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Luck Ra’s “La Morocha” featuring BM rebounds 2-1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart (dated Oct. 28) for a fifth week of domination. The song unseats Bizarrap and Milo J’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 57” from the lead after one week in charge. With the move, “La Morocha” ties with Ke Personajes, Big One […]
Elena Rose can’t hold back her tears. At her home in Miami, where she spends most of her time since leaving her native Venezuela almost nine years ago to become one of the most sought-after Latin songwriters of her generation, she is eagerly awaiting the premiere of a project she started to work on three years ago — “Caracas en el 2000” with Danny Ocean and Jerry Di — which finally comes out Thursday (October 26).
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As cheerful as it is nostalgic, the tropical song with urban touches is a love letter to the city where the three artists grew up, each in a different socioeconomic area, before the political situation led them, as so many others, to emigrate in search of better opportunities. “What I would give for a thing like that/ You and me in Caracas like in 2000/ Skating around La Cota Mil/ With the macaws/ With such a flow, baby,” says part of the lyrics.
“We were children at that time,” Elena Rose explains to Billboard Español about the reason of the year 2000 in an interview via Zoom. “Beyond the fact that chronologically the country was in a better place, we wanted to show that innocence from three people who had very different lives even though they grew up in the same city.
“I feel that this is how the mind of a child who is enjoying too much on a day at the beach, on a day you went out skateboarding, would sound,” adds the singer-songwriter and only woman nominated for the 2023 Latin Grammy for songwriter of the year. “The feeling of what that soundtrack would sound like just when you go out to recess and are set free from all the classes. It’s pure joy.”
“Caracas en el 2000,” a Warner Music Latina release, was written by Elena Rose, Danny Ocean and Jerry Di and produced by Maff and DJ Tra. Elena Rose’s younger sister, Cristina “Pichu” Hernández, also contributed to the lyrics in its initial stages and now has a starring role in the music video, in which she plays Elena as a teenager. (The three singers, who are portrayed by young actors, also appear in different scenes but filmed their parts in the U.S.)
Directed by Beto Monte and Rodrigo Michelangeli and produced by Capitol, the clip shows emblematic places of Caracas such as the El Ávila hill, the Humboldt Hotel, La Previsora tower (with its iconic digital clock) and different squares, avenues and neighborhoods. In a little over four minutes, it condenses the energy of the city and the joy and strength of its people. It took over a year of work, carried out mostly by Monte (better known as Alberto “Beto” Montenegro of the Venezuelan rock/reggae band Rawayana), who was constantly traveling to Caracas to record visuals, Elena Rose points out how meaningful and personal it’s been for her.
“They recorded the video at my school with the teachers who taught me. My grandmother is in the video. La Pichu, the sister I wrote the song with, is the one who played me when I was little. It’s really remarkable for that reason,” she says with emotion. “They took photos from when I was a child, they even recreated the tattoos I made with markers, what my school bag was like, my little necklaces and things I wore. I mean, can you imagine, it is one of the most important productions and the one I feel most proud to be a part of.”
Now that it is out, she hopes to enjoy the result of the great teamwork involved in the making of the song and the video, and bring part of her culture to the world.
“I hope it serves as a message of hope and faith both for the Caracas native who stayed and for the one that left, and for the one who returns, and for the one who wants to leave,” she says. “It is a message of love everywhere you see it, where there is no mention of religion or politics or social class or sexual inclination or color or money; simply of what unites all of us Caracas, and that is the love for that city. We are proud to come from where we come from.”
Watch the “Caracas en el 2000” video above.
Warner Music Latina
On Tuesday (Oct. 24), Iñigo Quintero’s “Si No Estás” garnered more than 5.7 million plays in just one day, an impressive amount that pushed it to the top of Spotify‘s global chart. It’s the first time a solo Spanish artist has achieved this milestone (previously Canary Islander Quevedo accomplished the feat alongside Argentina’s Bizarrap with “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52”), and it’s all the more shocking because, at least outside of Spain, Quintero was until recently a total unknown.
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The song also reached the coveted top 10 on Billboard‘s global charts, peaking at No. 4 on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. and No. 10 on Billboard Global 200. And with daily plays surpassing such popular tracks as Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” or Young Miko’s “Wiggy,” the meteoric rise is also enigmatic in that it has occurred without any traditional promotion, publicity, press releases or information about the artist behind the sensation. (Billboard Español requested an interview with Quintero’s representative and the response was that he is not currently talking to the company).
With verses like “Esto es una alucinación/ Quiero ver tu otra mitad/ Alejarme de esta ciudad/ Y contagiarme de tu forma de pensar” (“This is a delusion/ I want to see your other half/ Get away from this city/ And immerse in your way of thinking.”) “Si No Estás” is a piano-pop ballad that alludes to an intense obsession and longing for someone who is far away, and the anguish and pain that result from that separation — a song of unusual depth for a 2023 pop hit.
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“Clearly, Iñigo’s songs are connecting with the people,” says Esteve Lombarte, founder of the Acqustic label, who represents the artist. “I think for a long time we’ve had more superficial songs focused on lives of great luxury — of cars, wealth and houses — and nowadays, there are a lot more connecting with day-to-day problems that talk about love, friendship and other issues related to people’s concerns.”
What is certain is the power of the song and its meaning, which has generated a great deal of debate on social networks. “Si No Estás” has been interpreted in different ways, from a song dedicated to God, to a reflection on a romantic breakup.
Lombarte explains that the song began to go viral organically through TikTok, and immediately connected with listeners. “From that initial boost we decided to amplify [the song],” he says. Quintero connected with the label through his other artist Besmaya, and in March 2023 they signed him.
“The truth is that the success of ‘Si No Estás’ is an unprecedented triumph in the industry, but we believe that what is behind this song is a very talented artist,” Lombarte points out. “And the rest of the songs are really doing very well too. The proof of that is that ‘Sobredosis’ is already in the top 100 in Spain, and there will be more and more songs, and we will get to know more of the artist little by little.”
He continues: “The clearest proof is that countries like France, Germany, Holland, Luxembourg, Switzerland — non-Spanish-speaking countries — have also connected with the artist beyond the lyrics. It is part of the magic of this art.”
Other projects that Aqcustic manages are Malmö 040, Besmaya, Ciao Marina, Maren, Yarea, Inazio and Hey Kid. “After this great success, what we will do is to continue working and preparing songs. The important thing is to sit down, compose and work to release music that connect as well as ‘Si No Estás’ has connected,” adds Lombarte.
Additional reporting by Franchesca Guim.
Halloween is just five days away, and for those last-minute costume shoppers, Billboard has you covered. This year, we’ve compiled seven easy and quick costumes to channel your favorite Latin music stars — which you can do yourself at home, with things you either already own or can thrift at an affordable price over the […]
J Balvin has nothing but good things to say about Britney Spears, whose long-awaited memoir — The Woman in Me — arrived on Tuesday (Oct. 24).
The Latin pop star gushed to TMZ on Wednesday (Oct. 25) that he’s “really proud of” Spears for being so vulnerable in her book. “I think she’s amazing,” Balvin said. “I think she deserves the best.”
“She’s a woman that we have to have a lot of love and respect [for],” continued the “Mi Gente” musician. “She’s fired [up] the whole world at her peak, and I can’t wait for her to bring new music. I think we need her so much.”
Spears’ memoir dropped not long after she joined J Balvin and Maluma for drinks in New York City. In photos posted afterward on Maluma’s Instagram, the “Toxic” singer cuddled close with a smiling Balvin, who commented, “I can’t get over it.”
“I think she’s super strong,” he added to TMZ of the pop star. “I think she already has a [mental] shield. She knows what she’s doing, and the last time I saw her, she looks in a real, real good place in her mind to deal with everything.”
The “Que Pretendes” artist volunteered a lot less about Bad Bunny, who seemingly dissed his past collaborator on a song from his new album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana. “You’ve seen me, I always walk with the same people/ While you are friends of the whole world like Balvin,” Bunny sings in Spanish on “Thunder Y Lightning.”
Asked for comment about the alleged diss, Balvin simply told TMZ, “I’m all about love. I love the guy,” before getting in a car.
Balvin previously addressed the situation on Instagram Live after Nadie dropped, saying at the time, “The person I know is a great person. We supported each other mutually, we made history, we also created a new story within music. I don’t understand what was going through his head but well, the guy I know is a good person.”
Chino Pacas was only 12 years old when he unearthed his passion for music. Four years later, he went viral on Tiktok, landed on the Billboard charts, and signed a major record deal.
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Born in Guanajuato, a city located in central Mexico, Pacas (real name: Cristian Humberto Avila Vega) was aware of his artistic skills but it was his older brother, Diego Arturo Avila Vega (known by the artist name “Turo Pacas”) who not only encouraged him to kick off his singing career, but also taught him how to play the guitar.
“I feel that in Guanajuato, the clothing and culture has been represented by the tumbado movement and I based my character a lot on that,” Pacas tells Billboard. “Seeing all the movement that was emerging around me was what motivated me.”
Inspired by artists such as Natanael Cano and Fuerza Regida’s Jesús Ortiz Paz (JOP), who he says “for real, he’s a big example to follow,” Pacas began to upload his original music on social media flaunting his mature and raspy vocals. One viral TikTok video, however, quickly changed his fate.
“‘El Gordo Trae el Mando’ is the big blessing that pushed us forward,” he recalls, explaining that JOP came across his videos on the app and decided to FaceTime him at 4:00 a.m. Pacas inked a record deal with JOP’s label, Street Mob Records, this year.
“When he wanted to sign me, I was super excited, because I never had relationships with artists in music. I was really moved,” he notes. “Thanks to that song, JOP noticed us and decided to sign us.”
This year, the then 16-year-old Mexican artist scored three Billboard chart entries across Hot Latin Songs, Latin Streaming Songs, and both Global charts with “El Gordo Trae El Mando,” “Dijeron Que No La Iba a Lograr” (with Fuerza Regida) and “Que Onda” (with Calle 24 and Fuerza Regida). Both the first and the last of the three earned him two tops 10 hits on Latin Streaming Songs. He was also a finalist at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards for best new artist.
“I am very happy with everything that is happening and the reception from the fans that are always supporting us,” the now-17-year-old says. “I really feel like I’m not very famous yet. I’m just making music and people really like it.”
Below, learn more about this month’s Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise:
Name: Cristian Humberto Avila Vega. (His artistic name is a mix of his childhood nickname “Chino” with “Pacas,” which translates to bales of money.)
Age: 17
Recommended Song: “Dijeron Que No La Iba a Lograr” with Fuerza Regida
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Biggest Achievement: At only 16 years old, Pacas earned three entries across the Billboard charts with “El Gordo Trae El Mando,” “Dijeron Que No La Iba a Lograr,” and “Que Onda,” all which have entered Hot Latin Songs, Latin Streaming Songs, and both Global charts. He was also an artist of the year, new finalist at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
What’s Next?: “Right now I’m working on my first album and many surprises are coming,” he says. “I have several collaborations that are very good, including another with Fuerza Regida. And my older brother, Turo Pacas, just made his debut as a singer on Fuerza’s album. I’m also going to release a song with him on my album. Turo is my blood brother, my requintista, producer, my writer, and everything, he’s very good!”
The fact that Bad Bunny topped the Billboard 200 for the third consecutive time with his Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (No One Knows What Will Happen Tomorrow) came as a surprise to no one. By now, the Puerto Rican artist is firmly entrenched in the pop culture zeitgeist, having entered that rarified club of artists who can do no wrong (in this moment in time, at least) and whose music demands immediate consumption.
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But unlike every other artist who has ever hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — well, “every” until earlier this year, anyway — Bad Bunny’s feat carries a massive, previously unheard of caveat: He sings only in Spanish, and he achieved his trifecta of No. 1s with Spanish-only albums, something no one has ever done before.
That alone is noteworthy. But seeing Bad Bunny (or Benito, his real name, and the name he increasingly goes by publicly, including on the cover of his new album) host Saturday Night Live (SNL) largely in Spanish took things to a whole other level. Thanks to a rapper from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Latin presence in U.S. pop culture has been mainstreamed for perhaps the first time since I Love Lucy in the 1950s. The big difference is, I Love Lucy used comedy as a vehicle to “translate” Desi Arnaz’s accented English, accompanied by boogaloo.
In contrast, Bad Bunny makes no attempt at translation or compromise when he very matter of factly speaks in Spanish. Last Saturday (Oct. 21), during his SNL opening monologue he not only went back and forth between Spanish and English, but also repeatedly alluded to language as a bridge (“I’m very excited to be here in Sábado Gigante,” he joked, referring to the iconic late night show that defined Spanish language television for decades) and as a divider (“People are wondering if I can host this show, because English is my second language”).
It’s an important point to make. While Benito has clearly spruced up his English chops and was indeed perfectly capable of hosting the evening, Latin artists were long kept off the air and off major events because they either spoke and sang only in Spanish, were not fluent enough in English, or because their Latin accents were not as broadly accepted as the more elite British or French.
Their other-ness was problematic: So much so, that back in 2013, when New York-born and raised Marc Anthony sang “God Bless America” at the MLB All-Star game in America, he received an avalanche of criticism on Twitter claiming he wasn’t American, despite his Bronx accent.
Fast forward to August, 2017 — still just six years ago — when the runaway smash “Despacito” was at the height of its popularity, having culminated its 16-week, then-record-rying run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite it already boasting the most-viewed video of all time on YouTube, it didn’t get a single Video Music Award nomination, a fact the VMAs attributed to miscommunication and technicalities.
Whatever it may have been, it was par for the course at the time. That same year, USC’s Annenberg School of Communications released a report revealing that although Latinos comprised nearly 18 percent of the U.S. population (the biggest minority in the country), only 5.8 percent of speaking roles in film and television went to them. Two years later, the number actually went down, to 5%.
As for the Grammys, in 2017 there had been only three Spanish-language performances since Ricky Martin brought the house down in 1999 with “The Cup of Life” (singing in English).
Even the Hot 100 bears witness to the exclusion of Latin music. Between 2010 and 2016, only 14 songs performed primarily in Spanish made it to the chart. In 2017, the year of “Despacito,” the number jumped to 19 — no doubt spurred by the sudden visibility into the opportunity of Spanish or bilingual songs.
Since then, the ascent has been steady, with Spanish-language (and by extension, Latin music) artists gaining increasingly prominent looks in marquee properties, from late night shows to this year’s Grammys (with Bad Bunny famously opening the ceremonies with an all-Spanish performance) to September’s VMAs, where Shakira received the Video Vanguard award and sang a 10-minute bilingual medley of hits. On the Hot 100, so far this year nearly 100 songs in Spanish have made it onto the chart, including every track on Bad Bunny’s latest album.
It would appear that Spanish, at last, has been normalized in the American mainstream, and that Latin faces at last have become visible — and that Latin culture, at last, is not seen as simply quaint or colorful or foreign, but as part of the very fabric of this country. It’s a tipping point I earnestly longed to encounter as an observer of Latin culture for the past two decades.
Years ago, When Bad Bunny debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in December of 2020 with El Ultimo Tour del Mundo, it marked the first time in history that an all-Spanish album had topped the all-genre chart. The notion that this could be a fad or a bleep on the screen was very real. Back in 2017, when I interviewed Nicky Jam and J Balvin for a Billboard cover story, I specifically asked about the importance of language choice in their songs. Their answers reflected the reality of the moment.
“If you’re aiming for the American market, it has to be in English,” said Nicky Jam. “I can’t picture an African-American rap fan sitting in his car saying, ‘I love Nicky Jam’s rap!’ [in Spanish]. Just being realistic.”
I concurred with Nicky Jam. Over the years, nothing I had seen in the marketplace suggested that it was ready for Spanish as a dominant music language. Balvin, however, didn’t agree.
“I think it’s possible [to have a No. 1 in Spanish], but we’re not there yet,” he said. “It may take many years, but as new generations emerge and realize the United States isn’t the only place in the planet and English isn’t the only language of value [it may happen].”
The words were prescient. A few months after that interview, “Despacito,” in its bilingual version with Justin Bieber, rose to No. 1 on the Hot 100, opening the floodgates for possibility, investment and A&R. Coupled with the global surge of consumption of music in Spanish, Latin music began to creep onto the all-genre charts, the numbers rising steadily and peaking at 70 tracks so far in 2023 — before Bad Bunny’s new album release last week, which added 22 more Spanish tracks to the list.
Not surprisingly, Bad Bunny was both a performer at last Saturday’s SNL and also the host, asking to change the “Speaking in a non-English language” caption that caused an uproar seven months ago at the Grammys to the more humorous “Speaking a sexier language.”
Is it really sexier? I don’t know — but finally, I can say it’s no longer frowned upon. It’s Spanish. And it’s cool, and it’s part of us, even if you don’t understand a word.
An all-star lineup of Latin music luminaries including Feid, Yandel, Farruko, Prince Royce, Young Miko, Maria Becerra and Darell are set to take the stage at the Calibash festival. The event will take place on Friday, Jan. 12, at the Crypto.com Arena in the heart of Los Angeles, and is presented by SBS Entertainment, LaMusica […]
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 a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered during the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week last month either by networking or coming across their music at a showcase. See our recommendations below.
Alfonso Terán
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Alfonso Terán is a 37-year-old independent singer and songwriter who has been releasing music as a solo artist since 2015, when he debuted with the heartfelt pop ballad “Mi Único Adiós.” His career, however, began formally years earlier in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he joined a country band with which he played over 350 shows around the U.S.
Born to a Mexican mother and Venezuelan father, he spent a few years in Mexico and a couple more in Miami before moving to Nashville in early 2023 to continue developing his career. With a sweet, raspy voice in singles like “Tú,” “Blanca Navidad” with Manuel Gamez, and “Libertadores” — the latter dedicated to those who lost their lives in political demonstrations in Venezuela — Terán has shown his ability to address various topics with empathy and sensitivity. His most recent release is “Como Yo,” a pop song in which he reminisces over a former lover, and whose music video he also directed. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song for Your Playlist: “Como Yo”
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ERRE
Country: Mexico/U.S.A.
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: A sad boy at heart, ERRE (real name: Eduardo Granados Rojas) is a Mexican-American singer-songwriter, who was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I came across ERRE’s moody tunes and heartfelt requintos at the Billboard En Vivo “A Night of Mexican Music” showcase (presented by Sonidos Mexicanos Promotores Unidos, Zamora Group and Rancho Humilde), where he opened up the night. His acoustic set, which included singles “Solo,” “Me Olvidaste,” and “Te Extraño,” was enough proof that he’s a real hidden gem in the música Mexicana realm. The former is a collaboration on Eslabon Armado’s 2022 album Nostalgia. Inspired by acts such as Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho, ERRE learned to play the guitar at the age of 11 and is currently crooning fans with his sierreño sounds meshed with jazzy chords and MIDI drum patterns. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song For Your Playlist: “Vete”
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J Luna
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: J Luna is no stranger to the local Miami scene (I’ve come across him at various industry events), but I was excited to see him network and mingle at his first Billboard Latin Music Week. The Mexican-born, Miami-based artist, also known on social media as “J Luna P’al Mundo” (J Luna for the world), has been following his passion for more than a decade now — but it wasn’t until 2020 that he officially launched his career with his debut single “El Protagonista.” With his sultry yet crisp and sugary vocals, Luna can easily perform everything from infectious reggaetón (“El Delicioso,” “Conmigo Estas Mejor”) to feel-good cumbia (best heard in his latest release “Happy Final”). With his new musical era, Luna plans to continue along the lines of música Mexicana, most notably fusing norteño with his distinct urban sound. — J.R.
Song For Your Playlist: “Happy Final”
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Jay Music
Country: Guatemala
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Born in Guatemala to a Guatemalan mother and Argentinean father, Jay Music has become a rising phenomenon in his country and across Latin America with his catchy pop-reggaetón beats. Inspired by artists such as Daddy Yankee, Jay realized he had an artistic gift when he was invited to collaborate with a fellow colleague in 2015. He officially launched his singing career in 2020 with his debut single “Besame Lento.” Bringing to the forefront the urban movement in the Central American country, Jay released an eight-track EP called Supremo in 2022 and is currently making the rounds with his innovative ranchero-trap single “Compa, Qué no haría?” in collab with Javier Garistu. — J.R.
Song For Your Playlist: “Primero fue Lunes que Martes”
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Karen Báez
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: It was through a mariachi potpourri titled “La Tequilera” in 2020 that Karen Báez presented herself to the world. Since, singles like “Ya Nunca Más,” “Al Modo,” and “Amor de Hermanos” (the latter in collaboration with her talented brother, Brandon Báez) have showcased her powerhouse vocals and the fiery passion she brings to the regional Mexican genre, most notably in mariachi and banda. Hailing from Sinaloa, Mexico, Báez is signed to indie record label Gruindag Music and has already released one studio album, Por Amor a México (2021), and two EPs: La Pareja Ideal with Banda Selective and Mejor Como Amigos, both this year. — J.R.
Song For Your Playlist: “No La Rigues Otra Vez”
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Mery EMe
Country: The Dominican Republic
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: With a powerful, melodious voice perfect for the tropical genre, Mery EMe released in May This Is What Merengue Is All About (Gash Music,) an 8-track album with songs ranging from “Pa’ Qué Ninguna” (written by Ramón Orlando Valoy) and “A La Que Vive Contigo” (a female version of maestro Armando Manzanero’s “A Ese Que Vive Contigo”), to a bilingual version of Miley Cyrus’ hit “Flowers.” More recently, the Dominican singer released in September the single “Ni Me Debes, Ni Te Debo” feat. El Jeffrey, a merengue song about heartbreak to dance the sorrows away.
“I wanted to honor my land, my people and my culture with merengue, to take it to different latitudes and say with pride that I am from the Dominican Republic,” says the artist, who at 15 moved to Boston and now is based in Miami. Mery Eme captivated me at Latin Music Week with her good vibes and cheerful personality. She is currently working on an upcoming album in which she promises to incorporate elements of regional Mexican and urbano music, as well as getting involved in songwriting. — S.R.A.
Song For Your Playlist: “Ni Me Debes, Ni Te Debo” (feat. El Jeffrey)
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Paulina
Country: Puerto Rico (U.S.A.)
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: During the first day of Billboard Latin Music Week, I had the pleasure of briefly meeting Paulina Fuentes. She introduced herself in an enchanting, sweet, and humble manner while discussing her project. At that moment, I didn’t know how beautiful her voice was and how talented she indeed was. Her music is a fusion of alternative pop with soft and dreamy vocals. It combines the passion, dreams and motivation of an independent artist filled with creativity, making her a true gem in the industry. She released her latest single, “Sin Rumbo,” in September and is currently working on her debut EP titled Instantes.— INGRID FAJARDO
Song For Your Playlist: “Dejalo Ir” (feat. Rigoazulado)
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Pía Vasquez
Country: Ecuador
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: With her debut album Mi Mundo, which was released in 2008, the talented singer and songwriter Pía Vásquez made her entry into the music scene of her native Ecuador. After a period of ten years away from music, the Ecuadorian relaunched her artistic career earlier this year with the single “Ahora Lloras”, a powerful song about heartbreak that radiates the perspective of an empowered woman, fully aware of her worth and ready to turn the page. This single was followed by her most recent release, “Hasta Que Salga el Sol.” Vásquez fuses the Latin pop genre with captivating urban elements, which is complemented by colorful video clips full of energetic dances and choreography. — LUISA CALLE
Song For Your Playlist: “Ahora Lloras”
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Venesti
Country: Colombia
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Hailing from the vibrant city of Medellín, Colombia, Venesti bursts into the Latin music scene, boasting remarkable vocal finesse. His combination of sultry Afrobeat rhythms and soulful vocals catapulted the rising star into the spotlight, achieving his first No. 1 spot on Latin Airplay and Latin Rhythm Airplay for the charts dated October 21 with the single “Umaye.”
Born Faiber Stiven Caicedo Castro, Venesti is surprising the music industry with his infectious and refreshing songs, drawing inspiration from a myriad of rhythmic influences including dancehall, tropical, and urbano, among others. His debut album, De La Nada, released Sep. 28, received widespread critical acclaim. Billboard‘s Jessica Roiz wrote, “Off the bat, [Venesti] is showcasing his versatility, delivering infectious reggaetón, bossa nova/trap fusions, and even an electronic-bachata.” The artist also had the honor of performing at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week during the En Vivo concert series, where he took center stage at the official kickoff party, presented by AP Global Music. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Umaye”
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Shakira is not done with chart achievements in 2023. The singer crowns Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart once again as “Copa Vacía,” her collab with Manuel Turizo, rises 3-1 on the Oct. 28-dated list. The new leader marks two successes in her chart career: She extends her record for the most champs by a woman, with 20, and ties Jennifer Lopez’s No. 1 record by a female act in a single year in the history of the survey, both with four leaders. Shakira also now has the most No. 1s on Latin Airplay in 2023 among all artists.
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As radio airplay continues to grow for “Copa Vacía,” it ascends to the summit with 10.5 million audience impressions earned in the U.S. in the week ending Oct. 19, according to Luminate, that’s an 18% gain from the week prior. The song sends Venesti’s “Umaye” to No. 7 after one week in charge (down 21%, to 7.5 million).
With the jump, Shakira secures her 20th No. 1 on Latin Airplay, and fourth in 2023, the most for any woman this year. Here’s the recap of all the songs by a female artist that has reached the top of the chart thus far. Titles by Shakira are in bold type.
Peak Date, Title, Artist, Weeks at No. 1Dec. 2, 2022, “Monotonia,” with Ozuna, sixFeb. 4, “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” with Bizarrap, fourFeb. 25, “El Pañuelo,” Romeo Santos & Rosalia, oneApril 1, “Besos Moja2,” Wisin & Yandel & Rosalia, oneMay 13, “TQG,” with Karol G, twoOct. 7, “Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” Karol G, oneOct. 28, “Copa Vacía,” with Manuel Turizo
Further, as “Copa Vacía” leads Latin Airplay, Shakira ties Jennifer Lopez’s No. 1 record by a woman in a single year (January through December Billboard chart dates), as the latter scored and equal four rulers in 2018. Among all acts, Ozuna and J Balvin tie for the most overall, with nine No. 1s in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Turizo, meanwhile, banks his eighth champ with a chart-topping rate that has soared this decade. After scoring two No. 1s between 2018-19, the Colombian has logged six leaders since 2020, including “La Bachata,” his first ruler as a soloist, unaccompanied by any other act. Plus, Turizo’s 2023 chart career has proven to be fruitful, scoring three No. 1s: “El Merengue” with Marshmello (June 10), “Vagabundo” with Sebastián Yatra and Beele (Sept. 2) and now “Copa Vacía” with Shakira. The latter also becomes his first and only No. 1 with a woman.
Beyond its coronation on Latin Airplay, “Copa Vacía” also lifts 2-1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay, while it holds solid at No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay for a seventh week, the third-most in 2023.
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