Latin
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There was much buzz about Anuel AA and Yailin La Más Viral’s relationship, which they made Instagram official in January 2022 and married six months after, tying the knot in June of that same year. Five months later, the Puerto Rican artist and Dominican newcomer announced they were expecting a baby. But the fairytale-like story […]
The Latin Recording Academy announced on Tuesday (July 18) that artists Ana Torroja, Mijares, Carmen Linares, Arturo Sandoval, Simone and Soda Stereo will receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as part of its annual Special Awards Presentation. Additionally, Alex Acuña, Gustavo Santaolalla and Wisón Torres will receive the Trustees Award. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts […]
iHeartMedia announced Monday (July 18) that the 2023 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina will return to Miami at Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena) on Saturday, Oct. 21. The one-night event will feature a slate of performances featuring Chayanne, Ricardo Montaner, Fonseca, Servando y Florentino, Luis Figueroa, GALE and Menudo. Enrique Santos, president and chief creative officer of […]
Latin music, long seen as a trend that ebbed and flowed through the years, is finally being seen as a true market player — with mainstream American labels, TV shows and even management companies increasingly courting (and signing) Latin acts.
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But to truly succeed in the Latin market, those mainstream players must proceed with caution and cultural intelligence. That was the sentiment among industry leaders at a recent “State of the Latin Industry” panel during the Latin Alternative Music Conference in New York July 12.
“Obviously it’s a natural consequence of what’s happening with Latin music globally and it was to be expected,” said Roberto Andrade, managing director for Warner Music Latina. “[But] it’s positive as long as you work in partnership. In our case, we signed [Argentina rising star] María Becerra to Warner Latina, but we’re associated with [American label] 300 Entertainment, so they can also bring opportunities to the table. As Gus said, ‘Work in what you know.’”
He was referring to Gustavo López, CEO of Saban Music Group, who earlier in the panel had been particularly passionate when talking about the industry’s current gold rush regarding regional Mexican music — a market López worked with extensively during his days as president of Mexican labels Fonovisa and Disa, between 2008 and 2011.
“It saddens me when people talk about a Mexican music ‘boom,’ when it’s been 60% of the Latin music market for the past 40 years,” he said. “Make no mistake: Companies like Del, Rancho Humilde, have taken advantage of the opportunity major companies left to the side, and they’ve done it very well, and they’ve done it with the right teams. I ask labels to not get into genres they don’t know without the right teams, because they’ll f–k it up.”
Gustavo Lopez, Colleen Theis, Alex Gallardo, Leila Cobo, Mickey Sanchez and Roberto Andrado pose at the LAMC State of Latin Music Panel on July 12, 2023 in New York, NY.
The same principle, he said, applies to mainstream American labels rushing into Latin. But, he adds, “It’s also the artist’s responsibility to decide who he goes with. That’s where it all starts. If you’re simply going with X executive because he did a thousand things in another market, and now he’s going to do it in the Latin market, be very careful. If they don’t have the right team to execute, it’s going to be tough. It’s not just about money. The biggest danger for an artist is to take money from a place that doesn’t add knowledge.”
In the past year, many record labels and management companies, big and small, have made moves into the Latin market. Among the most noteworthy: J Balvin recently signed a management deal with Roc Nation after three years with SB Projects. In turn, Ozuna signed a management deal with SB Projects. Karol G signed to Interscope, and last year, regional Mexican sibling trio Yahritza y su Esencia unleashed a bidding frenzy before signing with Columbia Records.
Historically, however, there are few, if any, long-term success stories of core Latin acts either managed or signed to mainstream companies. Instead, the big wins have come from artists who partner with labels from both sides of the aisle.
“Partnerships are the smart way to go,” says Alex Gallardo, president of leading Latin label Sony Music U.S. Latin, which has the longest history of partnering with its mainstream counterparts with acts like Shakira and currently, Rosalía, whose EP RR with fiancé Rauw Alejandro (another Sony Latin act) is a joint release between Columbia and Sony Music US Latin. From the other end, DJ Marshmello has been releasing a string of successful singles featuring Latin artists under Sony Latin, including the global hit “El Merengue” with Manuel Turizo.
“I feel many Anglo labels sign stuff without understanding the language, the culture or the media,” said Gallardo, making the parallel with partnerships between Latin majors and indies. “I help you go further because I bring you my knowledge. But what knowledge can I bring you if I don’t understand your world or what you’re doing?”
From an observer’s point, it is impossible not to recognize the opportunism displayed by many who for decades, paid scant attention to Latin music. But Latin music can’t be ignored anymore, not at a global scale; this week, 47 tracks on Billboard’s Global 200 chart are in Spanish, and typically, 30% of Spotify and YouTube’s weekly global charts are Latin. It can’t be ignored in the U.S. either, where, according to Luminate’s midyear music report, Latin music registered a 21.9% percentage growth year over year, more than any other genre except for World Music (which encompasses non-U.S. genres like K-Pop and Afrobeats). Latin also managed to grow its overall share of the market significantly over the same period last year, from 6.25% to 6.72.
Gallardo says he’s conflicted by what these numbers represent to those who have long been outside the Latin market: “Are you signing this artist simply because you want your little piece of market share, because the numbers are good, or because you are really the best partner possible to take a career to the next level? The latter should always be the true reason.”
Which is not to say that mainstream companies cannot do a good job with Latin music. Witness The Orchard, which has been entrenched in the Latin market for decades and has distributed Bad Bunny from the beginning of his career.
“We’ve been working in Latin music from the onset,” said Colleen Theis, COO of The Orchard, noting that the distributor has had its Latin team in place for over 20 years. “For The Orchard, we put music out, and we pull people in rather than deciding what people are interested in. That really underlies that for us Latin music IS general market music, and we work in the general market. I’d rather empower the label base that we have to be the general market, than give those key artists to an American label who is Anglo.”
Seven months after the Argentina national soccer team won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, its MVP star Lionel Messi has moved to Miami to join the Inter Miami CF soccer club, co-owned by David Beckham. Messi’s official star-studded presentation was held at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday (July 16) — and despite a horrible thunderstorm delay, the show went on.
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Gates for the sports event — called La PresentaSÍon and co-hosted by MLS Season Pass personalities Melissa Ortiz and Tony Cherchi — opened at 6 p.m., but the inauguration did not start until two hours later due to the gusty winds and heavy rains. “It started raining a little bit, it’s only a little bit, nothing’s wrong,” Argentina rapper Paulo Londra sarcastically said on his Instagram stories.
Londra, alongside Camilo, Tiago PZK and Bresh were the confirmed performers of the night. Ozuna was also announced in the lineup, but he did not perform on Sunday night. Other music acts — such as Anuel AA and Piso 21 — enjoyed the evening from the side seats.
Camilo was set to perform with his band, but instead played alone with his guitar.(A source close to the artist tells Billboard the weather became challenging for performers.) He was also joined on stage by his wife and pop artist, Evaluna Montaner.
Camilo performs during “The Unveil” introducing Lionel Messi hosted by Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on July 16, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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“I have a lot of desire to start training, to start competing, I have the same desire I’ve always had, of winning, and to help this club continue growing,” Messi said during his speech. “I’m very happy to have chosen to come to this city with my family, to have picked this project. I don’t have any doubts that we’re going to have a lot of fun and share beautiful memories.”
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup Champion will occupy a Designated Player slot, and his contract will run through the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
“I am honored to welcome Leo Messi and his family to their new home,” said Inter Miami CF Managing Owner Jorge Mas in an official press statement. “In 2018, we made a promise to build an ambitious club that would attract the world’s elite players. A club that would transform the global view of fútbol in the United States and ensure that wherever fútbol is discussed, your Inter Miami is part of the conversation. A heartfelt thank you to our fans that never stopped believing. Together we will continue to turn dreams into reality.”
Beckham added in a statement: “Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city. Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the U.S.A. and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much. Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s caliber is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community. The next phase of our adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”
Fans look for cover as a heavy storm covers DRV PNK Stadium prior to Inter Miami CF hosting “The Unveil” introducing Lionel Messi on July 16, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
On Instagram, the music acts did not hold back from showing their respect and gratitude toward Messi.
“I’m so happy for the No. 10 and everything it represents,” Londra expressed. “The first time I saw you was in Barcelona, the second in Qatar, and today in Miami. I can already say I’m your friend … thank you for everything you teach. You connect the world with how big yet simple you are.”
“Today I had the fortune to accompany an incredible human being and the best soccer player in history,” Camilo noted on his Instagram. “While everyone paid tribute to him, he was with his wife watching his children kick the ball in front of thousands of people. We can’t say we’re not happy to have him near.”
Tiago PZK summed up his feelings in a post with two words: “Pure humility.”
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From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
J Balvin gets emotional in Switzerland
While on tour in Europe, the Colombian star was joined by three kids onstage during his stop in Switzerland to sing “La Canción.” The sweet moment was captured on video, which Balvin shared on his social media captioning it with a sweet message: “I’ll never stop being amazed. To see a kid who is 10 years old that doesn’t speak Spanish … Better said, the video speaks for itself. Thank you Switzerland. Latino Gang,” he wrote.
See the video here.
Shakira to receive special award
The Colombian superstar is set to be honored with the “Agent of Change” recognition at the 20th anniversary of Premios Juventud, Univision announced. The “Monotonía” singer — who with her Fundación Pies Descalzos has helped underserved communities in Colombia — will receive the award during the ceremony that will air live on Univision from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on Thursday, July 20. Previous “Agent of Change” honorees include Maluma, Kany Garcia, The Jenni Rivera Foundation, Ricky Martin and Becky G, among others.
Peso Pluma is Billboard‘s latest cover
The “Bye” singer is the latest star to grace the cover of Billboard. Peso, Mexican music’s biggest star today, talks about leading the genre’s global takeover, his plans for the future and tells the story behind his now famous mullet-like haircut.
“I’m very happy to do what I love doing the most and to be able to share a message of perseverance with up-and-coming artists. Sometimes, as Mexicans, we put a lot of barriers on ourselves and we lack the confidence,” Peso said. “Today, I see that people are proud of our movement. Back then, they’d think that Mexicans couldn’t have a No. 1 song singing corridos and that regional Mexican music was only regional, not global. Today, all those barriers have been broken.”
Read all about “The Power of Peso” here.
Bichota season
Karol G‘s new single “S91,” which she dropped on July 13, is inspired by the Psalm 91 Bible verse. An emotional and ultra-personal release, produced by Ovy on the Drums, the Colombian artist sings about overcoming adversity over an EDM-meets-trap fusion.
The music video, directed by Pedro Artola and produced by WeOwnTheCity, is just as powerful as the lyrics, demonstrating Karol running away from a group of people backed by a pack of wolves trying to bring her down, but she’s protected by a lone panther. Karol also used the opportunity to announce that Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season) is coming soon.
Watch “S91” below:
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Best Latin songs of 2023
The 23 best Latin songs of 2023, according to Billboard‘s Latin and español editors, have been unveiled. The list is an eclectic mix of songs spanning a wide array of genres. From música urbana to regional Mexican, the choices were guided by multiple factors including memorable lyrics and standout melodies. (Worth noting that chart position was also considered.) From Bad Bunny’s “Where She Goes” to Yahritza y Su Esencia and Grupo Frontera’s first collaborative effort in “Frágil,” here are the 23 best Latin songs of 2023.
This week, our New Music Latin roundup — a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums, and videos recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — is powered by new music from Residente, Ryan Castro, and Myriam Hernandez, to name a few.
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This week’s list includes Ryan Castro and Peso Pluma’s first collaborative effort called “QUEMA,” produced by SOG. The irresistible old-school perreo track is signature Castro, who has a knack for delivering hooky songs and finds the corridos singer returning to urbano following “La Bebe Remix,” his hit song with Yng Lvcas, which has now spent 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. “QUEMA” is part of Castro’s upcoming studio album, El Cantante del Ghetto.
Speaking of forthcoming sets, Spanish singer and rapper Rels B also dropped a number from his future album, Afrolova, set for a July 21 release. The track, called “Un Rodeoooo” is a sensual Afrobeats cut with bachata undertones that accompany lyrics about meeting and falling for a beautiful girl at a party. “My producers are very connected with this culture, and we’ve traveled to Nigeria to work with producers there as well. It’s a project that I believe will mark a before-and-after for the Afrobeats genre,” the Spanish artist and rapper, a former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise, previously said to Billboard of the overall production.
Meanwhile, Residente returned with a nearly 10-minute diss track called “Bajo y Batéria,” where with he testifies to his unmatched lyrical mastery, spitting verses like, “Ya nadie en el género urbano sonríe conmigo que sus dientes me los puse de collar,” this time challenging fellow Puerto Rican rapper Cosculluela.
Other new releases included in the weekly fan poll are: Karol G’s “S91;” Duki, Khea, and Bizarrap’s “Remember Me;” and Nathy Peluso’s “Salvaje,” to name a few.
Last week, C. Tangana’s “Oliveira Dos Cen Años” won the reader poll with nearly 90 percent of the votes. Who should win this week? Vote below!
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From Bad Bunny’s “Where She Goes” to Yahritza y Su Esencia’s “Frágil,” see below.
07/14/2023
So strong and deep is the tradition of the cantautor, or singer-songwriter, in Latin music that the Latin Recording Academy is carving out more space for such multifaceted artists. This year, it debuts its best songwriter of the year category as part of the also newly created songwriting field. As with the mainstream Grammy Awards, the category recognizes songwriters credited as writers or co-writers on at least six tracks where they are not the performer, producer or engineer.
In addition, another new category, best singer-songwriter song, will fall under the singer-songwriter field (which has existed since the inception of the Latin Grammy Awards almost 25 years ago and has included the best singer-songwriter album award). To be eligible for this new award, at least 51% of the lyrics on singles or tracks must be in Spanish, Portuguese or any native regional dialect and must be from a singer-songwriter album competing in the best singer-songwriter album category that year. Below are six songwriters who stand a good chance of landing in one — or both — of the newly unveiled categories.
Elena Rose
As fans wait for Elena Rose to drop her long-awaited debut album, the Venezuelan singer-songwriter has kept busy with a string of singles recorded under her own name, plus a plethora of hits in the pop and urban realms. As one of the first women to actively collaborate with reggaetón stars, Elena Rose has opened the door for a new generation of women songwriters — making her a prime pick for the first class of best songwriter of the year nominees. The prolific collaborator has co-written massive hits like Karol G and Becky G’s “MAMIII,” Bad Bunny’s “Party” and, this year, TINI and Maria Becerra’s “Miénteme.”
Edgar Barrera
Perhaps the most versatile songwriter in Latin music today, Barrera has spent over 100 weeks on Billboard’s Latin Songwriters chart, second only to Bad Bunny, thanks to credits on cross-genre hits. In the past 12 months alone, the 32-year-old has worked with regional Mexican act Grupo Frontera on all of its hits, including blockbusters like “un x100to” with Bad Bunny and “Frágil” with Yahritza y Su Esencia. He also boasts credits on Manuel Turizo’s global smashes “La Bachata” and “El Merengue,” as well as multiple singles performed by longtime collaborators Maluma and Christian Nodal, among others, making him a shoo-in for the best songwriter of the year category.
Edén Muñoz
The former frontman of norteño group Calibre 50 has emerged as a successful solo artist and a sought-after songwriter for artists like Pepe Aguilar and Christian Nodal, among others. In June, the SESAC Latina Awards honored Muñoz as regional Mexican songwriter of the year for the fourth consecutive year thanks to a long string of hits. At this year’s Latin Grammys, Muñoz may be a contender in the best singer-songwriter album and song categories with his first solo studio album, Consejos Gratis (for which he wrote 13 out of its 14 tracks), boasting clever lyrics full of wordplay with uptempo fare and romantic ballads.
Gale
The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter got her start writing for other artists while she honed her solo chops. Now, in the wake of the release of her debut album, Lo Que No Te Dije, Gale could be nominated in all three songwriting fields. Her personal strain of alt-rock and pop was highlighted throughout her album and best heard on the uptempo, rock-leaning “Problemas” (making her a likely nominee in the best singer-songwriter album and song categories). She could also be a contender in the best songwriter category thanks to co-writes for the likes of Manuel Turizo and Marshmello (“El Merengue”), Juanes (“Ojalá”) and Aitana, Emilia and Ptazeta (“Quieres”).
Juanes
The Colombian veteran arguably reshaped the singer-songwriting mold when he burst on the scene with his 2000 debut album, Fíjate Bien. In 2023, he’s still innovating, albeit in a more collaborative fashion. On his new album, Vida Cotidiana, Juanes brings in many co-writers, including Tomás Torres and Alexis Díaz-Pimienta. But the album’s standout song, “Gris,” a revealing look into his longtime marriage, is his alone. A Latin Grammy favorite, Juanes is a contender for the best singer-songwriter album and song categories.
Keityn
The Colombian songwriter-producer was ASCAP’s 2023 songwriter of the year — a perfect setup for his inclusion in the inaugural group of best songwriter nominees. A favorite co-writer for two of the biggest Colombian stars of the moment — Shakira and Karol G — he worked alongside Bizarrap and Shakira on the surprise smash “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” which spent five weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart earlier this year. Keityn also has songwriting credits on Shakira and Karol G’s “TQG,” which peaked at No. 7 on the Hot 100. It’s no small feat for a 26-year-old — nor is regularly writing hits for Manuel Turizo, J Balvin and Maluma (including the global smash “Hawái”).
This story will appear in the July 15, 2023, issue of Billboard.
Regional Mexican music — an umbrella term given to the broad range of subgenres with folk roots that include banda, mariachi, norteño and corridos — has long been absent from the main categories of the Latin Grammy Awards. Though regional Mexican has its own field with five categories, a living regional Mexican artist hasn’t taken home the trophy for album, record or song of the year in the 23-year history of the Latin Grammys. (Juan Gabriel won posthumously in 2016 for Los Dúo, Vol. 2.)
The absence reflects an unspoken stigma: Regional Mexican is considered unsophisticated music for the masses and, therefore, unworthy of a win in the Big Four categories. Only one act associated with the genre — Monterrey, Mexico, DJ collective 3BallMTY — has won a Big Four award (best new artist), and that was over a decade ago in 2012.
But now, with a 42.1% increase in consumption of regional Mexican music year over year, according to Luminate, the genre’s crossover may be impossible to ignore. The growth started in May 2021, when Gera MX and Christian Nodal’s collaboration “Botella Tras Botella” became the first regional Mexican song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 in its 63-year history. Two years later, regional Mexican is the dominant Latin genre on the Hot 100: For the week ending June 25, 13 of the 17 Spanish-language tracks on the chart fell under the regional Mexican umbrella as acts like Grupo Firme and Fuerza Regida sell out arena tours alongside veterans like Pepe Aguilar. Also in June, Génesis, the new album from ascendant superstar Peso Pluma, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
“Regional Mexican is no longer seen as the ugly duckling,” says Maria Inés Sánchez, head of marketing at AfinArte Records and a vocal advocate of the genre, on its potential presence at the Latin Grammys. “This will definitely be the year — and it’s just the beginning.”
Following are 10 regional Mexican acts that have a chance at a main-category nomination.
Yahritza y Su Esencia
The Washington state family band is fronted by Yahritza, whose glorious voice floats over the guitars of her brothers Mando and Jairo. Nominated last year for best new artist, the trio stands a chance in the song and record of the year categories this year, with a new Columbia Records deal and a poignant single, “Frágil,” featuring Grupo Frontera.
Carín León
León’s velvety voice, melodic approach and outside-the-box collaborations with C. Tangana and Matisse make him better known in pop and alternative than other regional Mexican acts. His new album, Colmillo de Leche, arrived in May just ahead of the eligibility cutoff, making him a top candidate for an album of the year nod.
Eslabon Armado
Last year, the Mexican American group known for its romantic sierreños was shut out of the Latin Grammys, even though the band’s 2022 album, Nostalgia, became the first top 10 regional Mexican title ever on the Billboard 200. This year, the act returned with a vengeance: Its runaway smash, “Ella Baila Sola” with Peso Pluma (a No. 4 hit on the Hot 100), should be a contender for both song and record of the year.
Edén Muñoz
The former Calibre 50 frontman has emerged as a formidable solo artist who collected his fourth consecutive SESAC Latina songwriter of the year award in June and is also making waves as a producer. (Credits include Ángela Aguilar’s “Qué Agonía.”) His first solo album, Consejos Gratis, arrived in October and could be a contender.
Grupo Frontera
The sextet from the border town of McAllen, Texas, got its start late last year covering pop songs to its Mexican cumbia beat, but with the help of a mentor in songwriter-producer Edgar Barrera, the band has quickly evolved. Hit singles with Bad Bunny (“un x100to”) and Carín León (“Que Vuelvas”) should give the act a shot at both song and record of the year, as well as best new artist.
Ángela Aguilar
The 19-year-old daughter of ranchera icon Pepe Aguilar lost best new artist to Karol G in 2018, but that hasn’t stopped her from bringing traditional Mexican music to the masses. In the five years since, she has become a fixture of the Latin Grammys telecast, while also touring alongside her famous father and releasing major collaborations with artists like Steve Aoki and Fito Páez. “Qué Agonía,” her successful duet with Yuridia, could get a nod for song or record of the year.
Fuerza Regida
The quintet from San Bernardino, Calif., is known for bold music that straddles Mexican and U.S. sensibilities, mixing tuba and guitars with delicious crunch. Although the act’s in-your-face sound and cheeky lyrics may not suit all voters, Fuerza Regida has a finger on the pulse of the streets — don’t discount the group for album of the year with its back-to-back releases Pa Que Hablen and Sigan Hablando.
Peso Pluma
The 24-year-old from Guadalajara, Mexico, is the genre’s current golden boy, debuting just one year ago and already charting 11 tracks on the Hot 100 and 20 on Hot Latin Songs. A disruptor who collaborates both within and outside the genre, Peso Pluma could take home best new artist.
Natanael Cano
Since bursting onto the scene three years ago, the 22-year-old has been considered by many to be the originator of the current corridos tumbao movement — and yet he has not received a single Latin Grammy nod. While his new album, Nata Montana, released in June, didn’t make the deadline, a trio of singles on the Hot 100 do: “PRC” (with Peso Pluma) and “Pacas de Billetes” and “AMG” (with Peso Pluma and Gabito Ballesteros).
Christian Nodal
Widely seen as a successor to the grand ranchera tradition of Alejandro and Vicente Fernández, Nodal may be the most versatile regional Mexican singer today. Although he has already won Latin Grammys in the regional Mexican field, newfound awareness (including a single with Romeo Santos, “Me Extraño”) may boost his chances at main category nods.
This story will appear in the July 15, 2023, issue of Billboard.