Latin
Page: 47
Ángela Aguilar is blocking out the noise surrounding her whirlwind marriage to Christian Nodal. In a recent interview with ABC News, the 21-year-old Latin music star spoke out about the rumor mill her relationship set into motion over the summer when the couple tied the knot in July — just two months after the 25-year-old […]
Eslabon Armado received a special recognition during the Una Noche de Música Mexicana event — part of Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 — on Wednesday night (Oct. 16), for taking their song “Ella Baila Sola” to No. 1 globally. The group received the award from Pedro Zamora, CEO of the entertainment company Zamora Live, and Rosy Oros, director of Iconos magazine, in the presence of Leila Cobo, Billboard‘s chief content officer for Latin/Spanish.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The Azteca nightclub in South Beach served as the venue where emerging artists from independent labels Vizual and Infinifox also performed.
Vizual, the company led by Víctor Zambrano, a renowned producer of regional Mexican music who was instrumental in the rise of Carin León, introduced the audience to Héctor Rubio, one of the new promises of corridos tumbados. Rubio recently joined Peso Pluma, with whom he collaborated in “Se Volvieron Locos,” on 10 dates of the Mexican star Exodus Tour. He has also written songs performed by artists such as Alex Favela, Grupo Selectivo, Octavio Cuadras and Yeri Mua.
Trending on Billboard
Also from Vizual, Arsenal Efectivo showcased their unique blending style of trap and corridos. The Mexican-American band started in 2015 and shortly after their debut album, En La Fuga, reached the top 10 on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Albums chart.
Infinifox also presented two of its talents, one of them Juan Carlos “El Conde,” who has written songs for acts such as Banda MS and Chuy Lizárraga. El Conde’s offer includes romantic songs accompanied by band and mariachi as well as an equestrian show, as he is an expert in charrería. He recently released the song “A Rienda Suelta,” a collaboration with Bronco’s vocalist Lupe Esparza, which he performed solo at Una Noche de Música Mexicana.
The cumbia group La Sonora Vainilla added a cheerful touch to the night with their versatility. Formed in Jalisco, Mexico, they have established in the U.S., where they continue to gain followers.
Una Noche de Música Mexicana was a journey through different musical currents, from trap, to corridos tumbados, traditional styles, and even cumbia. The event was organized by Zamora Entertainment and Zamora Live, companies headed by Pedro Zamora, who was recently included in the Billboard Latin Power Players list. A major promoter of regional Mexican music for nearly 30 years, he also serves currently as president of the association Promotores Unidos USA. Based in New York, he has dedicated his life to creating shows to present Mexican artists.
Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.
The air was thick on Wednesday (Oct. 16) with anticipation at Wynwood Marketplace as attendees of the Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 gathered for what was billed as Next Gen Reggaetón: An Evening Curated by J Balvin. The event, sponsored by Cheetos and part of a series entitled the House of Huella, promised to spotlight rising stars in the reggaetón genre: Omar Courtz, Saiko, and Dei V.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Little did the crowd know, they were in for a massive surprise. The night kicked off with fiery sets from fresh talents Omar Courtz, followed by Saiko and then Dei V, each bringing their unique flavors and rhythms to the eager audience. Yet, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when J Balvin himself took the stage, unannounced, sending an electrifying charge through the crowd.
Dressed casually yet strikingly in a white T-shirt and light blue jeans, Balvin — with his hair in cornrows — looked every bit the reggaetón titan he is. He opened with “Mi Gente,” a global hit that normally never fails to pump up the volume. Despite a brief hiccup with the audio system at the very start, Balvin’s charisma and energy quickly overcame the technical glitch, and he had the crowd dancing with fervor.
Trending on Billboard
His performance of “Doblexxo,” a hit from his latest album Rayo, originally featuring Feid, was particularly riveting. Balvin delivered the song with such passion and precision that it arguably surpassed the recorded version, resonating deeply with the audience and confirming its place as a new reggaetón classic.
Not content to rest on his laurels, Balvin also dipped into his reservoir of revered hits. Tracks such as “I Like It” and “Reggaetón” had attendees shouting lyrics in unison, while his rendition of “Tata” showcased the potent Latin drill style that has been captivating the urban music landscape. Furthermore, collaborations such as “Loco Contigo” and “Con Altura” reminded everyone of Balvin’s versatility and global appeal.
Later on, Saiko joined the Colombian artist to perform “Gaga,” Dei V on “La Noche” and last but not least, Omar Courtz jumped in to deliver heady verses with J Balvin on “En Alta,” all from his latest album.
The event underscored J Balvin’s role as a torchbearer for the genre. His ability to bridge the old with the new, all while promoting the next generation of artists, testified to his influence and dedication to the music that has shaped his career.
Earlier that day, Balvin participated in a Superstar Q&A during the Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 panels.
Watch his opening set below:
Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.
Feid, Eden Muñoz, La Joaqui, Keityn, Peso Pluma, Young Miko, Belinda and many more were among the countless Latin music stars who took center stage in Miami for the 2024 edition of Billboard Latin Music Week, held Oct. 14-18.Some of the biggest names in Latin music made their way The Fillmore at Jackie Gleason Center in Miami Beach for exclusive conversations, performances, panels and to pose for the photobooth — with photographer David Cabrera behind the lens — as part of the weeklong event.
Artists including J Balvin, Pepe Aguilar, Young Miko and Alejandro Sanz took centerstage for one-on-one conversations for respective Icon and Superstar Q&As. Other returning panels included Making the Hit Live!, this year featuring Grupo Frontera, and the Women’s Panel with artists Bad Gyal, Belinda, Danna, Debi Nova, Mon Laferte and Zhamira Zambrano.
Over the past 35 years, Latin Music Week has become the one, steady foundation of Latin music in this country, becoming the single most important — and biggest — gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world. Initially named Latin Music Seminar, sponsored by Billboard, the event traces back to 1990, where it kicked off as a one-day event in Miami featuring a two-artist showcase and awards show.
Throughout the years, it has taken place in Miami, Las Vegas and Puerto Rico, returning to Miami Beach for a fourth consecutive year in 2024, and has welcomed some of the biggest Latin acts including Celia Cruz, Selena, Ricky Martin, Chayanne, Jenni Rivera, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Bad Bunny, and Romeo Santos. Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.
See some of the best photobooth gems captured backstage throughout Latin Music Week.
J Balvin
Image Credit: David Cabrera
J Balvin photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Alejandro Sanz
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Alejandro Sanz photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
JOP
Image Credit: David Cabrera
JOP photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Elena Rose
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Elena Rose photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Pepe Aguilar
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Pepe Aguilar photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Lele Pons
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Lele Pons photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Fat Joe
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Fat Joe photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
NMIXX
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Lily, Bae, Sullyoon, Kyujin, Jiwoo and Haewon of NMIXX photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Nacho
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Nacho photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Maria Becerra
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Maria Becerra photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Danny Ocean
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Danny Ocean photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Mau & Ricky
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Mau and Ricky photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Mario Bautista
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Mario Bautista photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Yeri Mua
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Yeri Mua photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Domelipa
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Domelipa photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
J Balvin
Image Credit: David Cabrera
J Balvin photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Pablo Mejia Bermudez, David Escobar Gallego, Lorduy & Juan David Huertas Clavijo
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Piso 21 artists Pablo Mejia Bermudez, David Escobar Gallego, Lorduy and Juan David Huertas Clavijo photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Fat Joe
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Fat Joe photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Kunno
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Kunno photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
NMIXX
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Sullyoon, Lily, Jiwoo, Haewon, Kyujin and Bae of NMIXX photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Alejandro Sanz
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Alejandro Sanz photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Pepe Aguilar
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Pepe Aguilar photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Mau & Ricky
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Mau and Ricky photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Nacho
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Nacho photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Lele Pons
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Lele Pons photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Elena Rose
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Elena Rose photographed on Oct. 16, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Peso Pluma
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Peso Pluma photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Yandel
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Yandel photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Tito Double P
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Tito Double P photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Yahritza y Su Esencia
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Jairo Martínez, Yahritza Martínez and Armando Martínez of Yahritza y Su Esencia photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Paola Jara
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Paola Jara photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Luis Figueroa
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Luis Figueroa photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Grupo Frontera
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Julian Pena Jr., Brian Ortega, Carlos Guerrero, Alberto Acosta, Adelaido “Payo” Solís and Juan Javier Cantu of Grupo Frontera photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Zhamira Zambrano
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Zhamira Zambrano photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Pipe Bueno
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Pipe Bueno photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Eslabon Armado
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Ulises Gonzalez, Brian Tovar, Pedro Tovar and Damian Pacheco of Eslabon Armado photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Mon Laferte
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Mon Laferte photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Peso Pluma
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Peso Pluma photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Luis Alfonso
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Luis Alfonso photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Young Miko
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Young Miko photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Bad Gyal
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Bad Gyal photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Danna Paola
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Danna Paola photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Yeison Jimenez
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Yeison Jimenez photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Tito Double P & Peso Pluma
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Tito Double P and Peso Pluma photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Jasiel Nuñez
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Jasiel Nuñez photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Young Miko
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Young Miko photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Alvaro Diaz
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Alvaro Diaz photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Armenta
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Armenta photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Belinda
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Belinda photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Yahritza y Su Esencia
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Jairo Martínez, Yahritza Martínez and Armando Martínez of Yahritza y Su Esencia photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
De La Ghetto
Image Credit: David Cabrera
De La Ghetto photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Yandel
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Yandel photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Alex Sensation
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Alex Sensation photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Fidel
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Fidel photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Saiko
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Saiko photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Peso Pluma
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Peso Pluma photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Omar Courtz
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Omar Courtz photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Young Miko
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Young Miko photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Danna Paola
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Danna Paola photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Mon Laferte
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Mon Laferte photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Dei V
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Dei V photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Debi Nova
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Debi Nova photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Caleb Calloway
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Caleb Calloway photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Alexis Fierro
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Alexis Fierro photographed on Oct. 15, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Dascha Polanco
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Dascha Polanco photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Feid
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Feid photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Eden Muñoz
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Eden Muñoz photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Corina Smith
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Corina Smith photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
KEITYN
Image Credit: David Cabrera
KEITYN photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Valentina
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Valentina photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Jimmy Humilde
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Jimmy Humilde photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Kenia Os
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Kenia Os photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Corina Smith
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Corina Smith photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
La Joaqui
Image Credit: David Cabrera
La Joaqui photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Eden Muñoz
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Eden Muñoz photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Feid
Image Credit: David Cabrera
Feid photographed on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.
Hip-hop legends N.O.R.E. (who rose to fame with duo Capone-N-Noreaga) and Fat Joe teamed up for a riveting conversation about the intersection of Latin and hip-hop during the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The chat, moderated by Jesús Triviño, senior director of industry relations and global Latin culture and content, TIDAL, centered on the similarities between reggaetón and hip-hop and their role in taking the genre to mainstream in the United States.
Below, some of the best quotes from The Intersection of Latin and Hip-Hop panel:
Trending on Billboard
N.O.R.E.: On when he first heard reggaetón. “I was in Puerto Rico and I had a party that I thought I sold out but it was Tego Calderon’s show and he didn’t show up. I heard reggaetón and was like what is that it? It sounded like ‘boom boom mami mami.’ I was like is that Spanish reggae? Everywhere in Puerto Rico they were playing it. Radios in New York weren’t playing it so I was like how do I change this? So I kept asking DJs to play it [on the radio]. I thought the was best way to help this music was to sacrifice myself.”
FAT JOE: His interaction with El General. “Vico C he wasn’t reggaetón, he was hip-hop and because of him I heard El General from Panama. I tried to charge El General once for [something] and he cursed me out. It was through him that I first heard reggaetón, then Puerto Rico had its explosion and the guys who paved the way were Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Tego, Ivy Queen, Wisin y Yandel.”
FAT JOE: On similarities between reggaetón and hip-hop. “Hip-hop is the birth of everything. If you want to learn something here is that hip-hop started everything. A lot of the things that you see in reggaetón and Latin hip-hop we’ve seen it already, from fashion to flows, right now it’s latin trap and trap comes from Atlanta, hip-hop and reggaetón they’re side by side.”
N.O.R.E.: On the impact of “Oye Mi Canto.” “Never in a million years people would get behind that. When you listen to that track, you become Latino for three minutes. Label records didn’t want to get behind that record but they did when it got 500 spins. I can say that the first reggaetón on MTV was mine. First reggaetón track on BET was mine. Daddy Yankee left ‘Oye Mi Canto’ out of a documentary he just released and I don’t know why. I sacrificed my own community for it.”
Fat Joe: On recording to reggaetón. “They used to offer me millions of dollars to do reggaetón but I was hip-hop, I couldn’t do that because it would seem like I was a wannabe. But I’ll do whatever for him (N.O.R.E.). I was like, ‘You sure you wanna do reggaetón?’ And he was like, ‘I love the way they feel, it makes me feel more of my Latino side.’ I was like alright I’m with you. And he was legendary. I always worked with reggaetón artists. I was behind this mixtape called Boricua Guerrero but some people say, ‘Oh Fat Joe didn’t embrace reggaetón’ when I put the reggaetón guys on that mixtape. We’ve been embracing reggaetón since day one.”
N.O.R.E: On his place in history when it comes to reggaetón. “When I started doing reggaetón, I had to fly out to these artists and it was a great experience. Back then R. Kelly was doing a gospel album and I thought, maybe it’s my turn to test my creativity. I claim it was my doing when reggaetón came to America.”
The 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.
J Balvin, Billboard‘s current cover star, spoke with Billboard‘s chief content officer Leila Cobo for a Superstar Q&A on Wednesday (Oct. 16) during Billboard Latin Music Week 2024. He spoke about his vision on the future of reggaeton, the power of collaborations and the importance of mutual support in difficult times.
Here are the best ten quotes from the Colombian superstar:
About A Great Day With J Balvin: “[The series] is really about sharing with artists, public figures, and getting them out of their comfort zone. Talking about topics that normally no artist talks about— their fears, their concerns. I don’t know how I did it, but I managed to get a lot of information out of them about their spiritual and mental health situations. With Jimmy Butler, Demi Lovato, Anitta and Brooklyn Beckham.”
Trending on Billboard
About collaborating with new talents: “Since I started [my career] I have always loved collaborating with new artists. It’s not something that’s just happening at this stage of my life. [When I started] I always wanted the opportunity that gave me that thrill to collaborate with [established] artists that could allow people to get to know me. So, I want that to happen for others, to be able to share in that dream of elevating their careers; to serve as a medium, without any interest of absorbing what they do.”
About Latino Gang: “My mindset has not only been about José or J Balvin, but about the general Latin culture, with Latino Gang. That our culture continues rising, that we are present, that in places where before we did not have the opportunity to sit, now we [are seated at the table].”
Explosion of Latin music: “Now there is a movement in Colombia with artists from different urban genres, trap, drill, dancehall, afrobeats, reggaeton. Now there is indeed a movement. Before in Colombia there were very few. The first ones who had the opportunity to get that exposure in the United States… at the beginning I was alone. Not because I was the best; simply because I worked and I was allowed to be one of the first to open the door for reggaeton [in the United States].”
About his friend Karol G: “Carolina is a person to be admired and highly respected. I had the opportunity to see all her process, all her patience and resilience to endure until her time finally came. I always had faith that this moment would come, and she knows it, and I think it has just begun. There’s a lot more to do. She is definitely the woman who strongly empowers everyone, not only women, but all the people who dream and say it can be done.”
About Colombian reggaetón: “We didn’t have a map, but we had a desire. Obviously reggaeton came from Puerto Rico. [In Colombia] we had Juanes, Carlos Vives, Shakira, but in the end, it’s a completely different genre. We lack a reggaeton artist that represents Colombia. We don’t have one. And I saw the opportunity to achieve that.”
About his downfall: “After that storm that fell on me, that earthquake, well here we are, stronger and more mature than before. We have had so many No. 1s non-stop, for a long time. I felt like, I was laughing, ‘why does all this happen to them, and nothing happens to me?’ And then, when it happened to me, I said: ‘Ah! Okay, I wasn’t the exception, it happens to me too.’ And that learning served me a lot, it helped me to know who my friends are and who are not, to give myself more to my family, to my wife, to my closest friends, accompanying me at the time of darkness.”
About his latest album Rayo: “Thank God, that I can make music, not out of necessity, as we did before, but being able to do it from another point of view and from another situation. It allowed me to connect with that inner child and enjoy the music without caring if it sells or not, but what makes me happy.”
About Coachella, extraterrestrials, and Will Smith: “I have always been very fanatical about extraterrestrial life, it makes me very curious. And I, wanting to revive my inner child, decided on that concept. I explained to Will Smith, from artist to artist, that the alien was part of the original concept. We both had our problems. The greatness of a person cannot be overshadowed by a few mistakes. I am not going to judge Will Smith for his mistake. You cannot erase the legacy that man has made.”
Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional
The 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week welcomed Domelipa, Mario Bautista, Marko, Sophia Talamas, and Yeri Mua for a conversation about the synergies between content creation and music.
Moderated by Mexican influencer Kunno, the five speakers shared essential tips for those social media personalities who want to transition into a music artist. Read the best quotes from each below.
Building a Fan Base
“That approach from the beginning with my followers opened the door for me. That closeness with my fan base is was what opened doors for me, especially in music. When I released my song ‘Chupon,’ people fell in love with Yeri Mua the singer. I feel that music today, no matter what, has to be linked to social media.” — YERI MUA
Finding a Balance
“Si no fuera por el apoyo de mi familia y mi equipo, no sabría donde estaría. Tienes que saber escoger prioridades. Todo es balancear a como puedas. Yo estudié música desde chiquita, pero nunca pensé que era posible ser artista, y gracias a las redes, que empecé a hacer videos y crear una audiencia leal, pude llegar ahí.” — SOPHIA TALAMAS
Trending on Billboard
Being True To Yourself
“If people follow you for the reason they followed you, you can’t just make the change suddenly. If I had only made music, it would have been much more complicated because people follow me for being Dome the TikToker, not for being a Dome singer. You have to adapt them but keep doing what they liked in the beginning.” — DOMELIPA
Dealing with Haters
“The hate issue is part of the business and you have to live with it. You have to accept it because you can’t escape it. It’s very important that you have someone in your team who can help you with your mental health. It works for music and for people in the public eye who are reading social media 24 hours a day.” — MARKO
Counting Your Blessings
“The pandemic made me reflect on what was happening in my music. I felt confused, I didn’t know what was going to happen and suddenly everything stopped. I felt anguish about work and responsibilities, but talking to my psychologist, he asked me: ‘is everyone in your family okay’? It changed the way I see life. We don’t see beautiful things, the simple fact of getting up and seeing that our loved ones are still alive. That changed the course of my life forever. I want to make music with good messages that have feeling and connection.” — MARIO BAUTISTA
Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.
Intocable rounds up its 20th No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, as “Mi Castigo” rises a spot on the survey dated Oct. 19.
The track reigns via 5.9 million audience impressions among reporting stations in the week ending Oct. 10, according to Luminate.
The song is the second Regional Mexican Airplay champ for Intocable in 2024, after “Ojalá Estuvieras Aquí” led for a week in March. The band, which formed in Zapata, Texas, in the early 1990s, earned dual No. 1s in two previous years: “El Poder de Tus Manos” and “Suena” in 2002 and “Dame un Beso” in 2007.
The group continues to have the third-most Regional Mexican Airplay No. 1s since the list began 30 years ago this month. Here’s the top of the leaderboard:
25 No. 1s, Calibre 5021, Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga20, Intocable18, Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizarraga18, La Arrolladora Banda el Limon de Rene Camacho17, Christian Nodal17, Los Tigres del Norte
Trending on Billboard
Meanwhile, Intocable takes independent label Good Music to its seventh Regional Mexican Airplay No. 1, all recorded by Intocable.
The song hits No. 1 amid the band’s 30 Aniversario tour, which launched July 20 in Hermosillo, Mexico, with sold out-shows across Los Angeles, Houston, San Antonio and Phoenix. It’s set to wrap Dec. 7 in Monterrey, Mexico.
“Mi Castigo” is one of 16 songs on Intocable’s LP Modus Operandi, which is up for best norteño album at the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, to be held Nov. 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
NMIXX made history Wednesday (Oct. 16) at Billboard Latin Music Week, where they became the first K-pop act to participate in the event by being part of the exclusive K-Pop Goes Latin with NMIXX panel on how the Asian genre has exploded in the Latin market and its future in Spanish.
The female sextet, composed of Haewon, Kyujin, Sullyoon, BAE, Jiwoo and Lily, exuded charm onstage as they spoke — through a Korean interpreter, in English and some Spanish — about their taste for Latin music, their desire to participate in Latin American festivals such as Viña del Mar in Chile or Presidente in the Dominican Republic, and their desire to collaborate with stars like Rosalía, J Balvin, Gloria Estefan or Danna.
“I really like Rosalía’s music. That’s why it would be great to collaborate together someday, please, please!,” one of the members said sweetly in Spanish, drawing loud applause from the audience.
Trending on Billboard
During the conversation moderated by Billboard deputy editor Lyndsey Havens, they said that last year they were at Kamp Fest in Mexico and were “very impressed” by the “passion and hospitality” they received from their fans in the Aztec country. They also noted that they have found a great cultural affinity between K-pop and Latin music, and that they are studying Spanish to continue expanding their relationship with their fans in the region and even record in Spanish.
They premiered a fragment of a Spanish version of their song “Soñar,” which they sang a cappella. And in a lovely surprise, they also performed the chorus of Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” with a beautiful arrangement of harmonies.
NMIXX made its explosive entry into the K-pop scene in February 2022 and has been making waves globally ever since. In March 2023, their debut EP, expérgo, earned them their first entry on the Billboard 200 chart (No. 122). His third single, A Midsummer NMIXX’s Dream, surpassed one million copies sold. And his second EP, Fe3O4: BREAK, released in January 2024, cemented his growing dominance in the industry by reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. The EP also debuted at No. 2 on World Albums and No. 171 on the Billboard 200.
Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.
Alejandro Sanz took center stage at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week for an Icon Q&A moderated by Billboard’s Leila Cobo.
Sanz will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will broadcast Oct. 20 on Telemundo. Below, check out some of the memorable quotes from his one-on-one conversation.
On Timeless Success of “Corazón Partio”: “There are worse things in the world [than singing the song over and over]. Imagine if they didn’t ask you for any [songs]? I respect my songs a lot. I’ve never complained about a song of mine, much less about that one. I will always be grateful.”
On His Writing Process Today: “I no longer lock myself away for 14 hours a day. It’s nice to share, I like working as a team. When I want to convey something, I look deeper inside. I want to take a bit of history and tension out of the songs. I like that breath of fresh air of working with people who take me to another place.”
On His New Song “Palmeras en el Jardín”: “It’s a story of love and of wanting to change everything in your life so that someone feels comfortable. You thought you were doing a lot by planting palm trees but in the end it wasn’t enough and it turns out that you keep all the palm trees and she is left with her loneliness. That’s what the song is about.
Trending on Billboard
On His Mental Health: “I once wrote something about my mood [on ‘X’] and when I woke up in the morning, I was overwhelmed. It did help. I always wake up in a good mood… everything works for me and I love life. What I felt that day, it wasn’t sadness, no anxiety, it was an emptiness, a hole in my chest, and that’s scary. [I got out] with the help of professionals and you have to do your part.”
On Being Passionate about Music: “You have to want to make music and then people will like it. There is a lot of confusion these days with music. It has to be multicolored, varied. Imagine a city of just one color? The beauty is the colors, the different textures. That is music and that is what I am going to do all my life.”
On His Netflix Documentary: “They think I’m going to tell everything, but no. It’s going to be very interesting. We’re very happy with the team and how we managed to find a path that we all like. You can talk about everything… there’s no fear in talking about things as they are. It’s important that everything has a lesson and is useful for something.”
On Being A Businessman & Artist: “Being a businessman, being a composer and a musician don’t go together. To be a businessman you have to be a bit of a bastard or a bit witty. I admire artists who can do it, but I can’t do it myself.”