Latin

26 Mar 2024

Shakira Says Ex Gerard Piqué Was ‘Dragging Me Down’: ‘Now I’m Free!’

Whenever, wherever, Shakira is going to share her truth. The Queen of Latin music appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Monday (March 25), and opened up about her former relationship with soccer star Gerard Piqué, and how it had hindered her from producing a full album.

The three-time Grammy winner, who was on the late-night show to promote her new album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran [Women No Longer Cry], told the comedian that the reason for the seven year gap between her latest collection and 2017’s El Dorado was her ex. “I’ve been putting out music here and there, but I think it was really hard for me to put together a body of work” the Colombian superstar shared. “I didn’t have time. It was the husband factor.”

“Now I’m husband-less,” the She-Wolf declared. (Shakira and Piqué — who announced their split in 2022 — never married during their 11-year relationship, but share two sons.) “The husband was dragging me down. Now I’m free! Now I can actually work!”

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The musician continued to open up in the interview, sharing her grieving and recovery processes. “I was trying to rebuild myself and music was the glue, but it felt like it was an alchemical process in which I was transforming pain and anger and frustration into creativity and productivity and strength and resilience,” the singer-songwriter explained while discussing the alternate covers of her new album, which are themed around precious stones. “The resilience of a diamond. So that’s why I picked the metaphor of the precious stones, because of the resilience that us women have today when we have to face adversity,” Shakira told Fallon.

The star also spoke about the societal expectations placed on women to hide their pain and to conform to certain standards of healing, a notion she firmly rejects. Her new album title embodies this sentiment, with the singer explaining, “It’s men’s turn [to cry] now. Now women [should] decide when to cry, how to cry and until when. No one is supposed to tell us how to cope with the hardship of life.”

During her appearance on The Tonight Show, the singer also performed “Puntería,” originally featuring Cardi B. Shakira, dressed in white baggy pants and a top with ropes, began her set seated. Amid iridescent curtains and a pearlesque backdrop that displayed a gigantic diamond on the screen, Shak was flanked by two female dancers, and as they got up they were joined by two more, all wearing matching outfits while dancing in unison to the electro-pop song. 

Before the performance and interview, the show began with the superstar undergoing a playful lie detector test. “Everything hooked up?” Fallon asked Drew Barrymore, who made a guest appearance as the technician.

“We’re ready,” she replied.

“You know what to do, Shakira,” said Fallon over Shak’s Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “Hips Don’t Lie.” With wires hooked to her hips, the Barranquilla hitmaker began to gyrate them in classic Shakira fashion.

“It checks out, they’re telling the truth,” replied a serious Barrymore.

“Her hips don’t lie,” added Fallon, nailing the punchline.  

Check out the performance of “Puntería” and the lie detector test below, and Shak’s full interview above.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=vZ0HmhkwVB0&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent



26 Mar 2024

Silvestre Dangond Has ‘Many Stories to Tell’ As He Returns to the Stage With His ‘Ta Malo Tour

After a one-year hiatus from the stage, Colombian vallenato star Silvestre Dangond is set to hit the road again — this time with his ‘Ta Malo Tour, which kicks off April 12 in Orlando. The 17-date stint, produced by Loud and Live, is a celebration of sorts. Not only does it mark Dangond’s return to live music, but also his 22-year anniversary in music.

“There are many stories to tell,” the hitmaker tells Billboard‘s Leila Cobo. “I think this is going to be one of those tours, although I always say this, but there is something really important because of all that is happening in Colombia is going to be reflected in the U.S. tour.”

A year away from the stage may not seem like a long time for many artists, but Dangond is the type to perform every weekend. His “retirement,” as he describes it, was because he needed a break after shooting the Leandro Díaz series inspired by the career of a Colombian musician who was born blind. “The character consumed me,” Dangond says today. “I devoted myself to that character from Monday to Saturday and I did it for nine months. Nine months being blind, feeling, listening, personifying a phenomenon of nature like Leandro.”

The break was a blessing in disguise. He get to spend time with his children and wife, and he also released his latest album, Ta Malo, in November.

Dangond’s 17-date stint will kick off April 12 in Orlando and wrap up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on June 9. See dates here. Above, watch the the interview with Dangond where he also talks in-depth about why he accepted the role of Leandro Díaz and his special connection to the city of Bogotá.

25 Mar 2024

Maluma Cuddles With His Newborn Daughter in Adorable Photos

It’s only March, but Maluma is already dad of the year!

The 30-year-old Colombian singer and his girlfriend, Susana Gomez, welcomed their first child together — a daughter named Paris Londoño Gomez — earlier this month, and Maluma took to Instagram to share a series of precious moments from his first few weeks of fatherhood.

“My first 15 days as a Dad, this is the best I’ve ever lived in my Life,” the Spanish caption of his post translates, accompanied by a number of snaps in which Maluma is seen cuddling with his daughter on the couch, dancing around the living room with her, going out for walks, cradling her in a wrap across his chest and more, all with a smile across his face.

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Maluma and Gomez announced that they are expecting their first child together in October 2023. The Latin superstar followed up the announcement with a music video documenting his romance with his girlfriend. Earlier this month, they announced their baby girl’s arrival. “On March 9th at 8:23 A.M. the love of our lives Paris Londoño Gomez was born. Thank you all for your birthday messages and well wishes,” Maluma wrote in Spanish on Instagram alongside a carousel of black-and-white photos.

“Music is the only way I can talk to my fans and I wanted to let them know that I’m having a baby,” he said in an interview with NPR Music’s Alt.Latino. “It’s perfect timing with all of the things that I’m living. I’m looking for more personal experiences too […] I also want to grow as a human being, not only as an artist. This makes me feel so human, but at the same time, the more human I feel, the more artist I get.”

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It’s an exciting year in general for Maluma, who teamed up with Octavio Cuadras and Marca Registrada last month for “Bling Bling,” the first track off DON JUAN Season 2, a new season of releases by Maluma, according to a press release.

25 Mar 2024

Carlos Vives Talks ‘Regreso a Escalona’ Documentary: ‘People Will Discover Very Profound Things’

Thirty years after Carlos Vives starred in the television series Escalona and released his iconic album Clásicos de la Provincia, the Colombian star takes viewers back in time in the documentary Regreso a Escalona, which arrives on April 3 in the U.S. and multiple Latin American countries through the streaming platform ViX.

The film — distributed by Caracol Television and produced by Mestiza Films — shows how Vives sought inspiration again in Rafael Escalona, one of the most important vallenato songwriters of all time, while going after an old school notebook of Escalona’s that contained the lyrics of classics such as “La Historia,” “El Testamento” and “Jaime Molina.” It was from that notebook that Vives’ Latin Grammy-winning album for best cumbia/vallenato album in 2023, Escalona Nunca se Había Grabado Así, emerged.

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“Regreso a Escalona was perhaps the way I found to be able to capture an era, a time, a very special place in my life, in music and especially in what is known as the vallenato legend,” Vives tells Billboard Español about the exclusive release.

“It’s the way I found for maybe time not to go away, to trap it on film, because people will discover very profound things that happened, they’re going to live them, they’re going to see them, and I don’t think time will allow us to live them again,” he adds with emotion, fighting back tears.

In this chronicle that takes him to Valledupar, the world capital of vallenato in the Province of Padilla, the singer of “La Tierra del Olvido” and “La Gota Fría” is accompanied by his dear friend and accordion player Egidio Cuadrado, the person through whom Vives “deeply” learned the world of Escalona. They travel in the Ford F150 truck that belonged to Escalona, ​​whose son — who keeps it in good shape — lent to them.

“A part of the documentary that I find impressive is when Egidio’s sister, Dina Luz, who was Escalona’s partner, appears,” says Vives, adding that when the idea of ​​the project arose, he immediately thought of inviting his “compadre Egidio,” who in recent years has gone through health problems.

“It was like trying to go against his illness,” Vives says. “It was like denying everything and going as if nothing was happening to a recording studio to make this album, and then traveling with him around the region in that truck. … Being able to go back and remember when I was riding my bike with him on that road that linked all those towns in the Province of Padilla, like being young again with him there, returning to those places.”

For Vives, the idea is to condense and rescue that moment of Colombian music, and for the audience to discover “that imagery that surrounded Egidio and that town of Villanueva that has produced very important musicians” and understand the reason of Vives’ passion for all of this.

Return to Escalona premiered May 1, 2023, on Canal Caracol in Colombia, and days later arrived in the U.S. as part of the Colombian Film Festival NY. On April 3, it will be available through ViX’s premium streaming plan.

25 Mar 2024

Argentine Star Paulo Londra Signs With Dale Play Records

Paulo Londra has signed a new recording deal with Argentine indie Dale Play Records, Billboard has learned. The new deal will have Londra releasing new music under Dale Play, a label that has specialized in young, urban leaning artists from Argentina and whose roster includes producer Bizarrap, rapper Duki and urban/pop act Nicki Nicole, who all have scored major global hits. As with all Dale Play signings, Londra will be distributed via Sony’s The Orchard.

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Londra, 25, was one of the core pioneers of Argentina’s burgeoning urban and trap movement when he exploded onto the scene in 2019 with his debut album, Homerun. Signed to indie Big Ligas and distributed by Warner, Londra, with a sweet, distinctive voice and look that contrasted with his freestyle rhymes, was an immediate sensation whose music was able to cross over from Argentina to the world. Homerun debuted and peaked at No. 12 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums and at No. 10 on Latin Rhythm albums.

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After this quick success, however, Londra entered into a lengthy, multi-million dollar dispute with Big Ligas partners Cristian (Kristo) Salazar and renown producer and artist Daniel Oviedo (Ovy on the Drums). Big Ligas alleged breach of contract while Londra filed his own suit accusing Salazar and Oviedo of fraud and negligent representation.

The dispute was finally settled nearly two years later in a Miami courtroom, but until then, Londra didn’t release new music. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but both parties issued a statement at the time saying they had “resolved their differences.”

Londra then signed directly with Warner Music Latina in March of 2022 and released his second album, an EP titled Back to the Game, which features collaborations with Ed Sheeran, Travis Barker, Timbaland, Feid and Duki. A first single, “Plan A,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Argentina’s Hot 100 chart.

The rapper and singer has been working on new music and is set to release new material in 2024 under Dale Play. He continues to be managed by Buena.

23 Mar 2024

Carin León to Open for The Rolling Stones & More Uplifting Moments in Latin Music

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.

Carin León & The Rolling Stones

Regional Mexican star Carin León is set to open for The Rolling Stones at their show in Glendale, Ariz. on May 7. “This is one of those things I dreamed about when I was a little boy,” León posted on social media. The “Según Quién” singer will join the rock band, which is set to embark on its Stones Tour ‘24 Hackney Diamonds in the U.S. in April. Most recently, León teamed up with Kane Brown to release “The One (Pero No Como Yo),” a landmark crossover between country and música mexicana. In February, León achieved a career milestone with his debut performance at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry.

Lupita Infante’s version of “Canto del Bracero”

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Mexican American singer Lupita Infante has released a new version of “Canto Del Bracero,” a song originally released by her grandfather, the iconic Mexican singer and actor Pedro Infante. The track shines a spotlight on the sacrifices and hardships experienced by immigrants, particularly Mexican laborers, in their pursuit of the so-called “American Dream.”

“I felt a special connection to this beautiful song by my grandfather, which speaks about the difficulties of being an immigrant living in this country,” Lupita said in a statement. “My maternal family (not Infantes), came to this country to work as braceros (Mexican agricultural laborers), and my mom would work on the grape vines. The lyrics of the track are about the braceros who came to this country in the hope of achieving their dreams of a better life but instead suffered. I wanted to bring my grandfather’s powerful message back to the forefront, as it still resonates true today.” 

First ever Billboard Spanish-Language Music Forum in Madrid

The inaugural Forum on Spanish Language Music in Madrid, presented by the Community of Madrid and powered by Billboard, took place March 19 at the WiZink Center. The one day event — attended by some 500 artists, managers and industry execs — sought to highlight the growing consumption of music in Spanish across continents, and featured four panel conversations, as well as a Q&A and performance by Nicki Nicole. The Argentine superstar shared that she made music with Alejandro Sanz and talked about putting her mental health first in her career and on a personal level.

Check out highlights from Nicki Nicole’s Q&A here.



Shakira’s new album is finally here

Good things come to those who wait and Shakira’s fans have waited long enough. The Colombian hitmaker released Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, her new album in seven years. The project, the superstar’s most personal album yet, takes her on a healing journey following a very public breakup. With this set, Shakira takes control of her narrative declaring that women no longer cry, a statement she made in her Bizarrap-produced music session that became a motto for women around the globe. “I hope that with this album you can celebrate, laugh, dance and find your own strength, just how I’ve found mine” Shakira said at an album release party in Miami on March 21.

Billboard ranked all of the songs on Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. See which one took the No. 1 spot.

Seeing double?

J Balvin has two new Madame Tussauds wax figures: one in New York and one in Las Vegas. The Colombian artist expressed his excitement on Instagram over his two likenesses. “Amazing how dreams come true seldom you find yourself face to face with yourself and it’s not a reflection in a mirror hehehehe Triple JoSSSe,” he captioned the clip. “Keep dreaming and believe it yourselves ⚡️ Go see it and take a picture with me Thanks @madametussaudsusa PA LA CULTURA.”

“J Balvin’s wax figures at Madame Tussauds New York and Madame Tussauds Las Vegas epitomizes his indelible influence on music and culture,” said Matthew Clarkson, head of marketing at Madame Tussauds USA. “With our newly renovated Music experience in New York and the brand new Club T in Las Vegas, his presence adds another dimension to the immersive experiences we offer. It’s a testament to his enduring impact and our dedication to creating dynamic experiences that resonate with visitors worldwide.”

See the wax figures below:

J Balvin

J Balvin

Madame Tussauds

22 Mar 2024

Xavi, Shakira, & More: Which Is Your Favorite New Latin Music Release This Week? Vote!

This week, Billboard‘s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — feature fresh new releases from artists such as Xavi, Elena Rose, Fonseca, and more.

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This week’s notable release was Shakira’s 12th studio album, and her first in seven years, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, where she takes fans on a journey of transformation following a sentimental breakup that left her fragile and sensitive but brought her back to music. The set delivers a captivating blend of pop, Afrobeats (“Nassau”), bachata (“Monotonía”), Tex-Mex rhythms (“(Entre Paréntesis)”) and a return to her rock roots (“Cómo Dónde y Cuándo”), and includes the focus single “Puntería” with Cardi B.

Speaking of collabs, Peruvian singer-songwriter Nicole Zignago and Colombian hitmaker Camilo united their ethereal vocals for “mimos,” a pop-ballad that will tug at your heartstrings; and Fonseca joined forces with salsa icons Gilberto Santa Rosa and Chuco Valdés in the beautiful bolero “Colección de Recuerdos.”

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Moreover, Elena Rose dropped “Me Lo Merezco,” a manifestation and self love letter, where she chants about living in the present and deserving all her blessings; Danny Ocean calls for personal action in “Cero condiciones” that invites us to be ourselves, without thinking about what others may think or say; and Xavi released his latest track “Corazón de Piedra” on the heels of his hits “La Diabla” and “La Víctima.”

Last week, Ivan Cornejo’s “Baby Please” won the poll with more than 90 percent of the votes. He was followed by Yeison Jimenez and Luis Ángel “El Flaco” “Hasta El Último Momento.” Which is your favorite new Latin music release of this week? Vote below!

22 Mar 2024

Raphael on Whether He Would Dabble in Urbano Music: ‘You Never Know’

He’s known on both sides of the Atlantic for traditional Latin pop classics such as “Yo Soy Aquel” and “En Carne Viva.” But Raphael, one of Spain’s most celebrated vocalists internationally with over six decades of career, doesn’t rule out the possibility of venturing into urbano music.

“I know it’s not my thing, because I don’t know how to do anything else. But you never know,” says the 80-year-old artist. “Maybe I’ll say ‘I’m gonna try doing this to see what happens.’ That was the case with ‘Escándalo’, and look how far it got,” he added about his 1992 Caribbean-flavored hit, which spent 12 weeks on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.

Raphael made these comments this week at the first first Forum on Spanish Language Music in Madrid, presented by the Community of Madrid and powered by Billboard, which took place on Tuesday (March 19) at the WiZink Center in the Spanish capital. He was the star of the Icon panel moderated by Leila Cobo, Billboard‘s Chief Content Officer for Latin/Español.

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When Cobo asked him what he thought of Latin urban music, Raphael said that “like all music, there are salvageable things and less salvageable things, there are things that have grace. But I would give it some time, because it is in full bustle now,” he continued. “We have to give it time to see where all this ends up.”

And, with his characteristic humor, he answered whether he would like to collaborate with any urbano artist: “Maybe yes! Maybe someone will call me today!”

During the conversation, the Spanish superstar also spoke about the moment he knew that being an artist was his thing, the role of songwriter Manuel Alejandro as the “tailor” of his career, the process of his globalization and why he doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon.

“I don’t see myself doing nothing, with so many things that can be done and so many theaters and places to go, and so many countries to revisit, where I have been loved so much for so long. I prefer to be active,” he said. “So, as long as this one responds, I’m going to be singing,” he added pointing to his vocal cords.

“Obviously I am aware that someday I will have to stay at home, but the later the better. And if it can be when I leave for good, then let me take advantage of the exit,” he added with a laugh. “It’s not about wanting more, it’s about doing what you are passionate about every single day.”

22 Mar 2024

Latin Remix of the Week: Shakira’s ‘Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 – Tiësto Remix’

In our Latin Remix of the Week series, we spotlight remixes that the Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors deem to be exceptional and distinct from the rest. We might not publish a review every week. This is our selection today.

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Shakira and Bizarrap‘s groundbreaking diss track “Vol. 53” shattered conventions, giving the legendary singer an opportunity to share her raw feelings through a stunning song. Its explicit finger-pointing and unapologetic storytelling marked a departure from the veiled references of the singer’s past breakup songs, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Now, with its remix, this icy electro-pop anthem receives the house treatment in the capable hands of superproducer Tiësto. Often referred to by his peers as the “Godfather of EDM,” Tiësto brings his unmistakable style to the turntables, transforming the already electrifying track into a pulsating dance floor banger.

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If Shakira and Bizarrap’s original collaboration wasn’t already club-ready, the house DJ’s remix takes it to the next level, infusing it with infectious beats and irresistible energy. From the moment the first notes hit, it’s clear that this remix is destined to ignite the main room.

With “Vol. 53 (Tiësto Remix),” Shakira’s powerful post-breakup manifesto takes on a new life with its hypnotic groove. It’s a fearless exploration of love and loss, reimagined for the dance floor.

The original song soared on multiple Billboard charts, including Latin Pop Airplay, where it spent 12 weeks at No. 1, and the Billboard Global 200, where it peaked at No. 2.

Prepare to lose yourself in the infectious energy of Shakira and Tiësto’s electrifying collaboration below.

22 Mar 2024

Selena Quintanilla’s Sister Says ‘Amor Prohibido’ Turning 30 Is ‘Insane But So Freaking Cool’

Three decades ago, one of the most emblematic albums in Latin music history was released: Selena Quintanilla’s Amor Prohibido, which ultimately made history as the first Tejano album to hit No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart. 

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Released March 22, 1994 under Capitol Latin/UMLE, the 11-track set is home to many of the “Queen of Tex-Mex’s” timeless hits including “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “No Me Queda Más,” “Si Una Vez,” and the title track. Now, in honor of its 30th anniversary, the history-making album is available on CD, cassette, and for the first time, vinyl format. A special remastered 2024 edition, released under Universal Music Latino, is also available on all streaming platforms.  

“I’m excited about us even celebrating 30 years of this album of ours,” Suzette Quintanilla, Selena’s sister and Los Dinos drummer, tells Billboard exclusively. “Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that people would still be jamming to our music and dancing to our songs. I think my brother [A.B. Quintanilla III], Ricky Vela, and Pete Astudillo did an incredible job in writing these songs, and my brother arranging and producing them just shows a part of who we were growing up and what we listened to. It was a different [musical] vibe going on. There’s a little bit of everything mixed in that album—what we all used to listen to and it definitely comes across. It was also a time when our record company let us be us, and do what we wanted to do with our music and this album.” 

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SELENA QUINTANILLA 'AMOR PROHIBIDO'

SELENA QUINTANILLA ‘AMOR PROHIBIDO’

Courtesy of Universal Music Latino

Indeed, Amor Prohibido is equipped with the authentic Tejano and cumbia sound that characterized Selena y Los Dinos but creatively fused with rock (“Fotos y Recuerdos”), electronic dance music (“Techno Cumbia”), and R&B (“Donde Quiera Que Estés”). 

On the Billboard charts, Amor Prohibido debuted at No. 3 on Top Latin Albums in April 1994, and reached No. 1 in June 1994, where it remained for 20 weeks. It also earned Selena her first chart entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 29 in May 1995, and debuted and peaked at No. 1 on Regional Mexican Albums, where it remained for 97 weeks, the most for any album since the chart’s inception in 1985. 

“I’m extremely excited this is coming out on vinyl. I know so many fans wanted this and we were finally able to do this at such an iconic moment…30 years is insane!” Quintanilla adds. “It’s cool but it’s insane. I’m so grateful and honored and I know that if my sister was here, she definitely would have been excited about this moment just as we all are. Thirty years. Insane but so freaking cool!”