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BOGOTA, Colombia — Shakira was immortalized in her Colombian hometown of Barranquilla, where officials unveiled a giant bronze statue of the music diva known around the world for her catchy tunes and exhilarating moves.
The 20-foot-tall monument depicts the multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy winner in one of her famous belly-dancing outfits, with her hips swaying to her right and her arms raised gracefully toward the sky.
A plaque under the statue says that on Feb. 2, 1977, the town of “Barranquilla and the world witnessed the birth of a heart that composes, hips that don’t lie, a voice that moves masses and a pair of bare feet that walk for the good of children and humanity.”
The statue, located on a recently built promenade along the Magdalena River that runs along the edge of the town, was unveiled in a small ceremony on Tuesday attended by Shakira’s parents and the mayor, Jaime Pumarejo.
However, the bronze giant is not the Caribbean town’s first Shakira statue. In 2006, Barranquilla unveiled a Shakira monument that depicts the pop star in her early days, playing an acoustic guitar and wearing jeans and boots. That statues stands near the entrance of the local soccer stadium.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Shakira thanked sculptor Yino Marquez and his students at Barranquilla’s public art academy for the latest statue, which she described as proof of the “enormous talent” of Barranquilla’s citizens.
Gracias al escultor Yino Márquez y a los estudiantes de la escuela distrital de artes por esta muestra del enorme talento artístico de la gente de mi tierra. pic.twitter.com/lR7ZQSO4Mx
— Shakira (@shakira) December 26, 2023
The Colombian pop star won three Latin Grammys earlier this year, and also made headlines in January, when she and Bizarrap collaborated on “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” a fiery rap song about Shakira’s ex-partner Gerard Pique that broke YouTube records.
She also settled a tax-fraud case in Spain with a $7.5 million dollar payment this year, and recently moved to Miami with her two children.
A sculpture has been unveiled in her native city of Barranquilla in honor of Colombian pop singer Shakira.
dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images
Peruvian rock icon Pedro Suárez-Vértiz died at his residence in the Miraflores district of Lima, Peru, on Thursday (Dec. 28), according to the municipality of Miraflores and local news sources. He was 54 years old.
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The singer-songwriter behind hits like “Los globos del cielo” and “Me estoy enamorando” died of a heart attack, according to local Peruvian radio station RPP, which cited police sources. The artist had suffered from dysarthria due to bulbar neuromuscular syndrome, a disease that makes it difficult to speak and breathe, which kept him off the stage for the last 10 years.
The artist’s death was confirmed by the municipality of Miraflores in an official statement posted on X.
“From the municipality of Miraflores we regret the death of Pedro Martín José María Suárez-Vértiz Alva, a prominent resident of our district, musician, singer, composer, producer and writer. Our deepest condolences go out to his relatives, family and friends,” the statement said.
Both colleagues and fans have expressed their condolences through social media.
Fellow Peruvian singer-songwriter Gian Marco published a photo of the two artists sharing the stage accompanied by some heartfelt words: “The last time we talked was on November 13. I stay with everything you told me, with your very particular way of saying things. That’s just how you were. There were no half measures with you… witty, creative… an absolute lover of guitars […] Of all your songs I prefer ‘Me Elevé’… it accompanied me in hard times and now it will stay forever in me,” he expressed.
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Pedro Martín José María Suárez-Vértiz Alva (his real name) was born in the city of Callao, Peru, on Feb. 13, 1969. The musician, writer, singer-songwriter and producer was part of the band Arena Hash in the ’80s, and made his solo debut in 1993 with his album No existen (Técnicas para olvidar). His discography includes the albums Póntelo en la lengua (1996), Degeneración actual (1999), Play (2004), Talk show (2006) and Amazonas (2009).
His impact on the Latin American music scene was reflected in hits such as “Los globos del cielo,” recognized by Billboard as a timeless masterpiece of Spanish rock. Other popular songs by Suárez-Vértiz include “Cuando pienses en volver,” “Cuéntame,” and “Un vino, una cerveza.”
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Martínez, and his three children.
In 2023, Billboard‘s Latin Artist on the Rise series featured a select group of artists who had a breakthrough inside or outside of their genre, scored a significant chart feat and/or created a buzz that was impossible to ignore. A wide-ranging group of 10 up-and-coming Latin artists were spotlit — including Mexican superstar Peso Pluma, who […]
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 five emerging artists, who we might’ve found anywhere from a Spotify playlist to a music showcase. See our recommendations below.
Artist: I AM
Country: Chile
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: In her introspective debut album, ECDYSIS, an homage to her Chilean roots and ancestral heritage, I AM delves into the soul of Spanish-language rock while championing whale conservation. Weaving together experimental rock with the evocative sounds of the Mapuche tribe and their Mapudugun chants — alongside over 1,000 pitches of whale vocalization — ECDYSIS unveils itself as a captivating and meditative odyssey. The Chilean artist suggests that immersing oneself in whale songs has the potential to evoke transformative experiences, akin to those encountered through the consumption of plant medicines like psilocybin mushrooms or ayahuasca.
Highlighted by tracks like “Riley,” “Raven, and “Lara,” which channel the electrifying spirit of rock’s golden age, the 11-track album uniquely features six single letters as titles, spelling out “Sophia” — a symbolic reference to “The Mother and womb of creation that keeps us going throughout it all,” she tells Billboard Español. “The [album title] itself represents the process of shedding the skin that no longer serves us, and the choice of letting it go in order to return to our hearts.” As a songwriter and producer, I AM has worked with Selena Gómez, Maria Becerra, Sofia Reyes and DJ Snake as K Sotomayor. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Raven”
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Artist: Adrián Bello
Country: Peru
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Adrián Bello is a 32-year-old indie-pop artist who has been paving his way in his native country and beyond with a style that’s as versatile as it is colorful. Having started writing music at the age of 10, he debuted in 2018 with a soul album in English, Apprentice, which showed influences from Ray Charles and Nina Simone to Adele, Sam Smith and Amy Winehouse. In 2022 he followed that effort with the 16-track album Bailemos en la Sala, fusing pop with Latin American genres like bolero, samba and andino, and collaborating with colleagues like Ximena Sariñana, Esteman and Josean Log.
“I would describe my music like an embrace — of the good and the bad,” Bello tells Billboard Español. “I like to sing to the emotions and try to share common stories and generate connection. I am a faithful believer that we are all actually very similar and have similar experiences.” His latest output is “Otros Ritmos,” a sweet, upbeat song released in November, inspired “by those who one day are the most important thing in our lives and the next one are strangers dancing to ‘other rhythms,’” he explains. It is the first single from his upcoming album, which he plans to release in the first half of 2024. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song for Your Playlist: “Otros Ritmos”
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Name: Flor Alvarez
Country: Argentina
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Scrolling through TikTok, as per usual, I came across the captivating vocals of Flor Alvarez. In the viral clip, the short-haired, pierced young lady is wearing a purple tank top and holding a speaker on her left arm: she’s covering Los Ángeles Azules’ and Maria Becerra’s “El Amor de Mi Vida.” Boasting over 31 million views since the video was posted on Dec. 2, it’s evident that Flor has enraptured people on social media with her distinct, sugary-raspy voice, as well as with her humility and charismatic personality. A local street performer from Argentina, who can often be found singing in a train, Flor has already released the EP Etapas and is currently making the rounds with her single “Sin Querer,” in collaboration with Fer Vazquez — a heartfelt cumbia song about unrequited love. Since her viral clip, Flor has garnered nearly two million followers on TikTok. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song For Your Playlist: “Sin Querer” (with Fer Vazquez)
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Artist: Juanpalitoschinos
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Taking cues from ‘80s city pop with Latin alternative sensibilities, the Mexico City duo Juanpalitoschinos, consisting of Friné Alejo and Joan Page, adds to the blossoming scene of Latin stars claiming influences from Japan. Melding retro sounds with polished production, the pair’s floor-filling tracks — epitomized by the recent, lovelorn release “Cuando Me Amabas” — seamlessly blend disco influences with heartfelt vocals over vintage synth melodies.
Debuting in 2020 with “Bellavista 130,” a mellow track that set the tone for their distinctive sound, Juanpalitoschinos (translating to “Juan chopsticks”) has been steadily gaining recognition as an innovative group that draws inspiration from East Asian art. Its July release, “¿Por Qué No Contestas?” with Gusstav, serves as a teaser for their upcoming album — showcasing the duo’s ability to craft hits that evoke both dancefloor energy and J-pop nostalgia. — I.R.
Song For Your Playlist: “Cuando Me Amabas”
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Earlier this month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español published a list of the 25 best Latin albums of 2023, which encompasses the sets that impressed us the most, including León Larregui’s Technicolor electro-rock odyssey PRISMARAMA, DannyLux’s eclectic set DLux and Tainy’s neon-hued experimental outing DATA. Also on the list are history-making albums such as Karol G‘s Mañana Será Bonito, the […]
Eight years after the deaths of rapper Canserbero and his producer Carlos Molnar, previously ruled as a murder-suicide, Venezuela’s attorney general, Tarek William Saab, released a new update on Tuesday (Dec. 26) after reopening the case last month.
According to Saab, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has clarified the case, and released the confession of those now presumed responsible of murdering the two: Canserbero’s manager and Molnar’s partner, María Natalia Améstica, and her brother, Guillermo Améstica.
In three videos shared by the prosecutor on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Améstica confesses that, in the midst of a work-related fit of rage, she served Canserbero (real name Tirone José González Orama) and Molnar tea mixed with a sedative on the night of Jan. 19, 2015 in her apartment in the city of Maracay, and later stabbed them to death. She also states how, with the help of her brother and the complicity of officials, the scene was altered to make it appear that Canserbero murdered Molnar and then committed suicide.
“It is 1:30 in the morning on December 19, 2023. I am making this video to publicly confess my responsibility for the double homicide of Carlos Molnar and Tirone González ‘Canserbero,’” begins the first 4:40 minute clip. Also, María Natalia claims that the problems began a month before the tragedy, when she found out that she would not be reimbursed for the tickets she had bought for a tour of the artist nor would she be paid for her marketing work for the tour, and that Canserbero didn’t want her as his manager. “That hurt me a lot,” María Natalia declares. “I was left with a lot of internal suffering because of the disdain.”
In a second video, her brother Guillermo Améstica corroborates the information by telling his version of events.
According to information published on Tuesday on the official website of the Venezuelan Public Prosecutor’s Office, Saab declared that “110 investigative steps were taken and 13 trips were made to Maracay to gather the new evidence that allowed the case to be clarified.”
“She poured into the tea she gave them a total of 10 milligrams [of Alpram] previously made into powder to dilute in that tea, resulting in both of them falling asleep within minutes of ingesting that beverage,” the official said.
According to the statements of the Améstica siblings, published by the ministry, María Natalia first assaulted Molnar in the kitchen with three stab wounds, and then went to the sofa in the living room, where Canserbero had fallen asleep, to stab him twice on the side. She called her brother to ask for help, and he “arrived at the property in the company of three officers of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (Sebin) who advised him on the alteration of the scene in exchange for $1,000 each.”
To make it look like a murder-suicide, “Guillermo stabbed Molnar and gave Canserbero’s body a blow with a pipe that disfigured his face, with the purpose of simulating a fight between them.” Then, they threw Canserbero’s corpse out of the window, Guillermo left the scene and Maria Natalia called the neighbors, according to Venezuelan authorities.
According to the Améstica brothers, the commission of the Scientific, Criminal and Criminalistic Investigations Corps (CICPC) noticed that the scene had been altered upon arrival and arranged the last details in exchange for $10,000. The authorities initially claimed that the rapper stabbed his friend to death before taking his own life.
The resolution of the case comes just over a month after the Venezuelan prosecutor’s office announced it would reopen the case following persistent appeals from the late rapper’s family and friends.
Canserbero died at the age of 26 as a leading figure not only in Venezuela but in the world of rap in Spanish. Known for dark lyrics reflecting the violence in his country and real life experiences, he collaborated with artists such as Mala Rodríguez and Apache and released two solo studio albums, Vida and Muerte.
In August, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español named him one of the most essential Spanish-language rappers of all time.
Lisandro Meza, one of the biggest names in Colombian music, died on Saturday (Dec. 23) at the age of 86, almost three weeks after being hospitalized due to a stroke, informed the Specialized Clinic La Concepción in Sincelejo, in his native state of Sucre, Colombia, where he was.
“La Concepción regrets to report the sensitive death of maestro Lisandro Meza Márquez, minstrel of sabanera music, cumbia, porro, vallenato and disseminator of Colombian music to the world,” the clinic said in a statement signed by its manager, Guillermo Ruiz.
En estos momentos de profundo dolor, la familia Meza se une para lamentar la partida de nuestro pilar, Lisandro Meza. Su amor, sabiduría y música seguirán inspirándonos. Agradecemos el apoyo y las condolencias en este difícil momento. 🕊️🌹 #LutoFamiliar #LisandroMeza pic.twitter.com/IMeFhDIFkh— Lisandro Meza (@Lisandromeza) December 24, 2023
Meza’s family confirmed the passing of their “pillar” on the singer’s official account on X (formerly Twitter,) saying that “his love, wisdom and music will continue to inspire us,” and thanking everyone’s “support and condolences at this difficult time.” The Colombian Ministry of Culture highlighted that “his art embraced cumbia, porro, paseo and vallenato” and that “songs like ‘El Guayabo de la Ye’ and ‘El Hijo de Tuta’ will remain forever in our memory.”
Lamentamos el fallecimiento del cantante y compositor Lisandro Meza. Su arte abrazó la cumbia, porro, paseo y vallenato. Canciones como “El guayabo de la ye” y “El hijo de Tuta”, quedarán por siempre en nuestra memoria. Descansa en paz, maestro de la música colombiana. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/IH4xMCoTvF— MinCultura Colombia (@mincultura) December 24, 2023
Born on Sept. 26, 1937 in Los Palmitos, Meza became known in the 1950s with compositions that became popular in the Colombian Caribbean, according to El País. In 1965, he joined Los Corraleros de Majagual as an accordionist, a group in which he worked with other greats vallenato singers and songwriters such as Alfredo Gutiérrez and Calixto Ochoa. In 1969, he competed in the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata and came in second place, after Nicolás “Colacho” Mendoza, but the attendees stated that Meza should have won, and nicknamed him since then “el Rey sin Corona” (“the King without a Crown”,) reports the same newspaper.
Over the decades, Meza recorded dozens of albums, of his own or with other groups, releasing hits such as “Senderito de Amor,” “El Macho,” “El Hombre Feliz,” “Ni que Estuviera Loco,” and many others.
“Maestro Lisandro Meza, on behalf of all the Colombian people, thank you for being born in this land. Until we meet again,” Carlos Vives wrote on his X account, where he also published three photographs of himself with the accordionist and musician.
Other Colombian artists expressed their sorrow for his passing. “Lamenting the death of maestro Lisandro Meza. Condolences to all his family and friends,” wrote Juanes. While Jorge Celedón tweeted: “Maestro #LizandroMeza, a great of Colombian musician, leaves us today. I feel enormous sadness for his departure […] I will always remember that noble hug and greeting every time we met.”
Lamentando la muerte del maestro Lisandro Meza. Sentido pésame para toda su familia y amigos.— JUANES (@JUANES) December 24, 2023
El maestro #LizandroMeza un grande de la música Colombiana, nos deja hoy, siento una enorme tristeza por su partida, un abrazo solidario a su familia, mucha fortaleza en este duro momento, recordaré siempre ese noble abrazo y saludo cada vez que nos encontrábamos…🙏🙏— JORGE CELEDON (@Jorgitoceledon) December 23, 2023
Meza was married for more than six decades to Luz Domínguez and, according to different media outlets, and he was the father of 16 children.
2023 may have featured massive releases from artists such as Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Versions of Speak Now and 1989), Drake (For All the Dogs and its Scary Hours edition), Bad Bunny (Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana), Nicki Minaj (Pink Friday 2), Morgan Wallen (One Thing at a Time) and many others, but […]
Further demonstrating their strong friendship, Anitta and Lele Pons are having the time of their life in Aspen, Colorado. The two BFF’s have been documenting their holiday getaway via their respective Instagram accounts, which includes photos in their fashionable winter gear and even a risque collaborative video post of the two Latinas in towels. “Skiing […]
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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Oscar Maydon, DISTORSIÓN (Rancho Humilde/Sony Music Latin)
Oscar Maydon’s second full-length album Distorsión marks a bold entrance into the booming corridos bélicos movement, released under Rancho Humilde. Hailing from Mexicali, Baja California, Maydon fearlessly navigates the genre’s unapologetic storytelling with grim, grit and grime, and the unexpected swank of a reggaetón track, “YW&F – Versión Reggaetón.” In a riveting transformation to modern-day Mexican Gatsbys, Maydon, Natanael Cano, and Gabito Ballesteros kick off the album with a symbolic nod to extravagance on “Tipo Gatsby,” rewriting the traditional American Dream.
The 17-track journey features collaborations with familiar names like Junior H, Chino Pacas and Codiciado, as well as the unexpected addition of the hitmaking rapper (and Kylie’s ex) Tyga on “Kim Kardashian.” Distorsión doesn’t shy away from punishing lyrics, invigorating guitar leads and clever use of Mexican slang, as shown in “Ahuevo Que Sí.” Embodying the rebellious spirit reminiscent of a musical outlaw, Oscar Maydon’s album cements his place as a dynamic force in the corridos bélicos scene, leaving listeners intrigued by the audacious charm of his musical narrative. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Ñengo Flow, Myke Towers, “Fast Money” (Rimas Entertainment)
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In another collaborative effort, Ñengo Flow and Myke Towers join forces to do what they do best: flaunt their luxurious lifestyle, fueled by sacrifices and hustle. Produced by Kongreezy and Shooter Bang, the fresh track “Fast Money” is backed by a hard-hitting trap beat where the two Puerto Rican rappers belt out raw lyrics about making just that. “Hey, I’m a fan of making money fast/ It doesn’t buy happiness, but I feel happy, bro,” chants Towers with his semi-raspy vocals, while Ñengo assures in his verse that he’s been the Real G leading the movement for years now. — JESSICA ROIZ
Caloncho & KURT, unas acústicas (Universal Music México)
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Mexican singer-songwriter Caloncho celebrated his birthday (Dec. 20) this week with the release of the two-track single unas acústicas, alongside colleague and countryman KURT. The unplugged project includes a new version of Caloncho’s 2022 “Somos Instantes,” and the brand new “Un Salto de Fe,” a sweet, laid-back ballad co-written by the artists about being thankful for that special person in your life and making the most out of it by fully living in the present. Each comes with a music video in which the two appear playing guitar and singing together. It’s candy to the ears, perfect to relax with this holiday season. Watch the brand new video of the latter on top. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Grupo Firme & Gabito Ballesteros, “Otra Noche” (Music VIP Entertainment)
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Grupo Firme’s lead singer, Eduin Caz, confirmed his return to the stage this week. As part of his comeback, the band released a new song in collaboration with Mexican artist Gabito Ballesteros. The explosive collaborative effort “Otra Noche” exhibits nuances of the popular tumbado sub-genre, while still retaining the essential essence of Grupo Firme. The song’s lyrics talk about the feeling of missing someone special: “I just want to feel your body/ The hours go by slowly/ I can’t live if I don’t have you,” both artists chant in the chorus with deep emotion. — INGRID FAJARDO
Rigoberta Bandini & Julieta Venegas, “Qué Más Da” (Rigoberta Bandini)
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Spanish singer-songwriter Rigoberta Bandini teams up with Mexican star Julieta Venegas to create an empowering song for women in “Qué Más Da.” Bandini shared some details on her social media about how the collaboration came about: “I wrote her a message on Instagram to tell her that I would love to write a song with her one day and her response was a yes in capital letters.” Featuring a pop sound with electronic production elements, the duo aims to motivate women to speak freely in the face of a toxic relationship with lines like: “Take it out, your whole being, spit it out/ Say it without control/ Say what you need/ Enough of not dancing out of lack of love/ Climb that step without fear/ Look down and jump.” And they reaffirm in the chorus: “What does it matter if he leaves? Well, we start again.” — LUISA CALLE
Listen to more new Latin music recommendations in the playlist below: