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After delivering successful songs as a songwriter to big stars of the new regional Mexican genre — and after making it onto the Billboard charts with hits like “Si No Quieres No” with Luis R. Conriquez, “La Patrulla” with Peso Pluma, and more recently “Loco” — the corrido singer-songwriter Netón Vega presents his debut album, Mi Vida, Mi Muerte.
Released on Friday (Feb. 14) under Josa Records, the 21-track set includes collaborations with Peso Pluma, Luis R Conriquez, Gabito Ballesteros, Oscar Maydon, Victor Mendivil, Chino Pakas, Juanchito, Xavi, Tito Double P, and Aleman. He arrives with “Morena” with Peso Pluma as the focus track, and brings the first single, “Loco,” which earned Vega his fourth top 10 hit on the Hot Latin Songs chart.
“This album is very personal and represents the mixture of all the influences that have marked my career and my life,” Vega tells Billboard Español about this production — which, in addition to corridos tumbados, adds some rap and reggaetón.
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Netón Vega (real name: Luis Ernesto Carvajal) was born in La Paz, Baja California Sur, and at the age of 12 went to live in Culiacán, Sinaloa, the birthplace of corridos, where he began writing songs. His first musical references were the traditional regional Mexican artists, such as Grupo Intocable, one of his favorites. Along the way, he delved into corridos tumbados, until he became a hit maker for the great stars of the genre.
“My songs gained momentum and first reached Hassan (Peso Pluma), who recorded ‘La Patrulla,’ ‘Rubicón,’ and ‘La People,’” Vega recalls. “Then they were picked up by Luis R. with ‘Si No Quieres No’ and ‘Chino,’ followed by Tito Double P with ‘El Gabacho,’ and then by Código FN and Gabito Ballesteros, among others.”
Now, at 21, he is releasing his debut album with the collaboration of many of these colleagues — a union to which he credits the growth of this movement. “It makes us stronger,” he notes. “Even though this is a business, we help each other.”
Below, Netón Vega breaks down five essential songs from his debut album Mi Vida, Mi Muerte in his own words. To listen to the album in its entirety, click here.
“Morena” (feat. Peso Pluma)
It is a corrido with classic requinto and a lot of ambiance. This song was born at a live event where I intended to record with Tito Double P, but for one reason or another, I couldn’t do it with him. I wrote this song while I was in a car. Later I showed it to Peso, who liked it from the first moment. At first, the song had a different direction, but it turned out very good. Peso asked me to make it the focus track of my debut album — and of course, I agreed.
“CDN” (feat. Luis R. Conriquez)
It’s a corrido that carries the hallmark I’ve always loved, with classic guitar picking, flawlessly executed. Honestly, this song was created because I knew it would be perfect for Luis R. Conriquez, and it turned out just right. It’s exactly the style that he and I share — and from the moment we made it, we knew it was going to be a hit. It’s one of those corridos that feels authentic, with real power.
“Chiquitita” (feat. Tito Double P)
Initially, “Chiquitita” was meant for Tito’s album. I sent it to him to record quickly because it needed to be submitted. However, in the end, I asked for it back and decided to keep it for my own album because I felt it needed a change, to have my own stamp on it. Honestly, I really liked how it turned out. “Chiquita bonita, déjate querer” (Pretty little one, let yourself be loved), that phrase is key in the song. It’s a romantic corrido that brings that touch of emotion with a distinctly marked requinto.
“Me Ha Costado” (feat. Alemán & Víctor Mendivil)
“Me Ha Costado” is a track with Alemán that came together in a crazy way. I remember sending him a video with the idea, and he liked it so much that he stopped eating and went straight to the studio. I mean, he really liked it — one of those times when you say, “This is a hit!” Then I invited Víctor Mendivil, and honestly, he did a great job on it. This song talks about effort, about everything it has taken for me to be here because I’ve been working since I was a kid, and everyone knows that. It’s a trap song with a really good beat.
“Cuando Me Ocupes” (feat. Xavi)
“Cuando Me Ocupes” came out very naturally, and was the last one to be recorded. With Xavi, we made two tracks, one for him and one for me. Everything was put together in two intense days in Guadalajara. Josa, my manager, arranged everything, and we got down to recording. It’s a love corrido, but with that style that makes it feel real. It’s one of those songs that brings a lot of emotion.
Netón Vega
Josa Records
Mexican superstars Maná have made history by being the first Spanish-language act to receive a nomination to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The band, composed of Fher Olvera, Alex González, Sergio Vallín and Juan Calleros, has left an indelible mark on music, not only in Latin America but globally, through their career spanning more than three decades.
Since their formation in Guadalajara, Jalisco, the quartet has captured the hearts and minds of millions with their lyrics full of passion and their sound that mixes rock, pop and pan-Latin rhythms. With this nomination, they celebrate a milestone not just in their career, but for music in Spanish too. (Fans can cast a vote for Maná’s induction into the Hall of Fame here.)
The band made their debut on the Billboard charts in 1994 with their seminal album Dónde Jugarán los Niños, which reached No. 2 on the Top Latin Albums chart. Their success continued to grow and, over the years, they have managed to position 10 of their songs at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including classics like “Mariposa Traicionera” and “Labios Compartidos.”
These tracks, along with other timeless hits not on this list — such as “Oye Mi Amor,” “Rayando el Sol” and “Clavado en un Bar” — have solidified the Mexican rockers as one of the most influential bands in Latin music. Although the Hot Latin Songs chart, which started in 1986, is the barometer of success in the Latin market — combining data from radio plays, streaming, and digital sales — their achievements go beyond certifications and accolades. They have connected with a worldwide audience through their philanthropic efforts aimed at social justice and peace.
“We want to share this recognition with all Latinos everywhere, especially the immigrants who are suffering right now,” frontman Fher Olvera said in a statement about their nomination. “Don’t lose faith. Our people always find a way. Maná loves you. We’ll always be here standing with you.”
In honor of their nomination to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Billboard Español has compiled their 10 songs that have topped the chart, in chronological order.
“Mariposa Traicionera”
Image Credit: Bernardo Flores
After the global success of Boza‘s hit song “Orion,” featuring Elena Rose — which peaked at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart and remained on the tally for more than 17 weeks — the Panamanian artist is back with an exciting new musical venture. He has teamed up with Colombian singer Greeicy to release […]
Coincidence or not, it was a full moon Tuesday (Feb. 11) in Rio de Janeiro. The sky was clear, without stars, as the biggest star got ready to shine at the Nilton Santos Stadium, also known as Engenhão. Accompanied by her army — correction: her pack — She-Wolf Shakira marched toward the stage, focused on performing the greatest show of her life for the kickoff of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. She delivered, showing once again why she’s considered one of the greatest Latin artists in history.
Even with technical problems — including faulty monitors and a problem with screens — Shak remained calm and in good spirits.
“This is the first show, of course, something had to happen,” she said, laughing. With everything resolved, Shakira began the concert with “La Fuerte” from her latest album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, which gives its name to the tour.
The Colombian artist performed for more than two hours, playing a setlist that included the biggest hits from her 30-year-plus career. With the help of highly realistic projections made with AI, the singer brought visuals that told key moments of her personal and artistic journey.
In addition, the competent band and dancers put on a show of their own. Shakira made sure to thank each member of her team and introduced each one by name on stage. The she-wolf seemed to be overflowing with joy, like a child. At the end of each act — difficult to say which was the best — she had a huge smile on her face.
“This is a true encounter between a little she-wolf and her pack,” Shakira said.
Proving that women cash in — and how! — Shakira made a heavy investment in this tour. She was accompanied by cameras that showed every step of the show on a giant screen. Her speed in changing outfits was impressive: I counted eight, but there were definitely more. In some of her acts, she recreated scenes from music videos like “Te Felicito” (with Rauw Alejandro), and also recreated the atmosphere of the “Chantaje” video (with Maluma), where she sang from her dressing room — and the audience followed everything, including the costume changes.
Adjectives fall short to explain the magnitude of the singer’s performance; she seemed like a force of nature on stage. According to her: “Falls are not the end, but the beginning of the highest flight.” And after her turbulent period, today she shines with tranquility — with each passing day, time is becoming her ally, just like a fine wine.
Below, see Shakira’s 10 best moments at the first concert of her Las Mujeres No Ya Lloran World Tour.
The opening
Colombia is known for its very rich and diverse culture, including its array of musical styles from vallenato to salsa to champeta to música popular, and beyond.
Among its numerous international artists that include Shakira, Feid, Carlos Vives, Karol G, Juanes, and more, are key Afro-Colombian artists that have also shaped the country’s music industry: salsa giants Grupo Niche and the Latin Grammy-winning ChocQuibTown, for example.
The former, co-founded by the late Jairo Varela and Alexis Lozano, is named “Niche” after a name that is used to refer to dark-skinned people. Last year, Grupo Niche celebrated 40 years of its timeless hit “Cali Pachanguero,” dedicated to the city of Cali, Colombia — with its bustling carnivals, lively atmosphere and beautiful people — narrated by someone who’s far away and yearns to go back home.
“This song was already born big,” the group previously told Billboard of the song’s impact. “Just by the success it had at the fair in 1984, it began to move masses. In fact, at the beginning of those years, the song was only played in Cali because it was from that city. But today, the song has to be played everywhere. It’s a must-play song [at our concert]. Everywhere [in the world], people assume it as their own.”
Other Afro-Colombians that have led the charge include Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Totó La Momposina; Mr. Black, credited with helping steer the champeta movement; and Mauro Castillo, known for his lead role on “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” in Disney’s blockbuster Encanto.
Now, in honor of Black History Month, Billboard Latin highlights a wave of emerging Afro-Colombian artists that we have discovered, and should be on your radar. Check them out in alphabetical order below:
50thy
Coincidence or not, it was a full moon Tuesday (Feb. 11) in Rio de Janeiro. The sky was clear, without stars, as the biggest star got ready to shine at the Nilton Santos Stadium, also known as Engenhão. Accompanied by her army — correction: her pack — She-Wolf Shakira marched toward the stage focused on […]
Growing up in the projects of Río Piedras in San Juan, Ozuna had hoop dreams, playing on neighborhood courts until he finally accepted he would never be tall enough to go pro. His younger brother José Ginés, on the other hand, grew right past him and was eventually drafted in 2020 to play in the territory’s premier basketball division: the BSN, or Baloncesto Superior Nacional.
By then, Ozuna had left the projects far behind and become one of the world’s top reggaetón stars. And in 2022, he became the sole owner of BSN’s Los Brujos de Guayama, an underfunded team located far from San Juan. Ozuna moved it to the bigger city of Manatí and renamed it Osos de Manatí (the Manatí Bears, in a nod to his fondness for the animal). Within a year, it rose from last in the league to second place in the 2024 BSN championship.
“Those players needed a push from someone who was listening to them so they’d know there are bigger opportunities,” says Ozuna, who also hired his brother away from a previous team to play for Los Osos. “And I’m teaching them how to set goals and grow, and yes, maybe one day get to the NBA.”
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Ozuna is one of three huge reggaetón artists who in the past few years have acquired ownership in local BSN teams in Puerto Rico. In 2021, Bad Bunny joined manager Noah Assad and Rimas executive Jonathan Miranda in acquiring Los Cangrejeros de Santurce, and the same year, Anuel and his then-manager, Frabian Eli, purchased Los Capitanes de Arecibo. Though Anuel and Eli have since split up and ceded their team ownership, the three artists’ combined star power has reinvigorated a languishing Puerto Rican basketball scene.
While Ozuna put Los Osos on the map, Assad, Miranda and Bad Bunny literally revived Los Cangrejeros, who had been on hiatus since 2016. “We were approached by J.J. Barea, who said he wanted to play his last seasons in front of his home fans in Puerto Rico,” Assad explains. Owning the team, he says, is another way for him, Miranda and Bad Bunny to bring people together. “Puerto Rico is all about family. Just having the team has a positive impact.”
Ozuna has now also bought a minor league team, and he has a development team where kids train from 6 years old until the juniors level. “It’s like a basketball farm,” he says. “We have about 160 kids playing on 10 teams. We pay their transport, their snacks. The vision is for them to realize they have to work in steps to make it big. There’s a lot of talent here, but it wasn’t on display until we came along.”
Other artists outside Puerto Rico are apparently following his example. In January, Colombian rapper Ryan Castro announced he was acquiring a significant stake in Paisas Basketball Club, a professional team in his hometown of Medellín. “It’s another facet for us as entrepreneurs — supporting sports — because the kids in the barrios have the same dreams as us, the artists,” Castro tells Billboard. The same month, Colombian reggaetón star Blessd acquired a stake in Vendsyssel FF, a European second division soccer team.
Castro says his impetus for investing in a team came from his own love of the sport, much like Ozuna, who admits he didn’t have the tools to make it big himself. “Now I can do it for someone else. But it’s not about making money. It’s about love for basketball.”
This story appears in the Feb. 8, 2025, issue of Billboard.
Maná has become the first ever Spanish-language rock band to be nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inclusion – a historic and long overdue recognition for not only Maná but Spanish-language music in general.
With this nomination, Maná becomes the first Latin nominee for Rock Hall induction in nearly 10 years (since Los Lobos were nominated in 2016). Three Latin artists – who record primarily in English – have been inducted into the Rock Hall since its first edition in 1986, including Santana (1998), Ritchie Valens (2001) and Linda Ronstadt (2014).
“We’re four guys who grew up in Mexico listening to rock and roll — The Beatles, The [Rolling] Stones, Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Santana,” lead singer Fher Olvera tells Billboard, speaking on behalf of Maná. “We dreamed of sharing our lyrics and music with the world. We wanted to share the sounds and spirit of Mexico and Latin America. To be nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is almost impossible to imagine. We’re honored and grateful.”
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday (Feb. 12) this year’s nominees, unveiling 14 artists who are in contention to join the Rock Hall’s Class of 2025. Besides Maná, the list includes Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Oasis, Outkast, Phish, Soundgarden and The White Stripes.
Revolutionizing the rock en español scene, Maná – composed of Olvera, drummer Alex González, guitarist Sergio Vallín and bassist Juan Calleros – formed more than 30 years ago in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and have since become one of the most revered and successful rock bands out of Latin America.
Their debut on the Billboard charts came in January 1994 with Dónde Jugarán los Niños, peaking at No. 2 on the Top Latin Albums chart. But it was their 1997 set, Sueños Líquidos, that became Maná’s first album to hit No. 1 on Latin Albums, and seven more No. 1s came after that, making Maná the Latin rock group with the most leaders on that chart to date.
Furthermore, Maná holds the title for the Latin rock band with the most entries on Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay – with 33 and 36 total entries, respectively.
On the touring front, Maná remains active and relevant. While they’ve toured around the world through decades, in 2023, Maná accomplished an extraordinary feat playing more than 55 concerts, including 16 as part of a residency at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, where it sold over 220,000 tickets, according to Live Nation.
“Maná is one of my favorite bands,” says Bob Roux, Live Nation president U.S. concerts. “They’re a global touring powerhouse. They sell out everywhere they go from Los Angeles to Mexico City, Buenos Aires to Bogota, Madrid and even London. What I love most about them is every tour has a social cause. They’re always giving back to their community. They have worked tirelessly their entire career, making great records, performing live, and standing up for what they believe in. I can’t think of a more deserving artist to get this prestigious nomination.”
With anthemic songs like “Oye Mi Amor,” “Clavado En Un Bar,” “El Reloj Cucú” and “Rayando El Sol,” just to name a few, Maná has for decades been a fixture in multigenerational homes in Latin America and beyond. Its music has not only stood the test of time, but the band has also become a fierce advocate of environmental justice – launching Selva Negra Foundation in 1996 – and a protector of immigrant rights, most recently speaking out against President Trump’s mass deportation efforts.
“We want to share this recognition with all Latinos everywhere, especially the immigrants who are suffering right now,” adds Olvera. “Don’t lose faith. Our people always find a way. Maná loves you. We’ll always be here standing with you.”
Nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame are voted on by an international panel of more than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry players. Plus, a fan-voted element that impacts the final tally. The Class of 2025 will be revealed in late April, and the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall.
Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour has finally arrived. The Colombian superstar kicked off her Latin American trek on Tuesday (Feb. 11) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos. Her highly anticipated show follows her Grammy performance, which took place Feb. 2, where she delivered “Ojos Así” and most […]
The 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro unveiled a new wave of performers on Tuesday (Feb. 11) that includes Alejandra Guzmán, Belinda, Edgar Barrera, El Alfa, Manuel Turizo, Reik, Shakira, Tito Double P, and Xavi.
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Billboard can confirm that Shakira will have an exclusive and unique performance straight from her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour that kicks off tonight in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Additionally, Belinda and Tito will perform their bonafide corrido “La Cuadrada,” and Xavi and Manuel Turizo will join on stage for their recent bachata-tumbado “En Privado.”
The artists join previously confirmed performers Ángela Aguilar, Arthur Hanlon, Camilo, Carín León, Danny Ocean, Darell, Kapo, Natti Natasha, Yami Safdie and Yotuel.
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This year, Becky G and Carín León lead the nominations with 10 each. They are followed by Shakira and Myke Towers with nine nominations, and the eight-time nominees Ángela Aguilar, Emilia, Grupo Frontera and Leonardo Aguilar. Nominations for the fan-voted awards “are based on airplay on Uforia stations and take into account airtime on Univision Radio, streaming data and evaluation by a Television Committee composed of music and entertainment industry experts,” according to a press statement.
Meanwhile, La India, Alejandro Fernández and Manuel Alejandro will receive special awards: Premio Lo Nuestro a La Trayectoria (Lifetime Achievement Award), Premio Lo Nuestro a la Excelencia (Excellence Award), and the Visionario Lo Nuestro, respectively.
Co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia and Alejandra Espinoza, this year’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs and albums that connect the past, present and future of Latin music.
Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 will air live at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 20, via Univision, UNIMÁS and Vix.