Latin
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Yandel has signed with Warner Music Latina, marking his first deal with a major label after releasing his latest albums (Quien Contra Mi 2 and Resistencia) via his own company, Y Entertainment. The signing took place at the Empire State Building in New York City, where Yandel kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month festivities by leading […]
Bad Bunny‘s new song is officially here. In his new reggaetón banger “Un Preview” — which dropped on Monday (Sept. 25) — the Puerto Rican superstar is smitten, singing about a girl that has him head over heels. “Baby, I’m no longer scared of tasting you and falling in love again … we’re crazy at the club, I get closer to you dancing, and I kiss your neck, with you, I’ll deal with fire.”
At the beginning of the music video, which has a cowboy aesthetic, Bunny explains that this song, as its name would suggest, is just a preview of what’s to come. “Ven acá,” he begins. “I’ll give you a preview of what will come after.”
The hitmaker officially confirmed the release date of his new song on Sunday, when he posted a 17-second snippet and wrote in Spanish, “In case you like it and are interested to know, [the song] comes out tomorrow Monday at 8 p.m. Puerto Rico time.”
“Un Preview,” produced by Tainy and La Paciencia, comes on the heels of Bunny’s “Where She Goes,” which he released in May. The Jersey Club-inspired beat (a hybrid of house and hip-hop) reached No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and Latin Airplay charts.
Earlier this year, Bunny also teamed up with Grupo Frontera on “un x100to,” which marked his first time dipping his toes in the norteño-cumbia realm. The song earned Frontera its highest debut on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, entering at No. 3 on the April 29-dated ranking, and later hitting No. 1 on both the Latin Airplay chart and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
Bad Bunny is a 15-time finalist at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which are set to take place Thursday, Oct. 5. He is up for artist of the year, tour of the year, Global 200 Latin artist of the year and Global 200 Latin song of the year for “Titi Me Preguntó.”
Watch “Un Preview” above.
Purchase tickets today for the Billboard Latin Music Week 2023 here.
In 1996, Gloria Estefan became the first-ever artist to receive the Billboard Spirit of Hope Award at the 3rd annual Billboard Latin Music Awards.
The Cuban-American singer, who that year nabbed three awards — including Latin dance single of the year for “Abriendo Puertas” — was also recognized for her philanthropic and humanitarian contributions beyond her musical work.
Since its inception 27 years ago in honor of the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, the Billboard Spirit of Hope Award has been awarded to 22 artists, including two-time honorees Estefan (1996, 2011) and Maná (2000, 2013). No award was given out in 2012, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021.
This year, the special award will be presented to Colombian superstar Karol G. The “Provenza” singer’s impact extends beyond music. In 2022, Karol G founded the Con Cora Foundation, which aims to support the economic, social, psychological and artistic development of underprivileged women. “I am grateful for this special recognition,” Karol, a 13-time finalist at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards, said in a statement. “My commitment with Con Cora Foundation is a fundamental part of my life and I am proud to be able to help the women who need it most.”
The 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards list of finalists is led by Peso Pluma, who has 21 nods across 15 categories, including artist of the year, songwriter of the year, Global 200 Latin artist of the year, and Top Latin Album of the year. See the complete list of finalists here.
As has been the case for more than 20 years, the Billboard Latin Music Awards coincide with Billboard’s annual Latin Music Week, the single largest and most important gathering of the Latin music industry, taking place Oct. 2-6. Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and the upcoming Billboard Latin Music Awards, taking place Thursday, Oct. 5, see all of the Spirt of Hope Award winners in the history of the awards show:
1996
Image Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Bad Bunny has been spotted a lot with his rumored girlfriend, Kendall Jenner, as of late. But while he’s dating and attending concerts and events, he’s also making music — and a new single is dropping tonight (Sept. 25). Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The Puerto […]
Myke Towers’ latest hit was born “in one of those magical moments that when I hear a rhythm I like, I can’t switch it off until I get something out of it,” recalls the Puerto Rican artist. Since chasing down that rhythm, Towers’ “LALA” has become an unlikely hit, with its arresting reggaetón thump and […]
Amid Latin music’s latest explosion — powered by a concoction of sounds and styles — Carin León, Nicki Nicole and Maria Becerra have emerged as three of the industry’s vanguards. Over the last few years, these artists have risen to the top of their respective genres, becoming Billboard chart staples and achieving global success.
With León leading música Mexicana, Nicole Argentine trap and Becerra urban pop, all have taken new, more experimental paths while staying true to their essence. And now, they are ending the year at the top of their game — and setting the stage for the next crop of stars to follow.
Nicki Nicole
Nicki Nicole
@totopons
With an undeniable swagger and a knack for penning hard-hitting rap verses, Nicole shines brightly in the crowded trap scene of her native Argentina. The 23-year-old wordsmith launched her career as a teenager, performing at freestyle rap competitions in her hometown. The exposure led her to sign with Argentine label Dale Play Records, an indie home to local hero turned global phenomenon Bizarrap. Nicole recorded a fiery session with the producer in 2019, which has earned over 200 million YouTube views. “That collaboration was key in my career,” Nicole says. “I’ve had many moments that have been pivotal — but I still think the best is yet to come.”
A few years ago, fresh off her debut album, Recuerdos, Nicole was still considered an emerging MC; today, she’s a bona fide hit-maker. She now boasts a number of star-studded collaborations, including the blockbuster hit “Pa’ Mis Muchachas” with Christina Aguilera, Becky G and Nathy Peluso, which scored record and song of the year nods at the 2022 Latin Grammys. While Nicole is a leading force in the trap genre, her last two albums, Parte de Mí (2021) and this year’s Alma, have showcased a more evolved and wide-ranging sound, including reggaetón, disco-pop and cumbia. “My next big goal is to keep connecting with my fans the way I was able to connect with them with Alma,” she says. “The way the fans embraced how open I was on that album and that I was able to represent myself authentically will always be a core memory for me.”
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Maria Becerra
Maria Becerra
Javier Rogoski
In the dynamic realm of Latin pop, Becerra’s musical fusion has resonated with an ever-expanding audience — and helped her earn the title of Visionary at Billboard’s inaugural Latin Women in Music gala in May. Whether crooning about the complexities of human relationships or celebrating self-confidence, she effortlessly genre-hops from pop to cumbia villera to bachata to reggaetón. Bestowed with the nickname “La Nena de Argentina” after her 2021 collaboration with Argentine trap star Cazzu, Becerra has also worked with prominent figures like Duki, J Balvin, Prince Royce and Los Ángeles Azules.
Hailing from Buenos Aires, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter burst onto the global Latin pop scene in 2019 with her EP 222 and released its follow-up, La Nena de Argentina, late last year. She has scored three entries on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including her Balvin collaboration “Qué Más Pues?,” and has also claimed two top 10 spots on Latin Airplay, with the No. 1 hit “Te Espero,” featuring Prince Royce, and “Éxtasis,” with Manuel Turizo. Most notably, she holds the record for the most entries by a woman on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100, with 43.
In August, Becerra signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. And now, she says she is focused on “surpassing myself all the time — being a person who is always willing to learn, who innovates and delivers quality productions. For me, it is nonnegotiable to leave a mark in the world of music and to be a reference for future generations.”
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Carin León
Carin León
Jesus Fernando Espinoza
León has established himself as one of Mexican music’s most versatile and eclectic artists today — and most in demand, too, even outside of música Mexicana, working with Maluma, Kany García and Camilo. The artist launched his solo career in 2018 following a stint as lead singer of Grupo Arranke. Since, he has helped to redefine what it means to be a regional Mexican act, singing over both R&B beats and a norteño accordion. With two career entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and 12 on Hot Latin Songs, León has already seen the fruits of his labor. But it was Colmillo de Leche — his breakup album that arrived in May and chronicled a period of personal and professional change, including a split from his longtime manager — that proved particularly pivotal.
“I was able to express musically what I was going through and see the connection it has had on people’s lives; I feel like the record can hold its own among music’s most sacred albums,” says León, 34. The set — which finds him dabbling in pop, bluegrass and flamenco — scored him his first top 10 on the Top Latin Albums chart. It was the first studio album released on the singer-songwriter’s own label, Socios Music, which he launched late last year in an effort to help develop new talent from his hometown of Hermosillo in Sonora, Mexico.
For event dates, tickets and more on the conference, go to billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
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This story originally appeared in the Sept. 23, 2023, issue of Billboard.
Over the last two decades, Fonseca has been a force in the Latin music industry with tropi-pop and vallenato hits that have made listeners dance and fall in love. The Colombian singer-songwriter, who rose to stardom in 2005 with the hit “Te Mando Flores,” has navigated changing industry trends and an often fickle market with his piercing, pathos-filled tenor voice and iconic sound intact.
In an exclusive Q&A during Latin Music Week, Fonseca will celebrate his 20-year career before closing the En Vivo concert series on Oct. 6.
In no more than five words, describe your career.
Heart, gratitude, obsession, connection and roots.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement to date?
Being able to put my music at the service of the people and accompany the lives of so many people in love, in heartbreak, melancholy, partying and — very important — carrying a message of gratitude.
You recently released the first single from your upcoming album, “Si Tú Me Quieres,” with Juan Luis Guerra. How was it working with him?
Singing alongside maestro Juan Luis Guerra is something that I had always dreamed of. I grew up with his music; his songs were part of my first loves, of my first parties. Not only has his music been a huge influence on me, but his way of leading his career. It has always struck me that Juan Luis’ career has been built 100% from his music. That is his way of being present, current, and I can relate a lot with that.
Tell us about your new album.
I’m very happy with the songwriting process. Somehow, I feel that I am returning to that sound with which I started my career, and I like that. Although it’s a work in progress, I feel that the sound is very organic, very “woody.” “Si Tú Me Quieres” is undoubtedly a sample of what I want it to taste like.
Where do you see yourself in another 20 years?
I want to continue writing, singing. I have never seen music as a sprint or endurance race. For me, it is a way of life and I carry it like that, so it will always be present.
Fonseca will play the En Vivo stage and participate in an Icon Q&A during Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami, Oct. 2-6.
This story originally appeared in the Sept. 23, 2023, issue of Billboard.
Billboard’s Spirit of Hope Award, created over two decades ago in honor of the late Selena, honors artists’ philanthropy. This year, it goes to Colombian superstar Karol G, who with her Con Cora foundation works to support women in vulnerable situations through scholarships (including education for imprisoned women and teen mothers) and support for the arts and educational institutions.
Amid her current global tour, Karol G spoke about the organization’s significance to her.
Why did you create Con Cora?
Many times, especially when I’m on a flight, I think: “God, it’s impossible for someone to receive as many blessings as I have, simply to be successful or rich. Please give me the wisdom to understand what is that thing I need to accomplish.” I feel my mission is through Con Cora and my amazing team of women, who are working together to transmit this message of empowerment and motivation, so we all fulfill our goals by promoting positive behaviors and generate opportunities for a more beautiful tomorrow.
What is the change you want to effect?
This project is for women in all aspects and situations of vulnerability: Women who have no resources for education; women who are denied their liberty or are close to finishing their [prison] sentences, and we give them a second chance and prepare them and help them in their reintegration; women who are an inspiration because they’ve overcome difficult situations and we give them resources to improve their quality of life; abused women; heads of families; women in the arts, women in sports.
What is one accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
Our work with women who are heads of families because this way, we benefit the entire family. Also, the many people who want to join us. Every time we do a project, more people come forward to give us a hand. It has made us see just how many people work tirelessly to empower women.
As a successful Colombian artist, do you feel it’s your responsibility to give back?
As a Colombian, I feel it’s my responsibility to give back to my country, and to society in general. I feel 100% that what goes around comes around, and everyone who receives blessings has to extend them. I feel my real purpose is there: in inspiring other people, inspiring women and helping and supporting them to achieve their dreams.
For event dates, tickets and more on the conference, go to billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
This story originally appeared in the Sept. 23, 2023, issue of Billboard.
With COVID-19 restrictions now lifted entirely, the 2023 edition of the Billboard Latin Music Awards promises to be more celebratory than ever when it airs live on Telemundo from Miami’s Watsco Center on Oct. 5.
“We are all ready to party,” says Mary Black-Suárez, who produces the show through her MBS Entertainment. Here are five highlights to watch for.
1. In his first-ever awards show appearance, Mexican star Peso Pluma, who leads the list of this year’s finalists, will perform his hit “La Bebé” (with Yng Lvcas); the evocative “Nueva Vida” from his new album, Génesis; and a third song with a surprise guest.
2. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of banda diva Jenni Rivera (who died in December 2012), her daughter Chiquis Rivera will pay homage in a medley of essential hits like “Basta Ya,” “Inolvidable” and “Ya lo Sé” with assistance from norteño group Calibre 50 and Banda Cañaveral.
Chiquis attends the 23rd Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 17, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
3. After topping the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart with the irresistible “LALA,” Myke Towers will perform his hit live for the first time on TV. As a bonus, he’ll also premiere his new song with Yandel, “Borracho y Loco.”
4. Every year, Billboard and Telemundo recognize standout achievements that go beyond chart performance with special awards. Recipients in 2023 include reggaetón superstar Ivy Queen, who will receive the Icon award for her pioneering work in the genre that opened the door to women in urban music.
• Premieres at this year’s event will include Marc Anthony performing his new single with ranchera star Pepe Aguilar, as well as Marshmello making his first appearance at a Latin music awards show, performing “El Merengue” with Manuel Turizo. (The song is a finalist in the tropical song of the year category.)
For event dates, tickets and more on the conference, go to billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
This story originally appeared in the Sept. 23, 2023, issue of Billboard.
Over the past 12 months, Latin music’s growth has only accelerated. U.S. revenue surpassed the $1 billion mark for the first time ever — driven in large part by regional Mexican music, now the dominant Latin presence on the charts — indicating that the appetite for music in Spanish worldwide is vast and diverse.
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The 33rd edition of Billboard Latin Music Week, taking place Oct. 2-6 in Miami and including the Billboard Latin Music Awards, delves into the diversity of sounds and revenue sources fueling the genre, with events including these highlights.
“The Art of the Festival”
Over the past five years, the presence of Latin artists at major, multigenre U.S. festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza has grown — but there has also been a boom in Latin music-focused festivals domestically and abroad. What exactly goes into crafting and sustaining a successful one? Presented by Viña del Mar, this panel will have representatives from Baja Beach Fest, Bésame Mucho and Primavera Sound offering a look behind the scenes of these events.
“The Power Players: The Indie Edition”
As the heads of three of the most successful Latin indies, Rancho Humilde’s Jimmy Humilde (Fuerza Regida, Natanael Cano), Dale Play Records’ Federico Lauría (Duki, Bizarrap) and Prajin Music Group’s George Prajin (Peso Pluma) are a triple threat in the sector. In Billboard’s signature Latin Music Week panel discussion, they’ll offer insights into how their individual strategies have launched some of this generation’s most important Latin stars.
“The New Mexican Revolution”
The globalization of Mexican music has taken over the Billboard charts as a young and fearless new generation of artists scores major hits and goes viral. Moderated by BMI vp of creative and Latin Jesús González, this panel will take a closer look at this recent explosion, as norteño cumbia troupe Grupo Frontera, corridos tumbados pioneer Natanael Cano, genre-spanning star Peso Pluma, Mexican rapper Santa Fe Klan and Mexican reggaetón artist Yng Lvcas convene for a conversation about the genre’s diverse sounds and configurations.
“El Marketing Del Ferxxo”
Feid
@molomuseum
Feid’s seemingly overnight success belies how the Colombian superstar hustled his way to the top. After becoming an in-demand collaborator and writing for artists such as J Balvin, Thalia and Reykon, the singer-songwriter embraced his roots: “I opened the coolest door that I’ve ever opened, which was finding my identity and introducing El Ferxxo,” the hit-maker told Billboard in March. Along with members of his inner circle — including his manager and creative director — Feid will explain the nuts and bolts behind his success.
Los Ángeles Azules
Los Ángeles Azules
Courtesy Photo
Since emerging in the mid-1970s, this beloved Mexico City band has been rewriting the Mexican cumbia playbook. Continuously modernizing the storied regional Mexican subgenre for the next generation, the group of siblings has extended its reach drastically by revamping its hits and writing new ones alongside an exhilarating all-star cast of Latin artists from all corners of the map. In recognition of its enduring influence in Latin music, Los Ángeles Azules will receive the lifetime achievement award, as well as perform at Billboard’s Latin Music Awards.
“The Multimarket Pop King”
Sebastián Yatra
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Sebastián Yatra has both endured and flourished as a core pop artist who invites urban acts into his orbit and also lends his voice to a plethora of projects, from film (Encanto) to TV (Érase Una Vez … Pero Ya No) to music competitions (The Voice). Strategically collaborating outside genres isn’t new, but Yatra’s mastery of the practice (his recent “Vagabundo” with Beéle and Manuel Turizo went to No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart) and his ability to navigate two languages and cultures set him apart. Yatra will discuss his multitiered approach and what’s next for him.
“The Latin Swing: The Intersection of Music and Sports”
Francisco Alvarez #50 of the New York Mets
Elsa/Getty Images
Since launching in January, Rimas Sports, a division of Noah Assad’s Rimas Entertainment, has signed 50 baseball players. The move expands Rimas’ interest in athletics; Assad and Rimas Sports president Jonathan Miranda already own Puerto Rican basketball team Los Cangrejeros de Santurce with Bad Bunny. Rimas Sports clients Francisco Alvarez (of the New York Mets) and Everson Pereira (of the New York Yankees) will participate in this conversation moderated by executive and radio personality Angel “El Guru” Vera. They will be joined by Eladio Carrión and Arcángel, two Rimas artists who actively participate in philanthropy through sports.
Cheetos Block Party Featuring Myke Towers
Myke Towers
John Parra/Getty Images
“The biggest risk I’ve taken in my career musically is on this album,” Myke Towers told Billboard in April about his 2023 album, La Vida Es Una. The Puerto Rican singer-rapper will rock the Wynwood Marketplace stage at the Cheetos Block Party, where he’ll showcase songs from the album. The “LALA” chart-topper will also participate in the “Deja Tu Huella” panel presented by Cheetos, where he’ll share the stage with fellow creatives who have achieved success in conjunction with social responsibility.
For event dates, tickets and more on the conference, go to billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
This story originally appeared in the Sept. 23, 2023, issue of Billboard.