State Champ Radio Latin
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After dominating the past year with his blockbuster Un Verano Sin Ti album and a handful of subsequent singles and collaborations, Bad Bunny is already shifting his attention to new music. In an interview with Rolling Stone, published on Wednesday (June 21), the Grammy-winning reggaeton phenomenon revealed that a collaboration with Travis Scott is on […]
Yng Lvcas and Peso Pluma achieve their first No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay chart as “La Bebe” advances from No. 2 to lead the list dated June 24. It’s the first team-up where both artists secure their first champ in 2023, and the first since Bizarrap and Quevedo led with “Bzrp Music Sessions, […]
Chinese pop star G.E.M. is looking to grow her Latin American fan base — and break the mold for Chinese artists — by putting out a full-length Spanish version of her latest album, Revelation. And the idea to do it didn’t come from an executive or carefully plotted strategy by her new label, Warner Music China, which released the original Mandarin version in September.
“It wasn’t necessarily something we sat down with her and sort of guided her towards,” Simon Robson, Warner Music Group’s president, international, for recorded music, tells Billboard. “It was more that she wanted to do this, and we wanted to support her.”
Robson says G.E.M.’s Revelación, which Warner Music plans to release on July 10, will be the first Spanish-language album by a major Chinese music artist at any label (as far as WMG is aware). The experiment, the executive says, is “quite indicative of what’s happening with music at the moment and just how impactful Spanish music is becoming.”
Like her Chinese original, the Spanish album — which G.E.M. says she wrote on her own, after essentially teaching herself the language — will feature 14 songs. After debuting in 2008 with her self-titled EP G.E.M, the Shanghai born, Hong Kong-raised singer, whose real name is Gloria Tang Sze-wing (G.E.M. stands for Get Everybody Moving), became one of the top-selling female artists in Asia. Often dubbed China’s Taylor Swift, she holds the record for most-viewed music video on YouTube among all Chinese artists with “Light Years Away” (267 million views), the Chinese theme song for the sci-fi movie “Passengers.”
“It has been an incredible journey working on this project as I do not speak Spanish, but I was determined to fulfill a prophecy that was made to me 10 years ago that one day I would sing in the language,” G.E.M. says in a press release announcing Revelación. “After receiving support from South America for my Chinese album Revelation, I taught myself Spanish and wrote the entire album by myself.”
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A devout Christian, the singer rose to fame in 2014 after appearing on the TV competition show, “I Am A Singer 2.” Her second-place finish boosted her popularity in mainland China. She also received a nomination for an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Mainland China & Hong Kong Act and in 2016 Forbes named her to its 30 Under 30, the only Asian artist featured on the list. She composes songs in Cantonese and Mandarin, and also speaks English.
G.E.M. signed with Warner Music China last July, after a sticky separation from her Hong Kong-based label, Hummingbird Music, which sued her in 2019 to enforce their 2014 contract, which the label said was valid until 2022. Hummingbird was seeking HK $120 million ($15.3 million) in damages, according to Chinese media reports. G.E.M. filed a countersuit for unspecified damages, claiming Hummingbird had failed to fulfill its contractual duties. Both parties were seeking exclusive rights to her copyrighted works, including her stage name. (It is unclear if the suits have been resolved. A WMG spokesperson says he does not have any information about the situation.)
Revelation, G.E.M.’s seventh studio album, is named after the New Testaments’s Book of Revelation. In the wake of the pandemic last summer, the artist found herself prone to melancholy and other negative emotions, and developed the habit of praying, she told Billboard China. Her album was a “direct dialogue between me and heaven,” she said. “I write letters to heaven, and they write back. This is what gradually gave shape to the concept behind Revelation.”
Warner Music released two songs from the album every week — accompanied by videos — for seven weeks leading up to Sept. 22. G.E.M. began noticing that user-generated content and remakes of the song in local languages by Spanish-speaking content creators were appearing on social media platforms, particularly in South America. “Whether it was due to the album’s themes or its vibes, it was evident that it was connecting strongly with Spanish speakers globally,” a WMG spokesperson says. So, she decided to learn Spanish and convert the songs into Spanish “to better share her message and music with this fanbase.”
While the plan is still in its preliminary stages, G.E.M. is planning to perform the Spanish version of the song throughout the next year, with live performances in Latin America, the spokesperson tells Billboard.
Robson says WMG currently has no plans to release any other Chinese artists’ albums in Spanish. “But I think that obviously there is an element of seeing how successful this album is,” he says. “It’s something I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more of just because Spanish music, in the broadest terms, is becoming increasingly influential around the world.”
The Warner Music executive acknowledged that there is an element of risk for G.E.M. and the label with the Spanish project but declined to define what success would look like for the artist. “It’s more about building her fan base in Latin America,” he says. “It’s step by step, really.”
WMG continues to lean into Latin music, at a time when the genre is exploding globally. Between 2020 and 2022, Latin music grew 55.29% in album consumption in the U.S., according to Luminate, more than double the overall industry’s 21.61%.
Robson points to recent tracks like Peso Pluma’s remix of Yng Lvcas’ “La Bebe,” which is holding at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week, and the upcoming album or EP from Mexican rapper Natanael Cano, which is scheduled to drop at the end of June, as signs of Warner Music’s efforts on the Latin front. (Yng Lvcas performed last week at a songwriting camp in Madrid organized by Warner Music Spain and Warner Chappell Music Spain, part of an effort by the company, Robson says, to host more joint writing camps for both publishing and recorded music.)
Two years ago, the label named former Universal Music Group executive Alejandro Duque as president of Warner Music Latin America. Duque helped oversee the release of Anitta’s Versions of Me, whose signature single, “Envolver,” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200. But now the Brazilian pop star is gone, after separating with the label in April and signing with UMG’s Republic Records, a definite blow to WMG.
“We’re already starting to build up our roster [in Brazil],” Robson says, noting the recent signing of Brazilian urban funk artist Kayblack.
More broadly, “when you look back two years prior, although we were sort of active, [it is] nothing like to the degree we are now, and are not having the success we have,” Robson says. “Alejandro is an incredibly strong executive and we’re trying to support him as much as possible.”
Don Omar‘s Forever King tops this week’s new music poll. Music fans voted in a poll published Friday (June 16) on Billboard, choosing Omar’s new album as their favorite new music release of the past week. Forever King brought in more than 57% of the vote, beating out new music from Doja Cat, Queens of the Stone […]
Feid‘s Ferxxo Nitro Jam Underground Tour had an epic first night in Miami Friday, June 16, before he wraps up with his second and final show at the Kaseya Center on Sunday, June 18.
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Produced by Live Nation (which also helmed the artist’s 2022 U.S. tour), Ferxxo (pronounced Fercho) was set for a 29-city tour that kicked off April 20 at the WAMU Theater in Seattle and visited key cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York before wrapping in Miami.
Upon entering the Miami show, you were given special glasses for an immersive, 3D experience after scanning your ticket. These glasses gave you full access to the world of El Ferxxo. At 9:40 p.m., the lights dimmed and a video appeared across large screens, displaying the visual for his single “MXFIX G5” and a message to turn your flash off.
Wearing a beige sports jacket, shorts, white shades, his signature green cap and black-green-neon gloves, Feid arrived on stage to perform the opening track “Chorrito Pa Las Animas.” From the start of the show, he warmly greeted his fans and expressed his excitement for this special evening.
“Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart to everyone who came tonight to ‘Parchar con el Ferxxo’ in Miami Mor. A thousand thanks to everyone who came in green tonight, those who came with El Ferxoo’s glasses, with the cap,” he said, and he finished with, “Remember that if you are going through something bad, leave all that out from the theater. Today we came to have a good time.” “Porque el Ferxxo no se le dedica a cualquier mor (because you don’t dedicate El Ferxxo to whoever),” he added.
Below, check out more highlights from Feid’s concert.
Feid’s energy on stage: Feid’s high-energy performance included big smiles and running across the stage while dancing with his DJs and guitarist, creating a fun and lively atmosphere reminiscent of a boys’ night out.
Heartfelt conversations: He took a moment to recognize how difficult it can be and how hard is to live far away from your country and your family, but how all the sacrifice is worth it. “There are only good people here, special people, people who dream, and if you are going through something ‘nea’ (man), all that will pass. Pure blessings are coming for everyone who is here today.”
Daddy Yankee and Yandel’s surprise appearance: The epic moment in which two of the biggest stars in music surprised Miami fans by singing “Yankee 150,” the remix that premiered yesterday featuring the “Big Boss.” It was euphoric, especially since the “Gasolina” hitmaker announced his retirement in 2022.
Romeo Santos is wrapping up his four-date U.S. stadium stint that lunched on June 3 at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium. On Friday (June 16), the Latin star’s Formula Vol. 3 Tour paid a visit to Miami.
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A two-hour DJ set by Deejay Mad pumped up the LoanDepot Park (formerly known as Marlins Park) as devoted Romeistas filled up the venue at capacity. At 10:48 p.m., the lights dimmed and a video appeared across the large screens, displaying a phone call between Romeo and his son.
“Daddy has to work,” he said.
Then, wearing a black-and-white blazer, brown shades, and black pants, Santos arrived on stage to perform the opening track “El Pañuelo,” his collaboration with Rosalía. He then sang some of his earlier solo tunes, such as “La Diabla,” “Eres Mia,” “Cancioncitas de Amor” and “Odio.”
“I didn’t come here to talk. Where are all the Latinos this night?” he asked his nearly 40,000 fans.
The Dominican crooner then continued with songs such as “Inmortal,” “Promise,” “Bebo,” “Imitadora,” “Necio” and “Llévame Contigo,” to name a few, before assuring everyone that the “Romeistas are the best fans in the world.”
At 11:30 p.m., Santos left the stage and returned with a new fit — black leather pants and an open, cheetah-print shirt that flaunted his toned, bronzed chest. During this concert block, he delivered some of his popular urban-bachata collaborations such as “Volvi” (Bad Bunny), “X Si Volvemos” (Karol G), “El Farsante” (Ozuna) and “Noche de Sexo” (Wisin y Yandel).
To close off the reggaeton-heavy set, Santos brought out Anuel AA to perform their infectious feature “Ella Quiere Beber,” which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart in 2019.
The Puerto Rican trap artist also performed his songs “Sola” and “Mas Rica Que Ayer,” all while Santos jammed on stage with a drink in hand.
“Romeo, you’re my biggest idol and inspiration,” Anuel said to him before giving him a hug and rushing off stage.
At 12:15 a.m., Santos was still intact, and in fact, asked the audience: “Are you sleepy? Now is when the concert is beginning. Where are my Romeistas of more than a decade? The Aventureras?”
This time, sitting on a tall, silver throne, Santos began taking song petitions from the fans to sing in a capella. Some of the timeless Aventura hits he passionately belted were “Angelito,” “Enseñame a Olvidar” and “Hermanita.”
He then dropped a wave of bangers that further prove why he’s the King of Bachata, such as “El Malo,” “Todavia Me Amas,” “Los Infieles,” “Corazoncito,” “La Boda,” “Un Beso” and “Obsesión” — the song that put Aventura on the map in 2002 — before changing to a red leather outfit and closing the night at 1:00 a.m. with “Huellas” and “Propuesta Indecente.”
The Formula Vol. 3 stadium trek wraps on June 24 in Houston and will resume with more than 20 U.S. dates and cities in October and November. For more information, visit here.
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.
Emilia honors her dad with powerful song
“I prayed to God that I wouldn’t lose you,” Emilia starts off the ultra powerful “Guerrero.mp3,” her new song that honors her dad. The Argentine singer-songwriter released the ballad just in time for Father’s Day and is powered by raw emotions as she describes the uncertainty she experienced during her father’s recent health struggle: “I almost lost you, I held on to be strong,” she sings. “If you lack strength, I give you mine. You are my superhero, or so I thought.”
Listen to the heartfelt song below:
Father’s Day traditions
What is Anuel AA’s favorite Father’s Day tradition? He likes to keep it simple and real: “I remind myself and everyone around me that family is the most important and most real thing in life,” he tells Billboard. Meanwhile, Camilo is all about spending time with his daughter Índigo. “I like to celebrate all those friends who share parenthood with me. Being with my daughter, and getting in the pool with her, are my favorite things,” he says.
Find out what other traditions Latin dads, such as Nicky Jam, Luis Fonsi and Santa Fe Klan, like to cherish here.
Mario Bautista releases emotional Father’s Day song
The Mexican singer’s best childhood memories with his dad are immortalized in the music video for his new song, “Pal’ Viejo,” which he released to celebrate his dad just in time for Father’s Day. In the bolero-style song, Bautista is filled with gratitude and expresses his love for the man that has always supported him. “You are an example in my life, since I was little, I admired you the most. At your age, you still have that same joy, your smile is just as bright despite all the ups and downs.” Hear the bright and cheerful song below:
And the winners to Premios Tu Música Urbano are …
The 2023 Premios Tu Música Urbano was held on June 15 from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, awarding top urban artists as well as artists from other genres, such as tropical, pop, and Regional Mexican who have experimented with the urban realm.
Karol G was the evening’s big winner, nabbing six awards including the coveted artist of the year, song of the year, and tour of the year. Other top winners included Feid, who scooped top male artist, collaboration of the year, and album of the year by a male artist; Rauw Alejandro, who won top social artist and songwriter/composer of the year; and Vico C, who won the best comeback, in addition to a special trajectory award, to name a few.
See the complete list of winners here.
Loud And Live’s CEO receives special award
Nelson Albareda, CEO of Loud And Live, was inducted into Miami Dade College’s Hall of Fame on Fame at the Loew’s Hotel in Coral Gables, FL. MDC’s annual Hall of Fame ceremony “honors its alumni who are civic and business leaders in Miami-Dade County and across the country,” according to a press release. The awards gala also serves as a fundraiser to support student scholarships.
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized and inducted into this year’s Miami Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame among outstanding individuals, who like me, have excelled and strived in our professional career, while supporting the education of our future generations,” the music executive said.
This week, our New Music Latin roundup — a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard‘s Latin and Billboard Español editors — is powered by new music from Gloria Trevi, David Bisbal, Boza and many more. Though he’s still rooted in the reggae plena sound that made him a household name, Panamanian singer Boza gets experimental on his […]
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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Boza, Sin Sol (Sony Music Latin)
For his third studio album, Sin Sol (Without Sun), Boza traveled across Europe seeking inspiration for his new lyrics and sound — such as beach getaways in Spain and late-night walks in Italy. The set kicks off with “Talismán,” a smooth hip-hop track about a failed “perfect” relationship that highlights his infectious vocal range; followed by “Sin Waze,” a sensual Afrobeats cut about euphoric love; and transitioning to “Pa’ Que Tú Me Vea,” an EDM jam that narrates the story of a man who’s convincing a girl to leave her toxic relationship.
Though he’s still rooted in the reggae plena sound that made him a household name, the Panamanian singer gets experimental on his new 13-track set. In the Dalex-assisted “Volar,” produced by Sky Rompiendo, he dips his toes in a sugary electronica melody; in “Rompeolas – Acústica,” he passionately sings over weeping guitar riffs, and in “Te Conozco” he drops a hard-hitting dancehall groove. Reggaetón also makes a strong presence in Sin Sol, as heard in tracks like “Qué Prefieres?” with Beéle and “Booty Puty.” The set wraps with “Ocean,” where he reels in Mexican pop star Kenia Os for a sultry Afrobeats-meets-electronic song about having undeniable chemistry. — JESSICA ROIZ
David Bisbal, “Ay, Ay, Ay” (Universal Music Spain)
“Ay, ay, ay” is unexpected bachata with a touch of flamenco, and more unpredictable elements. The passionate theme begins with some bohemian guitar chords, followed by a beat of castanets merging with the surprising appearance of electric guitar, as well as percussion, güira, and bongos. Although delving into in a non-traditional genre for him, the Spaniard maintains his signature energetic and soulful vocal performance throughout the song. “Ay, ay, ay, I go to bed without your mouth/ And I think ay, ay, ay/ There is no kiss like what you give me/ And I can’t take it anymore if you’re not here/ If you’re not here, if you’re not here,” he sings in the chorus. The video shows Bisbal walking through various streets of Los Angeles and a group of people dancing to the romantic bachata. — LUISA CALLE
Gloria Trevi, “Medusa” (Great Talent Records)
“Enchanted and powerful/ I dance among the rocks and so I set them spinning/ Enchanted and mysterious/ Brave and proud and so I set them to spinning,” wails Gloria Trevi in this song’s chorus, before producers Dabruk, Manu Chalud and Alcover unleash a techno dance frenzy. The energetic single sees the Mexican star owning her radical artistic approach, embodying a mythical figure and singing of rattlesnakes and venom.
“Medusa” is Trevi’s first independent release from her label Great Talent Records, which Billboard Español exclusively announced on Thursday. “This new stage is very exciting for me,” Trevi said in a statement to Billboard Español. “With our label, I will be able to have more investment, open new markets and work with dream collaborations. I love being the head of my own label now.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Kurt, “Diosa” (Universal Music Mexico)
Mexican pop singer-songwriter Kurt delivers a tropical single perfect for dancing this summer, combining tropical rhythms with electronic elements and Brazilian funk. With optimistic and playful lyrics like “I don’t have any style, but I go very well with you/ I’m not the best at dancing, but your kisses make me rich,” “Diosa” talks about forgetting your sorrows with that special girl who makes your life more beautiful. The music video, directed by Henry Cuicas, combines colorful scenes of the beach and the city, highlighting women of different races, ages and styles in a sweet kind of homage. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Caloncho, “Superdeli” (Universal Music Mexico)
When Caloncho opens up his new single with “I want to be a good memory for you/ Abeautiful place in your brain,” the lyrics take on a sweet and significant value. In “Superdeli” (slang for something very tasty), the Sonora-born singer-songwriter deepens his signature indie-pop sounds within the tropical realm, combining retro piano melodies with subtle hints of bachata. Penned by Caloncho, Kurt, and Pepe Portilla, the lyrics are just another beautiful reminder to live in the present and always welcome your feelings with an open heart, as he sings: “Brindo por ahorita, al ritmo que mi cora’ palpita” (Cheers to right now, to the rhythm that my heart beats.) — INGRID FAJARDO.
Listen to more Latin recommendations this week in the playlist below:
Father’s Day is around the corner and like most dads out there, Latin artists such as Nicky Jam, Camilo, Santa Fe Klan and Anuel AA have favorite traditions for the special day. And unforgettable memories from past years.
Whether it’s eating an extra-sugary cake on Father’s Day, eating delicious meals drinking good wine, or simply spending time with their loved ones, the artists featured in this roundup share what makes their Father’s Day special and unique.
Below, a handful of Latin acts share with Billboard their favorite Father’s Day traditions or memories from the special day, in their own words.
Camilo
It’s a day that excites me a lot because among the things that I am, I am most proud of being a dad, it truly fills me with pride. Being at home, being with my family, being with my dad, who I have the privilege of having with me. Celebrate him and all the parents I’m close to — I like to celebrate all those friends who share parenthood with me. Being with my daughter, and getting in the pool with her, are my favorite things. This is my second Father’s Day and on the first, Indigo was very small — but now that she’s a more interactive being, there is a lot to do.
Luis Fonsi
I celebrate Father’s Day with my dad, and with all my family. It always involves delicious food, good wine, and thousands of hugs and kisses from my children, who are what I love most in the world. There is no better gift than that.
Nicky Jam
On Father’s Day, my favorite tradition is to teach my children the importance of dreaming big. I teach them that the most powerful dreams are those that challenge us and fill us with fear because it is those dreams that drive us to improve ourselves. So, on this special day, let’s celebrate the love and courage to pursue our boldest dreams. Because, as I once said, “If your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s because it’s not big enough.” Happy Father’s Day, where dreams meet courage and unconditional love.
Mike Bahía
The fact of being a father has been the most beautiful opportunity to learn again, to feel vulnerable again, to feel a love that I had never experienced but also a fear that I had never experienced. But above all, to know that I have the possibility to continue learning, to continue getting to know myself. I feel that being a father today makes me better, or makes me aware to be better from the roots. And at least I have an infinite desire, an atomic energy, to get up in the morning to change a diaper — when before the simple fact of getting up and doing an activity earlier was difficult, but not today.
Today, I wake up with swollen eyes from sleep to go change a diaper, to go hug him, but with a smile on my face to see his happy face. It is reconnecting with innocence, it is reconnecting with so many beautiful things that life gets us used to, they become landscapes. It is to learn again, to enjoy the simple things again.
Anuel AA
On Father’s Day, my favorite tradition is to remind myself and everyone around me that family is the most important and most real thing in life. In a world full of distractions and chaos, I know that the most real and powerful thing that we have is the blood that runs through our veins. Therefore, my greatest joy is being able to look my son and my two daughters in the eye and feel how proud I am of them. In those moments of deep connection, I know that I am building a legacy of love and respect.
El Alfa
On Father’s Day, my favorite tradition is to embrace those simple moments as a family. Sitting together, talking, laughing, and taking the time to listen to each other, that’s the most valuable thing. In the midst of a life full of movement and tumult like mine, I’ve learned to appreciate the simple and genuine things. Because at the end of the day, it’s those everyday moments that nourish our souls and remind us of what really matters.
Santa Fe Klan
On this Father’s Day, I’d like to honor my father and grandfather so that my son can see the chain of gratitude, and that we honor the line of men.
Mauro Castillo
What I do on Father’s Day is serenade my dad. I call him on the phone and serenade him if I’m far away — but if I’m not far, I go and hug him and sing to him in person. I also [keep things modern by sending a Father’s Day song to the parents in the family group chat Also in the family, but adding to modernity than in the family group, I always put a little song for the parents. Well, my children make me an orange cake that I love, but it has a lot of sugar — and Tatiana, my wife, doesn’t let me eat it very often. That’s why on Father’s Day there is orange cake!
Alex Cuba
This year for Father’s Day, I have the good fortune to have my father Valentín Puentes with me in Canada — he is almost 80 and still playing and enjoying music. I have taken the opportunity to record him and document some of his work, and it feels like a true blessing to be able to do it. I’m looking forward to cheering him up, preparing his favorite meal — and listening with my kids, in the glow of three generations, [to] the tunes we’ve already recorded and that are making him feel very happy and special.
Yeison Jiménez
Father’s Day is very, very special — because I spend time with my two loved ones who are my daughters. And if you ask me, I prefer the plan to be very, very chill. I prefer it to be an at-home plan, cooking with the family, watching a movie, and perhaps having a good dinner at night. I think that would be a good plan for Father’s Day.
Santiago Cruz
Let’s say that there is no specific tradition, but it has happened since my children entered school, that they have given me gifts made by them, and that always ends up being very significant. In fact, a portrait of me that my son did when he was little, I tattooed it on the left side of my chest. So those handmade gifts end up being tremendously meaningful. Obviously breakfast in bed and [being pampered] all day.
Nio García
On Father’s Day, my favorite tradition is to honor the strongest and most important lesson life taught me last year: That being there is a true blessing, no matter what the odds are. I’ve learned that the only thing that really matters is the time we dedicate to our children and our family. Fame, money and material possessions are short-lived, but the memories we create together are forever. I want to make being present a constant tradition in my life because I know it is the only one that really counts.
