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It’s the time of the season when flowers bloom and the sun shines a bit brighter. With more luminous days on the horizon, Billboard Español selected a variety of songs to lift our spirits and prepare us for longer days of sunshine.
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From “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus to Natalia Lafourcade’s “De Todas Las Flores,” these 23 songs honor springtime and reflect a variety of genres from different eras, in English and Spanish, all pastel hued and with a dash of poptimism.
“La Primavera” (2001) by Manu Chao still sounds as refreshing as spring rain even after more than two decades after its release. Then there’s Nirvana’s 1991 “In Bloom,” of their breakthrough Nevermind, which marked a generation of insouciant rebellion. With Kali Uchis’ recent Billboard 200 chart-topping Red Moon in Venus, she introduces her album with careful orchestration of birds chirping and flower bugs buzzing in the intro track “in My Garden…” which is followed by the languorous “I Wish you Roses.”
With Café Tacvba’s seminal “Las Flores” from their 1994 album Re, the mercurial four-piece band introduced a jubilant song filled with invigorating jaranas and an irresistible rhythm that induces smiles every time it plays. Last year’s Natalia Lafourcade “De Todas Las Flores” sees her continue her exploration of Mexican roots in an elegant and dolce way, boasting acoustic guitar strums over a subtle dream-pop backdrop. And of course, the list wouldn’t be complete without Selena’s tejano classic “Como La Flor,” Miley Cyrus’ groundbreaking pop kiss-off “Flowers” and the Billboard No. 1 feel-good song “Mañana Será Bonito” by Karol G.
And, of course, the list would not be complete without the Tejano classic “Como La Flor” by Selena y Los Dinos, and “Dónde Estará Mi Primavera” by Ario de Rosales native Marco Antonio Solís.
Listen to the playlist below:
Just minutes before going stage for her Lollapalooza Argentina set on March 17, Rosalía gave her dancers the ultimate pep talk.
The Spanish star’s microphone inadvertently turned on just minutes before going on stage and her sweet words were heard by attendees. “This is the first show we’re doing and I hope you guys feel very proud of this [and] that you enjoy the show,” she said in English before going on stage to sing her hits “Saoko,” “Bizcochito” and “La Fama.”
“You know that I cannot do this without you. And I feel very happy, very blessed that you’re here. And I really, really, really hope that you enjoy this set tonight on stage. I learn a lot from all each one of you during this process. I want you to know that I admire you and I love you. I’m grateful for your presence. We’re gonna kill this s–t! Okay? Let’s go!”
Lollapalooza Argentina took place Friday-Sunday at the Hipódromo de San Isidro, with Drake and Rosalía headlining the first night; the “Despechá” singer also performed at Lollapalooza Chile over the weekend.
Most recently, Rosalía’s Motomami logo became the first to be featured on both FC Barcelona’s men’s and women’s teams home kits as part of the team’s partnership with Spotify. The limited-edition shirt will also be available for fans to purchase.
On Friday (March 24), Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro will drop a three-song project titled RR. The EP is comprised of three tracks: “Beso,” “Vampiros” and “Promesa.” It marks the first time that the couple has recorded songs together.
Nearly a year after Menudo Productions announced they were on the search for new members to form the next generation of Menudo, the band has officially unveiled the five boys that will comprise the group.
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On Monday (March 20), Nicolas Calero (10), Gabriel Rossell (13), Andres Emilio (14), Alejandro Querales (15) and Ezra Gilmore (12) were announced as the new faces of the eternally youthful boy band. And, in celebration of the announcement, the group also released their very first single “Mi Amore,” the first song off their upcoming debut album.
The process to find its new members kicked off in August when Menudo Productions, along with television personality Mario Lopez, began virtually auditioning talent between the ages of 12 and 16. The new members are multi-talented performers with experience in acting, singing and songwriting.
“Deciding on the final five was harder than we ever imagined because there was so much great talent to choose from,” Lopez said in a statement. “The five boys we selected gelled together instantly, and the music they’ve created have exceeded all of our expectations. I think we have several massive hits, and I’m more excited than ever to introduce these boys to the world in less than three weeks.”
According to a previous statement issued to Billboard, “unlike previous group incarnations,” the new Menudo members will be “sharing in all concert, merchandise, and music revenue.” Menudo’s management will be Miami-based.
The most successful Latin boy band of all time, Menudo was originally established in Puerto Rico in 1977 by Edgardo Diaz, releasing a handful of hit songs such as “Quiero Ser” and “Claridad” and launching the music careers of Ricky Martin and Draco Rosa, among many others.
Watch the “Mi Amore” music video below.
Mexican singer and saxophonist Rodolfo “Fito” Olivares has died. He was 75 years old.
Olivares passed away at his home in Houston on Friday (March 17), according to his wife, Griselda Olivares, The Associated Press reports. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2022.
Born in Tamaulipas, Mexico in 1947, Olivares spent the last 50 years as a musician making back-to-back hits that soundtracked households from weddings to quinceañeras and multigenerational households in Latin America and the U.S.
He was best known for his saxophone-powered cumbia anthems such as “Juana La Cubana,” “El Colesterol,” “Aguita de Melón,” “Cumbia de la Cobra” and “La Gallina.” Olivares got his start in music as a teenager playing with and writing music for groups such as Duet Estrella, Tam and Tex. He later formed his own band called Fito Olivares y su Grupo La Pura Sabrosura in Houston in 1980.
With his band, he scored 10 entries on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, including one top 10. “El Colesterol” peaked at No. 4 on the tally (dated Dec. 24, 1994). Fito Olivares y su Grupo also entered seven titles in the Top Latin Albums chart.
Mexican norteño singer Ramón Ayala took to social media to honor Olivares with a heartfelt post.
“It is with great lament that I am finding out about your passing, my dear colleague, but more than anything my friend The King of Cumbia. Thank you for your music, your dedication and professionalism onstage. La Pura Sabrosura as your unique rhythm with your saxophone, with which you’re now serenading God. From king to king, rest in peace my brother. Light to your soul and your eternal rest.”
In the comments, fans reacted to the news with comments such as “only good memories thanks to his music” and “childhood memories, in all parties and in all homes we’d listen to cumbia by Fito Olivares.”
See Ayala’s tribute below.
One of Feid‘s first-ever performances in the U.S. was at a South by Southwest (SXSW) festival about five years ago. “I went to different bars, tents, and venues asking people to let us perform,” he previously told Billboard. “I played everywhere we could and now being part of Billboard’s stage is awesome and it’s beautiful.”
Fast forward to 2023, the Colombian singer-songwriter — alongside Puerto Rican trap star Eladio Carrión and Austin-based DJ Gabby Got It — now headlined “Billboard Presents THE STAGE at SXSW,” which took place Friday (March 17) at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park in Austin.
Billboard officially returned to South by Southwest with three nights of star-studded concerts. Electronic music titans Kx5 (Kaskade and deadmau5) will close the event on Saturday (March 18).
Check out the best moments from Feid & Carrión’s show below.
A Packed House: Rain or Shine
From chilly days to severe thunderstorms, the weather in Austin has been a bit wonky but in true Billboard fashion, the show must go on — and fans showed up no matter what. Doors opened at 7 p.m. local time but just hours before, a long line of eager fans wrapped around the Moody. In honor of Feid’s show, which just so happens to fall on St. Patrick’s Day, the majority of fans dressed in green (his signature color) and rocked the white Ferxxo sunnies. A lot of fans also brought homemade posters and their county’s flag. The Moody was at capacity with nearly 5,000 concert-goers in attendance and a couple more watching the show from a parking garage afar.
A Mini Reggaetón Carnival
As some fans made their way to the pit, others took advantage of the fun activations found in the outdoor venue. Think of a mini carnival with food, drinks, free candy, cute photo spots, and even a fun slide. Notably was Austin’s own Gabby Got It (real name: Gabriela Alma Lopez-Bucio), who kept the crowd entertained and on their feet with her reggatón-heavy DJ set including bangers from Wisin y Yandel, Karol G, and many more.
Eladio Brought the Heat to Austin
It was 50 degrees outside but Carrión made sure to turn up the heat with his 45-minute set that kicked off with “Flores en Anonimo” and continued with his trap hits “Sin Frenos,” “Tata” and “Kemba Walker,” to name a few. “Hace un frío cabron!” (it’s cold as f—), he expressed at one point but nonetheless, the Boricua act removed one of his shirts and continued to perform some of his most commercial bangers like “Mi Error,” “Me Gustas Natural” and “No Te Deseo el Mal.” Carrión then wrapped his SXSW performance with tracks “Ele Uve,” “North Carolina” and “Biza.”
Feid Fulfilled His SXSW Dream
Rocking his go-to outfit (shorts, sneakers, a sweater and glasses), Feid hopped on stage at 9:35 p.m. and kicked off his hour-long set with “Castigo,” followed by “Chimbita” and “Belixe.” He then greeted his faithful crowd and let them he was living a dream. “Austin, how are you, mor? This is a special night because five years ago we performed at SXSW and now we’re here,” he gushed. Joined by two DJs and an energetic guitarist on stage, the Colombian act performed hits such as “Mojando Asientos,” “Friki” and “Normal,” before gifting fans with a streak of bangers that went viral on TikTok: “Ultra-Solo,” “Yandel 150,” “Hey Mor,” “Chorrito Pa’ Las Animas” and “Feliz Cumpleaños, Ferxxo,” to name a few. Though he often hopped from one side of the stage to the other, there were a few times Feid would bust out with the social media dance challenges. “¡Que chimba esta noche!” he expressed, which translates to “what an amazing night!”
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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Maná and Alejandro Fernández for a Good Cause
Alejandro Fernández and Maná have joined forces to support the victims of the recent flooding in Northern California’s Pajaro Valley. Partnering with Live Nation, the Mexican acts will be donating a portion of the proceeds from their forthcoming Bay Area shows to the Community Bridges organization.
“At the heart of Maná is the belief that our music can be a vehicle for social good,” said lead singer Fher Olvera in a press statement. “When we heard about the devastating storms and saw our people in Pajaro suffering, we knew we had to help.”
“My heart breaks thinking of the people of Pajaro who are displaced by these storms,” added Fernández. “I’m honored that my music and concerts can be a catalyst to bring comfort and aid to this hardworking Latino community.”
Maná will be performing on March 17 at the SAP Center and on March 18 at the Oakland Arena; Fernández will be performing at the SAP Center on Sept. 9.
For donations and more information, click here.
Alejandro Fernández and MANÁ
Caro de Luna
Karol G Takes Over La Isla del Encanto
Over the previous weekend, Karol G had three historic concerts at the Estadio Hiram Bithorn in Puerto Rico, where she not only performed songs from her historic Billboard No. 1 album Mañana Será Bonito, but she also had star-studded guests including Romeo Santos, Sean Paul, Feid, Mariah Angeliq, Justin Quiles, Eladio Carrión and many more. “I felt at home and both I and my country will always be grateful for that unconditional love!!!” the Colombian superstar expressed on Instagram.
… and So Will Romeo Santos
On the heels of being one of Karol’s surprise guests — where they performed “X Si Volvemos” and a couple of Aventura tracks together — Santos announced he, too, will have two concerts at the Puerto Rican stadium on May 20 and May 21. Marking the first time Santos will headline a concert at the Hiram Bithorn, the shows will take place prior to kicking off his four-day U.S. stadium trek with stops in Los Angeles (June 3), New York (June 9), Miami (June 16) and Houston (June 24). The tour is in support of Formula, Vol. 3, which peaked at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart (dated Sept. 17).
For more information, visit www.PRTicket.com.
Romeo Santos
Courtesy Photo
A Fito Páez Series
Honoring a remarkable 30-year trajectory, Netflix unveiled this week the first look and release date of the Fito Páez biographical series El Amor Después Del Amor. Produced by Juan Pablo Kolodziej and Mariano Chihade of Mandarina Contenidos, the eight-episode series chronicles the Argentine rock star’s life, from his dramatic and humble beginning to his rise to fame in the 1980s, as well as his legacy in Latin American music.
El Amor Después Del Amor will arrive April 26 on Netflix. Watch the first trailer below and revisit some of his greatest hits that Billboard Español compiled for this 60th birthday (also this week on March 14) here.
Anuel & Yailin Are Parents
This week, Anuel AA and Yailin La Mas Viral welcomed their baby girl, Cattleya (named after orchids found in Latin America). In a sweet post that shows the Puerto Rican rapper and Dominican newcomer at the hospital holding their newborn, Yailin wrote: “From the moment you arrived, our lives were forever changed. You are a blessing, a gift from God who has filled us with love and hope.”
In February, Anuel revealed that he and his wife called it quits, but assured during an Instagram Live that no matter what, he was going to be responsible for his baby. “I’m going to take care of her, and she’s going to be mine,” he added. “She’s going to live like a queen because her dad is a king.”
Emilia, Big One and Callejero Fino’s “En La Intimidad” leads the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart for a third week, out of its five-week run, dating to its debut at No. 9, as it tops the March 11-dated ranking.
Karol G and Shakira’s “TQG” holds at No. 2 for a second week, while Luck Ra’s “Ya No Vuelvas,” featuring La K’Onga and Ke Personajes, rebounds 7-3 in its 20th week. Plus, TINI’s “Cupido” dips 3-4, and BM’s “M. A. (Mejores Amigos)” remains at No. 5 for a fourth week.
The week’s Hot Shot Debut goes to Ecko, Callejero Fino and El Perro’s “Te Escapas de Mis Brazos,” at No. 14. It’s the highest start for Ecko, while El Perro claims his first entry.
Elsewhere on the chart, Gorillaz score their first entry on the chart as “Tormenta,” with Bad Bunny, opens at No. 43. The song belongs to Gorillaz’s latest album Cracker Island. Benito, meanwhile, adds his 56th entry, extending his record for most career entries overall.
Ke Personajes secure their seventh entry with “Pobre Corazón” at No. 54. Plus, Marshmello and Manuel Turizo’s “El Merengue” opens at No. 60, while DJ Tao and La T y la M’s “Turreo Sessions #16” bows at No. 65.
Maluma and Marc Anthony’s “La Fórmula” takes the week’s Greatest Gainer honors as the song rallies 93-69.
Lastly, Lali captures her 16th career entry with “Comprame Un Brishito” at No. 83.
What’s your favorite new Latin music release this week? Vote below!
This week, our New Music Latin roundup — a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors each week — is powered by new music from Elena Rose, Grupo Frontera and Lupita Infante, to name a few.
The list highlights Elena Rose’s first song of 2023, “El Hombre.” The Venezuelan singer-songwriter’s pop track describes an evolved man, one who isn’t scared to be vulnerable. “He’s different from the rest,” she sings. It’s not the man that opens the door for you but the one who doesn’t want to close doors for you.” Another song on the list is Luis R Conriquez and Grupo Frontera’s “Dame un Chance,” which marks their first-ever team up. The pair offer a fresh regional Mexican fusion that effortlessly combines traditional norteño sounds with the lively rhythm of cumbia.
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With a retro sound and very sweet, innocent lyrics, “Besarte Así,” written by Lupita Infante with Pedro Dabdoub, imagines what would be the perfect kiss with the perfect someone: “If I get closer, little by little, I feel my voice tremble/ When I say your name what I really want is kissing you,” she sings, in Spanish. The song is about “letting your imagination take you somewhere you’ve never been before.”
In an extended playlist, Billboard included other new Latin noteworthy releases including Peso Pluma and Eslabon Armado’s “Ella Baila Sola,” Ramon Vega’s “Everest,” Lasso’s new album Eva and Carlos Jean and Villano Antillano’s “Kriptonita,” among others.
Listen to the complete playlist here
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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Manuel Turizo, 2000 (La Industria Inc./Sony Music Latin)
In 2000, named after his birth year, Manuel Turizo is more experimental than ever — and the first few songs are proof of that. Though he stays truthful to his reggaetón-pop core, the Colombian artist does not shy away from techno beats (as heard in “Triste”) fast-paced merengue (the Marshmello-assisted “El Merengue”) sultry reggae and dancehall fusions (“Jamaica”) and trap (“U Lala”). 2000 is a feel-good, summer-ready production that’s home to 15 track — including the previously released “Extasis” with Maria Becerra and “La Bachata,” which hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s Tropical Airplay Chart, Latin Airplay Chart, and most recently, the Argentina Hot 100.
Over energized rhythms and relatable lyrics, the Colombian artist also gets ultra-personal in the notable “Vacio” — a track where he opens up about chasing his dreams at such a young age (Turizo was 15 years old when he dropped his first hit “Una Lady Como Tú”). Further solidifying a very intimate set, the cover art is an actual photo of Turizo when he was a baby. — JESSICA ROIZ
Elena Rose, “El Hombre” (Warner Music Latina)
A groovy pop track is Elena Rose’s first single of the year, which also serves as a preview to her upcoming debut album. As ever, the singer-songwriter’s ethereal vocals — which adapt to whichever style will serve as her canvas — take center stage in this soon-to-be anthem. The sweet, yet poignant “El Hombre” describes an evolved man, one who isn’t scared to be vulnerable and has embraced his softer side. “He’s different from the rest,” she sings, introducing this unicorn of a man. “It’s not the man that opens the door for you, but the one who doesn’t want to close doors for you. A man isn’t the one that loves you but the one who teaches you how to love.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Lupita Infante, “Besarte Así” (Sony Music Latin)
In times when lyrics are getting more and more explicit, it’s refreshing to hear Lupita Infante’s utterly romantic “Besarte Así” (To Kiss You Like This,) the third single from her upcoming album Amor Como En Las Películas de Antes (Love Like in the Old Movies). With a retro sound and very sweet, innocent lyrics, the mariachi ballad (written by Infante with Pedro Dabdoub) imagines what would be the perfect kiss with the perfect someone: “If I get closer, little by little, I feel my voice tremble/ When I say your name what I really want is kissing you,” she sings, in Spanish. The song is about “letting your imagination take you somewhere you’ve never been before,” Infante says in the production notes, adding that the track “lets you envision that one kiss you have dreamed about your entire life, allowing yourself to embrace those loving feelings.” — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Isabella Lovestory, “Latina” (Isabella Lovestory)
Freaky urbano purveyor Isabella Lovestory doesn’t mind sharing alcohol, men and lipstick with her Latina comrades — after all, it’s a sisterhood. Buoyed by a glitchy, intoxicating reggaetón beat and her riot grrrl antics, the Honduran-born artist arrives with a powerful mission statement that’s filled with pride and conviction: “Latina.” Her first track of 2023 already sounds like an electrifying art-pop feminist anthem, one that’s empowering mujeres the web over (“I feel beautiful listening to this queen” or “I didn’t ask to be Latina I just got lucky,” commented some online users).
“Tongue-in-cheek and playful, [‘Latina’] is a song that celebrates being Latina without being cliché and ‘dove commercial’ about it,” she says in a press release. “It’s a commentary on the tokenizing of latinidad, reclaiming the uniqueness and poignancy of every experience each Latina has.” Produced by Chicken, Kamixlo and Nick León, the commanding neo-perreo song also coincides with the announcement of her upcoming tour, Laticonica. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Luis R Conriquez & Grupo Frontera “Dame un Chance” (Kartel Music)
Luis R Conriquez and Grupo Frontera team up to deliver “Dame un Chance.” The contemporary norteño band and the Mexican singer-songwriter offer a fresh regional Mexican fusion that effortlessly combines traditional norteño sounds with the lively rhythm of cumbia. Produced by Edgar Barrera, the song serves as a romantic plea to be given a chance, committing to change (and even to consume less alcoho)l if it would grant them an opportunity with the person they love: “I have a feeling that my life is better with you/ I know very well that they say that I am a mess/ And it’s true I admit it too, but I also know how to love you pretty/ I’ll go down and drink a little so that you can see that I need you.” The accompanying video showcases the artists performing live with an enthusiastic group of men dancing and partying. — LUISA CALLE
Lenier & Yomo, “Corazón Callejero” (Mr. 305 Records)
Cuban singer-songwriter Lenier recruits Puerto Rican artist Yomo to deliver a love letter in “Corazón Callejero.” With a blend of charming melodies and uptempo beats, the heartfelt track — a sweet confession of love — seamlessly balances Yomo’s signature vocals and Lenier’s raspy-yet-soothing voice. “Yo tengo un corazón callejero, un corazón bandolero que de ti se enamoró (I have a street heart, a bandit’s heart that fell in love with you),” they sing in the chorus. — INGRID FAJARDO
Below, stream Billboard’s New Music Latin playlist, also featuring other recent releases from the Latin world.
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has named Catalina Santa Peña as the new managing director for WCM Colombia, the company announced Thursday (March 16). The executive will lead the organization’s operations for the territory while reporting to Gustavo Menéndez, president of U.S. Latin & Latin America, Warner Chappell Music. She replaces Daniel Mora, who was recently named managing director of Warner Music Andes.
Santa Peña will oversee WCM Colombia’s “rapidly growing” roster, which includes Juan Pablo Vega, Santiago Cruz, Lalo Ebratt, Piso 21, Vicente García, Yera and TIMØ and be “key in helping expand the team while also championing local songwriters and global superstars alike,” according to a press release.
Santa Peña, who authored the book Industria Musical Para Artistas, Music Business Para Todos (Music Industry for Artists, Music Business for Everyone), is an industry veteran. In 2019, she founded entertainment law firm The Artist’s Attorney, where she worked with artists such as Karol G, Sky Rompiendo, J Balvin and Aterciopelados. She previously held roles at the Colombian Copyright office, Sony Music (Andean region), SAYCO and the Ministry of Culture in Public Performances Law in Colombia.
“As I’ve gotten to know Catalina over the years, I’ve seen the many hats she’s worn, from being an attorney and author, to becoming one of the industry’s most respected leaders,” said Menéndez in a statement. “Catalina knows the artistic side of the business and her heart is always in the right place, defending songwriters and the creative community. That’s the passion we like to see, and the perfect fit for our team and the philosophy we stand by. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have her joining us and continuing our work and expanding our growth.”
“I am very excited for this new opportunity and to continue my journey of empowering musicians and composers, who are the backbone of this wonderful industry of ours,” Santa Peña added.