Latin
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From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
NBA teams up with Nicky Jam
The NBA and Mitchell & Ness launched a limited-edition apparel collection in collaboration with Nicky Jam featuring the Miami Heat. According to a press release, the singer-songwriter “provided design input” on the merchandise — including a Heat hoodie, Hardwood Classics jersey, t-shirt, shorts and a hat.
“I’m thrilled to collaborate with the NBA and Mitchell & Ness on this new collection, bringing Miami flavor to life with the Heat’s vibrant colors complemented by locally relevant design elements,” the “El Perdón” singer expressed in a statement. “These pieces are a testament to the NBA’s cultural impact extending beyond the court into music and style. As my fans know, I’m always representing the Latin community, and it’s exciting to build on the league’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.”
See the collection here.
RBD Barbie dolls
Mexican supergroup RBD is getting their own Barbie dolls. The collector’s dolls — available in a set of five or sold individually as Rebelde characters Mia (Anahí), Roberta (Dulce Maria) and Lupita (Maite Perroni), Diego (Christopher von Uckermann) and Giovanni (Christian Chávez) — commemorate the group’s reunion tour after a 15-year hiatus. The dolls are decked out in emblematic concert outfits or their signature Elite Way school uniform.
“¡Y soy Rebelde! Pop stardom meets pop culture icons with the special edition RBD x Barbie dolls,” read the caption of the post shared on the Barbie instagram page unveiling the RBD Barbie dolls.
Women rule 2023 Latin Grammys
For the first time in history, women win the top four categories at the Latin Grammys. It happened on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the 24th annual Latin Grammy Awards where Karol G won album of the year (Mañana Será Bonito), Natalia Lafourcade won record of the year (“De Todas Las Flores”), Shakira, along with Bizarrap, took home song of the year (“Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”) and Joaquina won best new artist.
Lafourcade’s acceptance speech for best singer-songwriter album for De Todas Las Flores was fitting for the historical night: “I dedicate it to all women friends, let’s not stop composing, let’s not stop believing in our art, in our music.”
Belanova’s comeback
Mexican pop trio Belanova — known for 2000s hits such as “Rosa Pastel” and “Por Ti” — will make its comeback to the Vive Latino stage after a six-year hiatus, the festival announced earlier this week. Vocalist Denisse Guerrero, keyboardist Édgar Huerta and bassist Ricardo Arreola will perform at the event taking place March 16 and 17, and held for the first time at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.
Other artists set to perform at Vive are Maná, Hombres G, Silvana Estrada, Fito Páez, among others. See the lineup here.
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — are powered by new music from Ozuna, Daddy Yankee, a first collaborative effort between Nicki Nicole and Bad Gyal, and more.
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After releasing a seven-track EP called Afro at the beginning of the year, Ozuna unleashed his sixth studio album Cosmo, home to 15 tracks. As ever, the Puerto Rican artist delivers a new dimension of sounds, where Latin urban music meets innovative rhythms, and croons fans with his feel-good and romantic lyrics backed by his sugary vocals. On his new album, Ozuna experiments with world music such as in the opening track “Made in Qatar” that’s fused with traditional Arabian music. He also teamed up with French DJ David Guetta for the EDM-heavy focus track “Vocation,” which they premiered during the 2023 Latin Grammys on Thursday (Nov. 16).
But an Ozuna album is not an Ozuna album without its hard-hitting perreos as heard in “El Plan,” “Brabus,” and “100 Squats,” and without having his friends onboard—Cosmo includes collaborations with De La Ghetto, Chencho Corleone, Anuel AA, Jhayco, Maldy and more. According to a press statement, the album “is the cosmic experience, where the vibrant essence of reggaeton prevails.”
Moreover, two female collaborations stood out this week. The first is Nicki Nicole and Bad Gyal’s “Enamórate,” an electro-dancehall that perfectly meshes their sultry vibes. The second is BIBI and Becky G’s “Amigos,” a groovy reggaetón lacing lyrics in Spanish, English, and Korean.
Additionally, Daddy Yankee, Arcangel, Yng Lvcas, and many more acts dropped new music. In last week’s New Music Latin fan-related poll, Banda MS and Gloria Trevi’s “Y Que Soporten” won with over 91 percent of the votes. What’s your favorite new Latin music release of the week? Vote below!
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Ozuna, Cosmo (Aura Music Corp/Sony Music Latin)
Ozuna has unleashed his sixth studio album, Cosmo — and after previous projects such as Odisea, Aura and Nibiru, this one’s another galactic musical journey. On the 15-track production, the Puerto Rican artist delivers a new dimension of sounds, where Latin urban music meets innovative rhythms such as traditional Arabian music as heard in “Made in Qatar” and infectious electronica in the David Guetta-assisted “Vocation.” Ozu and the renowned French DJ premiered the latter at the 2023 Latin Grammys on Thursday night (Nov. 16). While Cosmo is also home to hard-hitting reggaeton tracks (“El Plan,” “Brabus,” “100 Squats”), it showcases Ozuna’s romantic side and admiration for women on songs such as “Mar de Lagrimas,” “La Chulita” and “Clase Azul.” The set, which follows his 2023 EP Afro, “is the cosmic experience, where the vibrant essence of reggaeton prevails,” according to a press statement. Collaborations on Cosmo include De La Ghetto, Chencho Corleone, Anuel AA, Jhayco, Maldy and more. — JESSICA ROIZ
BIBI & Becky G, “Amigos” (Feel Ghood Music/88rising Records)
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Becky G and BIBI combine their Mexican-American swag and South Korean steelo to ignite the scene in their new scintillating single, “Amigos.” This reggaetón groove, pulsating with a suspenseful edge, lures listeners into a sonic escapade, complete with minimal sliding bass that hints at a drill essence near the end. Sung in Spanish, English and Korean, the sultry lyrics empower, as the duo look for new amigos while they charm their way through a party before executing a seductive heist, leaving a trail of mystery and stolen treasures in the music video. “I know we’re having a good time and you always want more/ But if myjevo calls, we are just friends,” Becky G croons with a touch of playful defiance. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Daddy Yankee, “Bonita” (El Cartel Records/Imperial/UMG Recordings)
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Reggaeton legend Daddy Yankee returns from retirement with a positive message about enjoying life on “Bonita.” With a mix of tropical rhythms, the summer song intended to warm up the fall has been well-received on his social media. “There are good people and there are bad things / Everything is going to be okay / Live today not tomorrow,” he asserts in the lyrics. The Puerto Rican star shared the song with a lyric video and an uplifting message on his networks: “If you are reading this it means that God gave you one more day of LIFE! We can fall into the deepest black hole and get up to see the LIGHT on the path and sing: ‘BEAUTIFUL LIFE IS’. Your life is worth a lot, don’t forget it.” “Bonita” provides a message to lift our spirits with a contagious rhythm perfect to start the weekend. — LUISA CALLE
Chicocurlyhead, “En La Mañana” (Exile Records)
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Chicocurlyhead’s feel-good music is often instantly contagious, and his new track “En La Mañana” is no exception. Known for his ability to effortlessly zigzag through R&B, trap and rock to showcase his versatility, this time around the Panamanian-born, Atlanta-raised singer-songwriter places all bets on an Afrobeat sound. Even just listening to the first 15 seconds, his vocalization, which is almost soothing, instantly hooks. Produced by Kastelo, the bilingual song is about a girl to whom Chicocurlyhead has decided to give all his attention to. “En La Mañana” follows his recently released single “Ahora o Nunca” with Mexican artist Renee. — GRISELDA FLORES
Listen to more new Latin music recommendations in the playlist below:
The 2023 Latin Grammys are a wrap. This year, there was no one big winner. Karol G, Shakira and Natalia Lafourcade tied with three major awards each. Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina won best new artist. So you could say that women were the big winners of the night. Karol won album of the year and best urban […]
The 2023 Latin Grammys took place for the first time internationally in Seville, Spain, on Thursday (Nov. 16) — and to celebrate, Latin music’s hottest artists of yesterday and today were present.
Among the star-studded guests was Feid, who in the midst of his European tour traveled to Spain to put colleagues and viewers alike on their feet with the Latin Grammys closing performance.
Moving away from his signature green outfits, the Colombian artist was decked out in an all-white ensemble, including his famed “Ferxxo” sunglasses.
He began his performance with an acoustic version of his song “Prohibidox,” backed by a romantic piano melody. Shortly after, he invited DJ Premier onstage to perform their hit “Le Pido a Dios.” Not only did Feid shine with his strong, live vocals, but he also had the entire room dancing — including his Medallo squad, Karol G, Ovy on the Drums and Keityn.
Feid was a five-time nominee at the 2023 Latin Grammys, including best rap/hip hop song, best urban/fusion performance, best urban music album and two songs in best reggaeton performance.
The 2023 Latin Grammys, led by top nominee Edgar Barrera, featured performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Bizarrap, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, Christian Nodal, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado, Feid, GALE, Iza, Joaquina, Juanes, Kany García, Laura Pausini, Leon Leiden, Maluma, Manuel Carrasco, Maria Becerra, Milo J, Natascha Falcão, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Paola Guanche, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Sebastián Yatra, and Shakira.
For the first time airing internationally, the 24th annual awards show took place on Thursday (Nov. 16) at the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville, Spain. It aired on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión. It was broadcasted on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.
On Thursday (Nov. 16), the 24th annual Latin Grammys witnessed a soul-stirring collaboration as Kany García and Christian Nodal took the stage in Seville, Spain, to perform their heartfelt ranchera ballad, “La Siguiente.”
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Kany, adorned in a beautiful off-white lace ensemble and matching pointy boots, her long hair flowing, transitioned impressively from her usual playful pop persona to belt out a poignant norteña song with plenty of gusto. Backed by numerous acoustic and electric guitars, the performance painted a beautiful backdrop for the lovelorn narrative of a toxic relationship.
In a black silk shirt, with a tattooed chest adorned with gold chains, the mariacheño pioneer Christian Nodal entered the picture to match hearts with the Puerto Rican singer. Straying from elaborate choreography or flashy effects, the duo relied solely on their robust vocals to captivate the audience.
“Gracias por hacerme bohemio, México” (“Thank you for making me bohemian, Mexico”), Christian Nodal said earlier during the telecast when the sleek vaquero won a Latin Grammy for best ranchero/mariachi album for Forajido EP2.
The 2023 Latin Grammys featured performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Bizarrap, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado, Feid, GALE, Iza, Joaquina, Juanes, Laura Pausini, Leon Leiden, Maluma, Manuel Carrasco, Maria Becerra, Milo J, Natascha Falcão, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Paola Guanche, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Sebastián Yatra and Shakira.
Check back to Billboard.com throughout the night for the latest news on performances, special awards and more.
Rauw Alejandro arrived at the 2023 Latin Grammys on Thursday (Nov. 16) with his beloved mom as his date—and soon after strutting the red carpet with his suave appeal, he took center stage at the awards ceremony.
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The Puerto Rican artist, who was nominated for best urban music album with Saturno, performed an energetic dance medley that kicked off with his own melancholic rendition of Laura Pausini’s (the 2023 Person of the Year) “Se Fue.” Wearing an all-white suit, Rauw’s watery eyes glistened as he remembered a past love.
Shortly after, he picked up the mood by going backstage and teaming up with a group of dancers for a killer choreography as he sang his ‘80s retro-inspired “DIME QUIÉN ????” Now changed to an edgy, leather fit in red, Rauw went back on stage to perform the electro-pop “Baby Hello.”
To everyone’s surprise, he was joined by Juanes, who in true Colombian rockstar fashion, performed an incredible guitar solo.
The 2023 Latin Grammys, led by top nominee Edgar Barrera, featured performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Bizarrap, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, Christian Nodal, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado, Feid, GALE, Iza, Joaquina, Juanes, Kany García, Laura Pausini, Leon Leiden, Maluma, Manuel Carrasco, Maria Becerra, Milo J, Natascha Falcão, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Paola Guanche, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Sebastián Yatra, and Shakira.
For the first time airing internationally, the 24th annual award show took place on Thursday (Nov. 16) at the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville, Spain. It aired on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión. It was broadcasted on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Check back to Billboard.com throughout the night for the latest news on performances, special awards and more.
From Shakira’s golden performance of “Acróstico” to Rosalía’s epic show opener performing “Se Nos Rompió El Amor,” the 24th annual Latin Grammys has been filled with memorable musical numbers. Originally sung by Rocío Jurado, written by La Magdalena and Manuel Alejandro — Rosalía sang a great tribute to her native Spain — filled with gut-wrenching […]
On Thursday (Nov. 16), Bizarrap‘s Latin Grammys 2023 set opened up with plenty of intrigue.
“Latin America, half of the universe! You twitch in the globe like a gesture of God, and I feel you shake with the divine haste of an infinite muscle that is going to tarnish the sun!” read a quote by Peruvian poet, César Vallejo, before the buzzy Argentine superproducer appeared.
Biza, wearing his usual black baseball cap, shades and a sporty Adidas jacket, entered the scene surrounded by a bevy of vintage analog synths and took a seat to play the keys to his latest banger, “Milo J: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 57.” Milo entered wearing a cut-up black denim top, with his signature mushroom hairdo, and began to spit the verses of the chart-topping song.
Suddenly, a dozen vibrant murga dancers appeared — a native style from Argentina and Uruguay — clad in traditional colorful garb to invigorate the moment tenfold. To amplify the mood even further, the scene segued into a bygone tango era, channeling the spirit of Carlos Gardel, as a tango singer took the spotlight to impressively deliver “Quevedo: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52,” swapping its EDM thump for a powerful tango rhythm.
Then, to make matters even more powerful, Shakira re-created the iconic pose from her “Objection (Tango)” music video and seamlessly incorporated some of the signature moves from her 2001 hit during her performance. Joined by a group of male dancers, she launched into the chart-topping “Vol. 53.” The audience, fully engaged, sang along to the anthemic song, adding an extra layer of brilliance to the performance. It’s worth noting the significance, as she delivered this smash-hit rendition in Spain, the home country of her ex Gerard Piqué, to whom the song is infamously dedicated.
Moments after the sweltering performance, Biza and Shak won the coveted song of the year prize for “Vol. 53.” “I’m not used to talking,” admitted the reclusive beatmaker earlier that night during the pre-telecast ceremony, after winning another Latin Grammy for “Vol. 52” with Quevedo. “It’s impressive the recognition they give to this project that I started in my room with a computer.”
The 2023 Latin Grammys feature performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, Christian Nodal, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado,Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Sebastián Yatra and more.
The 24th annual awards show took place at the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville, Spain. It airs on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S. and is broadcast on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Check back to Billboard.com throughout the night for the latest news on performances, special awards and more.
Laura Pausini took center stage at the 2023 Latin Grammy Awards on Thursday (Nov. 16) to perform a medley that perfectly highlighted why she’s the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year — and only the third female artist to receive the honor following Gloria Estefan and Shakira.
Stunning in a dazzling black gown, the Italian-born, Spanish-language singer crooned to the crowd with her timeless hits “Durar,” “La Soledad,” “Viveme” and “En Cambio No.” Her impeccable powerhouse vocals were backed by a talented choir and live orchestra.
Following her performance, Pausini was surprised onstage by Karol G, who handed her the coveted Person of the Year award.
“Laura, over the years you have demonstrated unmatched talent,” the Colombian artist said in her handwritten speech. “Your lyrics have transmitted messages of love, nostalgia, life, powerful messages that have left indelible marks in the world of music and in the hearts of many of us here. Your career has been extraordinary and your influence will last over time. And it must feel incredible as a woman to have a career as legendary and memorable as yours. We thank you for giving us your talent, for giving us life with your music.”
Celebrating a trajectory that spans more than 30 years, Pausini, who had just met Karol G backstage at the awards ceremony, received her POY trophy and first and foremost thanked her parents for giving her life.
“I’ve had a very privileged life not only for having the great pleasure of singing in Spanish, but above all, because from that day on I felt adopted like a daughter, a sister,” she said during her speech. “I know that I don’t have the same blood, but I know very well that I have family members who have raised me from a teenager until today, giving me the opportunity to be the most Latin Italian in the entire world. People who have been adopted know very well that it’s not necessary to have the same blood. Latinos are my family. I feel Latin in my way of being, thinking and feeling. It is very moving for me to receive this award.”
Pausini was honored at the Person of the Year gala on Wednesday night (Nov. 15), where artists such as Christian Nodal, Mon Laferte, Andrea Bocelli, Luis Fonsi, David Bisbal, Carlos Vives, Anitta, and more, paid tribute to her.