Latin

From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.

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A New Era for Piso 21

Piso 21 kicked off 2025 announcing that they will now be a trio composed by founding members David Escobar (Dim), Juan David Huertas (El Profe), and Pablo Mejía (Pablito). The news comes on the heels of member Lorduy (real name: David Lorduy Hernández) announcing that he was exiting the group. 

“Thank you for your love, for your support. Thank you for believing in our dreams,” the now three-member Colombian band expressed on social media. “We promise that we will continue to give our lives to bring you the best music, and thus continue to be the soundtrack of your lives. We dream of continuing to accompany you in those moments of love and heartbreak. And to meet with you on this floor of love and brotherhood.” 

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Since launching in 2012 with previous member Llane (real name: Juan David Castaño Montoya), the group has achieved many Billboard chart entries including a No. 1 hit on Latin Pop Airplay with “La Misión” in collaboration with Wisin last year. The group has released seven albums: Piso 21 (2014), Ubuntu (2018), Canciones Que Nos Marcaron (2020), El Amor en Los Tiempos del Perreo (2021), 777 (2022), Los Muchachos (2023), and 2.1 (2024).  

Lenny Tavárez Is Getting Married

Lenny Tavárez will soon tie the knot! The Puerto Rican artist—who’s making the rounds with his viral 2024 hit “Tu Feo” in collaboration with Prince Royce—proposed to his longtime girlfriend and mother of his children, Natasha Nazario. The intimate engagement took place January 2 at Los Roques Archipelago in Venezuela, where they were joined by their two children Miami Zabelle and Mor Antonio. “I dreamed it, I wrote it in my songs, and now it’s real,” the artist expressed on Instagram on Thursday (Jan. 9), the day he revealed the news to his fans. “Now I’m starting the best stage of my life with you. Thank you for being my light, my strength, and my inspiration. I love you!” 

Lenny Tavárez and Natasha Nazario

BOE Polanco 

Bad Bunny’s Fun Marketing

Earlier this week, Bad Bunny was back home in his native Puerto Rico promoting his sixth studio album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. Previously, we’ve seen Bad Bunny promote his albums on many popular podcasts, but this time, he hit up the local news network. On WAPA TV, he took on the role of news anchor and weatherman on the “NotiCentro Al Amanecer” morning show, and later in the week, he portrayed a stage director on Telemundo Puerto Rico’s “Alexandra a las 12” afternoon show, bringing a refreshing vibe and silly skits to both shows—all while promoting his tropical-leaning set. 

A Scholarship for Emerging Artists

On its mission to provide educational opportunities that advance Latin music and its heritage, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation unveiled its first-ever Emerging Artist Scholarship. Valued at $275,000, the scholarship is in partnership with Berklee College of Music, and will cover a bachelor’s degree and room and board at the college for its 2025 fall semester, as well as wrap-around services and ongoing mentorship and learning opportunities. The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is now accepting applications until April 10, 2025. For more information on how to apply, click here. 

Sebastián Yatra performs on stage with prior Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Scholarship winners at the LGCF Sebastián Yatra Scholarship Ceremony on August 7, 2024 in Coral Gables, Florida.

John Parra/Getty Images

This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music from artists including Adriel Favela & Octavio Cuadras, Kapo and Ke Personajes, to name a few. Adriel Favela and Octavio Cuadras kick off the new year with a “happy corrido.” The two música mexicana hitmakers team up for “Esquizofrénico,” which thrives […]

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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Kapo, “ALOH ALOH” (Sony Music Latin/La Industria Inc.)

Kapo kicks off the year with his new single “ALOH ALOH,” following the feel-good sound and uplifting lyrics that have made him a household name. Penned by the Colombian newcomer and co-produced by  Gangsta and Jeyjenm, the track is charged with a certain charm that will make anyone feel beautiful and confident—similar to his 2024 Billboard hits “Ohnana” and “UWAIE.” “You’re more than a kiss/ More than a few hours/ More than two caresses and a coffee,” he chants in the chorus, backed by his signature Latin Afrobeat sound. “‘Aloh Aloh is about capturing the moment, the joy, the rhythm, and the vibe,” he said in a press statement. “I wanted a name and a sound that felt alive, effortless, and uniquely me.”  — JESSICA ROIZ

Adriel Favela & Octavio Cuadras, “Esquizofrénico” (Fonovisa/UMG Recordings)

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Adriel Favela and Octavio Cuadras team up on “Esquizofrénico” to deliver a “happy corrido” that combines the vivacity of Mexican music with bold storytelling. It portrays the intense and extravagant lifestyle of a rock star, touching on themes of mental strain, sleepless nights, and the daunting side of fame. Musically, the track captivates with a vibrant horn section and requinto melodies. The music video may cause initial backlash among those concerned about propagating mental health stigmas by featuring images of a person in a straitjacket. However, Favela himself has openly dealt with bipolar disorder, which adds layers to the video’s interpretation and suggests personal reflection. His deep delivery of the song and compelling narrative bode well for Favela’s upcoming album, Origen, to be released on Jan. 23. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Paulo Londra feat. Luisa Sonza, “Itamambuca” (Paulo Londra/DALE PLAY Records)

It may be winter in most parts of the world, but Paulo Londra and Luísa Sonza are heating things up and transporting us to the beaches of Brazil with “Itamambuca.” Produced by Mr. Naisgai, the euhphoric track kicks off with a slowed down baile funk rhythm that later transitions into more uptempo, powered by a sped-up reggaetón beat. Londra and Sonza sing about fate bringing them together and set the scene for what could be an idyllic rendezvous. “Just imagine, you and I kissing in Itamambuca .. dedicating you to the moon … Caipirinha with ice and hookah,” they propose. According to a press release, the Argentine hitmaker traveled to Itamambuca where he was introduced to the world of surfing and decided to turn his trip into a musical project, joining forces with Brazilian star Sonza. — GRISELDA FLORES

Alfredo Olivas, “Noche De Enciclopedia” (Fonovisa/UMG Recordings)

Alfredo Olivas starts off 2025 with his new single titled “Noche de Enciclopedia” (Encyclopedia Night). This song highlights his unique lyrical style, telling a poignant story about someone who rises from the depths of despair after being disappointed by a loved one. The imagery in the lyrics compares this transformation to that of a vampire who, after a long period of darkness, is finally ready to embrace the light again. Musically, “Noche de Enciclopedia” features a lively polka melody, enriched by soulful harmonica tones and the powerful sounds of an accordion. — INGRID FAJARDO

Guaynaa & Tropikal Forever, “QNPLC” (Guaynaa Records)

Guaynaa begins the new year with “QNPLC,” a catchy preview of what he calls “the most important project I have worked on so far.” The song, performed with the Mexican group Tropikal Forever and whose title is the initials of “Que No Pare la Cumbia” (Don’t let cumbia stop), honors the genre originated in Colombia that has gained strength throughout Latin America. “Time will pass and fashions come and go/ But don’t let cumbia end when you dance,” says part of the lyrics, also saluting icons of the genre such as Los Ángeles Azules from Mexico, Los Wawancó from Argentina, Armonía 10 from Peru and Los Corraleros and Carlos Vives from Colombia, among others.

“With a lot of dedication, with love, and with a lot of respect, we bring you #cumbiayamor,” added the Puerto Rican musician on an Instagram post, implying that Cumbia y Amor would be the title of the album (which means Cumbia and Love). “A new chapter begins in my career, in the search to highlight the greatness and beauty of the Latin American identity, especially giving visibility to new generations. As a Caribbean, from the tropics, and with a lot of flavor, we prepare this for you to enjoy!!!!” Guaynaa also released an “Intro” in which a female voice explains the relevance of this tropical genre. It is a solid and exciting sample of what promises to be an album that will make you dance and rejoice.  — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:

The worlds of hip-hop and reggaeton have been intertwined in both style and sound since the origins of both genres, particularly in their common affinity for opulent jewelry. Large, flashy bling has for years marked the elites of these two musically akin cultures, representing a display of wealth and a symbol of defiance, a bold claim to hard-won success and status.

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Parallel to this trend, the current Mexican music generation has also absorbed hip-hop’s aesthetics into its contemporary revival. Yet, some of the most successful artists in the scene have opted for more refined choices.

Van Cleef & Arpels — known for its sleek designs of metal and precious stones inspired by nature, like the four-leaf clover — has notably emerged as a favored brand among a bevy of corridos tumbados stars. The subtle luxury of these pieces has become a symbol within the genre — whether flaunted in outfits seen in music videos or lyrically celebrated in tracks.

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This was evident in 2023 when Peso Pluma was spotted donning a Van Cleef chain in the billion-stream music video for “La Bebé – Remix” alongside Yng Lvcas. The trend was underscored again in June when Natanael Cano sported the chic chain in the video for “Vino Tinto” with Peso Pluma and Gabito Ballesteros.

In a recent interview, Oscar Maydon, who arrived at the Billboard offices in New York wearing a Van Cleef bracelet, commented, “It’s something that became fashionable. They’re very pretty, they’re very practical, they go with everything. People like them, they are very youthful, all the kids adapted them very well.” The Mexicali artist — whose hit “Tu Boda” with Fuerza Regida has been at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart for 11 weeks — also talked to us about an unreleased corrido that mentions the French brand.

And there’s more. For example, last September, Interscope artist El Padrinito Toys released a romantic turned ominous sierreño directly titled “Van Cleef,” further articulating the brand’s appeal: “Si no te tengo no me palpita el corazón/ Eres como una pesadilla, la neta ya te compré una Van Cleef amarilla/ Te está esperando tu silla, voy bien jalado y atrás viene la policía” (If I don’t have you, my heart doesn’t beat/ You’re like a nightmare, I already bought you a yellow Van Cleef/ Your chair is waiting for you, I’m riding hard and the police are coming).

Others have expressed their spirit of camaraderie by gifting such jewelry. Darey Castro, the leader of Los Dareyes de la Sierra, for example, has given Van Cleef & Arpels products to colleagues, a source told Billboard Español.

When Billboard Español reached out to a Van Cleef & Arpels representative for comment, they stated, “Regarding the use of Van Cleef & Arpels pieces by Mexican artists, I would like to confirm that we do not currently lend to celebrities; therefore, this phenomenon is completely organic.”

While the incorporation of Van Cleef & Arpels into Mexican music culture has become notable, its influence has also been felt in other fields of Latin music. Myke Towers included the track “Van Cleef” with Pirlo on his latest album, and AMF recorded “Exoticón (Van Cleef)” with Victor Mendivil, illustrating the brand’s far-reaching cultural resonance.

In her 2023 book Fashion Killa: How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion, Sowmya Krishnamurthy delves into the intersection between hip-hop and fashion and how their relationship is deeply symbiotic. She highlights how the DIY ethos of hip-hop artists and their communities has progressively influenced luxury fashion houses.

Because of the way Latin music artists are wearing Van Cleef, their chains feel more like an integral aspect of their musical and cultural identity than a simple accessory.

Just days after dropping his new album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Bad Bunny (real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) released a music video for “Baile Inolvidable,” the third song on the LP. The sweet six-minute clip begins with Puerto Rican filmmaker Jacobo Morales, the protagonist on Benito’s Debí short film, who joins a salsa dance […]

Here are the collabs our Latin editors are hoping for this year.