Latin
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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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Jay Wheeler, Girasoles (Dynamic Records/Empire)
“I have lived so much and now I understand the true trophy,” Jay Wheeler declares in the nearly two-minute intro of his latest album Girasoles. If his testament is any indication, the Puerto Rican artist opens up about the new era he’s living both personally and professionally. Home to 15 tracks, including collaborations with Omar Courtz, ROBI and Shantty, Girasoles represents his evolution through the phase of a sunflower: challenges in life (represented by planting a seed), his transformation period (growth), and maturity (a full bloom).
Musically, Wheeler steers away from the romantic reggaetón sound that made him a household name and delves into synth-pop and heartfelt rock ballads laced with dramatic futuristic melodies. Lyrically, he’s vulnerable, at peace, and deeply in love with his mom, his wife Zhamira, and his daughter Aiunii —the three ladies whom he dedicates this album to. Notably, the focus single “Abrázame Fuerte” captures his emotions of becoming a first-time dad. “Never settle and keep working on yourself, show love to others, and continue to evolve despite difficulties, just as sunflowers continue to grow toward the light,” Wheeler expresses in a press statement. “People talk about outcomes, but no one talks about the process of getting there.” — JESSICA ROIZ
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Christian Nodal, “El Amigo” (Sony Music México)
Nodal’s melancholy look at the girl who got away and the guy who got her is both evocative and relatable. A slow ballad in a 6/8 beat, it could very well be a slit-your-wrists ranchera ballad except it trades mariachis for electric guitar and discreet strings for a more contemporary sound, and also features a middle section where Nodal chants/sings to bring the song to more modern territory. Still, what really shines here is the songwriting, courtesy of Edgar Barrera and Keytin at their best with a storyline that has us waiting with bated breath for what will happen next. Together with Nodal’s beautiful, pathos-filled vocals, this is a winner. — LEILA COBO
Danny Ocean x Sech, “Priti” (Atlantic Recording)
Danny Ocean and Sech — Venezuelan and Panamian powerhouses, respectively — have come together for a playful track that perfectly celebrates the arrival of spring. “Priti,” a play on words of “pretty,” merges the infectious rhythms of Caribbean merengue with chill Afrobeats. The song is adorned with heartfelt lyrics that capture the exhilarating sensation of love that comes unexpectedly, evoking the sweet and electrifying feelings of infatuation. As the melodies intertwine with lively instrumentation, “Priti” promises to transport listeners to a sun-soaked paradise. — INGRID FAJARDO
Guaynaa, Cumbia y Amor (Guaynaa Records)
“Time will pass, and fashions come and go/ But let there be no end of cumbia to dance to,” Guaynaa proclaims in the intro to his third full-length, Cumbia y Amor — a vibrant love letter to the art form that has defined countless celebrations across Latin America and beyond. The party ignites instantly with “QNPLC” featuring Tropikal Forever, where the Puerto Rican artist explores cumbia’s transcendence through iconic references and lyrical nods to legends like Colombia’s Toto La Momposina, Chile’s Chico Trujillo, Puerto Rico’s Los Chinchillos del Caribe and the queen of tejano music, Selena.
From Colombia’s shores, where cumbia first blossomed as an Afro-Indigenous creation, to the rebellious synthesizer-powered rhythms of Argentina’s cumbia villera, he traces the genre’s evolution with reverence. He celebrates Mexico’s cumbia sonidera, born of DJs and producers spinning lively beats in the clubs, and Peru’s psychedelic chicha, where cumbia takes on a kaleidoscopic flair.
The album showcases an array of collaborations, each representing different facets of this rich musical tradition. Bronco injects its signature grupera style into the sultry “Matame de A Poquito,” while Ximena Sariñana lends her voice to the irresistibly upbeat “Cosita Guapa.” “Sí A Todo” pulses with a villera edge, and Grupo Ráfaga closes the album with “Como Duele,” a horn-blaring anthem that encapsulates the genre’s communal joy and heartbreak.
Throughout the record, Guaynaa honors the greats who paved the way, name-dropping legends like Los Ángeles Azules, Celso Piña, and more. But beyond the references, Cumbia y Amor is steeped in emotional authenticity — serving as both a swaying, hip-shaking delight and a heartfelt tribute to a genre that unites generations and nations. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Los Ángeles Azules & Kenia Os, “Una Nada Más” (OCESA Seitrack/Virgin Music Latin)
Los Ángeles Azules continue on their captivating collaboration streak, this time teaming up with Mexican pop star Kenia Os on “Una Nada Más,” which loosely translates to “one more and nothing else.” Produced by Juanjo Martín, Yoby Zúñiga, and Rodolfo Lugo, the sensual cumbia sonidera — powered by weeping accordions, trumpets and percussion — spotlights forbidden love with a chemistry so strong that it goes beyond only one night. “Kenia Os gave us incredible energy,” the Mexican cumbia group expresses in a statement. “We hope her fans, like ours, take out their best dance moves to enjoy this song.” — J.R.
Banda Los Sebastianes & Luis Fonsi, “Sabes Qué Hora Es” (Fonovisa/Universal Music Group)
With the characteristic Sinaloan sound of Banda Los Sebastianes and the soft and undeniably romantic voice of Luis Fonsi, a perfect blend of regional Mexican and pop is achieved. From its first chords, “Sabes Qué Hora Es” is an anthem to love and a feast for the ears. With a rhythmic sound featuring the Mazatlán group’s signature instruments accompanying the heartfelt quality that the Puerto Rican star brings to his performance, the song showcases the best of both worlds, making it a joyful listening experience for anyone, regardless of their musical tastes.
“It’s something no one saw coming, that Banda Los Sebastianes and Luis Fonsi got together to sing a super romantic song with so much feeling and love,” Fonsi says in a statement about the tune written by Diego Bolela and Horacio Palencia. “From the moment we received the song, we thought of him to do it, we sent it to him, and he liked it,” the band adds. “For us, it’s an honor that this has been made possible.” — TERE AGUILERA
Los Amigos Invisibles, “Wiki Wiki” (Gozadera Records/140 DB)
Los Amigos Invisibles continue to expand their long list of catchy grooves with “Wiki Wiki,” a song that fuses Afrobeats with Caribbean rhythms and fun lyrics that invite you to dance. “The music is crazy, the atmosphere gets good/ Out of control, until the sun comes up,” sings vocalist Julio Briceño in Spanish before repeating in the chorus: “Making Wiki Wiki we get freaky, making Wiki Wiki.” “Wiki Wiki is whatever you want it to be: Swirling the whiskey with a finger, shaking the boat when you dance, making arepas with rhythm, or making something delicious with style,” the Venezuelan tropical disco funk band explains in a press release. “It’s also a state of mind, a flow, a term used when the party gets good.” It’s a perfect track to warm up the party this spring. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
Billboard celebrated Spain’s music industry leaders at a private event March 18 in Madrid attended by over 100 top executives, artists and creators. Held at the rooftop of Gynko at Hotel VP Plaza España Design, the event celebrated the publication of Billboard’s Spotlight on Spain included in the March 8 issue of Billboard magazine, but […]
The Heat Latin Music Awards, commonly known as Premios Heat, will have a new venue this year in Medellin, Colombia. “IT’S OFFICIAL! Medellín, the city where everything blooms, becomes the home of the HEAT Latin Music Awards 2025. See you in this magical city where music lives and inspires us,” the organization announced early Thursday […]
In the ‘90s, Selena Quintanilla singlehandedly revolutionized the Tejano genre, fusing her authentic Mexican roots with bold new sounds such as R&B, pop, dance and rock.
With her bubbly charm, dazzling aura and a universal appeal, which powered hits like “Como La Flor,” “Dreaming of You,” “Amor Prohibido” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” the artist, known as the Queen of Tejano, shattered ceilings in a genre that was predominantly dominated by men, earning a zealous fanbase both in the U.S. and in Mexico.
Well on her way to a major mainstream crossover, the Mexican-American powerhouse was tragically shot dead on March 31, 1995 at the age of 23. However, her music and legacy has stood the test of time and, along the way, she’s influenced a new generation of hitmakers, making her a bona fide Latin icon in pop culture 30 years later.
On the Billboard charts, Selena earned 24 entries on Top Latin Albums, 16 of which hit top 10 and seven No. 1’s—among them Amor Prohibido, spending 20 weeks at the top in 1994 and Dreaming of You, released posthumously, which spent 40 weeks at the top in 1995. On the Regional Mexican Albums and Latin Pop Albums charts, the late artist placed seven and six No. 1 titles, respectively. Amor Prohibido topped the former chart for nearly 100 weeks.
As a testament to her enduring legacy, the Quintanilla family released Moonchild Mixes in 2022 — an album with 10 previously unreleased songs that the superstar recorded between the ages of 13 and 16. The set peaked at No. 1 on the Latin Pop Albums chart that same year.
“We as a family had discussed this amongst ourselves that in the future, after Selena’s passing, we were going to maintain her presence through her music and we’ve done that,” A.B. Quintanilla, Selena’s dad, previously told Billboard. “I’m more than sure that the fans are going to love it because if you listen to it, it’ll move you emotionally and take you back to as if Selena was recording it this morning.”
Here, Billboard ranks the albums that make up Selena’s incomparable recorded legacy. There are also a handful of compilation and live albums released throughout her career and after her passing — including Live!, which won the Grammy award for Best Mexican-American Album in 1994 — but while some have entered the Billboard charts, we are ranking only the studio albums released since her EMI Latin label debut in 1989. See our list below.
Selena (1989)
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
For the first time ever, Mexico has entered the top 10 global music markets, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has confirmed to Billboard Español. The milestone was driven by a 15.6% increase in recorded music revenue, as revealed in the IFPI’s 2025 Global Music Report published Wednesday (March 19). Mexico’s climb to No. […]
The Billboard Latin Women in Music special is scheduled to return for its third edition on April 24 at 9 p.m. ET via Telemundo, Billboard and Telemundo announced Thursday (March 20).
Hosted by the legendary Mexican singer and songwriter Ana Bárbara, who was among the 2024 honorees, the two-hour event will celebrate the groundbreaking women who are shaping the future of Latin music. The show will also be available to stream live on the Telemundo app and Peacock.
“We are thrilled to partner with Billboard once again to commemorate the incredible achievements of Latin women in music,” Francisco “Cisco” Suarez, Telemundo’s evp, primetime unscripted & specials, said in a press release. “At Telemundo, we are committed to empowering and uplifting voices that inspire and resonate with our audience and look forward to an unforgettable night of celebration filled with captivating performances.”
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“Billboard Latin Women in Music is a powerful platform that shines a spotlight on the extraordinary talent, resilience and impact of Latinas in the music industry,” added Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer for Latin/Español. “We are proud to continue this celebration alongside Telemundo, honoring the women who are breaking barriers, shaping culture and inspiring future generations through their artistry. This year’s show promises unforgettable performances and heartfelt moments that showcase the strength and brilliance of Latin women in music.”
This year’s honorees and performers will be announced at a later date.
Ana Bárbara, a renowned singer, songwriter, producer and actress who received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement honor for her significant contributions to music, returns this year to host the special. Throughout her career, the hitmaker behind anthems such as “Bandido” and “Loca” has been a beacon of empowerment, resilience and advocacy for female representation. She has shattered barriers and paved the way for other women in the industry, becoming an artistic inspiration and a respected figure in the Regional Mexican genre.
On the Billboard charts, she’s had hits including “Me Asusta Pero Me Gusta,” “La Trampa,” “Ya No Te Creo Nada” and “No Lloraré” reaching the top 10 of Hot Latin Songs, while albums such as Ay Amor (1996) and Yo Soy La Mujer (2014) have established her as a mainstay on Regional Mexican Albums.
Besides Ana Bárbara, last year’s honorees included Karol G as Woman of the Year, Gloria Estefan as Legend, La India as Pioneer, Ángela Aguilar with the Musical Dynasty Award, Camila Cabello with the Global Impact award, Kany García as Spirit of Change and Kali Uchis as Rising Star.
Shakira paid an emotional tribute to Mexico with mariachi rhythms and regional Mexican music on Wednesday night (March 19) with first-time performances of “Ciega Sordomuda” and “El Jefe.” The songs were inspired by the country where the Colombian superstar launched her musical career 30 years ago.
With the surprising inclusion of a Mexican section in her repertoire, the artist kicked-off the first of seven scheduled concerts at the GNP Seguros Stadium in Mexico City in front of 65,000 people as part of her current Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, according to figures from promoter Ocesa.
Written more than 20 years ago, “Ciega Sordomuda” was one of Shakira’s first international hits, and it sparked euphoria among attendees. Accompanied by the mariachi group Gama 100, the singer delighted her audience with her famous MTV Unplugged (2000) version of the song, featuring Mexican trumpets and brass arrangements. Meanwhile, with “El Jefe” — a collab with Mexican-American band Fuerza Regida included in the 2024 album that gives its name to the tour, — she completed the Mexican segment of the show during her return to the Latin American country after a seven-year absence.
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“This is the first of seven nights in this city that has given me so much joy. Together, we are breaking a historic record, and that’s thanks to all the love you give me,” Shakira expressed with excitement.
Her run of gigs at GNP Seguros Stadium (March 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, and 30) make the Colombian star the first artist to sell out this iconic venue in Mexico City (formerly known as Foro Sol) seven times, collectively bringing together almost half a million attendees, according to Ocesa.
The 48-year-old artist opened her dazzling show with “La Fuerte,” produced by Argentine DJ Bizarrap, followed by hits such as “Girl Like Me,” “Las de la Intuición,” “Estoy Aquí,” “Inevitable,” “Te Felicito,” “TQG,” “Monotonía,” “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” and “Don’t Bother,” showcasing a much more rock-oriented side of her artistry. The rest of the setlist was almost identical to what the Barranquilla native has presented throughout the Latin American leg of the tour tour, which began in Rio de Janeiro on February 11.
Before her unprecedented residency in Mexico City, Shakira achieved other milestones in the country, such as two sold-out shows at the BBVA Stadium in the border city of Monterrey, where she gathered 100,000 people on March 12 and 13. Additionally, she performed two concerts on Sunday (March 16) and Monday (March 17) at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, bringing together 90,000 people, according to the promoter.
Mexico City will also host the pop-up event “Shakira Estoy Aquí Experience Ciudad de México,” a free exhibition opening Friday (March 21) and running through March 30. The immersive experience will allow fans to dive into the universe of the Colombian artist through thematic spaces showcasing her evolution, creative process, and pivotal moments in her career.
Mexico also marks her second-to-last stop in the region before Shakira starts the U.S. leg of the tour on May 13 in Charlotte, N.C.
Gloria Estefan is ready to return to her roots with her first Spanish-language album in 18 years. First thing Thursday (March 20) — the start of the spring equinox — the Cuban-American superstar released the first single from the set, written by her producer-husband Emilio Estefan and aptly titled “Raíces” (Roots).
“Always enjoy the moments because you never know what surprises life will bring,” Estefan sings, expressing how love and life are very much like planting seeds. “If you want a good harvest, you need to know how to sow/ With faith and dedication, that tree will grow roots.”
“The song ‘Raíces’ touched my soul the first moment I heard it,” Gloria Estefan tells Billboard Español. “Being a Virgo, my connection with nature is strong, and I see life as a garden, with love as the seed. I believe that what you cultivate with kindness, patience, and faith will one day bloom into joy.”
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She adds: “It is important not to miss the opportunity to express love because every sincere word and gesture plants the roots of a beautiful tomorrow — and that is what this song is all about.”
Recorded at their Crescent Moon Studios in Miami, “Raíces” is a tribute to the rhythms that have defined Estefan’s sound: salsa, tropical beats, classic Latin music. The song will also give its title to her new album — the 30th in a 50-year career — which will be released at the end of May under Sony Music. It will be her first fully Spanish-language album in 18 years, since 90 Millas, which debuted and spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart in October 2007.
“For me, recording in Spanish again was a contribution to our music,” Emilio Estefan tells Billboard Español, noting that they worked with “great musicians, engineers, and industry professionals” and that he personally wrote almost the entire album because “I wanted it to reflect our essence: Gloria’s sound and mine.”
“[When we started], I remember people telling us that our sound would never work and that we should change our last name. But we understood the value of our culture and our roots,” he explains, referring to their beginnings in the mid-1970s with the Miami Sound Machine. “When Gloria reached the top of the charts worldwide [singing in English], we took a big risk and decided to record Mi Tierra, an album that represented one of our greatest victories.”
The iconic first LP by Gloria Estefan in Spanish from 1993, which included hits like “Mi Tierra” and “Con Los Años Que Me Quedan,” spent a whooping 58 weeks at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums. More than three decades later, the renowned Cuban producer and musician along with the singer-songwriter present “a letter of gratitude to the fans, to the press, to those who believed in us, and to the city of Miami, which watched us grow and then allowed us to bring our music to the whole world.”
“It is a moment full of emotions for Gloria and me, a celebration of our culture and our audience,” Emilio Estefan says. “The most beautiful thing about a career is being able to leave a legacy of gratitude.”
Check out the music video for “Raíces” below.
Garbage, the iconic American alternative rockers who rose to fame in the ’90s, are in the midst of their first Latin American tour in a decade. The trek kicked off March 12 in Colombia, followed by stops in Chile and Argentina, before arriving in Brazil this Friday (March 21).
On April 6, after an 11-year absence from the country, Garbage will perform in Monterrey, Mexico, at the Tecate Pa’l Norte festival.
“It’s great to go back to Mexico, you know. And going to Pa’l Norte again is even better,” lead singer Shirley Manson tells Billboard Español about their participation on the festival’s second day, which will also feature stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Kings of Leon. “Each represents different generations, and their own music. We’re not the same side of the coin. Having many options at the same place is fantastic.”
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Since the band’s inception in the early ’90s, Garbage has been beloved among Latin American audiences. Tracks like “Stupid Girl,” “Only Happy When it Rains” and “I Think I’m Paranoid” have transcended the years, creating a strong bond with fans in the region.
When asked about the growing globalization of Latin music, Manson shares: “Latin music is developing and expanding so quickly. Now, listening to music in Spanish is something we are used to. That’s so great, it’s wonderful.”
The reunion with their fans has been overwhelmingly positive. At the Festival Rec, recently held in Concepción, southern Chile, the band shared the stage with acts like Los Tres, Suede and Julieta Venegas, along with 40 other talents that brought together an estimated 360,000 attendees, according to Chile’s Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Obras Stadium was packed with fans who had been waiting for the band since their last performance at the legendary Luna Park in 2014. Shirley Manson has a special connection with Argentina, particularly with its feminist movements; the singer even participated in a colloquium there in 2019.
For their performance at Parque Fundidora in Monterrey, where Tecate Pa’l Norte will take place from April 4–6, daily attendance is expected to reach at least 100,000 people. The eclectic lineup includes Green Day, Massive Attack, Justin Timberlake, Caifanes, Foster the People, Benson Boone, El Tri and Eden Muñoz, among others.
Garbage, comprised of Shirley Manson, Butch Vig, Duke Erikson and Steve Marker, has released several covers over the past two years, including David Bowie’s “Starman,” U2’s “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses,” Siouxsie and the Banshees’ “Cities in Dust” and Patti Smith’s “Because the Night.” Fans are eagerly awaiting new music from the band, as their eighth studio album, Let All That We Imagine Be the Light, is set to drop on May 30.
MADRID — After a successful First Spanish Music Encounter at the WiZink Center in 2024, Billboard returned to Madrid on Tuesday (March 18) with “Leaders of Music in Spain,” an event that reaffirms its commitment to the country’s music scene. The cocktail event, held at the Hotel VP Plaza España Design, gathered more than a hundred executives, artists, and key industry figures to strengthen ties and boost the global projection of Spaniard music.
Among the attendees were Pino Sagliocco, president of Live Nation Spain; José Luis Sevillano, CEO of AIE; Sandra García-Sanjuán, executive president of Grupo Starlite; Claire Immoucha, head of Amazon Music Spain; Mar García, marketing director of Warner Music Spain; Narcis Rebollo, president/CEO of global talent services at Universal; and José María Barbat, president of Sony Music Iberia. Artists like Rosana, Lela Soto, Natalia Lacunza and Álvaro de Luna also joined the event, sharing their thoughts on the present and future of music in Spain.
On Billboard‘s behalf were Leila Cobo, chief content officer for Latin/Español; Pamela Bustios, senior chart and data analyst for Latin/Español; and Marcia Olival, sales director for US Hispanic, LATAM, and Iberia.
“I’ve always said that Billboard is a bridge between Spanish-language music and the Anglo market. We tell these stories to an audience that doesn’t speak Spanish, but also in Spanish, and with Spain, this idea of a bridge is literal,” Cobo emphasized during the event. “Spain has more streams than ever, ticket sales are extraordinary, and it’s the world’s top music tourism destination. We want to amplify what you do, celebrate you, and be part of your story.”
This expansion of Spaniard music beyond its borders is a reality that resonates within the industry. Alicia Arauzo, general manager of Universal Music, highlighted the importance of these networking spaces to continue building international connections. “Without a doubt, these are great initiatives because, in the end, that’s what it’s all about: Spanish artists are going further and further. It’s something that didn’t happen years ago, and it’s fantastic to be able to cross bridges and have our music reach other territories,” she said.
José María Barbat, president of Sony Music Iberia (left) and Bernardo Miranda, vp A&R at Sony Music Iberia during Billboard’s “Líderes de la Música en España” event on March 18, 2025 in Madrid.
Aldara Zarraoa
Held at the Ginkgo Sky Bar — with panoramic views of the Royal Palace, the Almudena, and Plaza de España — the gathering served as a space for networking and dialogue about the industry’s challenges and opportunities.
In conversation with Billboard, Melanie Parejo, head of music for Spotify in Southern and Eastern Europe, emphasized Spain’s importance as a key point within the global ecosystem. “Billboard anchors here, in a country that is the gateway to Europe,” she noted. “Spanish-language music is more interconnected than ever. Gen Z doesn’t care if an artist is from Tenerife or Venezuela, and that’s incredibly powerful.”
For attendees, Billboard‘s presence in Spain represents a validation of the market’s growth and international projection. Rosana, one of the invited artists, expressed her gratitude. “Billboard opened its doors to me 15 days after releasing my first album in the U.S. and Latin America. Now that it has decided to come here, all they makes me want to do is make them feel at home,” she said.
From the business side, Blanca Salcedo, general manager of Sony Music Spain, highlighted the importance of the visibility provided by the platform. “I’d love for this to happen more in Spain,” she said. “The digital world has achieved unity and eliminated barriers.”
Attendees listen to Leila Cobo during Billboard’s “Líderes de la Música en España” event on March 18, 2025 in Madrid.
Aldara Zarraoa
For Álvaro de Luna, being part of this celebration was a personal milestone: “Seven years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined being mentioned in anything related to Billboard. It’s a dream.”
The event was made possible thanks to the support of Hotel VP Plaza España Design, Mahou, AIE, Santander SMusic, and Tequila Patrón, which prepared the evening’s special cocktail, the Paloma Patrón.
With “Leaders of Music in Spain,” Billboard continues to bet on strengthening its presence in the country and amplifying the impact of Spanish music globally. “We have total commitment to Spanish-language music, to Spain, and to its industry,” concluded Cobo.