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Thirty years after Carlos Vives starred in the television series Escalona and released his iconic album Clásicos de la Provincia, the Colombian star takes viewers back in time in the documentary Regreso a Escalona, which arrives on April 3 in the U.S. and multiple Latin American countries through the streaming platform ViX.
The film — distributed by Caracol Television and produced by Mestiza Films — shows how Vives sought inspiration again in Rafael Escalona, one of the most important vallenato songwriters of all time, while going after an old school notebook of Escalona’s that contained the lyrics of classics such as “La Historia,” “El Testamento” and “Jaime Molina.” It was from that notebook that Vives’ Latin Grammy-winning album for best cumbia/vallenato album in 2023, Escalona Nunca se Había Grabado Así, emerged.
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“Regreso a Escalona was perhaps the way I found to be able to capture an era, a time, a very special place in my life, in music and especially in what is known as the vallenato legend,” Vives tells Billboard Español about the exclusive release.
“It’s the way I found for maybe time not to go away, to trap it on film, because people will discover very profound things that happened, they’re going to live them, they’re going to see them, and I don’t think time will allow us to live them again,” he adds with emotion, fighting back tears.
In this chronicle that takes him to Valledupar, the world capital of vallenato in the Province of Padilla, the singer of “La Tierra del Olvido” and “La Gota Fría” is accompanied by his dear friend and accordion player Egidio Cuadrado, the person through whom Vives “deeply” learned the world of Escalona. They travel in the Ford F150 truck that belonged to Escalona, whose son — who keeps it in good shape — lent to them.
“A part of the documentary that I find impressive is when Egidio’s sister, Dina Luz, who was Escalona’s partner, appears,” says Vives, adding that when the idea of the project arose, he immediately thought of inviting his “compadre Egidio,” who in recent years has gone through health problems.
“It was like trying to go against his illness,” Vives says. “It was like denying everything and going as if nothing was happening to a recording studio to make this album, and then traveling with him around the region in that truck. … Being able to go back and remember when I was riding my bike with him on that road that linked all those towns in the Province of Padilla, like being young again with him there, returning to those places.”
For Vives, the idea is to condense and rescue that moment of Colombian music, and for the audience to discover “that imagery that surrounded Egidio and that town of Villanueva that has produced very important musicians” and understand the reason of Vives’ passion for all of this.
Return to Escalona premiered May 1, 2023, on Canal Caracol in Colombia, and days later arrived in the U.S. as part of the Colombian Film Festival NY. On April 3, it will be available through ViX’s premium streaming plan.
Paulo Londra has signed a new recording deal with Argentine indie Dale Play Records, Billboard has learned. The new deal will have Londra releasing new music under Dale Play, a label that has specialized in young, urban leaning artists from Argentina and whose roster includes producer Bizarrap, rapper Duki and urban/pop act Nicki Nicole, who all have scored major global hits. As with all Dale Play signings, Londra will be distributed via Sony’s The Orchard.
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Londra, 25, was one of the core pioneers of Argentina’s burgeoning urban and trap movement when he exploded onto the scene in 2019 with his debut album, Homerun. Signed to indie Big Ligas and distributed by Warner, Londra, with a sweet, distinctive voice and look that contrasted with his freestyle rhymes, was an immediate sensation whose music was able to cross over from Argentina to the world. Homerun debuted and peaked at No. 12 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums and at No. 10 on Latin Rhythm albums.
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After this quick success, however, Londra entered into a lengthy, multi-million dollar dispute with Big Ligas partners Cristian (Kristo) Salazar and renown producer and artist Daniel Oviedo (Ovy on the Drums). Big Ligas alleged breach of contract while Londra filed his own suit accusing Salazar and Oviedo of fraud and negligent representation.
The dispute was finally settled nearly two years later in a Miami courtroom, but until then, Londra didn’t release new music. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but both parties issued a statement at the time saying they had “resolved their differences.”
Londra then signed directly with Warner Music Latina in March of 2022 and released his second album, an EP titled Back to the Game, which features collaborations with Ed Sheeran, Travis Barker, Timbaland, Feid and Duki. A first single, “Plan A,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Argentina’s Hot 100 chart.
The rapper and singer has been working on new music and is set to release new material in 2024 under Dale Play. He continues to be managed by Buena.
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Carin León & The Rolling Stones
Regional Mexican star Carin León is set to open for The Rolling Stones at their show in Glendale, Ariz. on May 7. “This is one of those things I dreamed about when I was a little boy,” León posted on social media. The “Según Quién” singer will join the rock band, which is set to embark on its Stones Tour ‘24 Hackney Diamonds in the U.S. in April. Most recently, León teamed up with Kane Brown to release “The One (Pero No Como Yo),” a landmark crossover between country and música mexicana. In February, León achieved a career milestone with his debut performance at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry.
Lupita Infante’s version of “Canto del Bracero”
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Mexican American singer Lupita Infante has released a new version of “Canto Del Bracero,” a song originally released by her grandfather, the iconic Mexican singer and actor Pedro Infante. The track shines a spotlight on the sacrifices and hardships experienced by immigrants, particularly Mexican laborers, in their pursuit of the so-called “American Dream.”
“I felt a special connection to this beautiful song by my grandfather, which speaks about the difficulties of being an immigrant living in this country,” Lupita said in a statement. “My maternal family (not Infantes), came to this country to work as braceros (Mexican agricultural laborers), and my mom would work on the grape vines. The lyrics of the track are about the braceros who came to this country in the hope of achieving their dreams of a better life but instead suffered. I wanted to bring my grandfather’s powerful message back to the forefront, as it still resonates true today.”
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First ever Billboard Spanish-Language Music Forum in Madrid
The inaugural Forum on Spanish Language Music in Madrid, presented by the Community of Madrid and powered by Billboard, took place March 19 at the WiZink Center. The one day event — attended by some 500 artists, managers and industry execs — sought to highlight the growing consumption of music in Spanish across continents, and featured four panel conversations, as well as a Q&A and performance by Nicki Nicole. The Argentine superstar shared that she made music with Alejandro Sanz and talked about putting her mental health first in her career and on a personal level.
Check out highlights from Nicki Nicole’s Q&A here.
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Shakira’s new album is finally here
Good things come to those who wait and Shakira’s fans have waited long enough. The Colombian hitmaker released Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, her new album in seven years. The project, the superstar’s most personal album yet, takes her on a healing journey following a very public breakup. With this set, Shakira takes control of her narrative declaring that women no longer cry, a statement she made in her Bizarrap-produced music session that became a motto for women around the globe. “I hope that with this album you can celebrate, laugh, dance and find your own strength, just how I’ve found mine” Shakira said at an album release party in Miami on March 21.
Billboard ranked all of the songs on Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. See which one took the No. 1 spot.
Seeing double?
J Balvin has two new Madame Tussauds wax figures: one in New York and one in Las Vegas. The Colombian artist expressed his excitement on Instagram over his two likenesses. “Amazing how dreams come true seldom you find yourself face to face with yourself and it’s not a reflection in a mirror hehehehe Triple JoSSSe,” he captioned the clip. “Keep dreaming and believe it yourselves ⚡️ Go see it and take a picture with me Thanks @madametussaudsusa PA LA CULTURA.”
“J Balvin’s wax figures at Madame Tussauds New York and Madame Tussauds Las Vegas epitomizes his indelible influence on music and culture,” said Matthew Clarkson, head of marketing at Madame Tussauds USA. “With our newly renovated Music experience in New York and the brand new Club T in Las Vegas, his presence adds another dimension to the immersive experiences we offer. It’s a testament to his enduring impact and our dedication to creating dynamic experiences that resonate with visitors worldwide.”
See the wax figures below:
J Balvin
Madame Tussauds
This week, Billboard‘s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — feature fresh new releases from artists such as Xavi, Elena Rose, Fonseca, and more. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news This week’s notable release was Shakira’s 12th studio album, […]
He’s known on both sides of the Atlantic for traditional Latin pop classics such as “Yo Soy Aquel” and “En Carne Viva.” But Raphael, one of Spain’s most celebrated vocalists internationally with over six decades of career, doesn’t rule out the possibility of venturing into urbano music.
“I know it’s not my thing, because I don’t know how to do anything else. But you never know,” says the 80-year-old artist. “Maybe I’ll say ‘I’m gonna try doing this to see what happens.’ That was the case with ‘Escándalo’, and look how far it got,” he added about his 1992 Caribbean-flavored hit, which spent 12 weeks on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.
Raphael made these comments this week at the first first Forum on Spanish Language Music in Madrid, presented by the Community of Madrid and powered by Billboard, which took place on Tuesday (March 19) at the WiZink Center in the Spanish capital. He was the star of the Icon panel moderated by Leila Cobo, Billboard‘s Chief Content Officer for Latin/Español.
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When Cobo asked him what he thought of Latin urban music, Raphael said that “like all music, there are salvageable things and less salvageable things, there are things that have grace. But I would give it some time, because it is in full bustle now,” he continued. “We have to give it time to see where all this ends up.”
And, with his characteristic humor, he answered whether he would like to collaborate with any urbano artist: “Maybe yes! Maybe someone will call me today!”
During the conversation, the Spanish superstar also spoke about the moment he knew that being an artist was his thing, the role of songwriter Manuel Alejandro as the “tailor” of his career, the process of his globalization and why he doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon.
“I don’t see myself doing nothing, with so many things that can be done and so many theaters and places to go, and so many countries to revisit, where I have been loved so much for so long. I prefer to be active,” he said. “So, as long as this one responds, I’m going to be singing,” he added pointing to his vocal cords.
“Obviously I am aware that someday I will have to stay at home, but the later the better. And if it can be when I leave for good, then let me take advantage of the exit,” he added with a laugh. “It’s not about wanting more, it’s about doing what you are passionate about every single day.”
In our Latin Remix of the Week series, we spotlight remixes that the Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors deem to be exceptional and distinct from the rest. We might not publish a review every week. This is our selection today. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Shakira and Bizarrap‘s groundbreaking diss track “Vol. […]
Three decades ago, one of the most emblematic albums in Latin music history was released: Selena Quintanilla’s Amor Prohibido, which ultimately made history as the first Tejano album to hit No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart.
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Released March 22, 1994 under Capitol Latin/UMLE, the 11-track set is home to many of the “Queen of Tex-Mex’s” timeless hits including “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “No Me Queda Más,” “Si Una Vez,” and the title track. Now, in honor of its 30th anniversary, the history-making album is available on CD, cassette, and for the first time, vinyl format. A special remastered 2024 edition, released under Universal Music Latino, is also available on all streaming platforms.
“I’m excited about us even celebrating 30 years of this album of ours,” Suzette Quintanilla, Selena’s sister and Los Dinos drummer, tells Billboard exclusively. “Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that people would still be jamming to our music and dancing to our songs. I think my brother [A.B. Quintanilla III], Ricky Vela, and Pete Astudillo did an incredible job in writing these songs, and my brother arranging and producing them just shows a part of who we were growing up and what we listened to. It was a different [musical] vibe going on. There’s a little bit of everything mixed in that album—what we all used to listen to and it definitely comes across. It was also a time when our record company let us be us, and do what we wanted to do with our music and this album.”
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SELENA QUINTANILLA ‘AMOR PROHIBIDO’
Courtesy of Universal Music Latino
Indeed, Amor Prohibido is equipped with the authentic Tejano and cumbia sound that characterized Selena y Los Dinos but creatively fused with rock (“Fotos y Recuerdos”), electronic dance music (“Techno Cumbia”), and R&B (“Donde Quiera Que Estés”).
On the Billboard charts, Amor Prohibido debuted at No. 3 on Top Latin Albums in April 1994, and reached No. 1 in June 1994, where it remained for 20 weeks. It also earned Selena her first chart entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 29 in May 1995, and debuted and peaked at No. 1 on Regional Mexican Albums, where it remained for 97 weeks, the most for any album since the chart’s inception in 1985.
“I’m extremely excited this is coming out on vinyl. I know so many fans wanted this and we were finally able to do this at such an iconic moment…30 years is insane!” Quintanilla adds. “It’s cool but it’s insane. I’m so grateful and honored and I know that if my sister was here, she definitely would have been excited about this moment just as we all are. Thirty years. Insane but so freaking cool!”
Artist managers, record label executives and music artists participated in the first Forum on Spanish-Language Music in Madrid, held at the WiZink Center, on Tuesday (March 19). The one-day, invite-only event, headlined by Argentine trap star Nicki Nicole with a Q&A and showcase performance, was presented by the Community of Madrid and powered by Billboard.
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One of the panels of the evening, Entre Artistas (Between Artists), moderated by Billboard Espanol‘s social media manager Ingrid Fajardo, featured some of the most influential artists in the music industry in Spain — Mala Rodríguez, Paula Cendejas, Yotuel, and Maikel Delacalle — who discussed topics such as the latest trends and the digital world.
Below, read the best quotes from the Entre Artistas conversation:
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Youtel on the Power of Music
“With ‘Patria y Vida,’ we took a million Cubans out into the streets singing ‘Patria y Vida’ to defend the people’s freedom. Let’s remember that music is powerful. Let’s not look at music as if it were just something festive or sublime. Music is powerful.”
Paula Cendejas on Going Against the Current
“I believe that you have to be a bit rebellious and go against the current,” she said when referring to of the speed that new music is being released. “I think we have to re-educate the listener, because as artists, we have found a pattern, and in the end, we make empty music [with no context] and then we do it all over again. That was not the driving force [when creating music].”
Mala Rodríguez on Being a Female Rapper in Spain
“Twenty years ago, I wanted to move my music forward, and the truth is that people in my neighborhood thought it was strange. The ear was not prepared to listen to what a girl had to say. So, it was a little different, and it took me a little while to accept myself and fight for them to accept me, too. I remember that when Yotuel arrived in Spain, it was like, ‘Wow, but what is this?’ Orishas’ proposal was something like hip-hop but with a Latin flavor. It was super cool.”
Maikel DelaCalle on His Musical Influences
“When I was a kid, I used to walk out on the street with a walkman listening to Mala Rodríguez and Orishas. I think what artists like them have done has opened doors [for artists] everywhere. In my case, especially in the Canary Islands, I was greatly influenced by Celia Cruz. When she did her first tour here in Spain, where do you think she went? The Canary Islands. Don Omar? To the Canary Islands. We in the Canary Islands have had an incredible influence in Latin music.”
Where would Channing Tatum be without Ricky Martin? Luckily for fans of Magic Mike, 21 Jump Street and She’s the Man, the world will never know. The actor got his start in the Latin pop star’s iconic “She Bangs” music video back in 2000, playing a bar tender serving a group of rowdy partygoers, including […]
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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Nicole Zignago & Camilo, “mimos” (Warner Music México)
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Peruvian singer-songwriter Nicole Zignago and Colombian hitmaker Camilo unite their ethereal vocals for a pop-ballad that will tug at your heartstrings. The pair team up for “mimos,” powered by lyrics that are all too relatable. “You say there’s nothing here, just friends, so what do we do when you want mimos (pampering)?” Zignago and Camilo sing delicately over an equally subdued guitar beat that doesn’t overpower the duo’s vocals. Mid song, the beat becomes more pronounced as the artists sing with more urgency, trying to decipher a relationship they both know will not work out. You’ll want to stick around till the end of the song for an explosive solo by Zignago showcasing her wide-ranging vocals. — GRISELDA FLORES
Xavi, “Corazón de Piedra” (Interscope Records)
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“Corazón de Piedra” by Xavi wastes no time grabbing your attention with its gripping and visceral energy. Bolstered by a guitarrón that slaps, and frenetic requinto riffs — the kind that ensnared global audiences with his groundbreaking solo singles “La Diabla” and “La Víctima” — his first track of 2024 is a sierreño kiss-off about a woman with a stone-cold heart. Meanwhile, Xavi delves deep into the tumultuous emotions of a love turned bitter. With a snarling voice that occasionally spine-chills but consistently intrigues, the Phoenix-born artist reaffirms his knack for crafting hard-hitting breakup songs. It not only surpasses expectations but sets a new standard for emotional intensity and musical conviction within the booming música mexicana scene. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Fonseca, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Chucho Valdés, “Colección de Recuerdos” (Sony Music Latin)
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Colombian singer-songwriter Fonseca joins salsa music maestros Gilberto Santa Rosa and Chucho Valdés in the beautiful bolero “Colección de Recuerdos” (“Collection of Memories”). The jewel is the third preview of the Colombian’s next album. Accompanied by the delicate interpretation of the Cuban jazz player on the piano, the tropipop icon and “the gentleman of salsa” sing with melancholy about a relationship that came to an end without fulfilling the promises they made to each other. “Where is the life that I had with you/ Where are the dreams, where is what we were/ Where are the promises that we always told each other/ Where is that life, that you and I built,” they sing in duet in the emotional chorus. Adding to the nostalgia of the track, the black and white music video captures the magic of the recording process in the studio. — LUISA CALLE
Danny Ocean, “Cero condiciones” (Atlantic Recording)
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Danny Ocean calls for personal action in this uplifting song that invites us to be ourselves, without thinking about what others may think or say. “Whoever wants to come out, let him come out of the closet/ I no longer want to live a fucking mediocre life/ The truth is the truth and I’m not afraid of the night/ I want to be free from the fire/ I want to be who I want,” goes part of the lyrics. Written by the Venezuelan artist along with Juan Diego Linares, Elena Rose and Luigi Santaella, “Cero Conditions” starts softly with Middle Eastern-style vocals over strings before giving way to an energetic electro-pop groove driven by hard-hitting drums and lyrics.
“This song is more for me than anything else… To remember that we don’t have to settle for what is unfair, that only the UNIVERSE can judge us and that NO ONE can take away from us what we deserve,” Ocean says in a press release. The music video, directed by Willy Rodríguez and produced by The Panda Bear Show & Both Films, is just as powerful as the song. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Elena Rose, “Me Lo Merezco” (Kira Records/Warner Music Latina)
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Elena Rose’s pure, honest, and transparent soul continues to shine in each and every one of her releases, most recently in “Me Lo Merezco.” A nearly three-minute-long manifestation and self love letter, the Venezuelan singer chants about living in the present, enjoying the little things but over all, deserving all her blessings. “Real love, I deserve it/ That everything comes out great, I deserve it/ Good things come to me, I will achieve it, the ocean view, I deserve it/ A blue sky, I deserve it/ A cool life, I deserve it,” she soulfully chants. Co-produced by Hector Mazzari & The Honeyboos, the R&B, funk, and urban-tinged bop even lifts from Paula Cole’s late ’90s smash “I Don’t Want to Wait,” as a friendly reminder to start living your life now before it’s too late. — JESSICA ROIZ
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below: