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Puerto Rican artist Alexio “La Bruja,” who also went by Alexio “La Bestia,” has lost to his battle with breast cancer at the age of 34, and was pronounced dead on Tuesday (Nov. 14). Daddy Yankee, Farruko, Arcángel and more stars of the reggaetón scene expressed their grief in social media posts. The artist, known for hits such as “Tumba la Casa,” was diagnosed in 2017.
The news of Alexio’s deteriorating health surfaced on Sunday (Nov. 12) when fellow Puerto Rican stars reached out for support via social media, appealing for blood, platelet and plasma donors. The urgency of the request hinted at the severity of his condition. He was hospitalized in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
Arcángel pleaded on Instagram at the time: “My brother from another mother is fighting like a warrior for his life!!!!! We URGENTLY need platelet donors! If you have nothing to do and you want to SAVE the life of an excellent human being who has given you moments of joy and joy as an artist then we NEED YOU MORE THAN EVER! I’m rooting for you my bro, I know you can. I’m in MEXICO, but right now I’m going to 🇵🇷 RESIST. I want to see you again.”
Producer Pepe Quintana confirmed the news of Alexio’s death on social media. On Tuesday (Nov. 15), Quintana wrote: “My brother we did not expect this. This caught us by surprise. Although we knew your condition, your attitude of a WARRIOR camouflaged that pain that you carried day by day … as I told you when I saw you, I LOVE YOU BROTHER. You fulfilled your dream of being an artist […] Rest in peace my brother.”
Born Víctor A. Riverain on Dec. 11, 1988, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Alexio rose to fame in 2015 with songs including “Tumba la Casa” and “Tarara.” Throughout his career, he collaborated with prominent artists of the música urbana scene such as Daddy Yankee, Nicky Jam, Zion, Ozuna, Farruko, De La Ghetto, Ñengo Flow and others.
Daddy Yankee shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “Brother, thank you for your friendship. The silent legacy you left in me will last a lifetime. Because every time we talked, without realizing it, it was you who healed me with your testimony and courage,” he captioned his post. “The way you fought, seeing you with a smile until the end there in the hospital, taught me a lot about how to face the trials we go through in this life. You never complained, I saw you with the best attitude, always in DRIVE no matter what! That’s what I take from you.”
Farruko posted on IG, “😔🥲fly high, goldo 🕊️ I don’t even know what to say I don’t have words only. God knows I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your friend and for allowing me to be part of your dreams. I will always remember you. You were a warrior until the end legend.”
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DJ Luian wrote: “THANK YOU for being that friend who fights for you, wherever you are not, THANK YOU for ALWAYS unconditionally being with me, you were that friend who was with me in a hospital, in a cemetery saying goodbye to a family member, but also that friend with whom I traveled, drank, fucked around with and enjoyed a dream together. I LOVE YOU gordo!”
Puerto Rican YouTube channel Molusco TV also created an episode to honor Alexio’s legacy.
In a 2017 interview, the year he was diagnosed with the disease, Alexio said, “My biggest fear is to leave the world without finishing all the goals I have, to leave my family without my presence, without my protection.”
Despite his battle with cancer, Alexio “La Bruja” remained active in music. In July, he released his full-length debut album, El Origen.
The 10 2023 Latin Grammy nominees for best new artist showed what they’re made of on Tuesday night (Nov. 14) at the Best New Artist Showcase. The event hosted by the Latin Recording Academy for the second consecutive year highlights and promotes these emerging talents.
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From Colombian singer-songwriter Maréh to Puerto Rican artist GALE, Brazilian singer Natascha Falcão, Mexican band Conexión Divina, Colombian pop/rock trio Timø, Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina and more, one-by-one they took the stage to perform a song of their own and another one by an artist who’s inspired them.
“This is a very significant event within Latin Grammy Week because it elevates the nominees in the category of best new artist, and this category gives life to a fundamental part of the Academy’s mission, which is to celebrate the new generation of creators and support them on their path on the world stages,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, at the beginning of the ceremony.
“With these types of initiatives we reaffirm our commitment to supporting new talents. Especially… where diversity and inclusion are promoted,” he added. “The 10 nominees who will perform on this stage today represent precisely that, and they require your full support.”
Held at the Centro Cultural Magallanes in Seville, Spain, the showcase began with host David Bisbal — winner of the Latin Grammy for best new artist in 2003 — performing a medley of hits, including “Esclavo de sus Besos,” “Bulería” and “Ave María,” which got the crowd dancing. “Twenty years ago I was nominated to this same award, so I can understand perfectly what this means to them,” the Spaniard star said.
This year, each nominee was introduced by a well-known artist who served as their “godparent.” Carlos Vives supported Colombian singer Ana del Castillo, saying that she “represents the female revolution of vallenato”; Christian Nodal presented Conexión Divina, noting that “regional Mexican music is experiencing a historic moment largely thanks” to young people like them; Yotuel introduced GALE, whom he called “an incredible musician… [whose] spirit will make her conquer the whole world”; and Gaby Moreno backed Joaquina, whom she praised for her “tremendous talent for capturing experiences and feelings of her generation.”
The latter two were among the most applauded of the night, with Joaquina performing a cover of “Es Por Ti” by Juanes accompanied by the in-house band and a powerful piano rendition (which she played herself) of her ballad “Rabia”. GALE, who closed the showcase, played her hit “Problemas” and Shakira’s “Inevitable.”
Other nominees who had outstanding performances included Mexican singer Paola Guanche, who presented her soulful ballad “Prohibido” and Celia Cruz’s classic “Bemba Colorá;” Conexión Divina, with their sublime “Odio” and Marco Antonio Solís’ “Si No Te Hubieras Ido;” and the Brazilian Falcão with a beautiful performance of her song in Portuguese “Banho de Flor.”
Maréh brought some bossa nova flavor with “Amuleto” and also performed “Pedro Navaja” by Rubén Blades; León Leiden sang “A Thousand Ways” and Miguel Bosé’s “Morena Mía;” Ana del Castillo performed “A Medias” and a cover of “Amores Extraños” by Laura Pausini; Mexican Borja “Rimas del Verbo Amar” and Alejandro Sanz’s “Y Si Fuera Ella;” and Timø “Conquistar El Planeta” plus “Mariposa Tecknicolor” by Fito Páez.
The annual Latin Grammys — which will be held outside the United States for the first time — will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain on Thursday (Nov. 16) at 8 p.m. ET on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Danna Paola, Sebastián Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.
Carin León gave a brief but magical show on Tuesday night (November 14) during Latin Grammy week at the Amazon event “La Cultura that Connects Us” in Seville, Spain. The Mexican music star surprised his fans with a series of duets that included Spanish singer Omar Montes, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Kany García and Mexican icon Pepe Aguilar, in an apparently improvised moment.
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With the former, he performed his new collaboration “Ron con Coca,” released exclusively through Amazon Music earlier this month and which combines traditional sounds from both countries. “Up with Spanish music!” said León when inviting Montes to join him onstage, with the Spaniard artist adding that he somewhat nervous because it was the first time they were performing it live.
A bit later, he called García to sing their July-released collab “Te Lo Agradezco,” with both showing off their great vocal prowess. But one of the biggest surprises was Aguilar, who was enjoying the show with his daughter, singer Ángela Aguilar, in the front row and their preseence did not go unnoticed by León.
“As maestro Pepe Aguilar taught me,” León said after reaching hight notes with impressive power, immediately inviting him to come up and sing something with him. “And what are we going to sing, güey? No manches!” Aguilar told him once onstage. After a quick exchange, they decided on José Alfredo Jiménez’s classic “Te Solté la Rienda,” creating beautiful harmonies on the spot.
Held outdoors at the emblematic Setas de Sevilla — an imposing white pergola-shaped structure located in the central Plaza de la Encarnación — the show began with a performance by Spanish singer María José Llergo, who also impressed with her combination of flamenco and pop.
Latin Grammy Week ends on Thursday (Nov. 16) with the annual awards ceremony, which will be held for the first time outside the United States, at the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville. The show will air starting at 8 p.m. ET on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.
Watch Tuesday’s performances by Carin León and María José Llergo below.
Shakira’s dominance on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart strengthens this week as “El Jefe,” with Fuerza Regida, extends her record for the most No. 1s among women in the chart’s history. The cross-genre track pushes 5-1 on the chart dated Nov. 18 and sends Karol G’s “Mi Ex Tenía Razón” to No. 2 after two weeks in charge.
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“El Jefe” advances with an 18% gain in audience impressions, to 10.3 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending Nov. 9, according to Luminate. It gives Fuerza Regida its second champ: “Bebe Dame,” with Grupo Frontera, took the Mexican American regional Mexican band to No. 1 for one week in March. In between, the group scored another top 10, “Mentira No Es,” with Banda MS (No. 6 high last July).
With the new ruler, Shakira improves her career total of Latin Airplay No. 1s to 21. She remains atop the leaderboard for the most No. 1s among women since the chart launched in 1994. Now she ties with Romeo Santos for eighth-most overall. Here’s a review of the artists with the most rulers on the all- Latin airplay tally, a record mostly male- dominated:
36, J Balvin33, Ozuna32, Enrique Iglesias28, Daddy Yankee23, Maluma22, Bad Bunny22, Wisin21, Romeo Santos21, Shakira18, Ricky Martin
Elsewhere, “El Jefe” enters the top 10 on Regional Mexican Airplay, at No. 9. Shakira picks up her first top 10 there, while Regida secures its seventh.
In addition to its radio growth, “El Jefe” has achieved multiple top 10s across Billboard charts: No. 1 on Latin Digital Song Sales, No. 4 on Hot Latin Songs, which blends airplay, digital sales, and streaming activity, and on Latin Streaming Songs, all on the Oct. 7-dated lists.
Marshmello scores his fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart as his new album, Sugar Papi, debuts atop the Nov. 18-dated ranking. The set, released Nov. 3 via Joytime Collective/Sony Music Latin, is his first Latin project, and concurrently earns the DJ/producer a first entry on any Latin albums chart, with a No. 9 launch on Top Latin Albums and a No. 5 bow on Latin Rhythm Albums. It also debuts at No. 97 on the all-genre Billboard 200.
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The 11-track set features such Latin stars as Anuel AA, Farruko, Fuerza Regida, Nicky Jam and Manuel Turizo. Ten of the 11 tunes are collaborations with artists who record in Spanish, while one track is a team-up with Brazilian artist Luisa Sonza, who records in Portuguese.
Sugar Papi debuts on all four lists with 11,000 equivalent units earned in the U.S. during the Nov. 3-9 tracking week, according to Luminate.
Most of Sugar Papi’s opening unit sum is driven by streaming activity, which equals to 15.4 million official streams of the set’s songs, while the remainder balance stems from album sales and track-equivalent album units. One unit equals to one album sale, 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams for a song on the album.
Marshmello previously hit No. 1 on Top Dance/Electronic Albums with Joytime III (one week, 2019), Marshmello: Fortnite Extended Set (20 weeks, 2019; currently tied with Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind for the most weeks at No. 1 among solo male artists), and Joytime II (one week, 2018).
With a fourth No. 1, Marshmello ties Aphex Twin for the second-most leaders among male solo artists, behind Louie DeVito’s seven champs.
The set was preceded by two songs: “El Merengue,” with Manuel Turizo, which spent 13 weeks atop the Tropical Airplay chart – the second-longest-leading No. 1 on Tropical Airplay in 2023 (Chayanne’s “Bailando Bachata” remains at the lead in its 14th week), while “Esta Vida,” with Farruko, reached a No. 2 high on Latin Pop Airplay. The tracks peaked at Nos. 24 and 42, respectively, on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, while topping out at Nos. 5 and 10 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
Further, one other song makes its debut on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart: “Harley Quinn,” with Fuerza Regida, surges 13-2 as the Greatest Gainer/Sales & Streaming song of the week. The track logged 10.2 million streams in the U.S. during the same period, enough to also place it in the runner-up slot on Latin Streaming Songs.
Nearly a decade after the untimely death of the fabled rapper Canserbero, born Tirone José González Orama, the Venezuelan prosecution has announced the reopening of the case, which shook the Spanish-speaking rap world and beyond. The initial investigation that attributed his demise to suicide is now under scrutiny, fueled by the persistent appeals of the late rapper’s family and friends.
“We have requested to file the case in the city of Caracas (after years in Maracay) and together with the 85th National Prosecutor’s Office, I have ordered the General Directorate of Support to the Criminal Investigation to transfer experts from the Field Criminal Unit to the place where the facts will be reconstructed,” posted state attorney general Tarek William Saab on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday (Nov. 12). “Also, the relatives of Tyron Gonzalez ‘Canserbero’ (with whom I have already made contact again) will be interviewed in the next hours at the Main Headquarters of the Public Prosecutor’s Office. #Justice.”
Saab further detailed the investigations to be conducted at the scene. They are listed as:
Site Approach.
Technical Inspection.
Planimetric Survey.
Physical Calculation of Free Fall.
Witness Interviews.
Technical Recognition of Criminalistic Evidence, as well as other field investigation actions.
On Monday (Nov. 13), Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro acknowledged Canserbero’s reopened case on his TV program Con Maduro+. “I congratulate the attorney general who reopened the investigation into the death of Canserbero. All my support to clarify what happened to him. One of the most important singers of Venezuelan and Latin American urban music,” Maduro said on his program while listening to the song “Jeremias 17-5” by the late rapper.
Canserbero passed away on Jan. 28, 2015, at age 26 after falling from a building, initially leading to the classification of his death as a suicide. According to Peru’s Infobae, on the day of the incident, Canserbero had arrived at his musician friend Carlos Molnar’s apartment on the tenth floor of a building in the Andrés Bello neighborhood of Maracay, Venezuela, where the rapper was attending Molnar’s daughter’s birthday.
The official statement from Venezuelan authorities claims that Canserbero stabbed Molnar to death during a mental breakdown before taking his own life by jumping from the tenth floor. Natalia Améstica, Molnar’s partner, witnessed the scene and promptly contacted the authorities to report the incident. Supplementary accounts indicated that Canserbero’s actions may have been influenced by schizophrenia, a claim refuted by his family, who asserted that he had no mental health issues.
As investigations into the suicide explanation unfolded, several peculiarities began to emerge. To leap through a window, the rapper would have had to remove the glass forming the blinds, a process that would have taken considerable time and likely been noticed by Améstica. The manner in which his body was found also did not align with typical suicide falls, which tend to be vertical, causing damage to the upper part of the head upon impact. Reports suggested that the body might have been pushed, resulting in different types of injuries.
Amid discovery in the case, which indicated that a good friend of Améstica was in charge of Canserbero’s autopsy, Améstica and her daughter also allegedly fled Venezuela for Chile.
This 2015 event caused a significant uproar, given that Canserbero had already become a prominent figure not only in his native Venezuela but across the entire Spanish-speaking rap landscape.
Following his death, Canserbero’s influence endures and continues to grow, serving as an inspiration for artists like Myke Towers. nown for his dark lyrics reflecting the violence in his country and real-life experiences, Canserbero collaborated with notable artists such as Mala Rodríguez and Apache. His legacy includes two solo studio albums, Vida and Muerte.
In August, Canserbero was named by Billboard Latin and Español as one of the most essential Spanish-speaking rappers of all time.
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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 López and more.
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“Flamenco Is Universal” was held during the Santalucía Universal Music Week, where more than 130 artists gathered to perform and create an audiovisual work.
Jesús López, 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: Camarón’s sons and widow, Paco de Lucía’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 Granaíno 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 Fernández 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, Sebastián 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, Timø, 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, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Danna Paola, Sebastián Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez 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.
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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 Música 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 “Sólo Quédate en Silencio,” “Qué Hay Detrás” and “Sálvame.”
“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 Wisón 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 […]
