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.
Latin Grammys Premiere Ceremony Performers
The Latin Recording Academy announced performers and hosts for its premiere ceremony, taking place on Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, and streaming live across Latin Academy platforms beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
The premiere ceremony will be hosted by Maria Becerra, Juliana and Luísa Sonza, and will feature performances by Ale Acosta, Valeria Castro, Alok, Fonseca, Leonel García, Grupo Niche, Draco Rosa, Rozalén, Vikina and Deorro.
“With an amazing lineup of performers, we will reveal the winners in 50 of 58 Latin GRAMMY categories, showcasing the diversity of our community of creators throughout Ibero-America,” Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, said in a statement.
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Christian Nodal Gets Special Recognition at Harvard
Mariacheño star Christian Nodal received a special recognition from Harvard. Earlier this week, Nodal, accompanied by his wife Ángela Aguilar, was honored by Hardvard-Radcliffe RAZA, a student organization that creates “space, visibility, and community for Mexican students at Harvard University sine 1972,” according to an official description of the organization. The group awarded Nodal with the Hardvard-Radcliffe RAZA Trailblazer Award for “his impact in the globalization of Mexican Regional music, as well as his initiative to uniquely merge regional music with different musical genres.”
See the special moment here.
Carin León Breaks Record in Madrid
Mexican music star Carin León made his historic debut in Spain, where he performed at Madrid’s WiZink Center as part of his Boca Chueca Tour. The show on Thursday (Oct. 31) not only marked his first performance in Europe but it also broke records. With an audience of 17,426 people, it surpassed Metallica’s mark set in 2018, becoming the event with the highest attendance of the more than 1,200 concerts held at the venue.
Read the show’s review here.
Maluma Launches Athletic-Wear Line
On Tuesday, Maluma unveiled his new athletic-wear line, which he’s calling Remanence, during a fashion show in Colombia. The hitmaker serves as owner and creative director of the brand which was designed “100% in Colombia and focuses on responsible practices, using renewable energy and efficient processes in its production,” according to a press release.
“Music and fashion motivate me to move forward because that is where I can really be me, Juan Luis; they are different communication channels, but they really lead to the same thing, they go hand in hand and will continue to be, as long as I make music, I will continue making fashion and vice versa because it is what motivates me to get up every day,” Maluma said in a statement.
See the collection here.
In the “The Stars Behind the Star” franchise, the editors of Billboard Latin and Billboard Español share stories that have not yet been told about those who are not usually in the spotlight. Think “everything you don’t see on camera” or “everything that happens behind the scenes.” These unsung heroes are essential to an artist’s team and their foundation. Today, we highlight celebrity photographer Jose “Chepe” DeVillegas.
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Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and proudly raised by his Puerto Rican Mother and his half-Cuban and half-Puerto Rican father, he feels himself very Puerto Rican.
Jose “Chepe” DeVillegas, commonly known as “Chepe” in the entertainment industry, has gained the love and trust of many within the field. He has photographed well-known artists such as Ivy Queen, Don Omar, Julián Gil and Natti Natasha. Chepe has also covered all the Latin music red carpets and conducted special photoshoots for various media outlets including Univision, Telemundo and Billboard, as well as numerous concerts over the years.
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In October, he was part of this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week, creating a behind the scenes visual experience with Billboard’s Chief Content Officer for Latin and Español, Leila Cobo.
Photoshoot “Chepe” for Ivy Queen
Jose “Chepe” DeVillegas
“I think it’s fascinating to be with Leila and see how she connects from a Young Miko to Alejandro Sanz, to Pepe Aguilar. And I don’t see that all the time. I think it It is very unique and special, her footprint in the Latin music industry. And I think that she has a lot of respect from generations of artists, from the new ones to the icons,” DeVillegas adds about this experience.
In the live music performances and entertainment industry, many elements come together, and numerous details are meticulously managed behind each concert, tour and festival. In an interview with Billboard, Jose “Chepe” shared his insights into the behind-the-scenes process of creating captivating experiences and memorable moments.
Photoshoot “Chepe” for Julián Gil
Jose “Chepe” DeVillegas
Who was the first celebrity you photographed?
I always tell people my godfather in this is Julián Gil. I didn’ t know much about his career because the last soap opera I saw was “Marimar.” So, I know that he did several soap operas, but I never saw any of them. But during the very high political time in Puerto Rico in 2019, I was always seeing him all the time, you know, on social media, on YouTube. Then I heard that they were having a play in Orlando and I told the promoters because at that time I was already taking the market in Orlando and I told them, look, when you see this figure, I want to be the photographer because I know they are very strong.
So, they gave me access to everything and every time they wanted to see the camera, they paused and I said, “Ah, this one does like the camera.” Then he approached me because he suddenly looked at me like, I didn’ t approach him or anything. This is a strategy that I’ ve always had. Kind of like mirroring the client. If they talk to you, you talk to them.
So, Julián approached me and said: “I want to see the photos.” And I showed him the pictures on my camera. It was a play that he did. So, after the play, he came up to me and asked me. So, I showed him, and he said, ‘ Wow, so good.’ Send it. I said, ‘ Okay, great.’ So, I sent it to him. Right away, he started following me. And he posted the pictures right away and tagged me. And after that he took me to every station in Orlando, every TV station, introduced me to everybody as his friend and photographer.
Jose “Chepe” DeVillegas
How difficult is it to gain trust in the industry?
I know there are many, many better than me. But I know I’m only one, you know? I’ m my own, there’ s nobody else like me. And I like connecting with people to the, depending, you know, on how far that can, they allow or the connection that we have together. I’ m interested in showing people what they want to show the people. And I want to protect their image. And I think when the artist realizes that, that you don’ t want to harm them, they lower their guards.
So, I try to make them feel good and I see how they flow and I, you know, I can adapt. And I respect them and I, you know, and I make sure I get respect.
Who have been your biggest inspirations?
A lot of photographers that maybe were getting the jobs that I wanted hmm and two of them that I kept coming up a lot was Alex Tamargo and his dad and his brother; they all work in the industry. So, I would see, if you know, see a great photo, it would say ‘Photo by Alex Tamargo’ all the time. And I tried to follow him. And I remember I would write him stories and say, oh, man. Okay, I’ m going to work with you. Your photos are great. He was really kind. And then the same was with Omar Cruz. Let’ s say, people in Español magazine or like Charitin will post a throwback photo that was iconic. It will always say Omar Cruz.
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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Grupo Marca Registrada, Evo Luxury 2 (RB Music)
If the album’s title isn’t enough indication that Grupo Marca Registrada is in their evolution era, then the album’s tracks will. Led by singer-songwriter Fidel Castro, Marca Registrada has released what can be considered their most eclectic album yet. Evo, short for evolución (or evolution) includes “Bugatti Chiron,” a piercing norteña, with the accordion as its protagonist, that has characterized the Mexican band’s sound for years. But Castro doesn’t box himself or the band in just norteño. “BW” is a departure from Bugatti with requintos leading the way, for a more tumbado approach. “En El Audi” is a standout with Castro’s light and airy vocals singing over an EDM-tinged pop track, showcasing his experimental side.
Throughout Evo, Marca Registrada winds through corridos about lavish lifestyles, ominous characters like Bruce Wayne and heartbreak. The eclectic album reflects a wider trend, as young Mexican and Mexican-American hitmakers prove Mexican music is global, no longer just regional. Still, even as Marca Registrada expands into new, more versatile, territory, their essence remains música Mexicana. — GRISELDA FLORES
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Alemán & Gera MX, Rich Mafia, Vol. 1. (Sony Music Entertainment México)
With a brash clash of electrifying beats and potent lyricism, Mexican rappers Alemán and Gera MX unite for a collaborative album in Rich Mafia, Vol. 1. Fueled with trailblazing rap virtuosity, the 12-track album feels like a grand celebration, a reunion sprinkled with stardust, proving that their eight-year absence from sharing the stage (since the “Sin Perder el Tiempo” era), only honed their edge rather than blunted it.
The Baja Californa Sur and Nuevo León rappers throw down lines brimming with bravado and sharp imagery, invoking personas to exemplify their night-prowling, unapologetic styles.The focus track, “Como Pacman,” encapsulates the themes of the entire album — audacious, relentless, and packed with clever pop culture references that hit as hard as the beats accompanying them.
“Bendición” featuring C. Tangana and “Cabo Girl” with Leonel García infuse the album with a cross-genre appeal that broadens their scope beyond hardcore rap; then their electro-corridos fusion alongside Junior H with “Close Friends,” featuring Cozy Cuz, only adds a more genre-varied listening experience. “L.A. Baby” spits out a nostalgic, electro-funk-styled beat that transports you back. Alemán and Gera MX don’t just occupy the throne of Mexican rap, they invite the entire genre to level up with them. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Kany García & Rawayana, “La Culpa” (5020 Records)
The flavor of Puerto Rico and Venezuela come together in this fusion of plena and other Caribbean rhythms that denounces shared social problems — such as the fragility of the electrical systems and other public services — with the characteristic joy and passion of the region. “I only went out because it’s f—ing tough that the power is out/ And I went asking for a little bit of rum to be anesthetized,” García sings while Beto from Rawayana adds with grace that “in the Caribbean we make love without light and without water.” “La Culpa” is, undeniably, a deliciously portrayed social critique. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Ha*Ash & Elena Rose, “A Las 12 Te Olvidé” (Sony Music México)
Sister duo Ha*Ash and singer-songwriter Elena Rose join forces on this beautiful country-tinged ballad about a past love that returns when it’s too late. With heartfelt lyrics — like “Before I would have wanted you to fight for me, not fight with me/ You were the one who left such an unbearable silence/ And now I am the one to blame” — “A Las 12 Te Olvidé” gives the three singers the space to shine separately, while also offering some enjoyable vocal harmonies. It’s part of Ha*Ash’s new album, Haashville, released on Thursday (Oct. 31) with the premiere of this new single. — S.R.A.
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
Cazzu is clearing things up and speaking for the first time about Christian Nodal and Ángela Aguilar‘s relationship. In an interview with Argentina’s PLP, the singer and rapper said she found out about Nodal and Aguilar “like everyone else did, through social media and the press,” Cazzu shared.
The Argentine hitmaker’s words come just a few weeks after Aguilar sat down with ABC News, during which she spoke out about how her relationship was set into motion over the summer when the couple tied the knot in July — two months after the 25-year-old Nodal announced his breakup from Argentine rapper Cazzu, with whom he shares a daughter. During the interview, the regional Mexican star said categorically, “No one’s heart got broken. We have a clear consciousness. We’re all OK, we’re all happy, we’re adults.”
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Now, Cazzu is speaking for herself, and setting the record straight. “I was not aware they had a previous relationship,” she explained. “When he left me, he left me for a different reason. I even asked if there was someone else and he said no. I found out about their relationship like everyone else did, through same media and the press, I was obviously surprised because I had met her. I thought it wasn’t true, but it turned out that it was.”
When Nodal and Aguilar confirmed in June they were a couple, Aguilar told HOLA! magazine that theirs was “not a new relationship; it’s continuation of a story that life made us pause so we could grow and miss each other.”
Cazzu goes on to explain that she didn’t do anything at that moment because “there was nothing to do. I’m not going to ask anyone to stay in my life who doesn’t want to be part of my life — I just accepted it.”
The “Mucha Data” singer said she was almost “obligated” to speak on the matter after “shots were fired,” and she was spoken for on different occasions.
“For me this is such a private subject, so painful that I would have liked to never say anything, but my integrity as a person is being questioned. I would never be part of such a twisted plan as the one suggested, and they also talked about my feelings — someone who does not know me, who does not know what I went through. They said that no one’s heart was broken and that no one suffered — I suffered a lot and more than one heart was broken. It was a painful process. I handled it with respect above all because I have a daughter who has a father who will always be her father, but I want to set an example for her that when things cross a line, you have to set limits.”
She added, “The only one authorized to talk about my emotional situation is me. Do not lie about me, do not talk about my feelings, do not talk about me anymore, please. I would like to be in peace, just as I let things happen in peace.”
Following Cazzu’s interview going viral on social media, Nodal reiterated on Instagram Live that “there was no infidelity” and that he had a “clear consciousness.”
Watch Cazzu’s interview below:
With an electrifying roar that resonated in every corner, Carin León took over Madrid’s WiZink Center, marking his historic debut in Spain. Part of his Boca Chueca Tour, the show not only marked the Mexican star’s first performance in Europe but also broke records: With an audience of 17,426 people, it surpassed Metallica’s mark set in 2018, becoming the event with the highest attendance of the more than 1,200 concerts held at the venue.
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The atmosphere at the WiZink was unique, transformed into a 360-degree Palenque style, with spectators surrounding the arena like in a boxing ring, an unprecedented layout for this Madrid venue. Among the attendees were music stars such as Vanesa Martín, India Martínez, C. Tangana, and Ximena Sariñana, as well as the legendary soccer player Sergio Ramos, all witnesses of a night in which Mexican and Spanish music intertwined for two and a half hours of pure spectacle.
From the beginning, León’s excitement about being in Madrid was palpable. “I’ve always said it: the second place I would go after Hermosillo is Madrid,” he confessed, making clear the special place this city holds in his heart. One of the first surprises of the night was the live performance of “Recorrerte,” a song in collaboration with Sen Senra that he described as “sexy,” managing to arouse the audience’s emotions. The song, which has not yet been officially released, will be part of the Galician artist’s album PO2054AZ, VOL. II of the Galician artist, scheduled for release on November 15.
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One of the most emotional moments of the night came with the presence of his great friend and mentor, Álex Ubago, with whom León shared a special bond since he invited him to his birthday party in San Carlos, Sonora last July. Together they performed two of Ubago’s classics, “A Gritos de Esperanza” and “¿Qué Pides Tú?,” in a tribute to the influence that Spanish music has had on the Sonoran’s career. “What a dream to share with the artists I admire, long live Spain and long live its artists and music,” exclaimed León, visibly moved.
The connection between the two artists was reinforced with a dedication by León to those affected in Valencia by the DANA (a meteorological phenomenon that usually causes heavy rains and recently caused a tragedy in the region). “Life is sometimes very uncertain and very unfair. I want to dedicate this concert to the people of Valencia,” he said, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. “More than a minute of silence, I want an eternity of joy. Long live Valencia and this song goes with much affection and respect,” he added before performing “Vida Pasada.”
After singing “Por Culpa De Un Tercero”, the venue rumbled with the arrival of another of the stars of the night: Pablo Alborán. Together they performed “Viaje a Ningún Lado” in a duet that showed their mutual respect and admiration. “This man is a bully, how you sing!” joked León, to which Alborán responded with a wink: “For me, being together on stage in Madrid, there is no better place.” In this musical communion, the artists gave each other another joint performance, “De Piedra a Papel”, which became one of the most acclaimed moments of the evening.
Among the special guests was also Omar Montes, who performed with León the song “Ron con Coca” and, in a tone of admiration, said: “How proud of you, Carin León, who comes to Spain and breaks more than the Spaniards. You deserve all the good things that are happening to you.”
The night progressed with a series of hits, such as “Que Vuelvas,” “Talento de Televisión,” “Tóxico” and “Aviso Importante.” But the energy reached another level with the arrival of Manuel Carrasco. Together, they performed their collaboration “No Me Llores”, as well as a little-known gem by Carrasco that the Mexican himself asked him to sing, “Yo Te Vi Pasar,” which reflected the palpable chemistry between the two artists. “I’m delighted in front of so many beautiful people at your party. Let’s enjoy, brother,” exclaimed Carrasco, infecting the audience with his enthusiasm.
The musical display continued with a surprising version of Enrique Urquijo’s classic “Aunque Tú No lo Sepas,” to which León added his unique style. And, to close the night, the León could not leave out one of his most beloved anthems, “Primera Cita,” which sealed a spectacular debut in the Spanish capital.
“More than faith, I’m sure there will be more dates like this one,” anticipated León, before saying goodbye.
The next destination of his Boca Chueca Tour is London, this Sunday, November 3, followed by Amsterdam and Paris, on November 4 and 5, respectively.
Jennifer Lopez introduced Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at a rally in Las Vegas on Thursday night (Oct. 31), imploring the audience to take a hard look at the stark differences between the sitting Vice President and twice impeached former President Donald Trump.
“At Madison Square Garden, he reminded us who he really is and how he really feels,” Lopez said of Trump in reference to his rally at MSG on Sunday in which a comedian told a succession of racist and sexist jokes, including one in which he referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”
“It wasn’t just Puerto Ricans who were offended that day, OK? It was every Latino in this country, it was humanity and anyone of decent character,” said Lopez, who endorsed Harris this week. The offensive comment from the comedian who also made an off-color joke about the O.J. Simpson murders tied to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, set up more than a dozen other opening speakers who warmed up the crowd for Trump with equally offensive comments. One referred to Democrats as “degenerates… low-lives [and] Jew-haters,” while fired Fox News host Tucker Carlson purposely misstated Harris’ heritage by calling her the “first Samoan Malaysian low IQ, former California prosecutor to ever be elected President.”
The Puerto Rico slur, in particular, drove endorsements for Harris from Lopez, as well as P.R. natives Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin and Luis Fonsi. Nicky Jam, who was born in Massachusetts to a P.R.-native father, withdrew his previous endorsement of Trump to throw in with the Harris/Walz campaign amid the wave of anger over the slur about the U.S. territory whose 3.2 million residents are U.S. citizens, but who cannot vote in elections. Lopez stressed that she was not on stage supporting Harris at the event in the crucial swing state “to trash anyone or bring them down.”
But with just days before Tuesday’s (Nov. 5) election, the singer explained, “I know what that can feel like and I wouldn’t do it to my worst enemy, or even when facing the biggest adversary I think America has internally ever had,” in reference to convicted felon Trump, who has vowed to use the engines of presidential power to take vengeance on his political enemies if re-elected. “But over Kamala Harris’ entire career, she has proven to us who she is. She has shown up for us every day, for the people. And it’s time for us to show up for her.”
Lopez noted that her parents were born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York before she was born, saying, “We are Americans. I am a mother. I am a sister. I am an actor and an entertainer and I like Hollywood endings. I like when the good guy, or in this case the good girl, wins. And with an understanding of our past and a faith in our future, I will be casting my ballot for Kamala Harris for president of the United States proudly.”
She also added, “You can’t even spell American without ‘Rican.”
Pollsters continue to call the contest between Harris and former reality TV host Trump a toss-up, which might also explain why Harris invited Lopez and Mexican rock band Maná — who performed at Thursday’s rally — to join her in a state where Latinos represent around 30% of the population; across the country an estimated 36.2 million Latinos are eligible to vote this year. Earlier in the day, Los Tigres del Norte performed at a Harris rally in Phoenix.
While Lopez and Harris were encouraging people to vote, Trump staged a stunt in Green Bay, WI in which he dressed up like a garbage collector in an orange vest and drove in circles on an airport tarmac in a Trump-branded garbage truck. His campaign said it was in an effort to call attention to a video of President Biden saying “the only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter,” which the White House later clarified was a reference to the other speakers at Trump’s rally.
“His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American. It’s totally contrary to everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been,” Biden added.
Check out video and photos of Lopez at the Harris campaign below.
Greeicy has reeled in Kapo for the official “A Veces A Besos (Remix)” out today (Oct. 31). The highly-anticipated collaboration comes four months after Greeicy unleashed the original track in mid-June. Both the original and remix are helmed by Latin Grammy-winning producer Ovy on the Drums. “A Veces A Besos,” which translates to “sometimes with […]
Luis Miguel has new dates for the concerts in Mexico City that he postponed last week due to unspecified health problems. The Mexico City Arena, marketed as Arena CDMX, informed fans on Thursday (Oct. 31) that the shows will now occur on Dec. 8 and 10. The first date (Dec. 8) will replace the Oct. 23 and […]
Vice President Kamala Harris is looking to secure Latino votes from battleground states, including Nevada, where she’s participating in a Las Vegas rally Thursday night (Oct. 31) with Mexican rock band Maná performing. The Harris-Walz campaign also confirmed that Jennifer Lopez will be in attendance, where she is set to speak about the importance of voting.
“These artists and public figures are trusted voices for millions of Americans, who listen to their music, follow them on social media, or otherwise are inspired by them,” the campaign said in a press release. “The Harris-Walz campaign believes that by using their voices to lay out the stakes of this election, it will further encourage and mobilize people to go vote.”
With five days until Election Day on Tuesday (Nov. 5), Nevada, considered a swing state, is expected to play a decisive role in the presidential election. Latinos represent about 30% of Nevada’s population and, across the country, an estimated 36.2 million Latinos are eligible to vote this year, up from 32.3 million in 2020, according to the Pew Research Center.
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Maná has a long history of using their platform to encourage Latino voters to make their voices heard during U.S. presidential elections. They’ve also denounced Donald Trump’s racist rhetoric since he launched his first presidential campaign back in 2015, when the Republican candidate called Mexicans “rapists” and “criminals.” During their Latin Grammys performance that year, Maná, along with Los Tigres del Norte, pulled out a banner that said “Latinos, united, don’t vote for the racists.”
This time around, they’re being just as vigilant. After Nicky Jam endorsed Donald Trump in September — the reggaetón star has since withdrawn his support — Maná removed its 2016 reimagining of “De Pies a Cabeza,” a collab with Nicky, from streaming services, explaining that the group didn’t “work with racists.”
With their performance in Las Vegas on Thursday night, Maná doubles down on their efforts to secure the win for the Democratic ticket. Earlier Thursday, Los Tigres del Norte performed at a Harris rally in Phoenix.
Below, watch the rally in Nevada, where Lopez will speak and Maná will perform:
Karol G tallies a seventh consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart as “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” rules the Oct. 26-dated ranking. The song lengthens the third-longest command in 2024, following the 11-week coronation by Valentino Merlo and The La Planta’s “Hoy” and Mesita, Nicki Nicole, Tiago PZK and […]