Latin
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Growing up in the projects of Río Piedras in San Juan, Ozuna had hoop dreams, playing on neighborhood courts until he finally accepted he would never be tall enough to go pro. His younger brother José Ginés, on the other hand, grew right past him and was eventually drafted in 2020 to play in the territory’s premier basketball division: the BSN, or Baloncesto Superior Nacional.
By then, Ozuna had left the projects far behind and become one of the world’s top reggaetón stars. And in 2022, he became the sole owner of BSN’s Los Brujos de Guayama, an underfunded team located far from San Juan. Ozuna moved it to the bigger city of Manatí and renamed it Osos de Manatí (the Manatí Bears, in a nod to his fondness for the animal). Within a year, it rose from last in the league to second place in the 2024 BSN championship.
“Those players needed a push from someone who was listening to them so they’d know there are bigger opportunities,” says Ozuna, who also hired his brother away from a previous team to play for Los Osos. “And I’m teaching them how to set goals and grow, and yes, maybe one day get to the NBA.”
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Ozuna is one of three huge reggaetón artists who in the past few years have acquired ownership in local BSN teams in Puerto Rico. In 2021, Bad Bunny joined manager Noah Assad and Rimas executive Jonathan Miranda in acquiring Los Cangrejeros de Santurce, and the same year, Anuel and his then-manager, Frabian Eli, purchased Los Capitanes de Arecibo. Though Anuel and Eli have since split up and ceded their team ownership, the three artists’ combined star power has reinvigorated a languishing Puerto Rican basketball scene.
While Ozuna put Los Osos on the map, Assad, Miranda and Bad Bunny literally revived Los Cangrejeros, who had been on hiatus since 2016. “We were approached by J.J. Barea, who said he wanted to play his last seasons in front of his home fans in Puerto Rico,” Assad explains. Owning the team, he says, is another way for him, Miranda and Bad Bunny to bring people together. “Puerto Rico is all about family. Just having the team has a positive impact.”
Ozuna has now also bought a minor league team, and he has a development team where kids train from 6 years old until the juniors level. “It’s like a basketball farm,” he says. “We have about 160 kids playing on 10 teams. We pay their transport, their snacks. The vision is for them to realize they have to work in steps to make it big. There’s a lot of talent here, but it wasn’t on display until we came along.”
Other artists outside Puerto Rico are apparently following his example. In January, Colombian rapper Ryan Castro announced he was acquiring a significant stake in Paisas Basketball Club, a professional team in his hometown of Medellín. “It’s another facet for us as entrepreneurs — supporting sports — because the kids in the barrios have the same dreams as us, the artists,” Castro tells Billboard. The same month, Colombian reggaetón star Blessd acquired a stake in Vendsyssel FF, a European second division soccer team.
Castro says his impetus for investing in a team came from his own love of the sport, much like Ozuna, who admits he didn’t have the tools to make it big himself. “Now I can do it for someone else. But it’s not about making money. It’s about love for basketball.”
This story appears in the Feb. 8, 2025, issue of Billboard.
Maná has become the first ever Spanish-language rock band to be nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inclusion – a historic and long overdue recognition for not only Maná but Spanish-language music in general.
With this nomination, Maná becomes the first Latin nominee for Rock Hall induction in nearly 10 years (since Los Lobos were nominated in 2016). Three Latin artists – who record primarily in English – have been inducted into the Rock Hall since its first edition in 1986, including Santana (1998), Ritchie Valens (2001) and Linda Ronstadt (2014).
“We’re four guys who grew up in Mexico listening to rock and roll — The Beatles, The [Rolling] Stones, Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Santana,” lead singer Fher Olvera tells Billboard, speaking on behalf of Maná. “We dreamed of sharing our lyrics and music with the world. We wanted to share the sounds and spirit of Mexico and Latin America. To be nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is almost impossible to imagine. We’re honored and grateful.”
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday (Feb. 12) this year’s nominees, unveiling 14 artists who are in contention to join the Rock Hall’s Class of 2025. Besides Maná, the list includes Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Oasis, Outkast, Phish, Soundgarden and The White Stripes.
Revolutionizing the rock en español scene, Maná – composed of Olvera, drummer Alex González, guitarist Sergio Vallín and bassist Juan Calleros – formed more than 30 years ago in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and have since become one of the most revered and successful rock bands out of Latin America.
Their debut on the Billboard charts came in January 1994 with Dónde Jugarán los Niños, peaking at No. 2 on the Top Latin Albums chart. But it was their 1997 set, Sueños Líquidos, that became Maná’s first album to hit No. 1 on Latin Albums, and seven more No. 1s came after that, making Maná the Latin rock group with the most leaders on that chart to date.
Furthermore, Maná holds the title for the Latin rock band with the most entries on Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay – with 33 and 36 total entries, respectively.
On the touring front, Maná remains active and relevant. While they’ve toured around the world through decades, in 2023, Maná accomplished an extraordinary feat playing more than 55 concerts, including 16 as part of a residency at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, where it sold over 220,000 tickets, according to Live Nation.
“Maná is one of my favorite bands,” says Bob Roux, Live Nation president U.S. concerts. “They’re a global touring powerhouse. They sell out everywhere they go from Los Angeles to Mexico City, Buenos Aires to Bogota, Madrid and even London. What I love most about them is every tour has a social cause. They’re always giving back to their community. They have worked tirelessly their entire career, making great records, performing live, and standing up for what they believe in. I can’t think of a more deserving artist to get this prestigious nomination.”
With anthemic songs like “Oye Mi Amor,” “Clavado En Un Bar,” “El Reloj Cucú” and “Rayando El Sol,” just to name a few, Maná has for decades been a fixture in multigenerational homes in Latin America and beyond. Its music has not only stood the test of time, but the band has also become a fierce advocate of environmental justice – launching Selva Negra Foundation in 1996 – and a protector of immigrant rights, most recently speaking out against President Trump’s mass deportation efforts.
“We want to share this recognition with all Latinos everywhere, especially the immigrants who are suffering right now,” adds Olvera. “Don’t lose faith. Our people always find a way. Maná loves you. We’ll always be here standing with you.”
Nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame are voted on by an international panel of more than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry players. Plus, a fan-voted element that impacts the final tally. The Class of 2025 will be revealed in late April, and the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall.
Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour has finally arrived. The Colombian superstar kicked off her Latin American trek on Tuesday (Feb. 11) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos. Her highly anticipated show follows her Grammy performance, which took place Feb. 2, where she delivered “Ojos Así” and most […]
The 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro unveiled a new wave of performers on Tuesday (Feb. 11) that includes Alejandra Guzmán, Belinda, Edgar Barrera, El Alfa, Manuel Turizo, Reik, Shakira, Tito Double P, and Xavi.
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Billboard can confirm that Shakira will have an exclusive and unique performance straight from her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour that kicks off tonight in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Additionally, Belinda and Tito will perform their bonafide corrido “La Cuadrada,” and Xavi and Manuel Turizo will join on stage for their recent bachata-tumbado “En Privado.”
The artists join previously confirmed performers Ángela Aguilar, Arthur Hanlon, Camilo, Carín León, Danny Ocean, Darell, Kapo, Natti Natasha, Yami Safdie and Yotuel.
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This year, Becky G and Carín León lead the nominations with 10 each. They are followed by Shakira and Myke Towers with nine nominations, and the eight-time nominees Ángela Aguilar, Emilia, Grupo Frontera and Leonardo Aguilar. Nominations for the fan-voted awards “are based on airplay on Uforia stations and take into account airtime on Univision Radio, streaming data and evaluation by a Television Committee composed of music and entertainment industry experts,” according to a press statement.
Meanwhile, La India, Alejandro Fernández and Manuel Alejandro will receive special awards: Premio Lo Nuestro a La Trayectoria (Lifetime Achievement Award), Premio Lo Nuestro a la Excelencia (Excellence Award), and the Visionario Lo Nuestro, respectively.
Co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia and Alejandra Espinoza, this year’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs and albums that connect the past, present and future of Latin music.
Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 will air live at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 20, via Univision, UNIMÁS and Vix.
Los Tigres del Norte has always been known for addressing political issues and social justice in its songs, with strong and direct lyrics, and for giving a voice to immigrants who have come to the U.S. in search of a better life. Amid recent immigration raids by President Donald Trump’s administration, the band’s latest single, “La Lotería,” is no exception.
“It always breaks your heart to leave your land because the tree no longer provides good shade … It’s not that they want to change their flag; although far away, they always long for their roots,” goes the song released on Feb. 6 under Fonovisa.
“I think it comes at a time when we were already seeing what was coming,” Jorge Hernández, lead vocalist and leader of Los Tigres del Norte, tells Billboard Español. “The song is narrated according to how life has led us.”
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Last year, during presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ campaign, Los Tigres performed at her rally in Phoenix. The appearance aligned with the Mexican band’s continued support for Democratic candidates during U.S. presidential elections. In the past, it has endorsed Hillary Clinton (2016) and Joe Biden (2020), and has used its platform to get Latinos to go out and vote.
“We had the opportunity to work on this Kamala Harris campaign, hoping that we would have the pleasure of having another type of government, but well, such is life. Now we have to adapt and do what we have to do,” Hernández says. “I think this moment is very important for all of us Latinos, it’s a crucial moment for everyone.”
“We also have to see what the Mexican government will grant to those people who for some reason have not been able to settle in the United States,” he adds about the fate of the people deported.
The norteño music band known for classics such as “De Paisano a Paisano,” “La Carta,” “Jefes de Jefes” and “Somos Más Americanos” left its native Sinaloa, Mexico, in 1970 — two years after the group’s foundation — and has established itself in San Jose, Calif., since then.
When asked if he fears any kind of retaliation from President Trump for being the voice of many immigrants in the U.S. and for having supported the Harris campaign, the musician stays focused.
“I don’t think negatively,” he says. “We have always participated when we are called not only in the U.S., in different countries and for different organizations. It’s part of our job. We have been identified with Latinos since the ’70s, so it’s nothing new for us. If there were to be something against us, well, we would have to see what process we would follow. For now, we are calm.”
“We did what we had to do as human beings and as citizens of this country and as citizens of our Mexican Republic,” Hernández concludes. “We will continue to move forward fighting for those people who have no voice.”
The 64th annual Viña del Mar International Song Festival, taking place Feb. 23-28, has announced a panel of nine distinguished judges across music, journalism and entertainment. This eclectic group, renowned in their respective fields, is set to evaluate the international and folk competition entries, determining the winners of the coveted Gaviota de Plata awards.
Leading the panel is Megamedia journalist Rodrigo Sepúlveda, known for his presence on Meganoticias Alerta and the daily radio program Alerta en Romántica. Joining him will be the Grammy-winning duo Bacilos, comprised of Jorge Villamizar from Colombia and André López from Brazil, who are also scheduled to take the stage on Feb. 23. They are known for their hits such as “Pasos De Gigante” and “Caraluna” which charted on Hot Latin Songs at No. 8 and 16, respectively.
Emilia Dides, a singer and Miss Chile 2024 who made significant strides at the Miss Universe pageant last year, brings her musicality to the jury. The jury also includes Catalina Edwards, a journalist, TV and radio host from Megamedia and Radio Infinita. Chilean artist and member of the group 4F (Los Cuatro Fantásticos de la Música) Kidd Voodoo joins as judge and will also take the mic on Friday, Feb. 28. The panel will also feature Chilean actor Jorge López, known for his roles in telenovelas such as Soy Luna and Élite.
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Claudio Narea, an iconic figure in Latin American rock music and a co-founder of the legendary Chilean band Los Prisioneros, brings a wealth of musical history and influence. His deep roots in rock music, and timeless hits such as “Tren Al Sur” and “Estrechez de Corazón” will make him a key judge. Adding a classical touch to the jury is Paolo Bortolameolli, an acclaimed conductor linked with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and a prominent figure in Chile’s and global classical music scenes.
Finally, Nicolás Oyarzún, an actor from Megamedia known for his roles in Chilean series, will bring the drama and emotive power of acting to the jury.
Superstars including Carlos Vives, Marc Anthony, Duki, Carín León and more will be gracing the stage at the 2025 Viña del Mar Festiva.
Warner Music Group announced changes to its division overseeing Argentina and Chile on Tuesday (Feb. 11), bringing in Tomás Talarico as the new managing director of Warner Music Southern Cone (née Cono Sur), effective immediately. He succeeds Guillermo Castellani, who will stay on as a consultant during the transition. Talarico will report to Alejandro Duque, president of Warner Music Latin America.
Talarico brings extensive industry experience, having founded MOJO, an independent record label and digital distributor, in 2014. Under his leadership, MOJO expanded across Argentina, Chile and Peru, becoming a key player in the tropical and urban music markets. The company has collaborated with approximately 150 artists and labels, managing audiovisual production and music publishing. According to the hiring announcement, MOJO’s success includes more than 50 Gold and Platinum certified singles and multiple industry awards, including eight Gardel Awards and two Pulsar Awards.
Throughout his career, Talarico has played a significant role in developing emerging artists such as ECKO, Grupo Zumbale Primo, Kaleb Di Masi, Papichamp and Uriel Lozano, among others. He was also a key contributor to the collaborative project Un Poco de Ruido. He’s also a musician, having released five rock and pop albums as a guitarist and singer-songwriter.
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Before founding MOJO, Talarico was a pioneer in digital music distribution, working with companies focused on MP3 and ringtone sales. His early career included a role as a supervisor at Tower Records.
Duque praised Talarico’s entrepreneurial mindset and ability to bridge music and technology “to the service of artists,” also praising Castellani role in developing the careers of major Warner artists such as Maria Becerra and Tiago PZK.
Talarico expressed excitement about joining WMG, highlighting the opportunity to utilize the resources of an international label to support the region.
“To be able to tap into the resources of a major label to superserve the exceptional talent in this region is an incredible opportunity,” he said. “I also want to pay tribute to the remarkable Guillermo Castellani who has nurtured such a strong team and played a huge role in the wider music industry. He leaves big shoes to fill, and I’m looking forward to building on his legacy!”
Castellani reflected on his time at Warner Music, which dates back to early 2002, and lauded the support of Duque and the Warner Music Southern Cone team.
“I am grateful to the family of Warner Music Southern Cone for allowing me to enjoy my work every day: without them it would have been impossible to reach the goals we achieved,” he said. “I wish Tomás success in writing the following chapter in the Southern Cone. I am sure that he will lead Warner Music in its continuous growth so that it will remain a magnet for new music talent in this part of the world.”
Ronald Day, president of entertainment and chief content officer at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, is stepping down from his position, the company announced. His departure, scheduled for this Thursday (Feb. 13), follows a recent contract renewal and comes at a time when Telemundo is experiencing unprecedented success in the ratings.
Day’s resignation coincides with Telemundo’s remarkable achievement of leading the prime time slot among Spanish-language networks in the U.S., sparking industry speculation about the timing and reasons behind this decision. “Today, at the peak of this great success, I am making another equally significant decision,” Day, who has been at the helm of the company for seven years, also announced on social media on Monday (Feb. 10).
In his post on Instagram, Day revealed his future plans, which include writing a book and embarking on a speaking tour across universities in the U.S., Latin America, and Spain. “[It] will bring me closer to my purpose: to inspire and train a new generation of executives and entrepreneurs ready to transform history, just as I can proudly say I did as I close this cycle,” he wrote.
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Day added, “Thanks to a brilliant team of creatives and leaders that I hold close to my heart, and to a Hispanic audience that has been key in my career as an immigrant in the U.S.”
Since joining Telemundo in 2018, Day has been instrumental in defining the network’s content direction. “A media executive with more than three decades of experience in Hispanic entertainment, he led the development and production of multiple seasons of our successful reality shows La Casa de los Famosos, Los 50, Exatlón, and Top Chef VIP, as well as our highly rated live specials including the Billboard Latin Music Awards and Miss Universe,” Luis Fernández, chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, said in a statement shared with Billboard. “Most recently, he helped me reorganize Telemundo Studios and position them for future growth under Javier Pons leadership.”
Last June, Day was Billboard Español‘s executive of the month. In its second annual edition, Billboard‘s Latin Women in Music 2024 significantly boosted its viewership on Telemundo, shattering previous records. The event witnessed a staggering 541% increase in audience interactions across TV, digital platforms, Peacock, and social media compared to the 2023 show. The gala, which honored stars such as Karol G and Gloria Estefan, not only attracted 109.6 million minutes of video views — a 20% increase from 2023 — but also dominated its prime time slot, outperforming Univision by significant margins in key demographic groups.
Read his full Instagram statement here.
Spanish hitmaker Quevedo is set to return to Latin America with his Buenas Noches Tour, his first trek there in two years. His most ambitious tour in Latin America to date, the “Gran Vía” singer will launch his 14-date stint in Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes on April 23. He will then take his […]
Grupo Frontera is addressing the backlash following allegations of supporting Donald Trump.
On Friday (Feb. 7), the Mexican-American band shared a statement on their Instagram Story, clarifying that they do not align with any U.S. political party.
“We want to clarify that Grupo Frontera has NO affiliation not alliance with any political party that’s against immigrants and the Latino community,” Grupo Frontera wrote in Spanish. “Like many of you, our families and [group] members have fought and struggled for a better future, and we will always take our people’s side, defending our roots and values.”
The Texas-based Música Mexicana band added, “It’s important you know that the opinions of our friends and family don’t represent Grupo Frontera. We are immigrants, we are from the border, and Grupo Frontera will always be by and for the people.”
Grupo Frontera — which includes members Adelaido Solís III (“Payo”), Juan Javier Cantú, Julián Peña, Alberto Acosta, Carlos Guerrero and Brian Ortega — came under fire after a viral video showed the grandmother of a band member celebrating Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, according to The Latin Times.
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As fans began to react to the viral clip, Grupo Frontera remained largely silent on social media.
The controversy coincided with Trump’s promise to begin large-scale deportations when re-elected, a move that would heavily impact Latinos.
“i will no longer support grupo frontera because, how are you voting for Trump while being latino? mind you I live in their surrounding era and it’s heavily latino populated too like???” one fan wrote on X.
According to the LT, other various social media responses included: “Make music in English now,” “Never come back to Mexico,” “Latinos are the ones who listen to your music, and you’ve let us down,” “This kind of betrayal comes at a high price” and “We should cancel them all.”
Artists such as Residente, Selena Gomez, Lupillo Rivera, Becky G, Chiquis and Ángela Aguilar have spoken out against the deportations.
Grupo Frontera will be performing at Billboard THE STAGE during SXSW in Austin on March 14.