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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 either by networking or coming across their music at a showcase, and beyond. See our recommendations this month below:
Artist: Augusto Tamayo
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Country: Colombia
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: After more than 20 years as a songwriter, instrumentalist and arranger, with credits on productions by stars including Carlos Vives, Fito Páez and Andrés Cepeda, Colombian musician Augusto Tamayo made his debut as a performer last month with the album Perfectamente Imperfecto., released on May 29. Driven largely by piano, the 11-track set includes songs about love and heartbreak, loss and pain, performed with great sensibility and beautifully produced. Tamayo, who was trained in composition, piano, orchestration and jazz and contemporary music, seems to have poured both his soul and his two-decade experience in this work. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song For Your Playlist: “Perfectamente Imperfecto”
Artist: Briella
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Urban music artist Briella, whose real name is María Gabriela Otaiza, is one of the genre’s emerging talents gaining popularity from her native Venezuela. The singer began her career in music in 2021 and has captured the public’s attention with songs like “UN BETA,” “QLQ,” and “PARTY TETEO.”
But her most successful song to date is “Coquette,” a catchy cumbia-influenced reggaetón released in February, which to date has amassed more than 18 million views on YouTube. Recently, she released the remix of this song with Argentineans La Joaqui and Yami Safdie, further increasing her reach. Briella’s musical style, which fuses urban and pop rhythms, along with her charismatic presence on social networks, has allowed her to gain followers every day. Recently, she had her first concert in Venezuela, where she also connected with her roots by performing one of her songs in joropo style. — LUISA CALLE
Song for Your Playlist: “Coquette”
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Artist: Alayn García
Country: Cuba
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Hailing from Camagüey, Cuba, Alayn García is a percussionist-turned-singer, who this year embarked on his solo career with his debut single “Se Va.” Produced by Cuban hitmaker Mr. Vla, the tropical tune — which narrates the story of a man who’s done with girl’s who play with him — sets the tone for García’s proposal: a modern take on contemporary salsa music. As a musician, García has collaborated with multiple salsa giants including Victor Manuelle, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Andy Montañez and Tito Nieves. Additionally, García is Rey Ruiz’s longtime backup vocalist and percussionist, and is currently on tour with the Cuban-born artist. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song for Your Playlist: “Se Va”
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Artist: Lomiiel
Country: Dominican Republic
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I vividly remember the day I discovered Lomiiel — it was at a friend’s pool party, where her neighbor next door blasted a catchy tune that immediately caught my attention. The song was fun. The voice was different. It was a refreshing take on dembow. With “Hay Lupita,” the teen Dominican artist born Marco Antonio Santana and hailing from La Romana has captured a new generation — one that’s probably discovering dembow until now. With its sped-up drum pattern and carefree energy, “Lupita” — about a girl who looks good and is moving her hips to the beat — has garnered over 800K video creations on TikTok and over 20 million views on YouTube, and has spent seven weeks in the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, further demonstrating that Lomiiel is the new face of the Dominican urban movement. — J.R.
Song for Your Playlist: “Hay Lupita”
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Artist: MARI “La Carajita”
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: When I first listened to the song MARI will release on June 28, I was instantly hooked. “Prioridad” is a hip-swiveling cumbia-pop that’s both sonically catchy and lyrically deep. Penned by the Venezuelan singer-songwriter, the track is a departure from what she’s previously release. Sounding right at home in her upcoming tejano-leaning song, MARI is actually most known for her reggaetón, swag-heavy tunes. It’s refreshing to see an up-and-coming artist with that versatility and confidence to dabble in different genres early on in her career. For now, check out her latest release, the reggaetón drums-powered “Facetime,” and on Friday, be on the lookout for “Prioridad.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for Your Playlist: “Facetime”
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Artist: SpliffHappy
Country: U.S. (of Mexican descent)
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Corridos verdes was a vibrant subgenre, mainly flourishing predominantly in the West Coast, reaching a high in 2018 with bands like Legado 7 and T3R Elemento leading the charge. Since then, the genre has seen new buds of música mexicana sprout, with artists such as Natanael Cano, Peso Pluma and Lenin Ramirez nodding to cannabis culture — though the trend has mellowed in intensity over time.
Enter SpliffHappy, a Brooklyn-bred artist with Mexican roots, who dropped a single bien tumbado dubbed “Ando” in May. Backed by an ensemble of corridos musicians, SpliffHappy delves into the corridos scene for the first time, pouring his soul into Spanish lyrics about gray days brightened by the occasional spliff. Initially recognized for his trap tunes in English, his latest Spanish-singing venture in “Ando” showcases intriguing vocals and features a video of him and a large crew taking over the corner block, promising a new high in his musical career. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Ando”
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Artist: Yami Safdie
Country: Argentina
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Some of the strengths of talented singer-songwriter Yami Safdie, whose full name is Yamila Safdie, are her distinctive voice color and the depth of her lyrics. The Argentine singer-songwriter and influencer began her musical career in 2017 with sporadic singles, but it was in 2022 when she released her first album, Dije Que No Me Iba a Enamorar, after signing with Warner Music the previous year.
This album includes “El bolero,” her most successful song, in collaboration with rapper Milo J — which has accumulated more than 88 million streams on Spotify. She and Milo J have also collaborated on the song “Carencias de Cordura.” With reflective lyrics about love and heartbreak, and a mix of urban elements with cumbia, pop and even bolero, Yami Safdie is building a name for herself in the music scene. She also opened for Luis Miguel during his tour of Argentina. — L.C.
Song for Your Playlist: “El bolero” (feat. Milo J)
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Two things that awaken great passions in Latin America are music and football. While the Conmebol Copa América United States 2024 is being played this summer, we present you the list of anthems from one of the most important continental men’s soccer tournaments in the world, over the years.
Each song reflects the popular sound of the year the tournament took place. For example, in the early 2000s, pop music dominated the scene. Pop songs like Gian Marco’s “Más Allá de los Sueños” and Diego Torres’ “Creo en América” set the scene for the Copa América in Peru in 2004 and the Argentina edition in 2011, respectively. Over time, the sounds evolved towards tropical and urban rhythms, such as “La Gozadera” by Gente de Zona, perhaps one of the most remembered Copa América anthems. It is also common for artists from the host country to provide the official music for the tournament.
While it is true that we are talking about a sport, soccer in Latin America is much more than a game. It is an opportunity to unite from friends to families and entire countries with a common dream: taking home the title. This feat is not easy to achieve — especially with countries like Argentina and Uruguay, the top winners with 15 titles each — which raises the level of competition in South American football to great heights.
The tournament is organized by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), whose members are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. In addition, each edition invites countries such as the six Concacaf teams this year, including the United States and Mexico. As a curious and revealing fact, none of the invited countries has won the cup in the tournament’s entire history.
The Conmebol Copa América, which was played for the first time in 1916 and refers to itself as “The oldest continental tournament in the world,” was held annually until 1929, when it adopted a format every two, three, or four years. Since 2007, it has been held every four years — with some exceptions due to circumstances such as the celebration of the tournament’s centenary, efforts to synchronize the event with the Euro Cup, and the Covid-19 pandemic, which have modified the dates. The official songs have been implemented since the beginning of the 21st century, except for Pájaro Canzani’s song “Todos Goleando,” for the 1995 Uruguay Cup.
Here are the official songs of the Copa América:
2004 (Perú): Gianmarco, “Más Allá de los Sueños,”
When the Leagues Cup approached Emilio Estefan to produce this year’s tournament anthem, the renowned producer and songwriter knew exactly what he wanted to capture with this song. “My idea was to create something that is important to me, and that was to showcase unity and different cultures,” Estefan tells Billboard about writing and producing […]
Manu Chao dropped “São Paulo Motoboy,” the second single from his upcoming album Viva Tu on Wednesday (June 26). The set marks his first solo studio effort in nearly 17 years, since La Radiolina arrived in September 2007. Named the same as his whimsical rumba song and lead single, “Viva Tu” released in May, the album is set to arrive on Sept. 20.
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Sung in Portuguese, the nomadic, electronic-tinged guitar ballad is an homage to the bikers and deliver people of São Paulo, Brazil who risk their lives daily navigating the vast city on their motorcycles. Its accompanying music video, which drops today at 12 p.m. ET, explores the daily lives of “motoboys” in São Paulo, following a particular motorcyclist who rides with the slogan “Carregando Justiça Nas Costas,” meaning “carrying justice on our backs.”
“São Paulo is a breathing beast. And the couriers are the blood running through its veins, keeping it alive,” said Manu Chao in a press release. Before achieving global fame, the France-born, Spanish-descended superstar worked as a courier himself in Paris.
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As for the upcoming album, Viva Tu will feature 13 new songs inspired by his journeys and everyday experiences, sung in Spanish, French, Portuguese and English. It includes contributions from legendary artists such as Willie Nelson on “Heaven’s Bad Day” and French singer Laeti on “Tu Te Vas.”
Since La Radiolina — which reached No. 71 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums charts in 2007 — Manu released a string of singles years later, collaborating with Bomba Estéreo (2022’s “Me Duele”), Rumbakana (2023’s “Déjame”), Dani Lança (2020’s “Acontecer”) and more. He has also participated in social causes such as Playing for Change and The Dharavi Dream Project.
Viva Tu will be available on CD, vinyl and digital format.
Listen to “São Paulo Motoboy” and check out the album’s track list below:
“Vecinos En El Mar”
“La Couleur du Temps”
“River Why”
“Viva Tu”
“Heaven’s Bad Day” feat. Willie Nelson
“Tu Te Vas” feat. Laeti
“Coração No Mar”
“Cuatro Calles”
“La Colilla”
“São Paulo Motoboy”
“Tom et Lola”
“Lonely Night”
“Tantas Tierra”
Kali Uchis and Peso Pluma add a new No. 1 to their Billboard Latin Airplay chart count as “Igual Que Un Ángel” ascends from No. 3 to lead the June 29-dated ranking.
“Thank you to everyone for your support, for believing in this song,” Uchis tells Billboard. “Thank you!”
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“Igual Que Un Ángel” puts the Colombian-American singer/songwriter back at No. 1 after almost three years, when “Telepatía” climbed 5-1 on the survey dated July 3, 2021, for her second champ on the overall Latin Airplay ranking. Peso picks up his fourth ruler, and second in 2024, following the one-week coronation of “Qlona,” with Karol G (March 2-dated tally).
In the tracking week of June 14-20, “Ángel” registered 7.93 million audience impressions, with a 13% increase from the week prior, according to Luminate. Thanks to that sum, the collab lands at No. 1 in its 11th week. The chart’s previous No. 1, El Fantasma’s “Sabor a Michelada,” falls to No. 10 with a 36% decline in audience, to 5.5 million.
“Ángel” takes the lead on Latin Airplay 23 weeks after it debuted atop the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs, Latin Streaming Songs and Latin Digital Song Sales charts (dated Jan. 27). On the latter, it dominated for four consecutive weeks. The song also made its run across multiple Billboard charts. Here’s the recap:
Peak Date, Chart Peak Postion, Weeks at No. 1Jan. 27, Billboard Global 200, No. 9Jan. 27, Hot Latin Songs, No. 1, oneJan. 27, Latin Streaming Songs, No. 1, oneJan. 27, Latin Digital Song Sales, No. 1, fourFeb. 3, Billboard Global Excl. U.S. No. 10Feb. 3, Billboard Hot 100, No. 22March 30, Rythmic Airplay, No. 35June 29, Latin Airplay, No. 1June 29, Latin Pop Airplay: No. 1
With “Ángel,” Peso Pluma switches genre gears and lands his first No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay with his firt chart entry, with a 2-1 lift. (He’s previously charted No. 1s on both Regional Mexican Airplay and Latin Rhythm Airplay.) Uchis, meanwhile, loges her second No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay, also three years after “Telepatía” took charge for one week in March 2021. In between, “No Hay Ley,” her second and last entry as a soloist unaccompanied by any other artist, reached No. 11 high in Feb. 2023.
Elsewhere, thanks to its radio pull, “Ángel” moves 19-16 on Hot Latin Songs, despite a 2% dip in streaming activity, with 2 million official U.S. streams during the tracking week.
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The life of Mexican influencer Yeri Mua has taken a new turn with her foray into music, writing yet another chapter in her peculiar story.
Born in the port of Veracruz, Mexico, Yeri Cruz Varela (real name) went viral in 2018 at just 16 years old, doing makeup tutorials on YouTube and social media that attracted thousands. But that was only the beginning. Over time, the girl with a carefree spirit would share with her audience family aspects such as her relationship with her parents, whom she made part of her content; her stormy love affairs, which became part of her daily life in her online publications; and her much talked about physical transformation, achieved after several cosmetic surgeries and, of course, makeup.
All of this has grown her fandom: On TikTok, for instance, she has more than 22.6 million followers; on Instagram, she boasts 12.1 million. (On YouTube she has a separate account where she now posts her music).
Her friendship with Mexican reggaetón stars like Jey F and El Gudi led her to fulfill her dream of becoming a singer in 2023, when she collaborated with them on the song “Chupón”, whose video has more than 100 million views. Then came “Línea del Perreo” with Uzielito Mix, El Jordan 23 and DJ Kiire, and “Mamita Rica” with rising star Kenia Os, who also started her career as an influencer.
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Today, at 22, Yeri Mua is a celebrity who has caught the attention of superstars like J Balvin, with whom she released “G Low Kitty Remix” last April. Shortly thereafter, the content creator-turned-singer moved on from being an independent artist by signing a contract with Sony Music Mexico in early June. And, on Tuesday (June 25), she received a nomination for Premios Juventud in the “Creator of the Year” category.
In an conversation with Billboard Español, the Mexican influencer of the moment talked about her music plans, her ability to learn languages, her thoughts about starting a family, the moments that have shaped her character, as well as her plans to retire early.
How was your signing day with Sony Music?
As a woman I felt fulfilled. My managers, my best friend, my parents were there. Just before signing, my parents and I had a very intimate moment where we asked my grandfather, who is in heaven, for his blessings and to enlighten me on this important path.
Your parents have been together for many years. Have you imagined yourself getting married?
You bet I have. I would have no problem getting married at this age, even though many people say it’s not good. I’m not afraid because there is divorce. A wedding is a very nice family celebration.
Your relationships have been much talked about and your partners have even been criticized.
The truth is that I used to love toxic boyfriends — but to get married, I wouldn’t marry just anyone. For example, I get along very well with my current partner, because he listens to me in everything and that makes me happy.
I would like a beautiful [wedding] gown. There are not so many weddings anymore, so I would like a party in style. Maybe I would get married between 25 and 27.
Despite your age, you seem to have already experienced a lot. What is Yeri really like?
I think it is very demonized to make mistakes; making mistakes is a way to learn and move forward, and that has been my life. Many people think that I have always been a liberal person sexually and in every way — but no, when I was 17 my mother did not allow me to go out with skirts or showing cleavage.
My personality was formed as I grew up, because it was a process for my parents to accept the way I am now. I have always been extroverted, but it was a process. Today they love me and accept what I do.
Does anyone advise you on what to do?
I have not learned from what others tell me, I have to live it and stumble, and then I can get over the bumps. I don’t have to follow the advice of others; I have to follow my intuition even if it sucks. Today I can say that the problems I got into one, two or three years ago I would not commit them again.
You have talked about retiring young, at age 35. Is this true?
Yes, because I want to have a family and I don’t want my children to be nepo babies, to be exposed. If I am exposed it is because I want to. I don’t want my children to be exposed to cameras or fame without them causing it.
If I am working hard and breaking my back right now, it is to give them a normal childhood. I would like to have two children.
Has making money always been your objective?
I am in favor of the fact that it is not necessary to get a college degree. Since high school, I started studying hairstyling, because we were not going through a very good economic period and I started working since I was a teenager: I did nails, scrubbed feet, took care of children, I did everything because I liked to earn money. My mom allowed me to do high school online as long as I worked and I haven’t stopped.
I believe that no one should skip the stage of enjoying youth. However, I believe that working changes young people’s mentalities.
Are there any other passions you have besides music and makeup?
I always went to private schools, although I studied one year in the U.S. in a public school.
My school in Mexico was trilingual, so in addition to Spanish, I learned English and Mandarin Chinese. Languages have always been easy for me. In fact, I started studying languages and I would like to return to it.
How do you stay in shape?
I confess that I had rhinoplasty, liposuction twice and breast implants. Before my surgeries I was 20 kilos (44 lbs.) overweight — I lost weight on my own and then I had surgery. To be honest, I am not so much of an exerciser nor a dieter. At home I have a person, Mrs. Lucy, who cooks for me. If you eat healthy at home, you don’t need diets.
Tell us about the experience of making a video with J Balvin.
Although it was very fast, it was very pleasant. Colombians have something special, they make you feel good. J Balvin is someone I admire for the musical legacy he is leaving, he is a gentleman.
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Who would you like to collaborate with?
My dream reggaetón collaboration would be with Karol G or Tokischa, but artists that I also love and are top for me are Ice Spice and Doja Cat. I’m very inspired by their image, and I’m going to work to achieve it.
The nominations for Premios Juventud 2024 were announced on Tuesday (June 24), Billboard Español can exclusively announce. Carín León, Maluma, and Peso Pluma lead the list with seven mentions each.
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In addition to the top nominees, Colombia’s Karol G and Shakira have six nominations each, while Becky G and Grupo Frontera follow with five nominations each. Bad Bunny, Bizarrap, Farruko, Feid, Fuerza Regida, Manuel Turizo and Ozuna are up for four awards each.
Premios Juventud recognizes artists and young people for their “extraordinary accomplishments in society, celebrating music, new artists, community and creators,” according to a press release. This year, the awards show will give prominence to “creators,” figures who “lead on social media, by introducing new award categories to spotlight those who are making significant waves in la cultura.”
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The event will be broadcast live on Univision on July 25 at 7 p.m. ET from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, and will be hosted by Lele Pons, Clarissa Molina and Wisin.
Fans have until July 8 at midnight PT to vote for their favorite artists.
Below is the complete list of nominees:
Premios Juventud Male Artist
1. Bad Bunny2. Carín León3. Maluma4. Peso Pluma5. Sebastián Yatra
Premios Juventud Female Artist
1. Anitta2. Becky G3. Karol G4. Maria Becerra 5. Shakira
Favorite Group or Duo of The Year
1. Fuerza Regida2. Ha*Ash3. Los Ángeles Azules4. Mau y Ricky5. Reik
New Generation – Female Artist
1. Ela Taubert 2. J Noa3. Joaquina 4. Rainao5. Zhamira Zambrano
New Generation – Male Artist
1. Christian Alicea2. Dei V3. Izaak4. Jere Klein5. Los Esquivel6. Luar La L7. Luck Ra8. Milo J9. Omar Courtz10. Venesti
New Generation – Regional Mexican
1. Chino Pacas2. Delilah3. Gabito Ballesteros4. Jasiel Nuñez5. Michelle Maciel6. Nathan Galante7. Oscar Maydon8. Xavi
The Best Beatmakers
1. Big One2. Bizarrap3. Chris Jedi4. Edgar Barrera5. Gaby Music6. MAG7. Ovy on the Drums8. Sky Rompiendo9. Tainy10. Zecca
The Perfect Collab
1. “ALV” — Arcángel, Grupo Frontera2. “Bellakeo” — Peso Pluma, Anitta3. “Cosas de la peda” — Prince Royce, Gabito Ballesteros4. “De lunes a lunes” — Manuel Turizo, Grupo Frontera5. “El jefe” — Shakira, Fuerza Regida6. “En esta boca” — Kany García, Young Miko7. “Las mujeres” — Carlos Vives, Juanes8. “Ni me debes ni te debo” — Carín León, Camilo9. “Por el contrario” — Becky G, Ángela Aguilar, Leonardo Aguilar10. “Según quién” – Maluma, Carín León
OMG Collaboration
1. “Celular” — Nicky Jam, Maluma, The Chainsmokers2. “Contigo” — Karol G, Tiësto3. “Dientes” — J Balvin, Usher, DJ Khaled4. “Esta Vida” – Marshmello, Farruko5. “Freak 54 (Freak Out)” — Pitbull, Nile Rodgers6. “K-Pop” — Travis Scott, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd7. “Muñekita — Kali Uchis, El Alfa, JT8. “Niña Bonita” — Feid, Sean Paul9. “Puntería” — Shakira, Cardi B10. “Vocation” — Ozuna, David Guetta
Girl Power
1. “En Esta Boca” — Kany García, Young Miko2. “La_Original.mp3” — Emilia, TINI3. “Labios Mordidos” — Kali Uchis, Karol G4. “Nadie De Ti” — Ana Bárbara, Majo Aguilar5. “Puntería” – Shakira, Cardi B
My Favorite Dance Track
1. “Celular” — Nicky Jam, Maluma, The Chainsmokers2. “Contigo” — Karol G, Tiësto3. “Dientes” — J Balvin, Usher, DJ Khaled4. “Esta Vida” – Marshmello, Farruko2. “La_Original.mp3” — Emilia, TINI6. “Las Babys” — Aitana7. “Rauw Alejandro: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 56” — Bizarrap, Rauw Alejandro8. “Vocation” — Ozuna, David Guetta
Best Urban Track
1. “Funk Rave” — Anitta2. “LALA” — Myke Towers3. “Monaco” — Bad Bunny4. “Niña Bonita” — Feid, Sean Paul5. “Qlona” — Karol G, Peso Pluma6. “Un Cigarrillo” — Chencho Corleone
Best Urban Mix
1. “Bubalu” — Feid, Rema2. “Borracho y Loco” — Yandel, Myke Towers3. “Quema” — Ryan Castro, Peso Pluma, SOG4. “Podemos Repetirlo” — Don Omar, Chencho Corleone5. “Tucu” — Ozuna, Amarion
Best Urban Album
1. Att. — Young Miko2. Cosmo — Ozuna3. Forever King — Don Omar4. LVEU: Vive La Tuya…No La Mía — Myke Towers5. Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season) — Karol G6. Mor, No Le Temas a la Oscuridad — Feid7. Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana — Bad Bunny8. Sol María — Eladio Carrión
Best Pop/Urban Song
1. “Bonita” — Daddy Yankee2. “Coco Loco” — Maluma3. “Corazón Vacío” — Maria Becerra4. “No Te Enamores de Él” — Danny Ocean5. “Pasa_je_ro” — Farruko6. “Una Noche Sin Pensar” — Sebastián Yatra
Best Pop/Urban Collaboration
1. “Arranca” — Becky G, Omega2. “Baby Hello” — Rauw Alejandro, Bizarrap3. “Copa Vacía” — Shakira, Manuel Turizo4. “Esta Cida” — Marshmello, Farruko5. “Manos Frías” — Mau y Ricky, Reik, Beéle6. “Vagabundo” — Sebastián Yatra, Manuel Turizo, Beéle
Best Pop/Urban Album
1. .MP3 — Emilia2. Bailemos Otra Vez — Chayanne3. Don Juan — Maluma4. Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran — Shakira5. Sincerándome — Carlos Rivera
Tropical Hit
1. “Bailando Bachata” — Chayanne2. “Bandido” — Luis Figueroa3. “Mambo 23” — Juan Luis Guerra 4.404. “Me EnRD” — Prince Royce5. “Punta Cana” — Marc Anthony
Tropical Mix
1. “El Yate (Salsa Version)” — Lenny Tavárez, Sergio George2. “Las Mujeres” — Carlos Vives, Juanes3. “No Es Normal” — Maffio, Nacho, Venesti4. “Plis” — Camilo y Evaluna Montaner5. “Si Tú Me Quieres” — Fonseca, Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Best Tropical Album
1. Clásicos de la Provincia 30 Años (Remastered & Expanded) — Carlos Vives2. Llamada Perdida — Prince Royce3. Radio Güira — Juan Luis Guerra 4.404. Voy a Ti — Luis Figueroa5. Yo — Christian Alicea
Best Regional Mexican Song
1. “Como Quieras Quiero” — Edén Muñoz2. “Dios Bendiga Nuestro Amor” — Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga3. “Indispensable” — Carin León4. “La Diabla” — Xavi5. “No Es Que Me Quiera Ir” — Alejandro Fernández6. “No Se Vale” — Edwin Luna, La Trakalosa De Monterrey7. “Obsesión” — Intocable8. “Te Quiero Ver” — La Maquinaria Norteña9. “Un Cumbión Dolido” — Christian Nodal10. “Vengo de Verla” — Calibre 50
Best Regional Mexican Collaboration
1. “Alch Si” — Carin León, Grupo Frontera2. “CCC” — Michelle Maciel, Eden Muñoz3. “La Cumbia Triste” — Los Ángeles Azules, Alejandro Fernández4. “Lady Gaga” — Peso Pluma, Gabito Ballesteros, Junior H5. “Santo Patrón” — Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga, Fuerza Regida
Best Regional Mexican Fusion
1. “De Lunes a Lunes” — Manuel Turizo, Grupo Frontera2. “El Amor de mi Vida” — Los Ángeles Azules, Maria BecerraA3. “Peso Pluma: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 55” — Bizarrap, Peso Pluma4. “Por el Contrario” — Becky G, Ángela, Leonardo Aguilar5. “Según Quién” — Maluma, Carín León
Best Regional Mexican Album
1. Colmillo De Leche — Carín León2. Como En Los Viejos Tiempos — Edén Muñoz3. El Comienzo — Grupo Frontera4. Esquinas — Becky G5. Exótico (Deluxe) — La Maquinaria Norteña6. Forajido EP2 — Christian Nodal7. Génesis — Peso Pluma8. Modus Operandi — Intocable9. Pa Las Baby’s y Belikeada — Fuerza Regida10. Tiempo Al Tiempo — Calibre 50
Creator of the Year
1. Basi Cedran2. Dani Valle3. Tammy Parra4. Wendy Guevara5. Yeri Mua
Creator that Inspires Me
1. Carlos Eduardo Espina2. Daniel Habif3. Nilda Chiaraviglio4. Sofia Bella5. Vanesa Amaro
Creator with a Social Cause
1. Alexis Omman2. Jake Ceja3. Juan González4. Juixxe5. Manuel Nunez
Best LOL
1. Andres Johnson2. Jezzini3. Karla De La Torre 4. La Jose5. Mr. Chuy
My Favorite Actor
1. Daniel Elbittar — El Amor No Tiene Receta2. Emmanuel Palomares — Perdona Nuestros Pecados3. Gabriel Soto — Vencer La Culpa4. Marcus Ornellas — Eternamente Amándonos5. Matías Novoa — Cabo
My Favorite Actress
1. Bárbara de Regil — Cabo2. Carolina Miranda — Tierra de Esperanza3. Claudia Martín — El Amor No Tiene Receta4. Coco Máxima — El Amor No Tiene Receta5. Livia Brito — Minas de Pasión
They Make Me Fall In Love
1. Angelique Boyer, Daniel Elbittar — El Amor Invencible2. Carolina Miranda, Andrés Palacios — Tierra de Esperanza3. Claudia Martín, Daniel Elbittar — El Amor No Tiene Receta4. Livia Brito, Osvaldo de León — Minas de Pasión5. Marcus Ornellas, Alejandra Robles Gil — Eternamente Amándonos
Nicky Jam, Luis R Conriquez, Codiciado and Arcángel will headline the Latin music RUMBAZO festival, which returns to Las Vegas on Sept. 13-14 in a partnership with Billboard.
In its third annual edition, the event will take place at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, where attendees will be able to enjoy a weekend of not only music, but also food, art, fashion and more to mark the Grito and Mexican Independence Day, which are celebrated Sept. 15 and 16, respectively.
“Year three of RUMBAZO is slated to be our best event yet, especially with the addition of our new partner, Billboard,” organizers said in a press release. “Over the past few years, Las Vegas has become the ideal location for El Grito weekend, and RUMBAZO has emerged as a true Mexican Independence Day tradition.”
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“Billboard continues to expand its footprint in the Latin market and we are so proud to do so with our biggest live show to date, in Las Vegas, and celebrating the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Dana Droppo, Billboard‘s chief brand officer.
Leila Cobo, Billboard‘s chief content officer for Latin/Español, added: “Partnering to bring RUMBAZO to Las Vegas on such an important weekend for Latin culture and music is especially meaningful. We strove to bring the best new Mexican music with Luis R Conriquez and Codiciado, as well as icons of reggaetón with Nicky Jam and Arcángel for two nights of fantastic music for fans.”
Sponsored by Estrella Jalisco, this year’s RUMBAZO brings together big names in Música Mexicana and Latin urban, the two dominant Latin musical genres today, which have also seen their artists collaborate. Nicky Jam recorded with Luis R Conriquez for “Como el Viento,” his first foray into Mexican music, released last year.
“I’ve always respected regional Mexican music. It’s not from my culture — in Puerto Rico you hear more salsa, merengue and Caribbean music — but I lived 10 years in Colombia, and over there you listen to it a lot. So they showed me this song and I thought it was the perfect one for me,” Nicky Jam told Billboard Español at the time.
The four stars confirmed for RUMBAZO ’24 are accomplished acts with extensive track records and multiple hits on the Billboard charts.
Nicky Jam is considered one of the pioneers of reggaetón, with more than three decades of experience and acknowlegements including a Latin Grammy and 13 Billboard Latin Music Awards. He is known for No. 1 hits on Hot Latin Songs such as “El Perdón” with Enrique Iglesias, and “Hasta el Amanecer.”
Conriquez recently entered the Billboard Hot 100 with his Neton Vega collaboration “Si No Quieres No.” The Mexican hitmaker also rose to prominence in the Latin urban scene through his work with La Adictiva on “JGL” and with Peso Pluma on “Siempre Pendientes.”
Codiciado, meanwhile, has multiple hits on the Hot Latin Songs chart. As a solo act since 2021, the Tijuana artist known for songs such as “Vamos Aclarando las Cosas” and “Ando Enfocado” has collaborated with Grupo Firme, Natanael Cano, Santa Fe Klan and Peso Pluma, among others.
Arcángel, another pioneer of reggaetón and Puerto Rican trap, debuted as a soloist in 2007 after becoming known as part of De la Ghetto. Since then, he has placed six albums in the top 10 of the Top Latin Albums chart and released successful collaborations with superstars such as Bad Bunny, Feid and Rauw Alejandro.
RUMBAZO is open to guests ages 18+. Tickets go on sale Friday (June 28) at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET. For more information, visit rumbazofest.com or follow the event on social media at @rumbazofestival.
Rumbazo
Courtesy Photo
Rimas Entertainment has announced new corporate appointments, adding two key executives to its leadership team, Billboard has learned.
Rodrigo Prichard has been named general manager of Rimas Entertainment, and will begin July 1, reporting directly to the company’s chief operating officer, Jorge Bracero. Kristen Quintero-Garriga has been named vice president of brand partnerships under RIT.MO, Rimas’ new division that acts as a creative consultancy and sales force.
“I am thrilled to welcome Rodrigo Prichard and Kristen Quintero-Garriga to our corporate leadership team,” Bracero said in a press statement. “Their deep knowledge and experience in the music industry and in creating strategic alliances are invaluable to us at this time of growth and evolution. I am confident that their leadership will be crucial in further driving Rimas’ success in the future.”
Prichard, who was vp of legal and business affairs at Universal Music Latin before joining Rimas, will oversee all departments of the record labels within the Rimas conglomerate (Rimas Music, Sonar, Nain Music) in Puerto Rico, the United States and all other markets.
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Prior to joining Rimas, Quintero-Garriga was market manager at Puma Energy LATAM, Burger King and Advice Global. In her new role, she will lead brand partnerships, offering her expertise to Rimas, Habibi, Rimas Sports, Fundación Rimas and Rimas Nation, among others.
“Rimas is what all other brands aspire to be right now: agile, smart and passionate,” Prichard expressed. “I am honored to join this family of visionary professionals and look forward to contributing to the brand’s success.”
Quintero-Garriga added: “The speed and efficiency with which each business line under Rimas Entertainment has developed have created great opportunities to forge strategic alliances with local and international brands, which we will capitalize on. We are focused on creating unparalleled collaborations with brands and our world-class artists, athletes and events that we are bringing to Puerto Rico.”
Carín León, the soulful yet big-voiced regional Mexican singer who ended 2023 as the 10th highest-grossing Latin touring act of the year on Billboard’s Boxscore charts, has announced a new partnership between his label, Socios Music, and Virgin Music Group and Island Records.
The deal is unique in that both Virgin and Island will distribute and market León’s product under Socios Music, the label León formed in partnership with his manager, Jorge Juárez. Virgin will distribute and market everywhere for the U.S. Latin market as well as global markets, while Island will work the U.S. mainstream market. The agreement encompasses parts of León’s back catalog as well as new material, including León’s most recent album, Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 (released May 30), which debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart and No. 8 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart.
To date, León has placed 16 songs on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, including three in the top 10, and six No. 1s on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart. The hits include numerous collaborations with major Mexican music acts like Grupo Firme, as well as pop acts like Maluma, Camilo and Kany García. León has also raised eyebrows (in a good way) with his forays into the country music market. “The One (Pero No Como Yo),” his bilingual collab with country star Kane Brown, peaked at No. 46 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and he played Stagecoach this spring in addition to making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
“Carín León has established himself as one of the most exciting and creative artists in the world today,” said JT Myers and Nat Pastor, co-CEOs of Virgin Music Group, in a statement. “He has also assembled around him a world-class team and together we are already building upon the amazing work they’ve done throughout Carín’s incredible career.”
“Carín León is a true outlier,” said Justin Eshak and Imran Majid, Co-CEOs of Island Records. “He transcends not only stylistic and sonic boundaries, but also cultural boundaries. We’re thrilled to work with Carín and manager Jorge Juarez via this new partnership with Virgin Music Group and Socios Music.”
León first appeared on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as a soloist in 2019 with “Me la aventé” and, during the pandemic, scored a major hit with his cover of Latin pop song “Tu,” recorded as a live session during lockdown. Initially signed to indie Tamarindo Rekordsz, in December 2022 he began working with Juárez, a veteran concert promoter and manager.
Juárez negotiated last year’s tour with AEG Live and León’s publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group, as well as the new deal with Virgin and Island.
“We are proud to have assembled an incredibly collaborative team at both Virgin Music Group and Island Records to work alongside us to take Carín’s career to even greater heights,” said Jorge Juarez, Leon’s manager and business partner at Socios Music. “We are already seeing huge benefits from this new partnership and are excited for the future.”
In support of the new music, Carín’s forthcoming Boca Chueca Tour 2024 kicks off July 22 in Paso Robles, California, with stops in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Nashville, Houston and Toronto, as well as a landmark performance at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. See the complete list of dates and tickets here.