana‘s debut at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is shaping up. The band will perform this and next Saturday (April 12 and 19) on the Gobi stage. According to lead vocalist Beto Montenegro, it will be a true tribute to their home country, where their last tour was canceled late last year amid political turmoil.
“Honestly, we’re scratching the itch after not being able to play in Venezuela,” Montenegro told Billboard Español on Friday (April 11) in an exclusive interview. “Our idea is to bring the Venezuelan Caribbean to Coachella. That’s the concept of the show. And to dedicate this to all the people who couldn’t see us in December.”
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Both performances will be streamed live on Coachella’s YouTube channel.
Rawayana will bring a total of ten special guests for their two shows, Montenegro shared. While he preferred to keep their identities a surprise, he revealed that this weekend’s performance will feature three Venezuelan and two Puerto Rican artists, and next week’s will include three more Venezuelans, a Colombian, and a Puerto Rican. “Our guests are the best of Venezuela,” he added enthusiastically. “They’re all from different worlds, but very important in our career and in Venezuelan music.”
And Rawayana won’t just be performing at the prominent festival in Indio, California. They’ll also premiere a music video during Coachella’s livestream: the clip for their viral hit “Veneka,” with Venezuelan rapper Akapellah, which was released last October. Filmed in November during the Caracas-Magallanes baseball game at loanDepot Park in Miami with the participation of many Venezuelan female figures from pop culture, the video will have its world premiere tonight (April 11) at 11:05 p.m. ET (8:05 p.m. PT) on the Main Stage YouTube channel, one week before its official release.
The festival announced it earlier today with a fun video on social media featuring another famous Venezuelan: Hollywood actor Edgar Ramírez.
“I mean, honestly, this Coachella is completely dedicated to Venezuela, and that makes us very happy,” Montenegro said, explaining that the song and the concept for the “Veneka” video were inspired by the baseball games they used to watch in their home country. “We used to go to the stadiums, and this type of music, raptor house [a dance electronic music genre originating in Caracas], would play. When the game ended, [the cameras] would always look for women in the crowd, and ‘Caracas de Noche’ would play. It was very iconic.”
Montenegro expressed his pride in performing at Coachella, the same festival where decades ago their fellow Venezuelans Los Amigos Invisibles — whom he said they were “ultra mega fans” of — played, and where this year they share the lineup with Gustavo Dudamel, “one of those little geniuses Venezuela has produced in recent times,” and Arca, “who is also a genius.”
“We feel amazing. It’s a privilege.”
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Arthur Hanlon presents his new EP, 2 Manos, 1 Mundo (“two hands, one world”), out Friday (April 11) via Sony Music Latin.
On the seven-track production, which follows his highly praised Piano y Mujer series, the Detroit-born pianist teamed up with nine of his friends — Ana Bárbara, Ángela Aguilar, Carlos Vives, Darell, Goyo, Manuel Medrano, Nia Skyfer, Tiago Ior and Yotuel — for an “ethereal and dreamy” production (as he describes it) that fuses worldly beats such as Brazil’s bossanova, Cuba’s cha-cha-cha and Colombia’s vallenato with his distinctive piano melodies.
“It was a good moment to go back and write,” Hanlon tells Billboard, whose last two albums featured cover songs interpreted by artists such as Ivy Queen, Ha*Ash, Kany García, Natalia Jimenez, Evaluna Montaner and more. “This is a musical manifestation of the friends that I’ve made from different parts of the world.”
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Crafted in his Miami-based home with the royal blue piano in his living room, Hanlon says his creative process always begins at home with friends, because he’s the type of artist who “likes to cook.” “This project is so personal,” he emphasizes. “It’s me connecting with the artists. If there’s no chemistry, no connection, it’s hard for me to collaborate.”
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Below, Hanlon breaks down some of the tracks on 2 Manos, 1 Mundo, which also includes a solo piano cover of Santana’s smooth hit “Europa.”
On “Bala Perdida” featuring Ángela Aguilar: “We wrote the song and got together with Ángela. I’m always looking for magic. And I knew that with this song and with Angela, by placing the piano in the desert, we would create a contrast between the music and the natural environment. That’s how this song was born.”
Hanlon and Aguilar premiered “Bala Perdida” at the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro awards.
On “Repetimos” featuring Yotuel & Darell: “‘Repetimos’ was the first song I did for the album. Yotuel asked for a cha-cha-cha but to make it funky. I thought, how can we make it a Cuban-meets-Detroit sound? We needed that crunch on the song, so we called Darell.”
“Repetimos” peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart last October.
On “Goodbye” with Carlos Vives & Goyo: “Carlos went to my house, we were drinking gin and tonic, and thinking of how interesting it would be if the Magdalena Rivera and Mississippi River connected. That’s how this song was born. We filmed the video in the streets of Bogota. We walked two nights around the streets to get the good vibes from the nightlife and that bluesy feel.”
Editor’s Note: Hanlon is married to Billboard’s Chief Content Officer, Latin/Espãnol, Leila Cobo.
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music, including albums by Luck Ra (Que Sed), Gepe (Undesastre Deluxe: Cerodrama) and Arthur Hanlon (2 Manos, 1 Mundo). Plus, Silvestre Dangond and Carín León team up for their hypnotizing new collaboration “Cosas Sencillas,” powered by vallenato’s signature accordion melodies, which was […]
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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Luck Ra, Que Sed (Sony Music Latin)
Following his debut Que Nos Falte Todo, which was Spotify’s most-streamed album of 2024 in Argentina, Luck Ra drops his sophomore set Que Sed. Argentina’s breakout star, born Juan Facundo Almenara Ordónez, continues on the same streak that made him a household name: lyrics about heartbreak backed with feel-good, party melodies and his captivating falsetto vocals. Seriously, there’s no time to be moping over an ex with tracks titled like “Que Idiota,” “Un Clavo” and “Por El Ex No Se Llora.” On the 14-track set, Luck Ra reeled in collaborators Nicki Nicole, Kenia Os, Lola Indigo, Ke Personajes, Dread Mar I, Ulises Bueno and Tiago PZK, who’s on the focus single “Fue Culpa Tuya.” It’s also home to his previously-released notable team-ups with Chayanne (“Un Siglo Sin Ti”), Elvis Crespo (“Suavemente”) and Maluma (“Hola Perdida Remix”).
Que Sed, which loosely represents his ambitious thirst and hunger in the music industry, puts the country’s cuarteto or cuartetazo movement on the map — a musical genre born in Córdoba similar to merengue — fused with urban, reggae and cumbia beats. “It’s very exciting to see the fruits of our labor come together. This album is an expression of my roots, with an eye reaching international markets,” says Luck Ra, one of Billboard’s 2025 Latin Artists to Watch. “It’s made with appreciation and love for the fans, and with an immense passion for music.” — JESSICA ROIZ
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Ela Taubert, “¿Cómo Haces?” (Universal Music Latino)
Colombian singer-songwriter Ela Taubert pays a meaningful tribute to her mother in “¿Cómo Haces?,“ the latest single from her debut album Preguntas a Las 11:11, to be released on May 9. With a mid-tempo pop rhythm driven by drums and guitar, the 2024 Latin Grammy winner for best new artist sings to that unconditional person who has always been with her, through thick and thin. The music video is an emotional collage of images of Ela in concert and backstage with her mother, as well as spending time with fans. In a powerful ending, the track concludes with a version of the chorus recorded live during a show with the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. – SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Servando & Florentino feat. Maelo Ruiz, “No te Vayas” (Goalz Music – OPJR)
The Primera brothers, Servando & Florentino, joined forces with romantic music icon Maelo Ruiz for “No Te Vayas.” This single is another preview of their awaited album, SE BUSCAN: VIVOS O INMORTALES. The track masterfully revives the authentic essence of salsa. From the first verse, Maelo Ruiz’s distinctive and soulful voice commands attention as he shares heartfelt lyric. His delivery interlaces beautifully with the harmonious and sweet high vocals of Servando & Florentino, creating a rich tapestry of sound that reflects their musical heritage. — INGRID FAJARDO
Gepe, Undesastre Delux: Cerodrama (Altafonte)
Gepe’s two-disc album Undesastre Deluxe: Cerodrama is a testament to reinvention. Building on his tenth studio album Undesastre, this deluxe edition adds three new tracks that delve into themes of transformation and healing with a whimsical essence. “NOstás,” a nylon guitar ballad, captures feelings of longing with poetic prose, while “Cumbia Chica” (featuring emerging Chilean singer-songwriter Beléncha) brings festive energy with a dash of reggaetón. On the hip-hop-tinged “Otro Plan,” rapper Bronko Yotte delivers an introspective verse alongside the Santiago de Chile musician. Disc two also spotlights “La Cueca del Canario V.2,” originally released in February, enriched by Niño de Elche’s flamenco artistry. Fluidly genre-hopping and packed with memorable hooks, Gepe deftly blends tradition with innovation, crafting music that is heartfelt, danceable, and undeniably human. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Rauw Alejandro, “Carita Linda” (Sony Music Latin)
Rauw’s first single since releasing his Top Latin Albums chart-topping LP Cosa Nuestra, “Carita Linda” is at its core a love letter to Puerto Rico — both sonically and lyrically. Powered by a hypnotizing fusion of bomba with urban beats, the single — penned by the artist himself and produced by Dímelo Ninow — continues Rauw’s commitment to elevating tropical music. The song’s lyrics capture an instant connection between two souls who are meeting for the first time, and that deep yearning for eternal love. Rauw debuted the song on April 5 during his Cosa Nuestra Tour stop in Seattle, where he sang “Carita Linda” for the first time. — GRISELDA FLORES
Banda MS & Luis Antonio López “El Mimoso,” “Sé Sincera Corazón” (Lizos Music)
Two of Sinaloa’s greatest banda exponents come together for this collaboration, with a ranchero-focused style. Written by Omar Tarazón and Sergio Lizárraga, “Sé Sincera Corazón” speaks of a relationship that is fading and of being at a crucial point to either continue it or end it. “Be sincere, heart/ Where is the arrow pointing/ Let’s revive love/ Or do we let it die?” they sing with great feeling. The union of Banda MS with Luis Antonio López “El Mimoso” is undoubtedly a pleasant surprise. The feeling they give it is the icing on the cake, which invites you to accompany it with a tequila. — TERE AGUILERA
Silvestre Dangond & Carín León, “Cosas Sencillas” (Sony Music Latin)
When Urumita, Colombia (Silvestre Dangond) meets Hermosillo, Sonora (Carín León), a new vallenato anthem emerges. The two hitmakers unite for the first time in this exciting collaboration — a partnership that was inspired by a spontaneous meeting during the renowned Vallenato Festival in Valledupar, Colombia last year. During the festival, Silvestre invited Carín to his home to enjoy a parranda with other Colombian musicians and composers. From this gathering, the idea for their collaboration was born. The song features beautiful accordion melodies that blend Silvestre’s high vocals with Carín León’s raspy tones. — I.F.
Yeisy Rojas, “Inmigrante y Qué?”
Latin Grammy-nominated Cuban artist Yeisy Rojas returns with a single, released independently, about the migrant experience and the importance of celebrating our roots, embracing our identity, and breaking down prejudices during times of tension for many immigrants in the U.S. “We live working, fighting for a dream/ You call me an immigrant, I proudly answer/ Immigrant, so what? / I bring my joy and my pain too,” Rojas sings over a contagious and sophisticated fusion of Cuban rumba, funk, salsa and hip-hop. “‘Inmigrante y Qué?’ is a song that seeks to make visible the stories of struggle and hope of those who have had to leave their homeland to build a new life,” Rojas tells Billboard Español, adding that “migrating is not a shame, but an act of courage and a source of pride.” — S.R.A.
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
Junior H is set to take the stage at Coachella, just a year after debuting at the event as a guest of his friend Peso Pluma. One of the most important exponents of new regional Mexican music today, Junior, known for global hits such as “Lady Gaga,” ‘Ella,” and “Tres Botellas,” will debut his own set on April 13 and 20.
“It’s a pride, it’s very nice to represent Mexico, represent the genre and share with people who like my music — although the goal is to go and win new fans,” Junior H tells Billboard Español ahead of the festival’s first weekend. “Coachella is a stage where artists from many countries perform. So, I’m very excited and of course it’s a challenge and a great opportunity.”
Although he said that he will not have guests and that his show will be shorter than what he normally presents in his concerts, the artist behind Hot 100 hits such as “Y Lloro”, “Fin de Semana” and “Bipolar” promises to give “the best of my repertoire.”
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Over the past five years, Junior H (whose real name is Antonio Herrera) has been carving a steady path since the days when he was discovered by the Los Angeles-based independent record label Rancho Humilde. Today, he has his own label, Sad Boyz Entertainment.
“La Letra Muda”, as he is also known, knows what it is like to be in front of large crowds. In May 2023, he twice packed the Plaza Mexico in Mexico City, with its 50,000 capacity — a long way from his early days of having a mostly social media-based following.
“That moment was really the beginning, where we realized we have real fans — not followers. It was awesome,” he says. “Then we jumped to the Foro Sol and it was beautiful. Later we came to the United States to very big places, so I’m infinitely grateful.”
With the concept of his 2023 album Sad Boyz 4 Life II, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums and Top Regional Mexican Albums charts, Junior H had a quick connection with young people — who had known him as a performer of corridos tumbados, but found his new style to have deeper, more sentimental themes. The 23-year-old singer was born in Guanajuato, also the land of singer-songwriter José Alfredo Jiménez, so ranchera music was part of his childhood. And as a teenager, thanks to his sisters, he listened to Edén Muñoz — with whom he collaborated on “Abcdario” a couple of years ago, fulfilling a longtime dream in the process.
More recently, the group Máximo Grado, considered a standard-bearer in corridos, released his Somos Leyenda album, on which Junior H made an appearance. “Since I was a kid I’ve been a fan of theirs. The song I participated with, ‘El Hombre del Equipo,’ I used to sing it when I was doing lives during the pandemic,” he recalls. “[The group’s leader] Christian Felix used to see them, and that’s why he invited me. I’m fortunate to have accomplished things I never imagined. That’s why now I want to help other artists who are starting out with my record label.”
Junior H will now add CEO of Sad Boyz Entertainment to his career resumé. His first signed talent is the artist Gael Valenzuela, on whose new song (“El Chore,” released Apr. 10) he also appeared. Find that below.
Renowned singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez has announced a tour across five South American countries later this year, sharing the news in an Instagram post on Thursday (April 10).
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“Hey, friends! I’m Silvio Rodríguez, and I just wanted to share this quick message to announce an upcoming tour through Latin America,” he said in the video. “It’ll be in five countries, running from late September to early November of 2025. The countries, in this order, are Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru and Colombia. That’s all for now! We’re really excited about this, and I hope you all are too. Thank you so much.”
This marks his first performances outside of Cuba since 2022, when he gave concerts in Mexico — including one in Mexico City’s Zócalo before an audience of 100,000. The announcement also sets his return to South America after last touring the region in 2018 with concerts in Chile and Argentina.
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The nueva trova artist will be joined on tour by Emilio Vega (vibraphone), Jorge Aragón and Malva Rodríguez (piano), Niurka González (flute and clarinet), Jorge Reyes (double bass), Rachid López (guitar), Maykel Elizarde (tres guitar) and Oliver Valdés (drums), according to Cuba Noticias 360.
His most recent release, Quería Saber — his 21st studio album — was released last June.
Silvio Rodríguez is a pioneer of la nueva trova, a music movement that emerged in Cuba in the late 1960s blending poetic lyrics with social and political themes. One of his most recognizable hits include “Ojalá,” “Quien Fuera,” “Te Doy Una Canción” and many more. His profound storytelling and evocative melodies have inspired generations, establishing him as one of Latin America’s most iconic and influential artists.
See his announcement below:
Deorro and Santa Fe Klan team up for “La Bandera,” a cumbia banger that fuses rap and EDM, resulting in an explosive track that will get any party going. The pair’s new collaboration, released Thursday (April 10), is a celebration of Mexican culture and Mexican pride, from signature cumbia dance moves to the streetwear that […]
The desert will be the place to be this weekend and the next with Coachella in full swing in Indio, Calif. This year’s two-weekend festival will run April 11-13 and 18-20, and will be co-headlined by Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone and Travis Scott.
While the aforementioned artists are top billings, there’s a handful of Latin artists that you’ll want to check out if you’re attending this year. From Venezuelan band Rawayana to corridos hitmaker Junior H, indie pop artist Judeline and música mexicana star Ivan Cornejo, there’s something for everyone throughout the three days. Other Latin acts on the roster include, Arca, The Marías, El Malilla, Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, Alok and Gustavo Dudamel with the LA Phil. Check out the artists’ schedules here.
Anitta was set to perform this year but pulled out of her performance slot last month over “unexpected personal reasons.”
“I was really looking forward to being at Coachella this year, but due to unexpected personal reasons, I won’t be able to perform,” the Brazilian superstar wrote on X. “I’m truly grateful to the festival for the invitation, their understanding, and continued support. I hope to have the opportunity to join you all in the future and share that special moment together.”
In previous years, Bad Bunny, Karol G, Becky G, Natanael Cano, Kali Uchis, Peso Pluma, Eladio Carrión, Carla Morrison, Banda MS, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and Grupo Firme, among many other Latin artists, have performed at Coachella.
Below, find the ultimate guide to Latin artists at this year’s Coachella in alphabetical order:
Alok
