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Laura Pausini has been named the Latin Recording Academy’s 2023 Person of the Year.
The Italian pop legend, one of the most celebrated performers in Latin music for the last 30 years, “will be honored for her career as a multifaceted, multi-lingual performer as well as for her continued commitment to supporting social justice causes that are close to her heart, including equality for women and LGBTQ+ people and world hunger,” according to an official statement released Wednesday (May 31) morning.
“Laura Pausini is one of the most talented and beloved artists of her generation whose commitment to advocacy and equal rights is exemplary,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Throughout her more than three-decade career her extraordinary voice continually breaks down barriers across languages and genres, creating a special bond with audiences around the world.”
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Born in Faenza, Italy, Pausini started her music career at age 19, rising to fame in 1993 after winning the 43rd Sanremo Music Festival. Her records have sold more than 70 million copies worldwide, she has done nine world tours and landed three songs in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart: “Las Cosas Que Vives,” “Víveme” and “Como Si No Nos Hubiéramos Amado” — all of them Spanish versions of songs she originally recorded in Italian.
“I am extremely honored to receive this incredible recognition from The Latin Recording Academy. To be named Person of the Year at this moment, when I am celebrating 30 years of my career, is something that I still cannot describe,” Pausini said in a statement. “The Spanish language has opened doors for me from a young age, it has made me feel at home, it has inspired me to move forward and to explore and live music without barriers or limits. To say today that I will receive this important recognition fills me with great pride, joy, strength to continue taking strong steps and to inspire the new generation of artists who lift the music they carry in their hearts on high.”
A Latin Grammy and Grammy winner, Pausini also shares a Golden Globe Award with Diane Warren for best original song, for “Io sì (Seen)” from the movie The Life Ahead, which was also nominated to an Oscar. Beyond music, she has been honored with the Starlite Humanitarian Award, the Global Gift Humanitarian Award, and was named Person of the Year by the Diversity Media Awards for her support of the LGBTQ+ community, among other recognitions.
Pausini will be celebrated at a special star-studded gala and tribute concert, where an array of artist and friends will perform renditions of her renowned repertoire. Details of the event, to be celebrated in November during the 2023 Latin Grammy week in Sevilla, Spain, will be announced at a later date.
The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts. Past honorees include Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).
Bad Bunny’s longtime top 10 record on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart adds a new chapter this week with the debut of his latest single “Where She Goes” at No. 2 (June 3-dated list). Thanks to his steady performance, which dates to 2017, Benito extends his record for the most top 10s in the chart’s history.
“Where She Goes’” start in the runner-up slot and secures the global star his unprecedented 61st top 10 on the multi-metric ranking, which blends airplay, streaming activity, and digital sales. Bad Bunny snatched the top 10 cup after breaking off a tie with Enrique Iglesias and Luis Miguel (all with 39 top 10s) on June 19, 2021, a record he’s held since.
Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma’s “Ella Baila Sola” remains at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs for an eighth week.
“Goes” blasts in at No. 2 on Hot Latin Songs as the top-selling tune of the week, (No. 1 on Latin Digital Song Sales), with 2,000 downloads sold during its first tracking week ending May 25, according to Luminate; also a record-extending 61st top 10 there.
The Jersey Club, drill and dembow-fused track arrives at No. 2 on Latin Streaming Songs with 23.4 million official U.S. streams during the same period. “Goes” sits right below Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma’s “Ella Baila Sola,” which remains in charge despite a 12% dip in streams, to 27.9 million. Plus, “Goes’” opening streaming sum was enough to debut at No. 3 on the all-genre Streaming Songs ranking.
Further, “Goes” also shows activity among Latin stations, with 2,000 audience impressions in its first week, though not enough to make it to the Latin Airplay ranking, which factors in all airplay, regardless of its format.
Bad Bunny teased “Goes” days before its release on TikTok, followed by an Instagram post the morning of its release day. The MAG-produced Spanish-language tune, dropped May 18 at 5 p.m. Pacific time via Rimas along with a star-studded music video set in the California desert, with cameos by Frank Ocean, Lil Uzi Vert, Dominic Fike and others.
As Bad Bunny marks an even larger gap ahead of his competitors with 61 top 10s on Hot Latin Songs, here’s the scoreboard since the chart launched in 1986:
61, Bad Bunny39, Enrique Iglesias39, Luis Miguel37, Daddy Yankee35, J Balvin
Beyond its top 10 start on Hot Latin Songs, “Goes” takes over Billboard Global 200 storming at No. 1, bows at No. 3 on Global Excl. U.S. and makes its No. 8 debut on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.
Fuerza Regida Nabs Career High Debut with “TQM”: Elsewhere on Hot Latin Songs, Fuerza Regida strikes out a new chart success with the No. 5 debut of “TQM.” It’s the group’s highest-charting start among 21 visits. It’s also Regida’s third top 10, after the two-week champ “Bebe Dame,” with Grupo Forntera, in January.
“TQM” bows in the upper region propelled by its streaming activity. The song, released May 19, recorded 13.1 million official streams during its first week. That sum yields a No. 17 start on Streaming Songs and a No. 5 debut on Latin Streaming Songs, also a third top 10 on the latter.
In a special edition of New Music Latin, Billboard‘s Latin and Billboard Español editors have compiled a list of five must-hear new Latin songs that dropped over the past few days.
Last week’s busy release schedule coincided with the Latin Grammys’ submission deadline, when artists must have entered recordings and music videos released during the eligibility period (June 1, 2022-May 31, 2023) for the 2023 awards show.
As a follow-up to our New Music Latin picks published May 26, here are five more new releases to have on your radar.
Sofia Ryes & Danna Paola, “tqum” (Warner Music Latina)
Mexican pop stars Sofía Reyes and Danna Paola joined forces for the first time ever to bless fans with “tqum.” The ultra-pop song finds the artists reminiscing on good times with a significant other that’s already moved on. But, “now that I really think about it, I love you a bunch and it’s not easy. I was so blind that I couldn’t see what went wrong. How did I lose you but still keep loving you,” they sing. “tqum” is an abbreviation stands for “te quiero un monton (I love you a bunch),” and it’s the first single off Reyes’ upcoming new album. Stream the track and watch the music video above. — GRISELDA FLORES
Cabra, MARTÍNEZ (La Casa del Sombrero)
With collaborations ranging from “Sentido Pésame” with Yuba Ire to “Toco Madera” with Seba Otero and Ambar Lucid, and an instrumental piece titled “Karaoke #1”, Cabra presents his second post-Calle 13 solo effort, MARTÍNEZ, which also marks his farewell as a vocalist, according to a statement that did not specify the reason for this decision. “The idea behind this work was to propose a contrast between my thoughts and my ongoing production approach,” the Puerto Rican artist said in a press release. “These songs offer an interesting mix of emotions, reflections, and celebrations that make this musical work very special.”
In terms of sound, the eight-track EP is at times reminiscent of La Fania and Rubén Blades, who the 25-time-Latin Grammy and three-time-Grammy winner formerly known as Visitante — whose full name is Eduardo José Cabra Martínez — has cited as great influences in the past. More joyful and introspective than his previous album, CABRA (2021), the producer and songwriter continues fusing Latin American-rooted rhythms such as Afro-Cuban rumba (“Sentido Pésame”), Dominican pambiche (“Un Trambo” with De La Ghetto) or Brazilian funk (“No Eres Tú Soy Yo” with Elsa and Elmar) with samples, synthesizers and non-traditional elements, while addressing topics like the state of the music industry (“Sonido Bestial” with Vicente García”), the hardships of life (“Tiro Pa Lante” with Rodrigo Cuevas), love and mortality (“Sentido Pésame”). Released on May 26 independently under Cabra’s own label, La Casa del Sombrero, MARTÍNEZ is an instant classic that will connect you to the past and make you reflect on the future. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Mau Y Ricky, Reik & Béele, “Manos Frías” (Warner Music Latina/Sony Music Latin)
Sibling duo Mau y Ricky, Reik, and Beéle came together to release their new, ultra-emotional collaboration “Manos Frías.” A beautiful blend of their harmonious vocals, the song begins with guitar strings in the first verse, then slowly transitions into a pop EDM beat. The song’s lyrics describe the challenge of holding onto an important love because life wouldn’t be the same without that person. “With those cold hands, you melted the walls I put up, I don’t say it, even though I know I should, you came to change my life,” the artists sing in the chorus. — INGRID FAJARDO
Luis Fonsi, “Buenos Aires” (Universal Music Latino)
“Don’t take out your heart, they are stealing”, is what Luis Fonsi sings in the catchy chorus of his new single “Buenos Aires”. The song begins with heartfelt acoustic guitar chords, gradually incorporating more musical instruments to end in a mixture of urban music with Argentine cumbia. In the lyrics, Fonsi includes some allusions to popular Argentine soccer such as “goal at 90” and mentions Recoleta, an exclusive sector of the city that titles the song. This is the first single from his upcoming studio album.
“It’s a spiteful song that talks about that pain you feel when that person who means so much to you has already turned the page,” Fonsi said about the track. “When I started writing the song, it immediately transported me to Argentine cumbia and inspired me to refer to some of the cities that have great meaning in my life and my career in the new songs that I will be releasing.” In the video directed by Carlos Pérez of Elastic People, Fonsi bets on a vibrant explosion of pink from the stage to the various costumes he wears, that of the dancers who accompany him, and the female dancers rightly wearing balaclavas of the same color. — LUISA CALLE
Don Omar & Chencho Corleone, “Podemos Repetirlo” (Unisono/Saban Music Group)
Don Omar and Chencho Corleone join forces once again (following the 2010 “Hooka” with Plan B) on “Podemos Repetirlo.” Produced by Little Wizard and Alva, the track not only unites two of Latin urban music’s renowned artists but also transports fans to the essence of reggaeton music in the early 2000s. with sensual perreo beats and just as sultry lyrics. Chencho’s signature vocals kick off the song, where he’s reminiscing about a past lover and wanting to see her again. Don then steps in, assuring that he can’t stop thinking of her. If the song’s title is any indication, “Podemos Repetirlo” is an invitation to basically “repeat the good times.” “Collaborating with Chencho is an incredible honor because he is well known for that powerful and catchy style,” said Don Omar in a press statement. “‘Podemos Repetirlo’ is going to be one of those totally original songs that no one is going to be able to remake.”— JESSICA ROIZ
Sam Smith may have declared that “I’m Not Here to Make Friends” — but that doesn’t mean they can’t work with rising Latin superstar Anitta. In a new cover story on Anitta for Harper’s Bazaar, Smith confirmed that the pair are working on a new song together. “Anitta’s energy is amazing,” they said. “We connected […]
Becky G, Grupo Firme, Junior H, Young Miko, Ivy Queen, Arcángel, and many more took the stage at Sueños Music Festival 2023, which took place in Chicago over Memorial Day Weekend (May 27-28). On Saturday (May 27), Sueños got off to a strong start with performances by Feid, Wisin & Yandel, El Alfa, Ivy Queen, Gera MX and paopao, to name a few.
From the founders of Mexico’s Baja Beach Fest, Sueños made its debut in 2022 with headlining acts J Balvin, Ozuna, and Farruko. Returning acts include Puerto Rican rapper Myke Towers, Dominican dembow star El Alfa, as well as reggaeton pioneers Wisin & Yandel.
For a second year in a row, Wisin & Yandel — or best known as “El Dúo de la Historia” — helped close out the fest. The Puerto Rican hitmakers took fans down memory lane performing all the reggaeton hits such as “Abusadora,” “El Teléfono” and “Pam Pam,” to name a few.
“We’re thrilled to be coming back to Chicago for our second annual Sueños festival,” Aaron Ampudia and Chris Den Uijl, co-founders of Sueños, previously told Billboard Español. “Last year was such a moment, you could feel the energy and excitement from fans no matter where you were at in the festival. It just felt like we were meant to be there, celebrating Latin music and culture with Chicago’s thriving Latino community — and this year we’re bringing even more.”
On Sunday (May 28), artists such as Becky G took the stage and got emotional when she heard fans chanting “Becky, Becky, Becky!” To which she responded, “I just knew today would hit different.”
Firme was in charge of closing day two and Sueños’ second edition, and, in their signature style, they partied hard in Chicago singing anthems such as “En Tu Perra Vida,” “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo” and “Ya Supérame.”
Below, check out candid photos of all the performances at Sueños 2023.
Nicky Jam
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Nicky Jam at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Ryan Castro
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Ryan Castro at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Ivy Queen
Image Credit: @el_matzu
Ivy Queen at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Wisin y Yandel
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Wisin y Yandel at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Young Miko
Image Credit: @DIEGOGUILLEN
Young Miko at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Feid
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Feid at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Eladio Carrión
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Eladio Carrion at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Nicky Jam
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Nicky Jam at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Grupo Firme
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Grupo Firme at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
PaoPao
Image Credit: Annie Robillard
PaoPao at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Becky G
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Becky G at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Arcángel
Image Credit: @frankievergara
Arcángel at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
El Alfa
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA
El Alfa at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Wisin y Yandel
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Wisin y Yandel at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
PaoPao
Image Credit: Annie Robillard
PaoPao at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Junior H
Image Credit: @EL_MATZU
Junior H at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Chencho Corleone
Image Credit: @frankievergara
Chencho Corleone at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Gera MX
Image Credit: @frankievergara
Gera MX at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Gera MX
Image Credit: @frankievergara
Gera MX at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Sueños 2023 is a wrap. The second day of the music festival delivered its own set of show-stopping performances in a stacked lineup that included Grupo Firme, Becky G, Nicky Jam, Myke Towers and Eladio Carrión, to name a few. Sunday (May 28) was more varied in terms of genres. While the first day was […]
The 2023 edition of Sueños got off to a strong start with performances by Feid, Wisin & Yandel, El Alfa, Ivy Queen, Gera MX, paopao and many more. Unofficially launching the summer, day one of the music festival in Chicago had it all: old-school perreo with Chencho, girl-power with the ever-so fierce Ivy Queen and even […]
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.
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A Next Generation Leader
TIME magazine unveiled its 2023 “Next Generation Leaders” list this week, spotlighting 10 trendsetters and trailblazers, including Argentine hitmaker Bizarrap. In an article titled “Viral Hitmaker Bizarrap Wants His Music to Speak for Itself,” the 24-year-old producer—known for his fiery “BZRP Music Sessions” with Shakira, Nicky Jam, and Nathy Peluso, to name a few—opened up to about the importance of people getting to know his music. “I make music every day,” he told TIME. “I like thinking about ideas for my videos, making teasers. I’m always thinking about the next step.”
Myke Towers & ESPN Team Up
Gearing up for the upcoming NBA Finals on June 1st, ESPN and Myke Towers have teamed up for some new music. This week, the Puerto Rican rapper dropped a new verse on A Boogie Wit da Hoodie’s “MVP” track featuring G-Eazy, which dropped two weeks ago. The new NBA Finals Remix, featuring Towers, forms part of digital and social promotions of ESPN & ABC’s NBA Finals coverage. “Finals almost here….,” expressed the artist in a joint Instagram post with A Boogie. Listen to part of the track below:
Unlocking a “Tusa” Memory
This week, Karol G graced the cover of ELLE magazine, where she also gave some backstory on how “Tusa” was born during the “Song Association” video component. She explained how she DM’ed Nicki Minaj to collaborate and then expressed the virality it gained during the pandemic in 2020. On Twitter, Minaj also shared a throwback memory. “When I heard ‘Tusa’ I fell in love,” she expressed. “I was dancing w/husband nonstop in the backyard. We swore we were doing the merengue. The song made us feel so happy. That’s how I knew it was the one.” Watch Karol’s video and read Minaj’s full tweet below:
But the thing is, Karol sent me another song @ first & I asked her to send smthng else. She didn’t want to b/c she said the reggaeton was what was popping at the time. But she still sent a new song. When I heard Tusa I fell in love. I think I was pregnant. I was dancing w/husband… https://t.co/rSysHNqRd1— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) May 24, 2023
EDM Meets Regional Mexican
Who would’ve ever thought that electronic dance music and Regional Mexican would make such a great match? This week, Eslabon Armado surprised fans with a new EDM remix of their Peso Pluma-assisted hit “Ella Baila Sola.” The hyped dance version debuted at the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, at the helm of Los Angeles-based DJ Deorro. “I can’t believe this actually happened […] what an unforgettable moment,” expressed the Mexican-American artist on Instagram. Below, watch the moment Eslabon and Deorro performed the new dance remix for the first time:
Shakira Continues Making Waves
Following a very public breakup, which is stapled in her recent hits “Te Felicito,” “Monotonía,” “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” and “Acróstico,” Shakira is assuring fans that she’s doing just fine. In a recent Instagram video, the Colombian artist is seen flaunting one of her many talents as she’s surfing on the beach to the beat of Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain.” “If there are no waves, you make them,” the 2023 Billboard Latin Woman of the Year captioned the clip that was filmed in her new hometown, Miami.
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Christian Nodal, “Cazzualidades” (Sony Music Latin)
Christian Nodal has penned a love song to his girlfriend, rapper Cazzu, titled “Cazzualidades”—a word play of the Spanish-language word casualidades (casualties) and the Argentine singer’s name. A romantic tune that cleverly fuses mariachi, tango and flamenco, “Cazzualidades” details the honest sentiments he feels for the soon-to-be-mother of his first child. “I may not be Romeo but I love my Julieta,” he says in the track, referring to Cazzu’s real name, Julieta Cazzucheli. In the midst of the single, Nodal spits a fiery rap verse, where he assures that “those who love for real never lose” and “are you what I was looking for? Nah, you’re better than what was meant for me.”
“Cazzualidades” is included in Nodal’s new Forajido2 EP, home to previously-released bangers “Un Cumbion Dolido” and the Tini-assisted “Por El Resto De Tu Vida.” Cazzu & Nodal made their relationship officially public at the 2022 Latin Grammys last November. In April, the Argentinean artist revealed she was expecting a baby during one of her concerts. — JESSICA ROIZ
Yng Lvcas, Six Jewels 23 (Warner Music México)
Emerging Mexican artist Yng Lvcas is one of the very few, if not the only artist to come out of Mexico that has had success in reggaeton. The 23-year-old has been on a winning streak thanks to a remix to his reggaeton anthem “La Bebe” with Peso Pluma. It was the only reggaetón song he included in his 2021 debut EP, Wup? Mixtape1, that was all corridos. Currently, the track is No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, Yng Lvcas has honed his reggaetón sound and has unleashed Six Jewels 23, his second reggaeton set (following LPM).
Inspired by artists such as Bad Bunny, Arcángel and Anuel AA, the young act is on his way to make a name for himself in a genre where not many Mexican artists have achieved success. Six Jewels 23, a seven-track EP that includes “La Bebe – Remix,” showcases Lvcas’ ability to produce hooky beats and earwormy lyrics. The EP’s focus track is “Wazap,” in collaboration with urbano heavy-hitter Justin Quiles. The track is a bouncy reggaetón jam that finds the pair trading verses about a girl who’s hitting them up on WhatsApp. Yng Lvcas also collaborates with Sleezy O (“Erótica”) and Bounce Bosses (“Bandolero”) — who produced “La Bebe – Remix.” Stream the set above. –– GRISELDA FLORES
Chayanne, “Bailando Bachata” (Sony Music Latin)
Chayanne returns to tropical music with “Bailando Bachata,” the third single from his upcoming new album, which will also include his previously-released songs “Tú y Yo” and “Te Amo y Punto.” It’s his first foray into the Dominican genre in almost a decade, since the bachata-pop “Bailando Dos Corazones,” but the new song, he explains to Billboard Español, “is something more faithful, more complete, which makes me very excited.” “How lucky I am that I can see you when I wake up every day/ And when I travel, I miss you/ I carry your photograph in my wallet,” starts the romantic Spanish-language track, co-written by Chayanne, Yasmil Marrufo, Andy Clay Cruz Felipe and Mario Alberto Cáceres Pacheco. Just as romantic is the music video, directed by Katherine Díaz and produced by Guacamaya Films. Set in the 1970s, the clip stars Venezuelan actress and model Veronica Schneider, who lies down to watch her favorite series — starring Chayanne, of course — when she notices that the artist can see her from the screen. The pop icon’s voice blends perfectly with the Caribbean genre on this 3:15 minute song, a soothing balm to the soul that’s sure to get you dancing. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Peso Pluma, “Bye” (Doble P Records)
Powered by an emotional trumpet melody and a guitarrón that slaps, Peso Pluma drops a gut-wrenching kiss-off titled “Bye.” It’s the first solo song since the gripping corridos number “Por Las Noches,” and it already hits with each cutting verse dripping in sad-boy reminiscence. With lyrics like, “Bye/ Better be on your way/ While I smoke and drink wine/ Being with you no longer suits me/ Bye/ And I could care less/ I get distracted by princesses / And your kisses don’t interest me anymore,” it harkens back to Bad Bunny’s classic trap song “Soy Peor” in the way that Peso’s menacing confession is about his heart being tainted from romantic betrayal. The Guadalajara sensation currently is atop the Billboard Global 200 chart with “Ella Baila Sola” alongside Eslabon Armado. He currently has eight other tracks on the coveted all-genres chart, including “La Bebe” remix with Yng Lvcas, “Por Las Noches” remix featuring Nicki Nicole, “PRC” alongside Natanael Cano and more. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Arthur Hanlon & Peter Nieto, “Darte un Beso“ (Sony Music Latin)
Virtuoso pianist Arthur Hanlon delights us with a reinterpretation of Prince Royce’s popular bachata “Darte un Beso” in the company of Cuban singer Peter Nieto. The cover is the opening track of Hanlon’s upcoming album, Legados: Bachata, slated for release on June 23 via Sony Music Latin and the first of forthcoming series of albums that will celebrate some of the greatest hits in Latin music. “I have dedicated my career and music to Latin music for over 20 years. It is an honor for me to make instrumental versions, for piano, of the best songs in Latin music,” the pianist says in a statement.
Hanlon gracefully delivers his instrumentals with a blend of R&B and soul arrangements, while honoring the original bachata, offering a refreshing and classy way to revive those beautiful songs that inspire positive feelings. Accompanying the release is an uplifting and inspiring video that celebrates love in all its expressions, incorporating retro clips of endearing moments of loving couples and families. — LUISA CALLE
Grupo Frontera, “Le Va Doler” (Grupo Frontera)
Grupo Frontera delivered the new upbeat norteño tune “Le Va Doler,” a nod to those who’ve healed after a painful heartbreak. This follows their latest hit “Un x100to” with Bad Bunny, which currently sits at No. 5 on the Hot 100. The band’s new song — written by Keytin, Ciey and Edgar Barrera — tell the story of a person navigating life after a rough breakup. Staying true to its core sound, Grupo Frontera subtly blends the norteño accordion with cumbia beats — giving life to melodic notes for each verse. “It will hurt when she sees that I’m over it. When she looks for me, and I don’t feel anything for her anymore, don’t feel anything,” lead singer Adelaido “Payo” Solís sings. — INGRID FAJARDO
Stream Billboard‘s New Music Latin weekly playlist below:
Following his reggaeton bangers such as “Baila Baila Baila,” “El Farsante,” “Caramelo,” “Una Vaina Loca,” and “Hey Mor,” to name a few, Ozuna is now experimenting with Afrobeats.
On his new seven-track EP, Afro, the half-Puerto Rican and half-Dominican artist born Juan Carlos Ozuna Rosado fuses the infectious Afrobeat rhythm with his signature urban-Caribbean sound. Executive produced by Ozuna and Vicente Saavedra alongside his music engineer Hi Music Hi Flow, the tracks are all sensual, mainly backed with lyrics about love — as heard in “Curarme El Alma,” “Acuarela,” and “Isla Desierta.” In other lyrics, he references actresses and singers including Sofia Vergara, Karol G, Eva Longoria, and Zendaya, to describe a woman’s beauty.
The EP’s focus track is “Tucu” with newcomer Amarion, and it’s accompanied by a video filmed in Puerto Rico by Fernando Lugo. Other collaborators on the set include popular Afrobeat artists Davido (“Evalongoria”) and Omah Lay (“Soso Remix”).
Afro is Ozuna’s eighth musical production following his studio albums Odisea (2017); Aura (2018); Niburi (2019); ENOC (2020); and his joint album with Anuel AA, Los Dioses (2021) — all of which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. Ozutochi, the artist’s 2022 studio album, hit No. 5 on the list.
Additionally, Ozuna will embark on his Afro Tour across Europe this summer, which has 16 confirmed dates, including gigs in France, Spain, Italy, Israel and Holland. The monthlong trek kicks off July 7 in Paris and wraps Aug. 6 in Spain.
Below, check out every song on Afro ranked by the Billboard Latin editors:
“Soso (Remix)” ft. Omah Lay