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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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Wisin, Gabito Ballesteros, “Un Shot” (La Base Music Group/WK)
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Who would’ve ever thought — Wisin tapping into the música Mexicana realm? The Puerto Rican hitmaker has swapped his baseball cap for a cowboy hat for his latest single “Un Shot,” in collaboration with Gabito Ballesteros. Lacing the best of both worlds, the track is a corrido tumbado with hard-hitting urban beats that also meshes Ballestero’s dulcet vocals and Wisin’s raspier tone. “Un Shot” narrates the story of a man who’s drinking his sorrows away after a break up.
But beyond that, it’s an homage to the regional Mexican genre, according to Wisin. “For us urban artists, it was a dream to enter Mexico and receive the support of all Mexicans,” he told Billboard during rehearsals at the 2024 Premio Lo Nuestro. “More than a fusion and a rich song, musically speaking, it is a tribute to the people of Mexico and a way to enter their world and let them know that we respect what they do, respect their music.” — JESSICA ROIZ
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LAGOS & Elena Rose, “Blanco y Negro” (Warner Music Mexico)
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After sharing the best pop-rock song Latin Grammy award with Lasso for the hit “Ojos Marrones” last November, the duo LAGOS — made up of Venezuelan musicians Luis Jiménez and Agustín Zubillaga — joins forces with another compatriot for a new pop anthem: “Blanco y Negro,” with prominent singer-songwriter Elena Rose. The song, which talks about the difficulty of having to say goodbye to a loved one in the midst of complex circumstances, offers an infectious melody and Spanish lyrics sprinkled with English that go straight to the heart. “If it’s not a yes, it’s a no, I don’t want to let you go/ But what do we do if life got in the way?/ If it’s over, put up with it/ I’m looking for another color in this black and white,” they sing in the chorus, creating beautiful harmonies at times. It’s a pop track that can take you to moments that you may not even experienced in your own life. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Goyo, “Insomnia” (Sony Music Latin)
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The first 20 seconds of Goyo’s “Insomnio” sound like a total rock anthem, with the strumming of an electric guitar. “Everyone wants to attack, but nothing will get me,” Goyo declares. What starts as a rock jam quickly evolves into a hip-hop beat that only speeds up as the song continues. Soon, Goyo’s rapid-fire lyrics take center stage, matching the song’s intensity. While Goyo has been at the forefront of the Latin hip-hop movement, this song is a slight departure from her signature bright and uplifting anthems, edgier with an almost haunting vibe. “Of all the panthers I’m the blackest one,” Goyo raps. “I like to hang out with those that respect me.” — GRISELDA FLORES
WOS & Gustavo Santaolalla, “Melancolía” (DOGUITO Records/DALE PLAY Records)
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Bolstered by the strumming of a charango and festive wind arrangements, “Melancolía” delves into themes of mortality, resilience and melancholy against the riveting backdrop of Andean cumbia. With WOS’ energetic delivery and the powerful sonic architecture of Gustavo Santaolalla — also co-produced by Evlay and Francisco Azorai — the chorus “Será melancolía/ de una vida sin receta” encapsulates the song’s theme of navigating a world without instructions. Ultimately, it explores the human experience of finding light amid darkness. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Gian Marco & Catalina García, “Tú” (Altafonte/Enjoymusic Studios LLC)
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Peruvian music icon Gian Marco teams up with talented Monsieur Periné vocalist Catalina García on the captivating ballad “Tú.” The acoustic collaboration, which is the fourth track previewing the Peruvian artist’s upcoming album Aún Me Sigo Encontrando, masterfully fuses their voices together in a sublime performance, giving life to a beautiful Andean song — accompanied by the distinctive sound of the charango, a typical instrument of this South American region. “In ‘Tú’ we once again include the colors of Andean folklore. The charango gives it a very special color. It is a song for everyone, for whoever wants to feel it, sing it, and dedicate it,” Gian Marco says in a statement. “I am like this because now you are/ I can love because only you/ You fill me with good things / I give you my whole life” the pair sings in the chorus of the Julio Reyes Copello-produced song. — LUISA CALLE
Sergio George & Jay Wheeler, “La Puerta” (Sony Music Latin)
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Sergio George has released “La Puerta” in collaboration with Jay Wheeler — the first single off of his new album ATACA SERGIO, URBAN SALSA SESSIONS. The innovative song combines catchy salsa melodies with immersive urban rhythms to tell a cautionary story about the consequences of letting pride interfere with love. “I told you to leave when I wanted you to stay/ D–n the pride that screwed me in its web/ Making me believe that you weren’t going to leave, that you wouldn’t dare,” Wheeler chants with his high vocals. — INGRID FAJARDO
Listen to more editor’s Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
Although she couldn’t attend, Karol G was the top winner at Premio Lo Nuestro 2024 with nine awards including artist of the year, followed by Maluma, Carin León, Shakira and Peso Pluma (the last two also absent), with four trophies each. But the highlight of Thursday night’s (Feb. 22) event weren’t the winners themselves, but […]
Some of the biggest names in Latin music gathered on Thursday (Feb. 22) at the Kaseya Center in Miami for the 36th annual Premio Lo Nuestro Awards, many of them donning their best for the occasion. Black was the color of choice for several artists, including Anitta, Emilia, GALE and Gloria Trevi, as well as […]
There may have been more than 20 performances at the 2024 Premio Lo Nuestro on Thursday (Feb. 22), but a handful truly stood out. A show mainly centered on performances, the three special awards honorees, Don Omar, Olga Tañón and Ana Bárbara, gave the best performances of the night. Proving why he was this year’s […]
Peso Pluma canceled his three upcoming Latin American tour stops, including his first appearance at the Viña del Mar International Music Festival slated for March 1.
A spokesperson for the singer confirmed to Billboard that the Mexican star would not play his three scheduled Latin American dates – including stops in Perú and Paraguay — for undisclosed “personal reasons.” In addition to his Viña del Mar date, Pluma was also scheduled to perform on Saturday (Feb. 24) in Asunción, Paraguay and on March 2 in Lima. Paraguay news outlets, including ABC Color, reported the cancelation of his show there, citing “logistic issues.”
However, an official press release sent by Viña del Mar’s press office includes a quote from Peso’s reps which states: “We are sorry to communicate that due to personal reasons, Peso Pluma will not perform in the concerts/festivals slated for Viña del Mar, Lima and Asunción. We hope to return soon to these territories to give them the experience you deserve.”
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In Viña del Mar, Peso Pluma’s headlining slot will be taken over by María Becerra, who was originally scheduled as the second performer of the evening. Becerra is currently on a hot streak, having released a single with Enrique Iglesias, and is prepping for her first stadium show in Argentina. Argentine rapper Trueno will step in to take Becerra’s place as the second act performing on March 1 at the festival.
Peso Pluma’s Latin American tour has been fraught. He was originally scheduled to perform in Paraguay in December of 2023, but that date was later moved to Feb. 24. And, earlier this year, lawmakers in Chile had called for his removal from the Viña del Mar slate of performances, citing concerns over his music “normalizing narcoculture” in the country.
Viña del Mar organizers refused to remove him from the festival. Now, however, Pluma himself has canceled all three shows.
This is not the first time the Mexican singer has canceled performances. Last September, Peso Pluma called off a Tijuana show due to threats from drug cartels. Subsequently, another five shows in Mexico were canceled. Peso Pluma’s upcoming U.S. dates are going on as planned, according to his spokesperson, including performances at Coachella in April.
While Karol G was the big winner of the night; Don Omar, Ana Barbara, and Olga Tañon received special recognitions; and mainstream acts like Kane Brown and Machine Gun Kelly took center stage, Billboard was at the media center and magenta carpet capturing all the scoop you didn’t see on TV at the 2024 Premio Lo Nuestro.
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Below, check out everything you missed from the awards ceremony on Thursday night (Feb. 22).
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Exclusive Collaborations: At the magenta carpet, a few artists revealed to Billboard their next collaborations. Eden Muñoz, for example, spoke about an upcoming bop with Alejandro Sanz, while Michelle Maciel unveiled a heartfelt tune with Yahritza y Su Esencia, slated for April.
Ana Barbara’s Dressing Room: A visit to Ana Barbara’s dressing room found the Mexican diva practicing her pluses ahead of her performance. The limber, athletic Ana Barbara, who was honored for her 30 year trajectory in music, boasted she could execute a full split today better than she ever could in her teens, when she studied ballet. “It’s all practice,” she said with a laugh. The Mexican star performed a six-minute-plus medley with several wardrobe changes.
Kane Brown’s Admiration for Carin Leon: After premiering their new single “The One” at the 2024 Premio Lo Nuestro, Carin León and Kane Brown headed to the media center, where they showed off their bromance. “He’s [like] me but in Latin form,” Brown said of León. “I am in his presence, and he’s the king for me right now. I’m honored to be part of his success. I’ve always been the outcast in country music and I feel that my song with Carin will open more doors.
RBD Leaves Premios: After being in a great mood, talking to the press at the magenta carpet, RBD members Christopher Von Uckermann and Christian Chavez left the venue disappointed. In his Instagram stories, Uckermann explained that they were supposed to have seats at a table on the floor but were given the wrong tickets, which provoked them to leave the awards show and go to dinner instead. After the mishap, it was announced on X that RBD won an award for best pop group.
The Power Couple: As rising Argentine star Emilia prepped her makeup at her trailer backstage, boyfriend Duki hung out close by. “I’m here to provide moral support,” said the Argentine rapper, also a superstar. Emilia is rehearsing for her 10 sold-out arena Movistar shows in Buenos Aires in April and May and her upcoming Velez stadiums shows in October.
Chayanne Announces Tour: After postponing his tour due to the pandemic, Chayanne unveiled at the media center that he is finally hitting the road. “The tour is beginning after five years,” he assures. “We’re kicking off in The United States on August 21 in California, and then going to Latin America and Europe in December. It’s a bit of work but we’re happy.”
Eslabon Armado’s Heartfelt Speech: In the media center, Eslabon Armado, who nabbed the Premio Lo Nuestro award for Mexican song of the year, dedicated their win to their mom who was watching the show from home. “I dedicate this to her because she’s an important part of us,” lead vocalist Pedro Tovar told the press. “People talk about Eslabon but don’t know what’s behind it. My parents are Mexican immigrants who battled for 10, 15 years to give us a future.”
Ana Bárbara stunned in a majestic mariachi baby blue outfit that sparkled gloriously — with a proper charro hat — on Thursday (Feb. 22) for her performance at the 36th annual Premio Lo Nuestro.
Flanked by a mariachi ensemble equipped with trumpets, violins, and a guitarrón, the Mexican superstar sang her heart out, singing back-to-back hits such as “No Es Brujería,” “Lo Busqué” briefly joined by Carin León, “Loca,” and “Me Asusta Pero Me Gusta.”
Impressively, Bárbara changed about four times: a baby pink cowgirl sparkly outfit, a vintage yellow ensemble with fringes, and one piece that sported a bull on her chest with horns. The star worked the dance floor like no other, even doing the splits at one point, along with her troupe of dancers amid the occasional pyrotechnics.
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Following her energetic and visually stunning set, the regional Mexican music icon was awarded with the Premio La Trayectoria (Lifetime Achievement Award) by another legend in the genre, Pepe Aguilar, for her extraordinary trajectory and legacy.
Upon handing her the award, Aguilar said: “Ana, for three decades, you have carried high the traditions of our flag. Your voice became anthems and I am honored to say that you are part of my family…. For me it is an honor to present you with the award.”
Teary-eyed as the crowd chanted her name, Bárbara replied: “You left me speechless, a brother of life, thank you my Pepe. They are just as dear your family to me. In this blessed thank you for having us.”
She continued: “I remember the little girl fighting for her dreams until she became a woman, but above all a mother, the mother who has fought unreachably. Beautiful children for society, and that mother’s heart is the one who receives this blessed award of Premio Lo Nuestro. Thanks to the team, to my husband, to my Gero representing. Thank you for being here, this is for Mexican women, for Mexican music and Mexican women, may they continue to be bigger and stronger!
On Wednesday, Ana Bárbara shared insights with Billboard during rehearsals into her meticulous preparation for the anticipated performance. “We sat down as a team and asked ourselves what we wanted to share in terms of emotions, in terms of rhythm and songs,” she noted. “After thinking about it a lot, they chose one from each era that was written by different composers […] and came up with that cocktail of songs that will take us to different dimensions.”
Celebrating three decades of unparalleled influence in regional Mexican music and Latin pop, Bárbara’s journey is marked by hits a ton of hits that have earned her the title of La Reina Grupera (or the Queen of Grupero Music). Throughout her prolific career, that dates back since the mid ’90s, the San Luis Potosí native has not only captured hearts but also shaped the regional style, earning her a special place in Latin music history.
At the 36th edition of Premio Lo Nuestro, held at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Thursday (Feb. 22), Olga Tañón, affectionately known as “La Mujer de Fuego,” delivered a joyous, fiery medley that will be remembered as a highlight of the evening.
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Wearing a captain’s cap and a metallic getup, the merengue icon — known for her electrifying stage presence — took the audience on a journey with her biggest hits, including “Es Mentiroso,” “Mi Forma de Ser,” and “La Gran Fiesta.” She soon after changed to wear a sparkly red outfit, while her group of dancers wore leather chaps and inspired the audience to get up on their feet. Her performance not only showcased her unparalleled talent and energy, but also served as a vibrant celebration of her career.
Following her dynamic performance, Tañón was honored with the Premio Lo Nuestro a la Excelencia, an award that recognizes artists who have not only built an impeccable musical legacy, but have also served as pioneers in their genre.
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Her genre peer and fellow icon, Victor Manuelle, gave her the award. He said, “I am just as excited as you are right now. Speaking on behalf of all Latinos, but above all, in the name of our Island of Enchantment, for the great artist, great mother, and great friend … As they say, empowered, La mujer de fuego!”
Tañon responded: “I need my friend, my brother Victor Manuelle to be with me, because not only does it represent a wonderful award for me, but that you would give it to me. I consider you my friend, my brother, part of my flag and part of yours too.”
In her acceptance speech, she shared heartfelt words: “To everyone who has had to do with this, to my dad who always told me that the most beautiful word you can say in life is thank you. Thanks to everyone who started with me, to my work team, thank you, to my parents who are upstairs dancing merengue, who take good care of us. But above all thanks to my children that I leave them to continue working after 38 years of career. I love you guys. I know you are watching me. Thanks to my husband … And to all of us who have independent company, and we have to work a little bit more. And to you guys thank you very much for the trust. Puerto Rico!”
Olga Tañon is the artist with the most wins in the history of Premio Lo Nuestro.
The 36th edition of Premio Lo Nuestro showcased a riveting medley by Puerto Rican legend Don Omar, who was joined onstage by Machine Gun Kelly, Anitta and Wisin & Yandel on Thursday night (Feb. 22).
Evoking a post-apocalyptic vibe with 15 dancers, the guest performers and the Don himself rocking black — Don Omar sported a black trench coat and his cornrows, as usual — the artist appeared atop a mountain of speakers against a neon-green backdrop that looked like something from The Matrix.
He kicked off with “Pobre Diabla” and was soon joined by Wisin & Yandel to deliver their joint hit “Nadie Como Tu.” The Brazilian powerhouse Anitta joined the Puerto Rican legend to sing “Salió El Sol” — smashing all the verses — with the dance floor lighting up like the sun.
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For the grand finale, Machine Gun Kelly came out with his guitar, strumming the riff to “Danza Kuduro,” getting everyone on their feet. Thursday night’s collaboration comes months after MGK’s viral performance of the song in Spain.
“Seeing my song go viral in MGK’s voice absolutely blew my mind,” Don Omar told Rolling Stone about “Danza Kuduro.” “It’s incredible to see how music can transcend generations, genres and languages.”
“I was out dancing in Spain the night before my festival performance and ‘Danza Kuduro’ came on. It was the first moment of the night that everybody sang a song word-for-word and got lost in the vibe,” MGK told RS. “I woke up the next day and was like, ‘I’m going to sing this and re-create that moment for my first time performing in Spain.’”
Right after the wildly entertaining set, the Don was presented with the Ícono Global (Global Icon) award by all three guest performers.
“You have not only elevated reggaeton, but you have transformed it to a global dimension,” said Anitta. “Plus, you bring ‘Kuduro’ to every corner of the world.” Yandel added: “You are a pioneer, a genre warrior who was never afraid, and has known how to get ahead no matter what.”
“You and I are from different worlds, but your music brought us together tonight. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart,” MGK offered.
“For all that you have done, for your past, for your present and for your future, it is a great privilege to celebrate you with the Global Icon award, the king of reggaeton, Don Omar,” echoed Wisin.
Don Omar, with heartfelt gratitude, said, “This is for those who made urban music before me, for those who made urban music at the time I made it, for those who make urban music in the future and for all the countries where there is not even a single urban music artist. Long live urban music, long live Puerto Rico!”
¡Azúcar! The eternal voice of Celia Cruz sounds more modern than ever in a new “collaboration” with Gente de Zona, and no, it wasn’t done with artificial intelligence. “Celia,” which the Cuban duo premiered on Thursday (Feb. 22) live at the 2024 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony, uses original recordings from the Queen of Salsa to create an infectious medley with two of her songs: “Ella Tiene Fuego” and “La Negra Tiene Tumbao.”
“That woman seems from another planet/ The way she moves is not natural/ Men can’t stand her resistance/ and one after another they come and go,” begins Alexander Delgado, the deeper voice of Gente de Zona, before giving way to the Cuban music legend. “She has spent the night testings and testing/ And now none of them want to dance, dance,” Cruz sings with such a contemporary sound, it feels like she was right there with them in the studio.
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“This was something we had in mind for a long time,” Delgado told Billboard Español prior to the premiere. “When we arrived in this country it was a dream we had, but unfortunately she was no longer alive,” added Randy Malcom, the other half of the six-time Latin Grammy-winning duo, explaining that after a decade in the U.S., their priority was to make that dream come true for their upcoming album, DEMASIADO, which they plan to release between March and April.
Released under Magnus Music, “Celia” was produced by Angel “Pututi” Arce, Dale Pututi, and Malcom, and recorded in the latter’s studio about seven months ago. The project, which includes a new additional verse in “Ella Tiene Fuego,” had the full support and approval of Cruz’s estate executor, Omer Pardillo Cid, who helped them get the masters from Sony Music.
“When I heard the original voices, without any processing, I said, ‘That’s why she’s the queen’. It was something perfect, it was incredible to feel how she sang, her breathing,” recalled Malcom with excitement. “Once we started mixing our voices with hers, it was something magical. It was something we dreamt of so much that we really enjoyed it.”
The release of “Celia” coincides with a series of milestones. Not only does it come months after the 20th anniversary of Cruz’s 2003 death, but also a year ahead of both the 25th anniversary of Gente de Zona’s debut and what would have been Cruz’s 100th birthday.
“I am a believer that things happen, that God’s timing is perfect. I think this was the moment for this song, and we are super excited about it,” said Delgado. “What impresses me most about the song is that you see Celia today, you see Celia 2024 — and it really excites us, it’s a very beautiful thing.”
In a statement, Pardillo Cid said that “Celia would be very happy to know that, even two decades after her physical departure, her cheerful and contagious spirit, in addition to her musical excellence continues to inspire young artists like Gente de Zona.”
On Thursday, at the Premio Lo Nuestro award ceremony, the duo known for No. 1 Billboard hits like “Bailando” with Enrique Iglesias and Descemer Bueno and “La gozadera” with Marc Anthony premiered “Celia” in a joyful musical number that included a colorful party, fireworks and dancers in retro outfits inspired by Havana — while images of the iconic Salsa Queen adorned huge screens during the interventions with her voice.
“I want to be remembered as a very joyful, kind of like a jokester, happy person,” Cruz was seen saying with a smile in a video at the beginning of the performance. “A woman who enjoyed her life and what she did with it. A good friend, a good sister, a good wife. And all of it with lots of ¡azúcar!” she finished with her signature shout, which in English means “sugar.”
The same clip opens the music video for “Celia,” directed by Pedro Vásquez and which will debut Friday. It similarly showcases the duo singing amidst dancers against a colorful backdrop — with lots of fire and vintage elements like “almendrones,” as the classic old cars in Cuba are known, and Cruz projected on large screens.
In the meantime, you can stream “Celia” here:
Gente de Zona & Celia Cruz
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