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Fernando Cabral de Mello has been named CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Brazil, Sony Music Latin Iberia announced on Thursday (March 27). His appointment comes as part of a new organizational structure for Sony’s operations in the country. The “newly unified entity” will encompass Sony Music Brazil, Som Livre and also oversee the joint venture […]
Yailin La Más Viral is no stranger to making headlines, whether it’s for her high-profile love affairs or her bold reinventions, such as surgically changing her eye color. But in early March, the Dominican rising star drew attention in a whole new way with a career-making achievement: She made history by selling out her first headlining concert at New York’s iconic United Palace for two consecutive nights, becoming the first Dominican woman to do so, and the third Latina after Karol G and Becky G, the venue’s CEO confirmed to Billboard Español.
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“I feel very proud and it was something very important,” Yailin tells Billboard Español, reflecting on her growing success and the overwhelming support she has been receiving from the Caribbean community and beyond in the U.S. “It’s a very big pride to do it as a Dominican, as a woman, representing the Dominican youth, and the gender of us; the support that the fans gave me and putting my culture on high.”
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At just 22 years old, Yailin is not just commanding stages but living up to her moniker — “the most viral” — with her latest breakout hits. Released in November 2024, “Bing Bong” has amassed an astonishing 175 million views on YouTube to date, with an additional 75 million streams on Spotify. On this track, inspired by a spontaneous encounter with Brazilian artist Veigh during Billboard. Latin Music Week in Miami, Yailin dips into Brazilian funk and infuses her signature Dominican dembow flair. The result? A fresh and infectious sound that’s all her own, provocative and unapologetically original. The song earned a spot on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, debuting at No. 28 — her first solo chart achievement. Meanwhile, tracks like “Silla” and “Chapa” — all three produced by Puyalo Pantera and Yailin — continue to rack up ten of millions of streams.
Adding to her growing buzz, she further made waves online when she was seen celebrating New Year’s Eve in Santo Domingo alongside Spanish superstar Rosalía. “I had my first encounter with Rosalia when I was in a relationship with Catta’s father,” she says in reference to Anuel AA and their daughter Cattleya. “[Rosalia] was a very warm person, she gave me her friendship, despite everything that was going on. We kept communicating and we created a friendship.” Around the NYE holiday, she also sang “Obsesión” alongside bachata megastar Romeo Santos when Aventura came to Dominican Republic Olympic Stadium in the Dominican Republic. “It was something very important, Romeo is someone very important for us,” she adds.
Yailin (whose real name is Georgina Lulú Guillermo Díaz) grew up in Santo Domingo, immersed in the rich sounds of her island, such as dembow. “The carnival music from here, with drums and things like that, was always something I heard here,” she recalls. “My dad passed away when I was little, and music always influenced me because of him. He always listened to Ana Gabriel, which is why I identify with Ana Gabriel so much. There was a dance they called el baile de Pakitín, where you danced with your hands and feet. And those were the things that influenced me the most.”
Like many rising Latin artists, Yailin looked to the icons of reggaetón and pop culture for inspiration, imagining herself on the same level as the legendary figures she grew up listening to. “You know, I’m not that old. I used to listen to Puerto Rican reggaetón artists like Daddy Yankee. Then we started listening to music in the Dominican Republic from American artists like Beyoncé, those people. You always think when you’re [very young] that one day you’re going to be something big just like them,” she says. Her ambition fueled her journey as she ventured into music, despite the challenges of breaking into a male-dominated genre.
Yailin La Más Viral
Christopher Nunez
Her rise has been anything but ordinary, with much of her early public recognition stemming from her high-profile romantic relationships. In 2022, she became involved with superstar Anuel AA, shortly after his highly publicized split from Karol G. Their whirlwind relationship led to a marriage and the birth of their daughter, Cattleya. During this time, Yailin also collaborated with the Puerto Rican rapper, appearing on “Si Tú Me Busca,” which scored her her first Billboard chart entry, reaching No. 12 high on Hot Latin Songs.
By 2023, Yailin and Anuel AA separated, and she began to face life as a young single mother. She began collaborating with Tekashi69 — a controversial rapper with a history of legal troubles — on tracks like the bilingual “Shaka Laka” and the romantic-leaning “Pa’ Ti,” which fueled rumors of a romantic connection, as she navigated public scrutiny. The latter track, however, secured her her first top 10 on Hot Latin Songs, debuting and peaking at No. 6 that year in July. This year, she inked a deal with Roc Nation.
“I always say that God takes you on a path where you can learn,” she says. “Those things that happened to me, I think they were kind of forging me into who I am. But I know that God put me through that, so that I can be who I am today.”
“Bing Bong” marks her first chart appearance as a solo artist. Its success is particularly special to her, as it serves as both a creative milestone and a personal one. The inspiration behind the track was none other than her daughter. “Catta was the one who did the ‘aayyyy…’ [heard in the song]. She is the inspiration for ‘Bing Bong,’” she shares with pride. Being a single mother and balancing her demanding career hasn’t been easy, but her child has become her driving force. “Catta is like the engine of my life, like the motor. Everything I do is so that she can have a future and a very different life than the one I had.”
From her new grey eyes to her striking pink hair and daring outfits, the singer’s bold style is yet another way she showcases her individuality. “My look, the different things I do to myself, I change them a lot because I really like experimenting to see where I find myself,” she explains. “One of my goals is for my fans to identify with the style I have, [clothes] to be able to use it day to day, and for it not to be too expensive, so they feel good and can be different.”
As she continues growing her career, Yailin is focused on leaving an impact — not just as an artist, but as a humanitarian, of helping single mothers and children in need, even expressing her desire to one day adopt. “I have plans to help single mothers. I want that to be on my record, that I can make a plan, a foundation, something to support young single mothers,” she says, also adding, “I’ve always had a dream of adopting a baby.”
“The first thing I always want is for people to remember me as a girl who came from low-income backgrounds, who came from the bottom, from the Dominican Republic, who made it, who was able to go out and represent her country, and that this helps to put my country on high,” she says. “And as a person, that they remember me as the best mother Catta could have. May I always be seen as someone who loves her family, who is very grateful to her fans, and who appreciates the support. I see myself in the future as one of the most remembered artists of the Dominican Republic, who inspired many young people and that they know that I will always be the same Yailin.”
Name: Georgina Guillermo Díaz
Age: 22
Recommended Song: “My song ‘Bing Bong’ is like the seal of Yailin La Más Viral, because it was the song where I found myself. But if I can tell you the most important song that I have recorded, apart from that one, is ‘Mía,’ because it is the song for my daughter, where I express what she means to me.”
Biggest Accomplishment: “Many great things can come and go in life, but being Catta’s mom is my greatest accomplishment. [Professionally], I still feel like my biggest accomplishment hasn’t yet arrived.”
What’s Next: “For Yailin, la chivirica, putona, toda la chivirica, a lot of music and many surprises are coming. We have many projects: to bring out a makeup and clothing line. That the fans can identify with me, see that I wear this [clothing] and that it is not so expensive. To finish an album and do an international tour.”
With her bubbly charm, dazzling aura and universal appeal, Selena Quintanilla revolutionized the Tejano genre in the ‘80s and ‘90s by lacing her authentic Mexican roots with bold new sounds such as R&B, pop, dance and rock. Known as the Queen of Tejano, she shattered ceilings in a genre that was dominated by men, and made history along the way. After earning four of her eventual seven No. 1 Hot Latin Songs hits in 1994 — “Donde Quieras Que Estes,” “Amor Prohibido,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” and “No Me Queda Más” — the Mexican-American powerhouse was well on her way to a major mainstream crossover before she was tragically shot dead on March 31, 1995, at the age of 23.
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However, her music has stood the test of time — and, throughout the years, she’s influenced a new generation of hitmakers, making her a bona fide Latin icon in pop culture 30 years later. As a testament to her enduring legacy, Mexican-American artist Becky G speaks with Billboard about her love and admiration for Selena, and how she’s influenced her own career. Read her heartfelt as-told-to essay below:
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I was born in 1997. That was two years after Selena’s passing.
My mom actually remembers when they were doing the casting calls for the movie…she actually wanted to audition. Everyone loved Selena and identified with her. Having such a young mom, she naturally played for me the music she would listen to. I may not have vivid memories of Selena, but this is the way she was introduced to me. I even have baby videos listening to her music. She’s always been a part of my life.
She’s influenced my career in so many ways. As a performer, she represented so much more than just herself. She started building a bridge for the 200 percenters like myself, who [are] no eran de aqui ni de alla (neither from here nor from there). Growing up, that identity crisis used to feel like such a curse for me. I felt that I wasn’t enough, and I felt that I had to sacrifice parts of myself to be accepted on this or that side. What Selena embodied was authenticity. She was so authentic in her sense of humor, the dreams that she had, and the way she connected with her family and fans. That’s something that we, as fans, crave today from our favorite artists, but it’s a lot easier said than done.
At Coachella in 2023, I decided to pay tribute to her. A part of me does it for Little Becky, because I think what Little Becky saw in Selena was that dreams can come true, and it’s almost a celebration of being here and of her. First and foremost, I think it’s important that we recognize who came before us, and for me, it’s a beautiful thing to pay respect to the people you know you wouldn’t be here without. I truly feel that I wouldn’t be here without Selena.
Throughout the years, I’ve been very blessed to have had many, many loving interactions with the Quintanillas. Suzette even became a pretty good friend of mine. This last tour that I was on, she came to see it, and she’s always been super supportive. I actually met [her] mom and dad at the Fiesta de la Flor Festival in Corpus Christi, and I’ll never forget that her dad couldn’t believe that I was going to perform without a band. I was just getting started! It’s always one of those things that he would tease me about. It’s been really cool to keep up with them. They’re truly dedicated to continuing her legacy, and I admire that about them.
Now, going back to the word authenticity, she represents something that still resonates and is relevant today, which is that 200 percent identity. You should always be yourself no matter what, pochos and all! I feel that from the way she showed up in interviews to the way she did some of her most iconic performances to personal stories you hear from her loved ones, there was a common thread: it was her genuine kindness.
As an artist, you are overworked, you are depleted of your energy… but when you’re meant for it, you really do it with gratitude. Selena lived in abundance and was always giving back to the community, and always had the best of intentions. So many artists throughout the years since her passing may have reminded us of her essence, but there will never be another Selena. She was one of a kind — and that’s what makes a true superstar. Selena’s legacy is to admire, to respect, and to continue protecting, because she’s a light to so many of us.
Shakira tops Billboard’s monthly Top Tours chart for the first time, earning $32.9 million from 282,000 tickets sold in February, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore.
The Top Tours ranking in recent times has been repeatedly led by acts who have crowned the list previously. P!nk returned for her fourth victory in October, followed by Coldplay’s fifth in November. Trans-Siberian Orchestra popped up for a fifth time in December, and then Coldplay returned to the summit in January.
Shakira follows Bad Bunny, Los Bukis, and RBD among Latin artists who have topped the monthly ranking, making her the first solo Latin woman to hit No. 1.
Not only is this Shakira’s first month at No. 1, but it’s also her very first appearance on the 30-position chart. The tally’s first edition covered the biggest tours of February 2019, which was three months after the wrap of her previous outing, 2018’s El Dorado World Tour.
Shakira kicked off Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour on Feb. 11 at Rio de Janeiro’s Estadio Nilton Santos with a $2.9 million gross with 35,200 fans. Her pace accelerated throughout the month, to $6.4 million in Sao Paulo on the 13th, to $11.3 million in Atlantico, Colombia, on the 20th and 21st, and finally to $12.3 million during a double header at Bogota’s El Nemesio Camacho (Feb. 26-27). The two Colombia stops finish at Nos. 3 (Bogota) and 6 (Atlantico) on Top Boxscores.
For almost 30 years, Shakira has been a reliable sellout act in arenas, while flirting with stadiums. Her 2025 outing thrusts her into major-market stadiums, almost exclusively, for the first time. So while her Latin American dates across the 21st century have averaged $1 million to $1.5 million per show, her February shows paced $5.5 million and 47,000 tickets each night.
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour continues in Mexico, Chile and back to Columbia through April, before taking Shakira to the U.S. and Canada through the end of June. Including two rescheduled dates in Lima, Peru, in November, the tour will likely soar passed $200 million in total grosses, potentially tripling her career earnings by the end of 2025.
Tyler, the Creator follows on Top Tours at No. 2 with the first shows from Chromakopia: The World Tour. It’s his highest ranking ever, having previously hit No. 10 in March 2022, plus two other top 20 appearances in autumn 2019. He’s only the third rapper to rank as high since the chart’s launch, following Post Malone (No. 1 in October 2019 and February 2020) and Travis Scott (No. 2 in October 2024).
Across 14 shows in February, he grossed $29 million and sold 188,000 tickets. The Chromakopia outing isn’t Tyler’s first rodeo in arenas, though it does continue an alarming rise among the ranks of headliners. Averaging $2.1 million per night, the tour doubles 2022’s Call Me If You Get Lost Tour ($993,000). That tour did the same to 2019’s Igor Tour ($414,000), which itself had two-timed the pace of 2017-18’s Flower Boy Tour ($177,000). For kickers, that run quadrupled 2016’s Okaga, CA Tour ($41,700).
That’s a consistent rise that has grown Tyler’s per-show earnings potential almost 50 times over, over the course of less than a decade. His March schedule is busier than February’s (17 shows vs. 14), before the tour travels to Europe, back to North America and then to Australia and Asia before the end of September.
February’s 10 highest grossing acts are evenly spread across country, Latin, pop, rap and rock. Even among pop and rock, each with multiple acts in the upper tier, there is diversity: that of language and geography between ATEEZ (No. 7) and Ed Sheeran (No. 8), and a generational gap to separate the Eagles (No. 5) from Linkin Park (No. 9).
Mexico City and Australia split the prize atop the monthly venue rankings. The former’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez crowns Top Stadiums, powered entirely by Electric Daisy Carnival’s $20.9 million over Feb. 21-23. Auditorio Nacional rules Top Venues (5,001-10k capacity) with a broader stroke of 22 shows during the 28-day window.
Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena is No. 1 among venues with a capacity of 15,001 or more, thanks in large part to multi-night runs by Drake and Billie Eilish. And Brisbane Entertainment Center wins the 10,001-15k category with $17.2 million from 13 shows.
Thanks to substantial tours from Tyler, the Creator, Kylie Minogue, Kelsea Ballerini and more, AEG Presents presides over Top Promoters. The global touring giant earned $201.8 million and sold just under two million tickets from a reported 687 shows in February.
Rauw Alejandro and Romeo Santos, friends for years, had long talked about collaborating together.
Nearly four years ago, it almost happened, but schedules, tours and other releases intervened. Now, the duo’s first ever collab, “Khé?” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, becoming the first No. 1 for either of them since 2023. The achingly romantic, yet immediately catchy and danceable track is the fourth from Rauw’s new album, Cosa Nostra, to hit the chart, and the first to climb No. 1, thanks in part to a lilting beat that allows it to flow between formats.
Ironically, “Khé?” wasn’t even destined to be in the set.
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As Rauw told Billboard in an exclusive conversation, he originally wrote the song for his 2021 album Vice Versa. “I was preparing a song for Romeo and I went to the studio to work with [producer] Mr. Naisgai and [singer/songwriter] Elena Rosa, who wrote the chorus,” he said, during a break from rehearsals for his massive Cosa Nuestra arena tour, which kicks off April 5 in Seattle.
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“We were looking for that Romeo flow, that would work for a collab with him. And that’s how we came up with the ‘Se nota tanto, que me está matando’ chorus. We tried to empathize with Romeo’s feeling, and I’d been doing bachata since Day 1 because I’m a bachatero. Then, when I showed it to Romeo, he loved it.”
Santos really did love it, but he was busy with other projects. But Rauw had faith. He never released the song, saving it instead for a rainy day. When he began recording Cosa Nuestra, he again reached out to Santos to brainstorm ideas. It was Santos who finally said: “Remember that song we did years ago? That’s the hit.”
Due to scheduling conflicts, they worked via Zoom, with Santos helping in the production –as he likes to do—and ended up incorporating an African kizomba beat into the song’s tropical and reggaetón fusion.
“Romeo loves kizomba, and since I was hanging out in jazz clubs and speakeasies in New York City, we added a touch of New York jazz,” says Rauw.
The two finally did meet up, in New York City, to film the video, a nostalgia-infused black and white ode to old Broadway that features both artists dancing in the steps of an old cinema and in the subway.
“It’s some of my best visual work, and I can’t wait to sing it live,” says an enthused Rauw. “I’m one of those people that believes God’s time is perfect. Artists have their calendars, and I always understood that, from the very beginning of my career. You have to respect other artists’ time. Many things have to fall into place for a collaboration to happen or be successful. But we always had a beautiful relationship. We have long phone conversations. And he’s fan. He doesn’t record with many people, only with the top. So, I feel honored to record with Romeo, the legend. It had happened. Because Romeo and Rauw are the guys for the babes. That’s the truth!”
Shakira continues breaking records in Mexico, where she will perform four additional shows as part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour, including one more date at the capital’s GNP Seguros Stadium on August 29, OCESA announced on Wednesday (March 26).
“11 dates are not enough; the She-Wolf will return with four more dates in August and September,” the promoter said on social media.
With this, the Colombian superstar will reach the historic milestone of eight performances at the aforementioned venue (previously known as Foro Sol) over two separate phases of her tour. The feat surpasses shows by other international icons such as Paul McCartney, Metallica, Coldplay, and Taylor Swift.
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The other three tour dates in Mexico will be at Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro on September 2, Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on September 6, and Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla on September 12. Presale tickets for Banamex cardholders will take place on March 28, while general ticket sales will begin on March 29, added the promoter.
On Tuesday night (March 25), Shakira performed the fourth of seven concerts that make up her unprecedented residency at Estadio GNP Seguros, making her the first artist to sell out such a number of nights at the imposing venue, which will bring together a total of 455,000 attendees, according to OCESA.
Launched on February 11 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour is set to visit the Dominican Republic, Chile, and Colombia before arriving in the United States on May 13.
In an interview with Billboard Español in Mexico City, Shakira said that the tour has become something more intimate and profound. “These are more than just concerts. They are deep encounters where healing happens,” she said, adding that, with each performance, she feels “stronger and happier.”
Check out OCESA’s announcement below.
Eslabon Armado doubles down on its Vibras era with the release of Vibras de Noche II, the sequel to its chart-topping album Vibras de Noche, which debuts at Nos. 4 and 3 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums charts, respectively (dated March 29).
Vibras de Noche II bows on both lists with 19,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the tracking week ending March 20, according to Luminate. The bulk of the album’s first week sum stems from the streaming sector, representing 27 million official on-demand streams of the set’s tracks, with a negligible amount of album sales and track-equivalent activity.
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It’s the group’s first album chart debut since Desvelado opened atop both Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums charts in 2023. The latter holds at No. 47 in its 93rd week on Top Latin Albums.
Vibras de Noche II was released March 15 on Armado Records/ICLG. Its top 10 start marks another significant milestone for the group, following its recent signing with Interscope Capitol Labels Group, a fruitful partnership as the label secures its first top 10 debut on Top Latin Albums in 2025.
Vibras de Noche II was written by Eslabon’s lead vocalist, Pedro Tovar, in its entirety. It comprises 17 tracks and two intros including a cameo appearance by Mexican actress Loreto Peralta. “Esa Noche,” featuring emerging Mexican folk singer Macario Martinez, is the only collab on the album.
The 23-year-old Mexican street sweeper has captured the internet’s attention, going viral on TikTok after sharing a heartfelt video in response for the support of his song “Sueña Lindo, Corazón.” He’s also seen wearing his work uniform while riding in the back of a truck alongside his coworkers in Mexico City –the clip has garnered over 12 million views since Feb. 8. While his song propelled him into the spotlight, Martínez makes his Billboard debut through his first Eslabon Armado team-up, as “Esa Noche” debuts at No. 50 on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, largely from 2 million official U.S. streams in the latest tracking week.
Vibras de Noche II is a follow-up to Eslabon’s second studio album Vibras de Noche, which debuted at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums in 2020. While it ruled for one week on the former, it dominated Regional Mexican Albums for 11 weeks between Aug.-Nov. 2020.
Thanks to Vibras de Noche II, Eslabon earns its seventh top 10 on Top Latin Albums chart, which launched in 1993. Here’s a recap of the group’s collection of entries on the overall Latin albums tally, a count that included two No. 1s:
Peak Position, Title, Peak DateNo. 7, Tu Veneno Mortal, July 25, 2020No. 1, Vibras De Noche, Aug. 1, 2020No. 2, Corta Venas, Jan. 2, 2021No. 5, Tu Veneno Mortal, Vol. 2, July 10, 2021No. 2, Nostalgia, May 21, 2022No. 1, Desvelado, May 13, 2023No. 4, Vibras De Noche II, March 29, 2025
Elsewhere, Vibras de Noche II, opens at No. 30 on the all-genre Billboard 200, Eslabon’s sixth visit and first since 2023.
On a song level, thanks to the new album, Eslabon adds five new songs on the Hot Latin Songs chart, which fuses weekly streaming data, radio airplay and digital sales. “Dime” leads the pack at No. 35 with 2.4 million official U.S. streams. It joins “Te Odio!” at No. 36, “Otras 24 Horas” at No. 37, and the previously reported Martinez-featured track, “Esa Noche” at No. 50.
Billboard Women In Music 2025’s lineup keeps on growing, with Tina Knowles, Becky G, Suki Waterhouse and more joining as presenters and honorees. Keep watching to see who else will be at Women in Music! Watch the live event on March 29 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on the Billboard Women in Music 2025 […]
Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors spotlight a group of rising artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.
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Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered by scrolling on social media, networking, or coming across their music at a showcase, for example. See our March 2025 — in honor of Women’s History Month — recommendations below.
Artist: Chicarica
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Country: Chile
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: What happens when shimmering synths, poetic longing and electro-dance beats collide? You get Chicarica, a band that’s resurrecting the golden age of Chilean indie-pop, championed by acts like Javiera Mena, Alex Anwandter and Dënver. Composed of frontwoman Lorena Pulgar, Martín Pérez Roa and Felipe Zenteno, all masters of synths, this Chilean trio has spent years crafting a sound that’s equal parts introspective and euphoric — a delicate balance of dreamy textures and irresistible pop melodies.
Following its debut album Arde Lento (2021), released via the renowned Santiago-based label Quemasucabeza (Gepe, Ases Falsos, Fernando Milagros), Chicarica is readying for its big moment. The band’s latest single “Antes del día,” which dropped earlier this month, is a lush and captivating prelude to sophomore album, Invierno en la Playa (out May 30). According to a press release, the new album “raises the group’s BPM, where elements of 2-step and ‘80s synthpop breathe extra life into the band’s atmospheric sound.” And the single perfectly sets the tone for a bold new chapter in Chile’s synth-pop evolution. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Antes del Día”
Artist: Jacqie Rivera
Country: U.S.
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Five years ago, Jacqie Rivera stepped into the music realm, following the footsteps of her famous late mother, Jenni Rivera, and award-winning sister Chiquis. With her soft yet captivating voice, Rivera has released music in English and Spanish, primarily in pop, R&B, and Regional Mexican. Her latest single, “En Otra Vida,” honors her family’s legacy — blending banda, mariachi and norteño with a contemporary pop sound. The heartfelt tune is part of Rivera’s debut studio album of the same name that explores themes of love, heartbreak, healing and self-discovery. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song for your Playlist: “En Otra Vida”
Artist: Soley
Country: Colombia
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Soley (full name: Soley González Jaramillo) kicked off her career in 2019, first delivering Latin EDM and Guaracha tunes (an electronic music genre from Medellín, not connected with the traditional Cuban genre) before embracing reggaetón in 2021. The following year, the Colombian artist — known for her sensual vocals and coquettish aura — released “La Reina de la Noche,” her debut single under Sony Music Colombia. In 2023, Soley — who is signed to La Industria, Inc. for management — released her debut album La Bellakita, powered by hard-hitting perreos and trap songs while last year’s Sol EP is home to chill and breezy Afrobeats. After opening shows for artists such as Ryan Castro and Blessd, Soley will drop her next single “Lección” on Thursday (March 26). — J.R.
Song for your Playlist: “Coco Loco” (feat. Zaider & The Prodigez)
Artist: Sophie Castillo
Country: U.K.
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Just after one of my South by Southwest (SXSW) panels earlier this month, Sophie Castillo and her team approached me to introduce themselves. With a thick British accent, Castillo — whose mom is Colombian and father is Cuban — spoke to me about her efforts to help grow the Latin music scene in London with her indie-pop sound laced with beats of reggaetón and bachata. Although I didn’t get a chance to check out her showcase at SXSW, I found her on Spotify and her the first song on her profile, “Call me By Your Name,” really hooked me. Released in 2022, the bachata song is bilingual (Spanish and English), like a lot of her songs, a testament to her commitment to popularize Latin music in the U.K. Castillo has an upcoming EP due in April. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for Your Playlist: “Call Me By Your Name”
Artist: Suanny
Country: Honduras
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: As an indie artist born in Tegucigalpa and based in Los Angeles, Suanny seeks to bring together the best of both worlds by fusing hip-hop and Latin urban music with R&B, pop and other rhythms. In recent months, she’s released singles including “Catracha,” “Pegaíto,” “Mala” and “Musa,” all featuring bilingual (Spanish/English) lyrics of female-empowerment. After a couple of decades paving her way in the entertainment world as a model and actress (she participated in Univision’s reality show Nuestra Belleza Latina in 2006 and appeared in an episode of the TV show Gentefied in 2020), Suanny is now fully committed to music, getting ready to release her debut EP. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song For Your Playlist: “Pegaíto”
Bad Bunny‘s Un Verano Sin Ti is the gift that keeps on giving. The LP’s “Me Porto Bonito” — featuring Chencho Corleone — achieved a new milestone as it surpassed the one billion views on YouTube, nearly three years after it was released. The feat scores the Puerto Rican superstar his 16th Billion Views Club entry […]
