State Champ Radio

by DJ Frosty

Current track

Title

Artist

Current show
blank

State Champ Radio Mix

12:00 am 12:00 pm

Current show
blank

State Champ Radio Mix

12:00 am 12:00 pm


Latin

Page: 186

The 24th Latin Grammy Week celebrations continue in Seville, Spain, with a unique tribute to Flamenco in The Plaza España on Monday (Nov. 13). Among the celebrities that assisted the gala were Anitta, Danna Paola, David Bisbal, Juanes, Lola Índigo, Pablo LĂłpez and more.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“Flamenco Is Universal” was held during the Santalucía Universal Music Week, where more than 130 artists gathered to perform and create an audiovisual work.

JesĂșs LĂłpez, the Chairman and CEO of Universal Latin America and Iberian Peninsula, kicked off the evening with a powerful speech that resonated with the audience. He highlighted that Spanish music has traveled far and wide across the globe and stated unequivocally that flamenco, a proud national legacy, is indeed a universal art form.

Jesus Lopez

“Flamenco is a way of living, it is a way of expressing yourself, it is a way of behaving in life, it has many connotations, UNESCO declares it an intangible heritage of humanity. It is a music that is highly discussed because the purists want it to be one way. Still, today, a young generation is fusing flamenco with hip-hop, with reggaeton, with electronic music, and that shows you that flamenco is more alive than ever,” López told Billboard during the red carpet.

At the red carpet event, David Bisbal, Vanessa Martin, Pablo López, and other emerging pop flamenco artists such as Lola Índigo, spoke to Billboard to express how significant it is for them to share their folkloric music traditions with the world and what it means to them.

The evening began with a performance by Rosario, the daughter of the iconic Lola Flores. The artists graced the stage for almost four hours, starting with a beautiful rendition of Granaínas by Doña Carmen Linares, who was awarded the Latin GRAMMY of Honor in 2023.

All the flamenco families were seated in the front row: CamarĂłn’s sons and widow, Paco de LucĂ­a’s daughters and his widow, La Farruca surrounded by her children, and the Morente family. All of them attended with admiration for the tributes to their sagas, brought to the stage by Tomatito, la Macanita, Niño Josele, Rancapino Chico, Pedro El GranaĂ­no or Marina Heredia, among others. Vicente Soto with his daughter Lela took Jerez to the stage; Dorantes played the piano for Alba Molina to pay tribute to her parents; and Lole and Manuel, and the Morente family (Estrella and Kiki), backed by their usual lineup, paid a heartfelt tribute to Enrique, whose voice was heard in his immortal Omega.

At the halfway point of the gala, Sara Baras appeared with her tribute to Carmen Amaya, who left the audience stunned after the cante and toque that characterized the first part of the show. She was followed by Israel Fernåndez and Diego del Morao, who paid tribute to the Niña de los Peines.

The president of the Junta de la Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, the mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, Sebastiån Yatra, Juanes, Anitta, David Bisbal, Manuel Carrasco, Danna Paola, Lola Indigo, Pablo López, Joaquina, Greeicy, Vanesa Martín, Pastora Soler, Los Morancos, Nati Abascal, Morat, Antonio Carmona, TimÞ, Boris Izaguirre and a long eclectic list of personalities of music, acting, journalism and culture enjoyed a special sound: the flamenco.

Held for the first time outside the United States, the annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain, on Nov. 16 on Univision starting at 8 p.m. ET, UniMås and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Danna Paola, Sebastiån Yatra, Roselyn Sånchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.

In the midst of their Soy Rebelde Tour, RBD is getting their own Barbie dolls. 
The news was shared on the Barbie instagram page on Monday (Nov. 13), where the dolls were officially unveiled. “¡Y soy Rebelde! Pop stardom meets pop culture icons with the special edition RBD x Barbie dolls,” read the caption. 

The collector’s Barbie dolls — which are available in a set of five or sold individually as Rebelde characters Mia (Anahí), Roberta (Dulce Maria) and Lupita (Maite Perroni) — commemorate the Mexican group’s triumph comeback after a 15-year hiatus. In true RBD fashion, the dolls are decked out in emblematic concert outfits or their signature Elite Way school uniform. Mia, for example, comes with a star sticker on the forehead and Roberta with her distinct cherry-red locks.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Furthermore, the official Barbie website states “Barbie is celebrating RBD’s reunion with a set of five dolls ready to take the stage! Roberta, Mia, Lupita, Diego and Giovanni wear outfits that pop with their personality and style. The clothes are trendy, the accessories cool and the hair spot on! Fans of the popular pop-rock music group and Rebelde telenovela will love the instant collection of the beloved group. Dolls cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.” 

News of the Barbie dolls come just days after a wave of MĂșsica Mexicana acts — including Calibre 50, Chiquis, Banda Carnaval, Banda Los Sebastianes and Los Socios del Ritmo, among others — teamed up for Somos Rebeldes, a 15 track-set with reimagined versions of “SĂłlo QuĂ©date en Silencio,” “QuĂ© Hay DetrĂĄs” and “SĂĄlvame.”

“I think that people connect with us because each one of us is so different, but we’re a family,” band member Christopher von Uckermann previously said at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week. “We know each other. We understand each other without having to speak. We are family and that is something you can feel.”

Fans can pre-order the RBD Barbie dolls here.

The 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Week commenced its festivities in Seville, Spain on Sunday (Nov. 12) with the Special Awards presentation. The honorees of the evening included esteemed figures such as Carmen Linares, Mijares, Arturo Sandoval, Simone, Soda Stereo, Ana Torroja, Alex Acuña, Gustavo Santaolalla, and Wisón Torres, all recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Latin music landscape.

“We are extremely honored for the opportunity to recognize these great figures of Ibero-America, whose musical legacy continues to inspire new generations,” Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud said of the 2023 honorees.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is granted to artists who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in the field of Latin music. This year, the honorees include Spanish singer-songwriter Carmen Linares, renowned for her profound grasp of flamenco; Mexican artist Mijares, after spending three decades in the industry scoring international hits; and Arturo Sandoval, a Cuban-American trumpeter and co-founder of the groundbreaking group Irakere, who has displayed his versatility in Latin jazz and classical composition.

Also recognized were the iconic Argentine rock group Soda Stereo; Brazilian singer Simone, who left an indelible mark on the MPB movement with her prolific discography; and Ana Torroja, the voice of the Spanish pop trio Mecano, who embarked on a successful solo career and has experimented with a variety of musical styles.

The Trustees Awards are given to individuals who have made substantial contributions to Latin music beyond performance. This year’s winners were Argentine composer Gustavo Santaolalla, for his pioneering work in various genres, particularly Latin rock; Peruvian percussionist Alex Acuña, who left his mark on the tropical music scene; and Puerto Rican guitarist WisĂłn Torres, for his unique ability to arrange and harmonize vocal quartets, leaving a lasting impact on Latin American music throughout his more than 75-year career.

The honorees were celebrated during a private event in the Teatro Lope de Vega in Sevilla, Spain. Below are quotes and more information about the nine honorees.

Alex Acuña

Image Credit: Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for Latin Recording Academy

Warner Music Latina has appointed Brenda Carrasco as vp of marketing and artist strategy. According to the label, in her new role, Carrasco will be responsible for overseeing the marketing strategy and career development for Warner Music Latina’s roster — tasked with providing creative direction and tools for campaign development and setting short and long-term […]

Who will have a big night at the 2023 Latin Grammys? Each year, Billboard offers its analysis of who will win and who should win in the main categories (song of the year, record of the year, album of the year and best new artist).
This year, leading up to Latin Grammys on Thursday (Nov. 16), we’ve gathered our Latin editorial team and embarked on a lively discussion, with educated guesses based on the marketplace and past voting behavior (not endorsements). Our participants are Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer, Latin/Español; Jessica Roiz, assistant editor, Latin; Griselda Flores, senior writer, Latin; Ingrid Fajardo, social media manager & Latin’s staff writer; Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard Español’s deputy editor; and Isabela Raygoza, Billboard Español’s associate editor.

For the first time held outside the United States, the annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain on Nov. 16 on Univision starting at 8 p.m. ET, UniMås and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Danna Paola, Sebastiån Yatra, Roselyn Sånchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.

Here are our predictions:

“No Es Que Te Extrañe,” Christina Aguilera

“Carretera y Manta,” Pablo Alborán

“DĂ©jame Llorarte,” Paula Arenas Featuring JesĂșs Navarro

“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” Bizarrap Featuring Shakira

“Si TĂș Me Quieres,” Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra

“Mientras Me Curo Del Cora,” Karol G

“De Todas Las Flores,” Natalia Lafourcade

“Ojos Marrones,” Lasso

“La Fórmula,” Maluma & Marc Anthony

“Despechá,” Rosalía

“Correcaminos,” Alejandro Sanz Featuring Danny Ocean

Griselda Flores: I think Shakira and Bizarrap should win and will win. “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” is the perfect example of a song that should be up for record of the year, because this honors the producer and Bizarrap is super hot right now. Pair him up with Shakira, who’s had a massive year, and they double their chances of winning. They are two well-known names for voters, and because of that and because the production of this song is incomparable, it deserves to win. That music session also had a massive impact culturally — it was playing everywhere!

Leila Cobo: The Shakira Bizarrap session should win. I think that the way Bizarrap produced this track is really masterful — so is the way he produces every track for every artist, but what he did here, just like quoting her old songs and making the references that are both lyrical and musical, is so clever. He was able to read her. There’s a lot to discover in that song, and I think from a production standpoint, it was brilliantly done. It’s a great example of production and songwriting being done at the same time — you could almost see this whole thing being created before your eyes. However, I’m not sure it will win. Voters might go for Christina Aguilera’s “No Es Que Te Extrañe,” Pablo AlborĂĄn’s “Carretera y Manta” or Fonseca and Juan Luis Guerra’s “Si TĂș Me Quieres,” which is a beautiful song.

Sigal Ratner-Arias: I agree with you, Leila. I feel that Bizarrap’s song with Shakira stands out, because it’s so different and so original musically, in terms of the lyrics and how it’s put together. It’s very masterfully done, every detail of the song is perfect. On the other hand, I don’t know if it’s going to win, because it could go to “Si TĂș Me Quieres,” which is very beautiful. I re-listened to Lasso’s “Ojos Marrones” and I think it’s perfect pop from start to finish and beautifully produced. That has a chance, too.

Isabela Raygoza: Not to jump on the bandwagon but the Shakira-Bizarrap session is also my favorite, although I suspect the winner could be Natalia Lafourcade’s “De Todas Las Flores.” I think it’s such a beautiful recording. She’s a darling for the Latin Grammys and it was captured on analog tape and produced by Adan Jodorowsky, the French-Mexican producer, who is a fantastic musician. The live instruments and how the orchestration comes together really did it for me. I predict that song will win, but my favorite is Bizarrap and Shakira’s session.

Natalia Lafourcade performs in concert during Noches del BotĂĄnico Music Festival at Real JardĂ­n BotĂĄnico Alfonso XIII on July 8, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.

Jessica Roiz: I would love to see Shakira and Bizarrap take it, because it would make a statement given how powerful this song was when it dropped at the beginning of the year. However, I do have other favorites on this list that have grown on me musically. “La Formula” is one of those, because it has really good melodies — it’s not your typical salsa song, it has some urban in there. I feel that the Recording Academy noticed it too, and that’s why it’s on the list. But I also agree with Sigal about “Ojos Marrones.” I wouldn’t be mad if Lasso takes it.

Ingrid Fajardo: It would be nice if Shakira won, but I feel that it also might not go to her. I agree about “Ojos Marrones” having a big chance, but my favorite is Karol G’s “Mientras Me Curo del Cora.” The way they created that song with the chorus really moved me. That added a lot to the production.

La Cu4rta Hoja, Pablo AlborĂĄn

A Ciegas, Paula Arenas

De Adentro Pa Afuera, Camilo

Décimo Cuarto, Andrés Cepeda

Vida Cotidiana, Juanes

Mañana Serå Bonito, Karol G

De Todas Las Flores, Natalia Lafourcade

Play, Ricky Martin

EADDA9223, Fito Paez

Escalona Nunca Se HabĂ­a Grabado AsĂ­, Carlos Vives

Ratner-Arias: Natalia is on the list and she is a darling, and presents another album with classic sounds and deep lyrics, folkloric and poetic sounds. But Karol’s Mañana SerĂĄ Bonito presents a very contemporary and eclectic album with an inspiring message of empowerment, and it touched the hearts of so many people. This is the album of the year with songs like “Provenza,” “Mientras Me Curo del Cora,” “TQG” with Shakira. It should win, and hopefully it will.

Cobo: I second all of that. And yes, the Latin Grammys could make a statement by giving it to a woman, but also give value the things that are [commercially] successful. But Juanes or Natalia Lafourcade could also win.

Flores: I will say these are all solid albums — it’s a tough choice. I had to write up this category for our Latin Grammys guide, so I listened to all the nominated sets and some here are truly moving. Paula Arenas and Andres Cepeda’s respective albums are really gorgeous. But I do have to say that Mañana SerĂĄ Bonito, being as intentional as it is and a history-making album, should win and will win. Karol G deserves that recognition. I’m rooting for her.

Fajardo: Karol’s album was a complete mix of everything, and it was super empowering, but in a soulful way: the importance of healing yourself. That album made me feel all the emotions, and you don’t always connect like that with an entire album.

Raygoza: I actually also really like Carlos Vives’ album. I know it’s not a popular choice, but it’s a beautiful contribution to Latin music in general. While he continues to update vallenato for this generation, he does resurrect the music de Rafael Escalona, whom he famously played in his telenovela. He delivers that zest for life, the music, the production, and I really love that he honors Escalona’s unique way of songwriting. The lyrics and the music are beautiful, and it offers diversity to the Latin genre.

Roiz: Maybe Carlos Vives can take this one. He puts so much hard work and research into all his projects. He’s so passionate about his genre, and that reflects in his music, so I feel that his hard work will be rewarded as album of the year. He goes that extra mile to bring out these types of albums, like he did with Cumbiana. But I also think Vida Cotidiana by Juanes could win because it’s Juanes’ comeback album. But Karol G’s Mañana SerĂĄ Bonito should win. More than Karol experimenting with genres, it really shows her healing process, and it made a lot of us heal along with her.

Carlos Vives in 2023.

“Acróstico,” Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, L.E.X.U.Z, Luis Fernando Ochoa & Shakira, songwriters (Shakira)

“Amigos,” Pablo Alborán & Maria Becerra, songwriters (Pablo Alborán Featuring Maria Becerra)

“De Todas Las Flores,” Natalia Lafourcade, songwriter (Natalia Lafourcade)

“Ella Baila Sola,” Pedro Julian Tovar Oceguera, songwriter (Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma)

“NASA,” Edgar Barrera, Camilo & Alejandro Sanz, songwriters (Camilo & Alejandro Sanz)

“Ojos Marrones,” Luis JimĂ©nez, Lasso & AgustĂ­n Zubillaga, songwriters (Lasso)

“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz & Shakira, songwriters (Bizarrap Featuring Shakira)

“Si TĂș Me Quieres,” Fonseca, Yadam GonzĂĄlez & Yoel HenrĂ­quez, songwriters (Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra)

“TQG,” Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Karol G, Ovy On The Drums & Shakira, songwriters (Karol G Featuring Shakira)

“un X100to,” Bad Bunny, Edgar Barrera, Marco Daniel Borrero & Andres Jael Correa Rios, songwriters (Grupo Frontera Featuring Bad Bunny)

Flores: I would love to say that “Ella Baila Sola” is going to win, but I think this made more sense as record of the year, because the sound is so refreshing and it put at the forefront a new style of musica Mexicana with charchetas, trambones, a tololoche. I’m not sure it has a good chance to win song of the year. My prediction is that “un x100to” will win, because the Academy will want to recognize a regional Mexican song, and with superstar Bad Bunny attached and Edgar Barrera as its songwriter — who is the most nominated artist this year — I think it could take the award.

Cobo: This is a hard one. I think “Ella Baila Sola” could win. It so deserves to win. The other day I was in an Uber with a Cuban driver who he had a playlist of reggaeton, and suddenly “Ella Baila Sola” comes on. This song pierced through everything. This is perhaps the only regional Mexican song that doesn’t live solely on regional Mexican playlists. I think that song should win, I hope it does. It’s a gem. If not, “TQG” by Karol and Shakira could win. But if they are going to go the Grammy way, it could go to Alejandro Sanz and Camilo for “NASA.”

Pedro Tovar de EslabĂłn Armado y Peso Pluma

Raygoza: I also agree that “Ella Baila Sola” should’ve been in record of the year category. It really gets you up on your feet. It’s transcended so much. This category is one of the most difficult for me because there are so many good ones. I want to mention Shakira’s music session with Bizarrap. Leila wrote a great article where she dissected the lyrics and how forward and upfront it is to name-call someone, but in such a brilliant way. The unapologetic storytelling is a significant departure from the typical breakup song. The songwriting in general is so bold, and I think it would be unconventional for the Academy to award this song, but I do feel that it embodies all characteristics to win this category as well. However, it’s not the song I think will win. Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny integrated in an incredible way to bring that song to life. The songwriting is very clever, and I love the way that the title “un x100to” juxtaposes the enduring power of love with the short-lived life of a cellphone. Bad Bunny’s way of delivering the song is seamless. It’s an irresistible cumbia, norteño song.

Ratner-Arias: I would love to see that song win but, although it may come as a surprise to you, of all three Shakira songs that are here, the one that has the best chance of winning song of the year is “Acróstico.” It is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable songs, not from a Colombian superstar, but from a mother and wife. It has heartbreakingly sensitive lyrics, written in an acoustic way with the names of her children, and Shakira exhibits a mixture of vulnerability and strength while trying to come out of that dark stage of her life. I think “Acróstico” has a chance.

Roiz: I would say “Ella Baila Sola” and “Un x100to” should win for the reasons you’ve all mentioned. Regional Mexican has had such a big moment, so how can the genre not win song of the year? But also “TQG” is up there for me, because everytime I hear it, I think of how important it is for women now to listen to this song because it’s so full of empowerment. This isn’t the type of songs we grew up with, which had a more submissive theme.

Fajardo: I feel that “NASA” has a high probability of winning. Regardless of the fact that they are all darlings, Camilo, Alejandro Sanz and Edgar Barrera, this song thrives in storytelling. I would also like Shakira and Bizarrap to win — the way they composed the song is incredible.

Borja

ConexiĂłn Divina

Ana Del Castillo

Natascha FalcĂŁo

Gale

Paola Guanche

Joaquina

Leon Leiden

Maréh

TimĂž

Flores: I think this is a good best new artist category. Mostly all artists nominated are actually super new. I think GALE should win. For starters, she’s been a songwriter for major artists — that will help her — and now she’s making a space for herself as a recording artist. She’s talented both as a singer and songwriter. Her sound is very different too — she can do pop, rock, ballad, urban. She’s very diverse, and I like what she brings to the table.

Cobo: It’s a big advantage that GALE has written for a lot of big names. She’s been in the room with a lot of writers and producers, a lot of people that vote, and that will go in her favor.

Ratner-Arias: I am between GALE and Joaquina. GALE seems to be a spectacular artist — we saw her in concert last year at Latin Music Week, and she impacted me there. She’s also written for many people, so she has the chops, she has the look, she has everything to be a super artist and she will go far. But the award will go to Joaquina. Since she emerged from Julio Reyes Copello’s Arthouse before signing with Universal, I was impressed by her ability to tell stories with deep themes that affect her generation, with a lyrical and musical sensibility that goes beyond her years.

Juan Luis Guerra told me the other day, “Have you heard Joaquina?,” because he knows I am Venezuelan. He is impressed by her and told me that she reminds him of Shakira in her beginnings. I feel that she has connected with her generation, the girls at her shows sing at the top of their lungs. She has a sweetness, charisma and sincerity that is necessary among so much superficiality. She has much deeper lyrics of the same love that Shakira once sang about in her beginnings.

GALE photographed on October 3, 2023 at the Faena Forum in Miami.

Roiz: I would like to see GALE take this award. I remember we had a WhatsApp dinner two years ago in Los Angeles for Women’s History Month, and I sat next to her and that’s where I met her. She told me she was so nervous about launching her music career. Everything about her — from her personality to her lyrics about unsolicited D-pics, which is something her generation deals with — is very honest, which I like, and she is like a modern-day Avril Lavigne, a rocker girl who can adapt to any genre. I hope she wins. I’m also a sucker for Leon Leiden because he’s so innovative. He’s also so refreshing, but I don’t think he’ll win.

Raygoza: When I saw GALE sing live in New York, I was very impressed. She reminded me of female rockers of the ’90s. She has that essence — her delivery, her confidence. She’s very cool and very likable. Another nominee I would like to see win is Ana del Castillo. She has a powerful voice and she is very promising in the vallenato genre. She’s been around and has a trajectory in the genre and she boasts a very tough persona. She’s sensual but tough and can hang out with the boys. I like that tough personality in a female to show that badass-ery. Either GALE or Ana would be cool to win the award.

Fajardo: I like GALE. She has a very good chance of winning. I’m with Isabela about Ana del Castillo, because she is the only woman who represents her genre. She may be a bit too sexy, but she is the female version of vallenato. But I’m not sure she has a real chance of winning.

Maná and Belanova are headlining the 2024 Vive Latino Festival, marking the former’s debut at the emblematic rock festival and the latter’s long-awaited return to the Mexican stages. The varied Vive Latino lineup also includes Scorpions, Jorge Drexler, Silvana Estrada, Paramore, Greta Van Fleet, Fito Páez, Hombres G, and Babasónico.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Taking place March 16 and 17, and held for the first time at the AutĂłdromo Hermanos RodrĂ­guez in Mexico City (headquarters of Formula 1 and the Corona Capital Festival), the official announcement was made on Sunday (Nov. 12) by OCESA via social media and the official Vive Latino page, where Internet users discovered who was part of the lineup through an interactive online game.

Bad Religion, James, Semisonic, Gogol Bordello, Mexican Institute of Sound, Los Lobos, Portugal. the Man, Junior H, The Warning and San Pascualito Rey is also part of the festival’s lineup, which will gather ’80s rock, ska, Balkan music, reggae, punk and metal bands.

Although Vive Latino has opened its doors to genres such as regional Mexican and cumbia, the music festival is one of the largest and longest running festivals dedicated to Latin rock, and currently the one with the longest tradition in Mexico with 24 editions held. Given its history, the presence of ManĂĄ for the first time was a pending issue.

“CDMX, see you soon,” expressed the quartet from Guadalajara, Jalisco, on its X account, in which the group shared the festival poster.

Belanova, on the other hand, will make its comeback to the Vive Latino stage after an almost six-year hiatus. Vocalist Denisse Guerrero, keyboardist Édgar Huerta and bassist Ricardo Arreola will arrive at Mexico City after their participation in the BĂ©same Mucho festival, in Austin, Texas, on March 2.

In its 2024 edition, Vive Latino joined forces with Amazon, which is already preparing several innovations for the festival through its technology and multiple services. Ticket presale for Citibanamex cardholders will take place at 2 p.m. (Central Mexico time) on Wednesday (Nov. 15) through Ticketmaster Mexico.

See the full 2024 lineup below:

A total of 11 songs are in the running for record of the year at the 2023 Latin Grammy Awards. The nominated tracks up for one of the most coveted awards of the night are Christina Aguilera‘s “No Es Que Te Extrañe”; Pablo AlborĂĄn‘s “Carretera y Manta”; Paula Arenas “DĂ©jame Llorarte” featuring JesĂșs Navarro; Bizarrap‘s “Shakira: Bzrp […]

South Korean music company HYBE, home of K-pop giants BTS and Seventeen, has made its first entry into the Latin music sector with the acquisition of Exile Music, the music division of Spanish-language studio Exile Content. HYBE said HYBE Latin America will incorporate K-pop business methods and focus on artist management and talent discovery across […]

When Richard Bravo attends the Latin Grammy Awards in Seville, Spain on Thursday (Nov. 16), the ceremony will be a somewhat bittersweet moment. Nominated for the first time for his own work with his dear friend Camilo Valencia, for their instrumental album Made In Miami, the Venezuelan drummer and percussionist — a three-time-Latin Grammy winner — couldn’t be more proud. But he will have to travel without the composer and main architect of the album: After undergoing a third heart transplant, Valencia died on Sept. 6, just a few days before the nominations were announced.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“It made me very happy” to receive the nomination, Bravo tells Billboard Español, saying that he found out from friends who sent him screenshots in which his and Valencia’s names appeared. “I was in Europe and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe this!’

“The first person I thought of was Camilo,” adds the artist, who is currently on tour with Juanes and will also perform with the Latin Grammys band at the awards show. “I said, ‘Wow, all the effort on this record and all the sacrifice, the time, the energy, the money, everything, and it happened.’”

Valencia, an award-winning Miami-based multi-instrumentalist, arranger and producer born in Cuba, worked throughout his career with stars like Carlos Santana, Ricky Martin, Shakira, José Feliciano and many others. He was also the musical director of TV shows such as La Voz Kids, A Oscuras Pero Encendidos and Viva El Sueño, and created countless jingles for commercials with Bravo and Carlos Oliva.

“Here in Miami, not a day goes by that I turn on the radio or the TV and something that he did doesn’t come out,” says his brother, bassist Rafael Valencia, also an experienced musician who worked on the album and received a nomination for best arrangement for “Songo Bop,” his only song on Made In Miami.

He says that, before he was hospitalized, Camilo went to his house for lunch and told him that they had submitted Made In Miami for the Latin Grammy nomination for best instrumental album, and that they also sent his song for the best arrangement category. “I thought, ‘Why!?’ I liked his arrangements better,” he recalls with a laugh, before adding with emotion: “That was a gift that Camilo gave me before he left.”

Nominations were announced on Sept. 19, 13 days after his death due to unexpected complications. He was about to turn 64.

Camilo Valencia and Richard Bravo.

Made In Miami is the only album of his own that Camilo Valencia got to record. Comprised of 11 songs, the project pays tribute to the cultural diversity of his adoptive Miami, fusing elements of pop, jazz, funk, R&B, bebop, songo, salsa, samba and Afro-Cuban. Renowned musicians from Arturo Sandoval and Ed Calle, to Milton Salcedo, Philip Lassiter and Luis Enrique, participated in the album. All of the songs, except for “Songo Bop,” were written by Valencia over the course of two decades.

It all started with the first heart transplant, says Bravo, his friend for over 30 years: “I told him, ‘Camilo — because he always had music in his head — why don’t you make use of your time in the hospital, while you recover, and start writing songs?’ The first one he wrote was called ‘CCU,’ which is the hospital’s cardio unit, and that’s how it started. Little by little he wrote the songs, and in recent years we started recording the entire album.”

In addition to “CCU (Coronary Care Unit),” which opens Made In Miami, there are songs like “Hurricane JimĂ©nez,” dedicated to his cardiologist, and “One Heart at a Time,” dedicated to his second donor, “a teenager from Puerto Rico who was murdered by robbers to steal his car,” says his brother Rafael. But there are also titles that pay tribute to the family, such as “CafĂ© Union,” which is named after the restaurant his father owned in Cuba, and “Papadin,” a song in honor of Bravo’s father, with whom Valencia was also close.

Family is an important element that’s also very present musically on the album. “It’s very special, because not only are all the Valencias, but all the Bravos here,” explains Bravo. “There’s my brother, my son and my nephew, who recorded the same song [‘Papadin’],” as well as Rafael and his son Ralfy.

When talking about his feelings the day of the nomination, Bravo recalls that he always thought that he and Valencia would travel to Seville together. “I thought he was going to leave the hospital,” he says. “He did it three times [before], and I thought it was going to happen.”

Valencia is survived by his son Eric, his brother Rafael, his sisters Barbara and Maria, and a large extended family. In his honor, many of them will attend the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony.

Stream Made In Miami 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.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The Charly GarcĂ­a Street

The iconic Argentine rockstar and musician, Charly García, has been honored with his own street in New York City. The official naming ceremony took place Nov. 6 at the intersection of Walker Street and Cortlandt Alley, where the official “Charly García Corner” was inaugurated. The street name is in honor of García’s Clics Modernos album which was launched 40 years ago. “I feel honored by the invitation and that they have chosen me to have a corner bearing my name,” García, who did not attend the ceremony, said in a press statement. “I can’t wait to tell a taxi driver: ‘Leave me here, on Walker St
 and ME.’” García’s sister, Josi García Moreno, actor Mariano Cabrera, and some of the artist’s musicians were part of the celebration. 

“Tu y Yo Por Siempre”

Another heartfelt tribute took place early this week during RBD’s Soy Rebelde Tour stop in Colombia. This time, group member Anahí showed her love and appreciation to Karol G on stage at her hometown. Wearing a pink t-shirt dress that read “Team Bichota,” the Mexican singer shouted: “Carolina, love is paid with love, my queen, I love you. You and I forever!” Their friendship began in 2022 when the “Provenza” singer invited Anahí to join her onstage during her Bichota Reloaded Tour in Mexico for a once-in-a-lifetime performance of RBD’s hit “Salvame”—also marking Anahí’s first live performance in 11 years. On stage, the two artists even rocked pink cowboy hats resembling the one Anahi wore in the song’s official music video.

Karol G to Take Over the Billboard Music Awards

In other Karol G news, the Colombian singer was announced as a performer at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, set to take place Sunday, Nov. 19. In addition to taking the stage, the Colombian hitmaker is up for five awards, including top Latin artist, top Latin female artist, top Latin touring artist, top Latin album (Mañana SerĂĄ Bonito) and top Latin song (“TQG” with Shakira). This year alone, Karol’s Mañana SerĂĄ Bonito made history as the first all-Spanish-language album by a female artist to top the Billboard 200 and embarked on her first-ever U.S. stadium tour, which included stops in Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago. News of Karol at the BBMAs came on the heels of Peso Pluma also being announced as a performer.

Antonio Banderas & The Latin Recording Academy

Earlier this week, the Latin Recording Academy announced that Banderas will receive the 2023 President’s Award for his “outstanding and numerous contributions to the artistic community.” The Spanish actor will be presented with the award during the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony taking place Thursday, Nov. 16 in Seville, Spain. “We are delighted to present Antonio Banderas with the President’s Award as we celebrate our first international edition of the Latin Grammys in Andalucía,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a press release. “Antonio’s outstanding and numerous contributions to the artistic community have made him a global ambassador of our cultural heritage.” The most recent President’s Award recipient was Lin-Manuel Miranda in 2017.