Latin

Domelipa launched her music career in June with debut single “La Foto,” which will be followed by “Ese Vato,” her collaboration with Ozuna, Billboard can exclusively announce. 

The soon-to-be-released single, produced by Colombian hitmaker Ovy on the Drums, marks the first collaborative effort between the Mexican influencer-turned-singer and renowned Puerto Rican star. “Ese Vato” is a flirtatious, retro pop-rock tune that narrates the story of two people who really like each other but don’t want any titles. “I didn’t want anything, but you’re that guy I run to immediately when he calls,” goes the chorus. 

“This is an incredible opportunity that helps both of us — Ozuna on the influencer side because it’s very popular right now, and me on the music side,” Domelipa tells Billboard. “It was cool being able to meet him and talk to him. I admire him a lot, and these are things that a young Dome wouldn’t believe yet.”  

“Ese Vato” is accompanied by a summer-inspired music video showcasing both artists navigating the waters of Miami in a yacht. It also marks Dome’s sophomore single following the captivating urban-pop track “La Foto” — both released under Sony Music Latin, her new record company. 

“I’ve been creating music since two years ago, but this year just felt like the right timing to release it,” she explains. “Two years ago, I didn’t know how the music industry worked. I simply thought it was recording the music and uploading it on the internet, but it’s more complex than that. I needed a great team behind me and I’m happy that Sony supports me in my craziness.” 

“Her ability to connect with younger generations and her impressive social media presence make her a formidable force in the music industry,” Alex Gallardo, president of Sony Music US Latin, notes in a press statement. “With her talent and dedication, we are confident that her music career will be as successful as her reach on digital platforms.”

Born Dominik Elizabeth Reséndez Robledo in Monterrey, Mexico, Domelipa (a combination of her first name and Dua Lipa, whose music career she admires) has been building a solid fanbase on social media since her teen years; she currently boasts more than 75 million followers on TikTok and nearly 25 million on Instagram.  

Now, at 22 years old, she’s ready to demonstrate her talents that go beyond being a social media presence.

“[My team at] Sony always tells me not to worry about the process or the numbers, but to enjoy the moment,” she notes. “Coming from the influencer world, I’m very concerned about the numbers, but now I have to focus on the people who follow me, follow me for my content and my music.”

As she prepares to launch her single with Ozuna and continues to discover her sound alongside producers such as Ovy on the Drums, Domelipa — who’s managed by Westwood Entertainment’s Jorge Juárez, who currently also manages Carin León — has the vision of her new musical era clear.

“I’m not only doing music to do music,” she shares. “The music that I’m creating has a significance in my head. I know that how I feel, many people might feel the same way and don’t know how to express it. My plan is that people can identify with my lyrics.”

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard’s Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

Tiago PZK, GOTTI A (Warner Music Latina)

Tiago PZK’s sophomore album is a profound journey of self-discovery, with 14 tracks that present a kind of debate between Tiago the star and his alter ego, Gotti A. Executive produced by Tiago and Tatool, the set — which includes a wide variety of rhythms and collaborations —also had Charlie Heat (Kanye West, Madonna, Travis Scott) and Yeti Beats (Doja Cat) among its producers.

Tiago gets our full attention from the first track “Todas las Estrellas,” in which he sings and raps about keeping his feet on the ground and knowing that fame is ephemeral. It is followed by “Adicción,” an unexpected salsa that shows the great versatility of the Argentine star, and the focus track “De Vuelta,” a stimulating merengue with Colombian singer Manuel Turizo. And that is not all. With Trueno, Tiago performs the hip-hop song “I’m Blessed,” with Justin Quiles the reggaeton “Party BB,” with Ke Personajes the cumbia “Piel,” with Duki EDM-infused “RCP,” and with Nicki Nicole the romantic R&B flavored “Cristal.” An additional track featuring Anitta and Emilia, “Alegría,” is listed as part of the album, but will be released in the coming weeks.

Throughout GOTTI A, Tiago shines with his vocal and interpretive abilities and with sharp, introspective lyrics. The ballad “Griselda,” dedicated to his mother, is particularly emotional. And in “La Última,” which closes the album, he keeps us guessing by going from a mid-tempo reggaeton with a catchy chorus to a forceful trap. “This album is very important to me because, in addition to being the second of my career, it brings together the diversity of my musical career as an artist and composer,” Tiago PZK said in a press release. It is, without a doubt, a rich example of the maturity he has achieved both as a musician and as a human being. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Los Aptos, “Bonnie and Clyde” (VPS Music/Warner Music Latina)

Los Aptos adapts the story of the infamous Great Depression bandits, Bonnie and Clyde, for a whole new generation. Powered by traditional regional Mexican instruments — like trombones, tololoche and acoustic guitars — and fused with elements of electronic music, the trio’s lead singer Juan Ortega uses his ethereal vocals to narrate their version of Bonnie and Clyde. “Baby tonight we’re Bonnie and Clyde,” he sings in the chorus over a synth bass. “There’s no law that can touch us, there’s nothing that can break our love.” In the music video, Ortega and the rest of his band members actually give life to government agents who are chasing the criminals. — GRISELDA FLORES

Charlie Zaa & Kevin Roldan, “Por Una Vez” (Zaa Platino/ONErpm)

Charlie Zaa has reeled in Kevin Roldan for “Por Una Vez” (for once) — a captivating salsa fusion that showcases both Colombian artists in a new light. Produced by Charlie Zaa’s son, AaronZaa, the track laces Charlie’s powerful ballad vocals with Roldan’s dulcet-but-raspier tones. Lyrically, the song “shows the frustration of not understanding the actions of those you love,” expresses the producer in a press statement. “For once/I would like to be on the other side/I would like to be the one who hurts/And not who gets hurt,” they chant in the chorus. The official music video of “Por Una Vez” features the two artists joined by a live salsa band. — JESSICA ROIZ

Andrés Cepeda, “El Café” (Warner Music México)

Andrés Cepeda releases a new song dedicated to kisses that are left pending. In his classic pop-rock style, “El Café” marks the beginning of the first release from his upcoming studio album Bogotá. The song’s lyrics tell a story of an unfinished love but also carry hope for a potential reunion to resolve what’s left pending. “To be able to return to the café, and even if it is many years later/ Come back to love you like the first time,” Cepeda sings in the chorus. — INGRID FAJARDO

Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below: