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Latin

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You could understand why Chayanne was a little nervous. The Puerto Rican superstar was about to formally release the aptly-titled Bailemos otra vez (Let’s Dance Again, out Oct. 27 on Sony U.S. Latin), his first studio album in nine years. In anticipation, he was going to sit for a live Q&A in Miami before an audience of press from the U.S. and Latin America.

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“It’s like coming to see a girlfriend, that’s how nervous I am!” he said with a shy smile as he took his seat onstage. “It always feels like the first time. It’s not bad nerves, but it’s about wanting to do a good job.”

At 55 years old, dressed in a sharp blue suit and starched white shirt that clung to his athletic frame, Chayanne looked youthful and handsome, still the definition of a heartthrob with his gleaming smile and self-effacing, confident charm.

“We all wanted to have your children, Chayanne,” one reporter said loudly, to collective laughter.  t’s the kind of reaction Chayanne still elicits when he shows up somewhere or performs: Grandmothers, mothers, daughters and granddaughters all melt at his feet.  

“I see four generations in my shows. I’m full of gratitude,” he said. Now that his album is finally out, he’s ready to give back with a region-wide tour of North and South America.

“We are planning for next year,” he said, adding quickly that a launch month wasn’t set yet. But a set list is already in the works. “For me a show is in the present; it’s not the past or the future. So it will have a lot of the new album: “Bailemos otra vez,” “Necesito un Segundo,” maybe “Bailando bachata.” I’ve been thinking about it, but I haven’t told anyone yet.”

Chayanne’s last studio album, 2014’s En todo estaré, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart at a time when pop albums dominated the chart. But the release of Bailemos has coincided with the start of a resurgence for pop (and romance).

The album is signature Chayanne in its inclusion of up-tempo, Latin dance fare like the title track and the single “Bailando Bachata,” which topped Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, as well as romantic cut-your-veins ballads like “De tanto,” with special attention paid to beautifully-crafted lyrics and tasteful arrangements with a contemporary edge (listen to the free-form slow intro of “Bailemos”). Chayanne has also managed to dabble into other genres; aside from “Bailando bachata,” his new single is the poignant ranchera-tinged  “Necesito un Segundo,” written with a stellar cast of songwriters: Edgar Barrera, Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo.

“Romantic songs will always exist and that’s what I’ve devoted my career to,” he said. “I think it’s fantastic to release it as a body of work.”

Do you believe in signs? I was told you saw something different this morning while you had breakfast before coming here…

You touched my sentimental vein. There was an eagle poised by the pool at home. They represent messages from people who maybe aren’t with you anymore, so I remembered my mother, who died 14 years ago. When I talk about her, it’s not to get melancholy, but as a reflection of all the happiness with what I’ve done all this time with my life; how blessed I am and all the beautiful things that have happened.

The focus track is “Necesito un Segundo.” Tell us about it?

It’s a medium tempo track. I’ve gone my entire life to Mexico, a country that embraced me from my first time there. And I’ve always sung ranchera, mariachi, I’ve performed mariachi in shows, even if I hadn’t recorded it in an album. But the liberty that pop gives to do fusions with other genres allowed us to flirt this time with Mexican music. It’s a tough song about a split. That line, “Tu no eres pa’ tanto y yo no soy tan poco” (You’re not that much and I’m not that little), it’s tough!  It’s the kind of song I haven’t lived but I love to sing.

I feel like in this album you got more involved with the writing and the production than in the past. Is that correct?

I was involved in the entire process. I had the opportunity and the time. It’s the first time I’ve ever stopped in my life. The pandemic allowed me to do something I hand’t done before: Be at home. I joke that the dog finally got to know me! I was always or recording an album, or touring, or doing a film or a series. I had never actually stopped working.

And team Sony has always been by my side. I’m a label artist. Afo [Verde, chairan of Sony] has always been with me. Rafa [Arcaute]. I want to mention all of them. I was able to be with the producers and the arrangers and explain where I found myself, and how happy I am with everything I’ve received. You get up every morning, and as my father says, the sun comes out, no matter what happens.

You talk a lot about the pandemic. During that stay at home time, did you think about retiring?

No. But I did think carefully about the next step. It was like starting again. Baby steps. That’s where my team came in and the many conversations I had with Afo.

In two sentences, describe this album.

Organic. From the heart. It’s been done with a lot of emotion and excitement. It’s a thank you to everyone for all they’ve given me, because you can’t buy what you receive, and I’ve received so much. It’s a responsibility.

You’ve told me before that when you record songs, you’re already thinking how they’ll work on stage. Are you kicking off your tour with “Bailemos otra vez?”

We’re planning the tour for next year. We don’t know the month yet, but we’re building the stage, the concept, preparing. A show for me is the present. You’re not thinking of the past or the future, so it will have a lot of the album in it.

You recently played sets in two different shows. What had you missed about being onstage?

Being onstage and receiving all that love, is something you can’t describe. It’s like your life flashing before your eyes, because it has been my life. I’m a professional, but that person is the human being who’s dedicated his life to music, with hope. Being onstage and receiving that from people is beautiful.

As an artist and a family man, you appear to be exceptionally balanced. What do you do for your mental health? What has helped you?

We have a family chat with my siblings and my dad. And even though I always talk about my immediate family, I can also mention the pyramid [of people] we’ve created based on core values and beliefs; on being as healthy as possible, realizing no one is perfect, that you learn from your mistakes. All of that is in the conversation more than in the volume of the conversation. That’s it. Talking to each other, being thankful and being in harmony and peace. I think that’s what’s helped me live my day to day both personally and professionally.

Day of the Dead, celebrated Nov. 1-2, is one of the oldest traditions in Mexico and a beloved holiday where the community commemorates the deceased with offerings, altars, and more. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Often associated with sugar skulls, visits to the graveyards, and colorful altars, […]

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Unlike Un Verano Sin Ti, which was an album about being in love and the best summers in Puerto Rico, the lyrical content in Bad Bunny’s Nadie Sabe Que Va A Pasar Mañana is about the downfalls, the wins, the life lessons.

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A true testament is the focus track “Monaco.”

Backed by elegant violin and piano melodies (as heard in Charles Aznavour’s 1964 song “Hier Encore”), the classy trap song is about being the best in the game and having no comparison. He chants about his luxurious lifestyle and having famous friends like Leonardo DiCaprio while sending a clear message to the haters.

“Monaco” is currently No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.

Below, check out the complete lyrics translated into English.

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Tell me, ey, tell me, this is what you wanted?I’m classy, this is gallery trapYou’re joke, Rocky “The Kid”, a piece of crapI am a champion, Rocky Marciano, Rocky Balboa, Rocky MaiviaI have the route, I have the lane, yes, I have the laneI spend at nighttime, make money all daySo much money that I spend thatI like to be used, that’s why I do it with all these harpiesYou don’t know what it’s like to be on the high seas with two hundred womenThat the stewardess suck your **** in the skyWhat it’s like to throw five hundred’ thousand in the stripclubThat’s why your opinion matters zero to meThat’s why you are 101 in the top 100 and I am firstThey are no longer a rapper, now they are a podcasterMy barber is charging more than youF***ing and traveling around the world

Drinking lots of champagne, we’re never dryFirst Verstappen arrived, then Checo arrivedIf Pablo saw me, he would say I’m a badassYou’re talking crap and me and my people are in MonacoDrinking lots of champagne, we’re never dryYou’re talking alone, talking with their echoThe money sign is my new zodiac signLight up a cigar, the family is in Monaco

Believe me, the F1 cars are faster in personSofia Vergara is beautiful but she’s more beautiful in personWhat you do doesn’t impress meIt’s like making a goal after Messi and MaradonaThey don’t even know you in your neighborhoodI was with LeBron and DiCaprio yesterdayThey asked me about my stadium tourWe talked about the family and topics of millionairesI mean, multimillionaire, I mean, billionaireIt’s been a while since I’ve cared about the radioA while ago I stepped out of trap, and left it to Eladio [Carrion]

Dear Diary,Today I got deposited, was nominated to the GrammysThey criticized me again, and I didn’t careI’m relaxed doing my thingDon Vito, Don Beno, of The Beatles John LennonWhen I die, I’m going to leave 100 land to my grandkidsTo all my girls, their butts and boobs doneAnd to my hater, a F40 without the breaks

For what? So they crash and dieRed, white, or matte black, which do you want?For what? So they crash and dieR.I.P., I continue in the yacht

Drinking lots of champagne, we’re never dryFirst Verstappen arrived, then Checo arrivedIf Pablo saw me, he would say I’m a badassYou’re talking crap and me and my people are in MonacoDrinking lots of champagne, we’re never dryYou’re talking alone, talking with their echoThe money sign is my new zodiac signLight up a blunt, the family is in Monaco

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More than halfway through Carlos Vives’ sold-out show at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Saturday (Oct. 28), the very loud audience — which had been on its feet for nearly an hour — suddenly got even louder during the Colombian singer’s rendition of “La Bicicleta,” his 2017 hit with fellow Colombian star Shakira.
Vives, clearly thinking it was in response to his urging crowd participation during a musical interlude, moved forward, waving his arms. With his back turned to the giant screen on the back of the stage, he missed the real cause of the commotion, as Shakira stepped on stage from the back entrance and started singing a part of the chorus. Still unaware, Vives turned toward his band, and did a visible double-take when he saw Shakira inches from him.

His first reaction was to run away from Shakira. Then he ran toward her. She pulled his arm. They hugged. They danced as a couple Colombian style. “He didn’t expect it!” a delighted Shakira told the crowd. “You didn’t expect it!” she told Vives.

He didn’t. The truly surprise appearance had been hatched just the night before between Shakira and tour promoter Loud and Live, and kept a total secret save for a handful of people in production. Shakira, now living in Miami, was approached to see if she might be interested in singing with Vives during his important Miami stop. Yes, but keeping it a secret. And so it was.

With no rehearsal or soundcheck, Shakira arrived to the Kaseya when Vives was already well into his set, posting live video on her Instagram feed where she delightedly told fans what she was going to do. Dressed in sparkly loose jeans and a crop top, she sang with Vives, then stayed on stage for an extra song as he serenaded her.

“Surprising my brother Carlos Vives onstage tonight,” Shakira wrote on her Instagram, to which Vives replied a few hours later: “Shak. I can retire. Now, chao. I leave happy. Nothing tops this. You made me the happiest man. I love you. WHAT A SURPRISE.

It was an exquisite moment for an exquisite night. Vives’ show in Miami, home to a huge Colombian diaspora and where he sometimes has spent months at a time, was as expected, a sell-out. The show, part of his El Tour de los 30, which celebrates the 30 years since the release of his turning-point album Clásicos de la Provincia, has included a free, massive show in Madrid’s Puerta de Alacalá and will culminate with a show in Colombia’s Estadio El Campín in December.

Watch the Shakira-Vives moment on Instagram below.

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.

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Eslabon & Gabito on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Eslabon Armado made its late-night TV debut this week on Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. The renowned Música Mexicana group was joined by Gabito Ballesteros—also his first time on Fallon—to perform their hit collaboration “La Fresa.” “‘The Tonight Show’ is one of the top shows in the entire country, and I’ve grown up watching the show since I was a kid,” frontman Pedro Tovar said in a statement. “I’ve always seen the biggest stars be on the show, and being able to perform on the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon is a major milestone crossed in our career.” Their performance comes on the heels of Eslabon’s performance on Good Morning America, where they made history as the first Musica Mexicana group on the show. Watch their performance on Fallon Tonight below: 

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Pipe Bueno Pops the Big Question

After many years of dating, Pipe Bueno and Luisa Fernanda W announced their engagement this week. The Colombian power couple—he’s a pioneer in the música popular genre and she’s a famed social media influencer—shared photos and videos of their special proposal that took place at the Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai. “Yes a million times,” Fernanda expressed on Instagram. “I love you infinitely, only God knows these hearts and knows why he brought us together to share this beautiful life. I love you Andrés Giraldo (Pipe’s real name).” Fernanda and Pipe, known for hits such as “Entre Botellas” with Grupo Firme and “Tequila” with Maluma, have two children together. 

Pipe Bueno & Luisa Fernanda

Santiago Agudelo

A Supportive Husband

Other lovebirds who made headlines this week are Lele Pons and Guaynaa. Pons, who’s currently a competitor in ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, shared a piece of her latest dance number on social media, where she and dance partner Brandon Armstrong are dancing to the 90’s ballad “I’ll Stand By You.” “This dance is about feeling lost and finding someone who lifts you up and stands by you! My favorite dance by far!” she said of the contemporary dance. “This is one of my favorite parts of the choreography,” she added, sharing the ending of the presentation where her husband and Puerto Rican artist, Guaynaa, meets her in the dance floor, hands her a red rose, and kisses her.

Latin Artists at the 2023 BBMAs

Many Latin artists are finalists at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, presented by Marriott Bonvoy and set for Sunday, Nov. 19. The top Latin finalists are Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma with six nominations each, followed by Eslabon Armado and Karol G with five. The four acts are finalists in the top Latin artist and top Latin albums categories alongside Fuerza Regida in the former, and Fuerza and Ivan Cornejo in the latter category. Other Latin finalists include Shakira, Grupo Frontera, Yng Lvcas, and many more. Overall, Taylor Swift leads the pack as a finalist in 20 categories. You can click here to see the full list. 

A Bichota Initiative

Karol G continues to give back to her fans and community, and this time, she’s joined by professional race car driver Tatiana “Tata” Calderón. In benefit of the singer’s Con Cora Foundation, “Tata” will be donating a replica of the helmet she wore at the 2022 Formula 2 for an auction. Designed by the Con Cora Foundation and signed by Karol G herself, the “symbolizes the unity and success of women who, through their hard work, are positively influencing the lives of many more women,” according to a press statement. Currently on display at the paddock of the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix 2023, the helmet is designed with Karol signature barbed heart, a butterfly representing “Tata,” and the Colombian flag. The auction will take place from November 17 to 30 on the Bonhams Cars platform.