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âLa Reina del Surâ will be heard again in Europe with the arrival of Los Tigres del Norte in Spain on April 4, when the âJefes de Jefesâ return to the country after 14 years as part of a tour that will take them to Madrid, Barcelona and Pamplona. The first show will be at the capitalâs Wizink Center, with capacity for more than 17,000 people. They will also perform for the first time in England, at the Eventim Apollo in London, 10 days later.
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After 55 years since their formation, the icons of norteño music maintain a solid, current career, releasing new music and touring constantly throughout the U.S., Mexico, Central and South America. Their current tour, Siempre Contigo, began on February 2 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California and will keep them busy for most of 2024. It is something they do with the best attitude towards their fans.
âLove must always be present in everything you do,â says Jorge HernĂĄndez, frontman of Los Tigres. âThe most important thing is to be honest with your audience.â
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With hits including âLa Puerta Negra,â âContrabando y TraiciĂłn,â âJefes de Jefes,â the Billboard Hot Latin Songs No. 1s âEl Acaudalado Mojadoâ and âEl Circo,â and many others, Los Tigres del Norte â who have seen many musical trends come and go over the years â are pioneers of traditional corridos, with the authority that time, accolades and fans have conferred on them.
In an interview with Billboard Español, HernĂĄndez spoke about the key to their longevity, his opinion on the new artists who are globalizing mĂșsica mexicana, their return to Spain and upcoming projects.
Why did it take you so long to return to Spain?
In 2001 we started going to Spain every year and a half, or every other year. Then we were going to release an album and go there before the pandemic, but in the end it couldnât be scheduled. Now that everything has been falling into place, promoters from Europe called us and the tour was finalized. It begins on April 4 in Madrid and ends on the 14th in London.
Will you have musical guests at the concerts in Spain?
We want to invite several female artists to sing with us. Weâll tell you who they are soon.
At a crucial time for regional Mexican music, it is important to perform in as many places as possible.
Thatâs right. The work that other colleagues have done has great validity for us and we all have to take advantage and be present so that our music takes this boom full force for which we have fought so hard for a long time.
In fact, we plan to record several videos of our upcoming singles there.
You travel thousands of miles every year to entertain your fans in different countries. How do you prepare physically and mentally to live constantly on the road?
There is always a discipline. Above all, taking care of your health, sleeping the necessary hours, taking care of your body, taking care of how you live. Always go on stage consciously to have the respect of the audience. You must do this from the beginning of your career for it to last. You must be prepared so that vices donât win over you. All of this is part of taking care that your path is as clean as possible.
The music of Los Tigres del Norte is already part of the Mexican culture. What do you think of the new trends?
Trends will always exist because they are part of the growth of music. I give as an example a tree that has many branches: Norteño music is the base and there are musical currents that come and go over time, different styles, but in the end everything goes back to normal because the essence or base is solid. Young people look for what gives them joy, music to have fun, and there are artists for everyone.
There are young artists who prefer traditional norteño music. Any in particular that you like?
They all deserve our love and respect. I couldnât name any single name. For me, music is all of us who make up this union. We all work with the same goal: To be relevant.
And what has been the key for Los Tigres del Norte to remain relevant?
The most important thing is persistence. Love must always be present in everything you do, you must be in love with your work. The honesty with which you do your work. One of the main things to stay relevant is to finalize your plans, not leave them halfway. But the most important thing is to be honest with your audience.
Youâve been to some South American countries, but there are many that are still waiting for you.
We have constantly gone to Colombia, to Bolivia, we were recently in Chile. Now we are going to take the tour to Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, which are the countries we were missing.
Will there be any collaborations with other artists this year?
Yes, there will be collaborations. Our label, Fonovisa Records/Universal Music, has some options for us that we will be reviewing. We will have several surprises this year.
Nicki Nicole and Peso Pluma have appeared to call it quits. At least thatâs what the Argentine rapper and singer hinted at with a blunt statement she shared on social media after also removing photos of her and the Mexican star from her Instagram account. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, […]
Mexican singer-songwriter Horacio Palencia is set to be honored with the BMI Presidentâs Award at the 2024 BMI Latin Awards, taking place March 13.
The special award celebrates Palenciaâs contributions as a songwriter in the mĂșsica mexicana genre. Throughout his career, which spans over two decades, âPalencia has been a driving force in shaping the genre with his timeless lyrics and heartfelt songs, which are deeply rooted in Mexican culture and resonate with listeners worldwide,â according to a press release. Palencia will be honored during a private ceremony that will be hosted by BMI president & CEO Mike OâNeill and BMI vice president, creative, Latin, Jesus Gonzalez, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.
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âSince joining the BMI family 20 years ago, Horacio has played a major role in the success and evolution of MĂșsica Mexicana through his profound connection to the heart and soul of his musical heritage,â Gonzalez said in a statement. âIn addition to Horacioâs commercial success, heâs garnered widespread respect within the industry and established himself as one of the most talented and sought-after songwriters in Latin music. Weâre so proud to honor Horacio and his prolific career with the BMI Presidentâs Award and celebrate the creative accomplishments of all our 2024 BMI Latin Award winners. It is going to be an incredible night to remember.â
Palencia, who launched his songwriting career at a young age, has received more than 50 BMI Latin Awards, as well as BMI Latin Songwriter of the Year and BMI Regional Mexican Songwriter of the Year four times each. Heâs also taken home the BMI Latin Song of the Year for âNiña De Mi Corazonâ (2011) and Regional Mexican Song of the Year three consecutive years in a row with âMe Vas a Extrañarâ (2017), âSolo Con Verteâ (2016) and âNo Me Pidas PerdĂłnâ (2015). Heâs collaborated with and written for artists such as Christian Nodal, Carin LeĂłn, Grupo Firme and Banda MS, to name a few.
Palencia joins previous BMI Presidentâs Award recipients including Carlos Vives, Gloria Trevi, Juanes, Luis Fonsi and Wisin & Yandel, among others.
During the ceremony on March 13, BMI will also recognize the songwriters and publishers of the past yearâs most performed Latin songs in the United States. The BMI Regional Mexican Song; BMI Regional Mexican Songwriter; BMI Contemporary Latin Song; BMI Contemporary Latin Songwriter; BMI Contemporary Latin and Regional Mexican Publisher of the Year will also be awarded.Â
Before there was Grupo Frontera boasting borderland swagger or Edgar Barreraâs contributions to the mĂșsica mexicana scene and his Border Kid Records label, there was Intocable. This cowboy-hat donning sextet has become synonymous with the pioneering spirit of Tejano music, carving a path that others would follow.
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As they celebrate their 30-year milestone, Intocable has released their latest accordion-driven, 16-track album, Modus Operandi, on Friday (Feb. 9). This marks not only their three-decade anniversary but also underscores their sustained influence on and innovations within mĂșsica mexicana.
With eight albums reaching No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart â including Sueños (2002), La Historia (2003), and Highway (2016) â and numerous other Billboard accolades, the groupâs journey from the small town of Zapata, Texas, to international fame is a testament to their ability to break boundaries and create a sound that echoes through generations. Songs like âAireâ and âSueñaâ have become timeless anthems for countless fans.
Seamlessly blending Tejano traditions with pop smarts and a dash of rock, Intocableâs commitment to authenticity and the deep connection they seek with their audience remains unwavering. âI make music, not for fame or for money, but for the connection â that to me is very important,â reveals singer, accordionist and band co-founder Ricardo âRickyâ Muñoz.
Produced by legendary Don Was (Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Elton John, Ringo Starr), Modus Operandi bridges the past and future of Tejano music. Here, Muñoz talks about the creative process behind the bandâs latest album and collaborating with Don Was, and looks back at their 30-year legacy.
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1. With Intocable celebrating its 30 year anniversary, whatâs one memory from the early days that still makes you smile?
Even if it sounds like a clichĂ©, itâs being on stage. Seeing people out there going to see us and getting excited, thatâs something Iâll never forget. To this date, I think thatâs one of the parts of our journey that I still enjoy.Â
2. Can you share a memorable moment during the songwriting process of Modus Operandi?
Iâve been learning so much about myself. I make music, not for fame or for money, but for the connection. That to me is very important. We recorded this album a little over two years ago. Our new method is sitting down with a songwriter in a session, playing ping pong, pitching songs and ideas. Which ones do we connect with? We make a list, then we sit with another songwriter, and have another session. Going through the process is always exciting.Â
3. How was it like working with the legendary Don Was?
After we do our maps of what the songs are going to sound like, we show up to the studio with our producer Don. Thatâs when the music really comes to life. Don Was does not speak Spanish, but he understands by feel where the song is taking you. Is this a love song? Is this a heartbreak song? Is this a happy song? As heâs reading the lyrics he goes, âMan, you have a unique way of making sad songs with a happy melody. Thatâs hard to pull off.â Seeing the songs come alive, making something that did not exist in this world, that makes us feel alive. Those moments are precious.Â
4. What goes through your head when youâre about to release a new album?Â
Everybody gets nervous. I always say, âDude, this is probably our last album.â It doesnât mean that Iâm retiring, but we go through a lot â because we care about music. We are fans of music. It takes a big toll on me. I feel like I aged 10 [more] years. [Laughs.]
Iâll tell you one thing, thereâs not a viral song in there. Itâs real music with substance. Again, itâs about connecting. Whatâs important is that at the end of the day, I take my hardhat off after the hard work, I see myself in the mirror and sleep at night tranquilo, âcause I know I did my best.Â
5. Can you share a memory from those early days that hinted at your future in music?
Iâm an only son and my parents worked, so I spent most of the time with my grandparents. Every day after school or on weekends my grandfather picked me up to go to the ranches, check out the cattle, and I would listen to his music. The first song I fell in love with the accordion was âMi Piquito de Oroâ by RamĂłn Ayala. I was sold. You hear all these American artists reference when they saw the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show â well that was my Beatles/Ed Sullivan Show moment.
My grandfather sold a cow and thatâs how he bought me my first accordion. Iâm not the best accordion player, but I think I am creative. Thatâs more important than learning scales, because I donât even know notes. I just played by heart and by ear, and Iâm proud of that.Â
6. How did you and RenĂ© Orlando MartĂnez end up co-founding the band? Â
We are from a little town called Zapata, Texas and our families knew each other. When I was a freshman, RenĂ© had graduated from the same school. When we started, it was tough in this genre of music, because it wasnât very popular. Eventually, tecnobanda, cumbias, and LiberaciĂłn came out. La Mafia from Texas was probably the biggest thing. To play accordion or bajo sexto in a band wasnât cool for our generation [in the early â90s]. They called it the old peopleâs instruments. Now you see a lot of kids on social media playing accordion.
We stuck to it and believed in ourselves. But we were also listening to Journey, and playing those instruments too. Even though [Tejano] is a polka rhythm, you gotta have that [rock] melody, like a Def Leppard hook, for example. Now, looking back to 30 years ago, living on the border, we got the best of both worlds.Â
7. How did you approach that fusion of traditional Norteño with contemporary sounds?
We grew up with that. Itâs funny that you say that contemporary, atemporal â and I donât mean to brag, but when you hear an Intocable song like âSueña,â it doesnât sound like itâs from 2001. It still sounds rockinâ. Weâve never been defined by an era because we liked those artists. [Michael Jacksonâs] Thriller, Journeyâs âDonât Stop Believinâ.â Tom Petty albums, Camilo Sestoâs ballads. They still resonate today. Itâs timeless. Itâs not, âOh, thatâs just old peopleâs music.â Itâs a great song with a great production, period. Itâs so rooted in us without thinking about it.Â
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8. What are your thoughts about the emerging Tejano scene, with bands like Grupo Frontera, or Edgar Barrera with Border Kid Records recently coming into the spotlight?Â
Frontera, itâs undeniable, the boys are doing great, they are from El Valle de Texas, close to where we are from. I am very happy for them. I hope they are enjoying this journey of music. I wish them all the best, and great for them representing the 956 as we are. I think Edgar changed the movement. Thereâs a difference â there are bands or people that make it in the industry, but then there are game changers that come along once in a while. That guy is definitely one of them. It couldnât have happened to a better person, a talented person, a hard worker. And again, a game changer. Â
9. Over three decades, Intocable has earned Grammys and over a billion YouTube views. Which achievement has been the most meaningful to you?
We already put in the hard work for 30 years. Weâve done our 10,000 hours, well past it. We donât have to get validated by the A&R, executives, the record company, or whomever. Weâre an established brand. Our real fans know what to expect. Maybe new fans will join in, and thatâs what makes music beautiful. We can be honest in our work, in our music, be authentic, and thatâs priceless.Â
10. What is your favorite and least favorite thing about being from a border town?
The food [is my favorite]. Being from a border town you get the best of both worlds.
Least favorite? Wow. Itâs not that I donât want to answer, but I just canât think of one. Some people might think, âno eres ni de aquĂ, ni de allĂĄâ (âyouâre neither from here nor thereâ), but thereâs something cool about that too, youâre unique. When we talk about soccer, we can root for two teams. We got more chances! You got to embrace where youâre from.
11. How has Zapata, Texas, shaped the bandâs character and values?Â
Being from a small town, your roots and your values are very family-oriented. The old saying goes, a handshake is all you need, and everybody knows you by name. When youâre falling on hard times, you can always count on your hometown, raise money and get together when a family is down. All that clichĂ© is true. Intocable is that way too, because we are a family, and we are an organization, we try to take care of everybody exactly like if it was a small town.
12. What did your parents do for a living when you were a kid, and what did they think of what you do for a living now?
My mom was the vice president of a bank in Zapata and my dad used to work in the oilfield. What did they think of me? At first, it was scary. Once I got the music bug, it was game over. My interest in school was out the window. I would skip school just to be playing my accordion. I wanted to learn more and more. They knew I wasnât gonna go to college. So there was no other option. It had to work. If not, Iâm in trouble.
Thatâs what makes me also be very responsible, hardworking, and have a good work ethic. But at first, my parents were like, âThatâs not a career, son. Thatâs a hobby.â Nobody in my family is a musician. They didnât even know a musician. They would say, âYou gotta pick a career.â Well, here I am.
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13. What was the first thing you bought yourself when you began making money as an artist?
Probably a vehicle. Iâve always been a Ford guy. It was a Ford truck.
14. What was the best business decision youâve ever made?
None. Itâs all been sheer luck.Â
15. With the music industry increasingly digital, what value do you find in releasing Modus Operandi on vinyl?
Weâve been doing vinyl since 2009. Itâs my childhood. When we started, we didnât get to be printed on vinyl. So now that we are our own company and an independent band, we can do that. Iâve always wanted to be in vinyl.Â
16. The word âlegendâ is associated with Intocable â do you feel legendary?
Putting on your pants in the morning, drinking coffee, and brushing your teeth is supposed to be legendary? I guess I am, but I feel regular. I feel blessed. I feel agradecido mĂĄs que nada (more grateful than anything). Itâs been a great ride. The people Iâve connected with have been beautiful. Creating music to the best of our abilities, and creating more memories. Then you hear stories about fans saying they got married to a song [of ours], or when fans tell us their kids started saying their first words with our songs, stuff like that. Again, itâs about connecting.Â
17. Who was your greatest mentor in your career, and what was the best advice they gave you?
My dad. Iâve learned so much from him. My dad is not a musician. But at the time, it was tough love. He had his way of motivating me, and it created a musician with an athlete mentality. I had to be on my A game every time. My dad was tough on me, but Iâm grateful for the way he raised me. He was a great man, but very cut and dry. No bull, just straight as an arrow. He wasnât a hugger, he wasnât the âI love youâ or âgood job, sonâ type. He was like, âIt was good, but you can always work on this and be better.â
Say I was in Little League, and I was playing baseball and got struck out. My dad would be the type to get up and leave. âWhy is my daddy leaving?â You never want to see that disappointment in [a fatherâs] face, you got to work harder. That pushes and drives me to this day.Â
18. With âOjalĂĄ Estuvieras AquĂâ being a focus track on the new album, can you delve into the inspiration behind the song?
âOjalĂĄ Estuvieras AquĂâ is one of those songs that sounds like an Intocable song right off the bat. Iâm not comparing myself to The Beatles, but there are songs â like âLucy in the Sky with Diamonds,â for example â that are so experimental, the structure, the verses⊠but once they got to the chorus, it would tell you, âHey, weâre still The Beatles.â Thatâs âOjalĂĄ Estuvieras AquĂ.â It has a weird chord structure, but the chorus is very familiar. It has a haunting melody, itâs very nostalgic, and once you hit that chorus, the song is pouring its heart and soul.
We grew up with that. Thatâs what our producer has done â he has produced for The Rolling Stones, John Mayer, Bob Dylan. Thatâs crazy! Itâs subtle, but his hand is there in our music.Â
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19. Can you share a memorable fan interaction that has stayed with you over the years?
There are sad moments where we meet terminally ill fans that said their last wish was going to see us live â then there are happy moments with fans proposing on our shows, or families getting together to see us.Â
20. What would you say is the key to longevity?
Doing the right thing for the right reason. Donât do it for fame, money or trends. Trends wonât last. Itâs all paper houses. Hard work pays off. And itâs a better journey, a longer journey. The journey is what makes it beautiful.Â
Texas native Miranda Lambert teamed up with Leon Bridges for a romantic ballad last year, and now sheâs teasing another new collaboration â this time with Latin pop star and Madrid, Spain-native Enrique Iglesias. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news On Feb. 12, the country singer posted a […]
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Hereâs what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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Feidâs Going on TourÂ
Feid became a trending topic this week after announcing his 2024 world tour. Dubbed the Ferxxocalipsis Tour in honor of his latest studio album, the Colombian artist revealed that the first confirmed dates will be out Monday (Feb. 12) with ticket sales to the U.S. leg available as of Tuesday (Feb. 13). He also let his fans know that he will be sharing more info on Valentineâs Day. âHow cool and how crazy that music has brought us here,â he expressed on Instagram. âI hope you do a lot of cardio and get prepared because weâre going to scream, sing, dance, and jump.âÂ
Malumaâs Super Bowl Weekend
Maluma is ready for Super Bowl weekend, and to celebrate, he teamed up with SiriusXM and Pandora for a special concert held Thursday night (Feb. 8).  During the intimate set, the Colombian act performed some of his biggest bangers including âBorro Cassette,â âCoco Loco,â and his Carin Leon-assisted viral hit âSegĂșn QuiĂ©n.â The performance will air on SiriusXMâs exclusive Latin music channels Hits Uno (ch. 151) and Caliente (ch. 152).
This weekend, Billboardâs latest cover star, Usher, will headline the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show. The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will face off in this yearâs Super Bowl, which will be held on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Carnegie Hall Presents âNuestro Sonidosâ
âNuestros Sonidosâ is coming to Carnegie Hall for its 2024-2025 season. The season-long festival will be âcelebrating the vibrant sounds, pioneering rhythms, diverse traditions, and enormous influence of Latin culture in the United States, including the vital contributions of the Caribbean,â according to a press release. Beginning October 8, 2024 at the coveted New York-based concert venue, the festival concerts will feature musical styles from the 1930s to today, including Latin jazz, reggaeton, salsa, bachata, tejano, and many more. Confirmed artist for âNuestros Sonidosâ include Gustavo Dudamel, Natalia Lafourcade, Gabriela Ortiz, La Santa Cecilia, and more. For the full programming, click here.Â
Billboardâs Women of the Year
This week, Billboard unveiled Karol G as its 2024 Woman of the Yearâfollowing her Billboard history-making album Mañana SerĂĄ Bonito, successful stadium tour, and her first Grammy win. âWith her immense talent, Karol G has created a movement for women across the globe due to her empowering lyrics and inspiring confidence,â said Hannah Karp, Billboardâs editorial director. âThe release of her groundbreaking album Mañana SerĂĄ Bonito has proven her a force to be reckoned with in both the English and Spanish charts. We are so excited to honor her as Woman of the Year.âÂ
The Colombian artist will be honored with the Woman of the Year award, and perform, at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music event presented by Marriott Bonvoy on Wednesday, March 6, at the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, and streaming March 7.Â

This week, Billboardâs New Music Latin roundup and playlist â curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors â feature fresh new releases from artists such as Camilo, Los Ăngeles Azules in collaboration with Alejandro FernĂĄndez, AngĂ©lica Garcia and more.
After days of teasing, âPLIS,â a new collab with his wife Evaluna, Camilo not only released that track, but two more. âPLISâ âGordoâ and âNo Se Valeâ make up the Colombian singer-songwriterâs new EP, titled Un. The three-song set highlights the elegance of live instruments such as a saxophone, trumpets, trombones, conga, and gĂŒira with charming musical arrangements, writes Billboard Españolâs Luisa Calle.
â17 musicians got together to play at El Taller Creativo. When we counted âone, two, three, fourâ we all did one thing. That âunâ (âoneâ) that broke the silence aligned all the hearts that were there, recording music and video simultaneously, in the same take,â Camilo offered about the way the EP was recorded.
Separately, Camilo Laraâs Mexican Institute of Sound commemorates its 20-year anniversary with Algo-Ritmo: Mexican Institute of Sound Hits 2004-2024, a compilation that encapsulates Laraâs illustrious career. The collection features 24 songs, including new collaborations with Ceci Bastida, Esteman and Foudeqush.
The list of new releases includes two cumbias: âLa Cumbia Tristeâ by Los Ăngeles Azules with Alejandro FernĂĄndez â marking the first collab between the two acts â and AngĂ©lica Garciaâs âJuanita.â For Garcia, her cumbia track is about intentionality. âMany cumbias have lyrics about pain and longing ⊠My intention was for the tension and confusion in the song to feel like remembering a past life. I wanted to capture what the shadow side of grief does to us,â she expressed in a statement.
Whatâs your favorite new Latin music release of the week? Vote below!
Valentineâs Day is just around the corner, and if celebrating the romantic holiday is not your thing âespecially if you just got out of a relationship â then itâs time to turn to music. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Ahead of Galentineâs Day (held traditionally on Feb. […]
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 weekâs picks below.
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Maluma, Octavio Cuadras & Marca Registrada, âBLING BLINGâ (Sony Music Latin)
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Colombian hitmaker Maluma is back with another regional Mexican banger. Itâs a formula thatâs worked for the reggaetĂłn artist who has enjoyed success collaborating with the likes of Grupo Firme (âCada Quienâ) and Carin Leon (âSegĂșn QuiĂ©nâ). The former landed at No. 1 on both the Billboard Latin Airplay and Regional Mexican Airplay charts, with Maluma becoming the first urban artist to lead both rankings simultaneously since their inception in 1994. Now, heâs teamed up with Grupo Marca Registrada and Octavio Cuadras for the bright âBLING BLING,â which has a big-band vibe but falls under the new subgenre corridos felices â pioneered by Cuadras. Powered by a joyous trombone beat, the artists sing about a care-free lifestyle. âBling Blingâ is the first track off DON JUAN Season 2, a new season of releases by Maluma, according to a press release. â GRISELDA FLORES
Camilo, Un (Sony Music Latin)
Just in time for Valentineâs Day, Colombian singer-songwriter Camilo gifts his Tribu (as he calls his fans) three new romantic songs. The EP, Un, highlights the elegance of live instruments such as a saxophone, trumpets, trombones, conga and gĂŒira with charming musical arrangements. All three tracks are appropriate for different relationship statuses â among them âGordo,â a salsa song about seeing an old love with their new partner and âNo Se Valeâ a bachata for âdancing tightlyâ (as the singer-songwriter expressed on his social media). He also joins his wife Evaluna in âPLISâ to celebrate their love to the rhythm of salsa, the coupleâs first collaboration since 2022 âĂndigo.âÂ
Un was recorded live with audio and video together, according to a post Camilo shared on social media: â17 musicians got together to play at El Taller Creativo. When we counted âone, two, three, fourâ we all did one thing. That âunâ (âoneâ) that broke the silence aligned all the hearts that were there, recording music and video simultaneously, in the same take.â â LUISA CALLE
AngĂ©lica Garcia, âJuanitaâ (Partisan Records)
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Pop auteur AngĂ©lica Garcia offers a flavorful taste of her upcoming first album, mostly in Spanish, with âJuanita,â a cumbia-inspired avant-pop song about a limitless woman. âJuanita, Juanita, Juani/ Why are you calling me?/ What is the force that motivates? / You made me wake up/ Your voice, the sound of stars/ Not even the gods can draw you,â the L.A.-born artist sings with an enveloping mystique over an evocative bass line.
According to a press release, the trackâs roots date back to 2020, as Garcia was sitting before an altar that she constructed in her bedroom, looking into the past to inform the present with familial knowledge. âMany cumbias have lyrics about pain and longing ⊠My intention was for the tension and confusion in the song to feel like remembering a past life. I wanted to capture what the shadow side of grief does to us,â she explains. The music video for the song, shot in black and white and directed by Puerto Rican award-winning documentary filmmaker Sonia Malfa, is as mysterious as it is captivating. â SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Los Ăngeles Azules, Alejandro FernĂĄndez, âLa Cumbia Tristeâ (Seitrack/UMG Recordings)
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In a first collaborative effort, Los Ăngeles Azules and Alejandro FernĂĄndez unleash âLa Cumbia Triste.â Penned by Aureo Baqueiro and Leonel GarcĂa, the track finds the Mexican ranchera superstar using his powerful vocals to dedicate a few words to the hopeless romantic. âFor those who do not sleep/ Because their soul hurts/ For those who do not dream/ Since that past love that stole their peace [âŠ] This is the sad cumbia/ The one that hugs you/ The one who understands whatâs happening/ This sad cumbia is for you,â he sings. Though the lyrics are melancholic, the rhythm is opposite of a âsad cumbia;â in fact, the Rodolfo Lugo and Jorge MejĂa Avante-produced track is a captivating cumbia that can get anyone on their feet âwhether they can relate to the lyrics or not. â JESSICA ROIZÂ
Caloncho, âĂnimoâ (Universal Music MĂ©xico)
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Calonchoâs music perfectly blends his lyrics and melodies, which always bring a sense of peace. This time, the Sonora-born singer-songwriter presents âĂnimo,â which translates to âcheer upâ â a reminder to keep moving forward. The new song begins with a delightful drum rhythm that, along with the bass and electronic elements, supports a refreshing, spontaneous and sophisticated sound with a wave of smooth chords and a reflection between its verses. âI keep learning from my mistakes/ It hasnât been easy/ Not everything is flowers/ If colors are missing on the road/ Iâm sure better times will come,â he sings in the chorus. â INGRID FAJARDO
Mexican Institute of Sound, Algo-Ritmo: Mexican Institute of Sound Hits 2004-2024 (Soy Sauce)
Mexican Institute of Sound, the brainchild of Camilo Lara, commemorates two decades of exploratory Latin productions with Algo-Ritmo: Mexican Institute of Sound Hits 2004-2024, a compilation that encapsulates Laraâs illustrious career. This collection features 24 songs, including fresh collaborations with Ceci Bastida (the psychedelic cumbiĂłn of âStop!â), Esteman and Foudeqush (the haunting ballad of âBoleroâ), with a retrospective and vibrant narrative woven from the threads of Mexican cultural heritage, electronic beats and global rhythms.
M.I.S., a maestro of musical fusion, has consistently blurred the lines between genres, melding funk, cumbia and electronic music. From his early experiments with MĂ©jico MĂĄxico to the collaborative richness of Distrito Federal, his work stands as a testament to his pioneering spirit and his commitment to social justice, through the universal language of music. Algo + Ritmo 2004-2024 is an invitation to celebrate the past, present and future of a project that continues to define and transcend the boundaries of the varied Mexican sound. â ISABELA RAYGOZAÂ
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Chuy Montana, an emerging star in the booming corridos scene, was found dead in Mexico on Wednesday (Feb. 7).
His body was discovered along the highway connecting Rosarito to Tijuana. According to The San Diego Tribune, Fernando SĂĄnchez, Mexicoâs Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, told local outlets that CĂĄrdenasâs body bore multiple gunshots and was found handcuffed; law enforcement believes that he had been kidnapped prior to death.
Billboard has reached out to Tijuana police.
The Tijuana native, whose real name is JesĂșs CĂĄrdenas, was part of the music roster at Street Mob Records, a label spearheaded by JesĂșs Ortiz Paz (JOP), the lead vocalist of Fuerza Regida.
âOn behalf of Street Mob Records, we deeply regret the passing of our colleague and brother Chuy Montana,â wrote the label in an Instagram post Thursday. âWe stand in solidarity with his family during this time of grief. We kindly request understanding and respect from the media at this difficult moment.â
The label and its artists have contributed significantly to the corridos tumbados and belikeada movement, subgenres of regional Mexican music that have gained notoriety in recent years. Montanaâs career was marked by a significant online presence, boasting 816,000 monthly listens on Spotify. He often performed with his guitar for audiences in traffic lines at the Tijuana-San Ysidro border crossing point, where he was discovered by JOP.
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According to Punto Norte, a newspaper in Mexico, investigators believe that Montana may have attempted to escape his captors, leading to a chase and eventual fatal shooting. Responding officers found shell casings at the scene, according to the publication; Montana had gunshot wounds to his head and arms.
Montanaâs music, particularly his 2023 single âPorte de Scarface,â had enjoyed success, amassing more than 22 million plays on Spotify. His collaboration with Fuerza Regida, âPolvos de Chanel,â also highlighted his rising status in the music industry.
The artistâs death has also raised concerns over the safety of artists in genres associated with contentious themes.
In October 2023, Fuerza Regida was threatened with death by means of a narco banner left in Tijuana. Following the appearance of the threat, the San Bernardino group canceled its concert at the Estadio Caliente in Tijuana, as did Peso Pluma weeks earlier, after having received the same death threat on a tarpaulin signed with the initials CJNG, alluding to the Cartel Jalisco Nueva GeneraciĂłn.
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Tijuana has taken steps to address the glorification of violence in music by banning narcocorridos in public performances, a measure reasserted by Mayor Montserrat Caballero in light of recent events.
The death of Chuy Montana adds to the ongoing trend of violence against artists in the corridos and narcocorridos genres that dates back to Chalino SĂĄnchezâs murder in 1992. Other stars who have fallen victim to violence in the genres include ValentĂn Elizalde, Ariel Camacho, Zayda Peña, Sergio GĂłmez, Javier Reyes âEl PrĂncipe del Corrido,â and more.