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Billboard Latin Music Week is returning to Miami Beach, taking place at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater Oct. 14-18.
On Wednesday (July 31), Billboard also unveiled the first round of participating artists, including Bad Gyal, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, JOP (of Fuerza Regida), Keityn, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yeison Jiménez and Yeri Mua. More will be announced in the coming months.
The 35th-anniversary event, which celebrates Latin music, culture and entertainment, will feature exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars. Tickets are available now at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
“Latin music is living its most successful and globally recognized moment ever this year,” said Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer for Latin/Español. “But Billboard has been proudly at its side for over 35 years as the main flag bearer, supporter and ultimate opinion maker for Latin music around the world. During a year when Latin music is dominating the charts and the cultural zeitgeist, we are thrilled to return to Miami Beach, the global capital of Latin music, for this exciting week-long event.”
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“We are proud of the decades-long work we have done to celebrate Latin talent and bring the community together. This year’s event will be an unmatched celebration for artists, the industry and fans,” added Mike Van, president of Billboard.
The 2024 edition of Billboard Latin Music Week will spotlight a 35th-anniversary party on Friday, Oct. 18 — plus one-of-a-kind performances, workshops, networking opportunities and more throughout the week. Last year’s conference lineup featured Billboard En Vivo performances from Peso Pluma, Nathy Peluso with Young Miko and Fonseca, as well as a first-ever conversion with RBD members, a superstar Q&A with Shakira, and a premiere party with Thalia.
“Miami Beach is ready to once again host Billboard Latin Music Week, an event that truly showcases the vibrant and diverse culture of our community,” said Mayor of Miami Beach Steven Meiner. “This week not only celebrates the rich heritage of Latin music, but also highlights Miami Beach as a global destination for arts and entertainment. We look forward to another unforgettable week of music.”
This year, Billboard is introducing new GA day passes providing attendees with the opportunity to join the event on specific days when their favorite stars and industry experts command the stage with thought-provoking discussions, performances, interactive workshops and other engaging events.
Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air again on the Telemundo network. Closing out the packed week of events, Billboard will partner with Bresh to host the grand finale party of Billboard Latin Music Week. More details to come. (Note: Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to the star-studded Oct. 18 celebration.)
Billboard Latin Music Week has been the longest-running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world, spotlighting Latin’s top artists, actors, influencers, and industry leaders. The conference has become a must-attend event for artists, executives and players in the industry, both new and upcoming as well as established.
For more information on Billboard Latin Music Week and the latest updates, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Billboard Latin Music Week 2024
Billboard
Danny Ocean is appealing to the relatives of members of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela and police forces to try to reason with them and prevent further bloodshed.
The Venezuelan musician posted an emotional message Tuesday night (July 30) amid the massive protests taking place in his home country since the Venezuelan National Electoral Council declared Nicolás Maduro the winner in Sunday’s (July 28) presidential elections, and the opposition denounced irregularities in the counting process.
“To the relatives, wives, mothers, fathers, husbands, daughters, sons who listen to my music and who have family within the National Armed Forces and police forces in Venezuela, I ask you to please talk to them. They are the only ones who can reduce the death, the wounded and the violence that is happening today in Venezuela,” Ocean said in a video.
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“I beg you please talk to them so they become aware. What is right feels right, and what is wrong feels wrong,” he added.
Sunday’s elections in Venezuela had generated expectations of change in many people, since after 25 years of the socialist government initiated by the late Hugo Chávez, President Nicolás Maduro faced “the biggest electoral challenge since he came to power 11 years ago,” as reported by The Associated Press. Edmundo González, who represented the united opposition candidacy, campaigned vigorously agains Maduro’s re-election.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado denied Maduro’s triumph and said in a press conference, “We won, and everybody knows it,” pointing out that in the 40% of the tally sheets in her possession, González had won with 70% of the votes.
The protests over suspicion of fraud committed by the government have left several dead and hundreds detained in less than 24 hours, reports El País.
Ocean also expressed his concern that the situation could lead to more Venezuelans going into exile. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), nearly 8 million people have left the country since 2014 due to the economic and socio-political crisis. The Inter-Agency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants (R4V) warns that, by the end of this year, there could be about 6.82 million refugees and migrants from Venezuela in Latin America and the Caribbean, 4.71 million of them in need of assistance.
“We are 8 million Venezuelans who are outside, and if this continues like this, there will be a much larger wave of Venezuelans leaving Venezuela,” said Ocean, “and the region is not prepared for that.”
The artist invited those who are helping getting supplies and medicines to hospitals to tag him on social media so that he can share these initiatives with his followers. Watch his full message below.
Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors spotlight a group of rising artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.
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Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered either by networking or coming across their music at a showcase, and beyond. See our recommendations this month below:
Name: Alvaro Rod
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Country: Peru
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: With a demanding stage presence, but even more powerful vocals, Alvaro Rod instantly caught my attention at the 2024 Heat Latin Music Awards (a.k.a. Premios Heat), where he was nominated for best salsa artist, and performed alongside other talented Peruvian artists. Rod unleashed his debut single “Vamos a Escapar” in 2019, and since, has established himself as a promising artist in the salsa music scene, along with the likes of Christian Alicea, Luis Figueroa, and Daniela Darcourt. The singer-songwriter has taken his intense eyes to the masses, sharing stages with El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and La India. He’s also gotten traction on social media thanks to his four-part Live Session album, where he covers timeless hits from Camilo, RBD, and Luis Enrique, giving them a modern twist. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song for Your Playlist: “Dime Cómo Hago”
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Artist: Allyson Menrod
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Watching Allyson Menrod’s latest music videos, it’s hard to imagine her leading a professional double life. “I am a ‘Hannah Montana’: In the mornings I am a pharmaceutical chemist, biologist, and in the afternoons/nights I am a pop singer,” she tells Billboard Español. But with nearly 15 years in singing (including a stint on 2019’s The Voice Mexico) and writing her own songs, it is evident what her true passion lies. Her most recent release is “Sin Tu Amor,” an empowering self-love track about how good it feels to get out of a toxic relationship. Menrod, whose musical influences lie primarily in ’80s American pop and R&B, has something to say, and does so in a fun and sincere way. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song for Your Playlist: “Sin Tu Amor”
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Name: Amy Gutiérrez
Country: Peru
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I first met Amy Gutiérrez when she approached my colleague and I at the 2024 Heat Latin Music Awards in Punta Cana (The Dominican Republic), where Billboard comprised part of an educational panel. After the conversation, Gutiérrez came up to us to introduce herself and thank us for such an inspirational panel. Little did I know that she was a force to be reckoned with: she sings, she dances, she’s humble, she’s sweet and she was the winner of La Voz Kids Perú 10 years ago. Hailing from Callao, Gutiérrez’s talent shined at the awards show, where she took center stage to perform alongside other Peruvian acts including Yahaira Plasencia and Alvaro Rod. In 2023, she launched her debut album Valiente, showcasing her ability to navigate from salsa to romantic ballads, and is currently making the rounds on a sugary cumbia called “Cuando me veo en tus ojos” — part of hitmaker Master Chris’ La Nueva Cepa album, released in June. — J.R.
Song for Your Playlist: “Cuando Me Veo en Tus Ojos” (Master Chris feat. Amy Gutiérrez)
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Artist: Anabella Mondi
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Anabella Mondi is an independent artist and producer based in Miami who fuses Venezuelan folk with electronic beats and other modern rhythms. The self-proclaimed Llanera Global, as her most recent album is titled, has been developing her style for years under her own label, Tactus Pro, with more than 40 songs published — with the intention of bringing the music of her land to new generations and audiences. She has an interesting approach, which she conveys with poise and coherence. — S.R.A.
Song for Your Playlist: “Meaculpa”
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Artist: Andre
Country: Peru-Spain
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I met Andre earlier this month at the Latin Alternative Music Conference in New York where, after the Wonder Women in Latin Music panel I moderated, she approached me and began explaining the concept behind her music. As a trained opera and classical artist, and also a proud Peruvian-Spanish singer-songwriter, Andre has placed all bets on a more regional approach to alternative music, to stand out with a signature sound that fuses folkloric genres such as Creole music, Peruvian polka and marinera, and Afro-Peruvian rhythms such as festejo and landó. (All while also incorporating classical and contemporary pop elements.) Her debut album Sagrado Corazón, released in May, showcases Andre’s uniqueness, as she sings in Spanish and the indigenous language of Quechua, native to Peru. Throughout the album, which is broken down into different acts, Andre sings emotively about love that is no longer reciprocated. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for Your Playlist: “Pisco y Hielo (Acto: 1 Escena: 1)” (feat. Wariwillka)
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Artist: Gigi Méndez
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Gigi Méndez became the first woman to write the official song of La Vinotinto — as the Venezuelan national soccer team is known — for the Copa América 2024. With an exciting music video directed by Poe Polanco and Edixon Ochoa, which has more than 5.7 million views since its June 28 release, “Somos Vinotinto” injected her compatriots with joy and excitement inside and outside Venezuela, where she is known as “the toughest of the new school,” and put her on the international map. “I live this moment in my career with enthusiasm, focus and, above all, discipline,” she said then in a press release. “My team has done an exceptional job, and this achievement is thanks to them.” We are looking forward to seeing what she will bring us next. — S.R.A.
Song For Your Playlist: “Somos Vinotinto”
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Artist: Jhon de La Torre
Country: Colombia
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: With his tejana and tailored suit representing the regional Mexican genre, I met Jhon de la Torre after this year’s Masterclass: Optimizing Your Relation with the Billboard panel for Premios Heat 2024. He humbly and sweetly introduced himself, sharing everything about his new album, Más Ranchero Que Nunca, where he combines rachera with a hint of música popular powered by acoustic guitars and country music elements that make it stand out. Clear examples of that are “La Miradita,” Lo Que Duele” and “Que Importa Ya,” captivating us also with his powerful vocals. Like Amy Gutiérrez, De la Torre also takes part in La Nueva Cepa, renowned producer Master Chris’ new set featuring 12 artists from different regions and musical genres. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song For Your Playlist: “Ni Plata Ni Nada”
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Artist: Maruja Limón
Country: Spain
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: With their recent showcase at the Sounds From Spain event at DROM during the 2024 LAMC, Maruja Limón dominated the stage, breathing new life into flamenco with a captivating fusion. This Barcelona quintet — composed of Esther González and Sheila Quero on vocals, Vicky Blum on guitar, Eli Fàbregas on percussion, and Milagros González on trumpet — intertwines the soulful strains of traditional style with an audacious blend of rumba rhythms and a burst of gypsy punk zest. Their latest EP, Te Como La Cara (A), released in March, is an invigorating showcase with fervent guitar hooks and mighty brass that splendidly clash, complemented by animated percussion. The raspy vocals oscillate between playful teases and deep, poignant bouts of storytelling, capturing the time-honored spirit of flamenco and propelling this storied art form into an exhilarating, contemporary spotlight. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Míralas”
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After successful editions in countries like the U.S., Japan, Switzerland and Brazil, Netflix is launching dating reality show Love is Blind: Mexico on Thursday (Aug. 1), featuring a theme song by Joss Favela.
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That song is “Cosas Mágicas,” a romantic single released on July 19 under Sony Latin, in which the Sinaloa singer-songwriter experiments with country music for the first time. “They say magical things never warn us when they arrive/ Love is blind and the truth is/ Today I was able to confirm it,” he sings in Spanish over beautiful electric guitar riffs and trombone.
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“I’m truly happy to have written a song for such a significant series,” he tells Billboard Español, explaining that the opportunity came through Seitrack, his management agency. “The lyrics are completely romantic, something I haven’t written in a long time,” he adds.
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He recalls that the closest he had come to country music before was “Pienso en Ti” with Becky G, released in October 2018, where the guitar sounds evoke classic Nashville rhythms without being entirely country. Now, he hopes to reach new markets beyond regional Mexican music.
“It’s definitely a great opportunity for my music to reach beyond where it’s currently known,” says the 33-year-old artist. “Many people will watch the series and if they don’t know who Joss Favela is, they will now. Ultimately, what an artist wants is to be heard, and this is a great showcase.”
Favela has had a busy 2024. In May, he released the six-song EP, Mis Compas, Vol. 1, which includes duets with Banda MS, Codiciado, Los Plebes del Rancho, Luis R. Conríquez, Gera MX and Yuridia. Last Thursday, July 25th, he performed at the Premios Juventud in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
He has also returned to the top of the Billboard charts as the songwriter of Grupo Firme’s hit “El Beneficio de la Duda,” which reached No. 1 on Latin Airplay and Regional Mexican Airplay this month.
“I had been holding onto the song for a while; it’s from a time in my life when I felt very vulnerable,” Favela says about the top-charting song. “[Grupo Firme’s vocalist] Eduin [Caz] connected with the song from the moment he heard it. We recorded it in my studio, which allowed me to get to know him better, and he’s a great guy. Today, I can say he’s my friend, and honestly, working that way is much easier.”
He confesses that he initially “had fears because it isn’t a song in the style of what Grupo Firme usually does,” but now he is “as proud as a peacock” with the outcome and its success. “What has happened with the song has been wonderful for them, for me, and for everyone involved,” he says.
Favela is planning to release Vol. 2 of Mis Compas. Fans have to wait and see if Caz is among the guests.
Hours after the Venezuelan National Electoral Council declared Nicolás Maduro the winner in Sunday’s (July 28) presidential elections, the opposition denounced irregularities in the counting process, leading a number of Venezuelan artists to react with sorrow to the political situation in their country.
“Impossible not to wake up on a morning like today’s without praying for the unity and peace of our Venezuela. We are riding on hope with tears in our eyes and faith in our chests,” brothers Mau y Ricky told Billboard.
“THEY STOLE THE VOTES!!! IT IS KNOWN TO BE FRAUD!!! What an injustice, poor Venezuela! A national sentiment,” singer and influencer Lele Pons wrote in Spanish on her Instagram account with a series of images and videos of her crying and of the news.
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“fraud. brazenness. cynicism. mockery. DICTATORSHIP. There are no words to describe it and the world has to keep learning about it,” Latin Grammy winner Joaquina wrote on her Instagram stories, while on her X account she posted: “Don’t try to cover the sun with a finger.”
Sunday’s elections in Venezuela had generated expectations of change in many people, since after 25 years of the socialist government initiated by the late Hugo Chávez, President Nicolás Maduro faced “the biggest electoral challenge since he came to power 11 years ago,” as reported by The Associated Press. Edmundo González, who represented the united opposition candidacy, campaigned vigorously agains Maduro’s re-election.
Dozens of Venezuelan artists flooded their social media accounts with messages expressing their hope for a change of course in the country. But close to midnight, the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner with 51.2% of the votes — despite the opposition’s claims of irregularities in the counting process. Shortly after, opposition leader María Corina Machado denied Maduro’s triumph and said in a press conference, “We won, and everybody knows it,” pointing out that in the 40% of the tally sheets in her possession, González had won with 70% of the votes.
González, meanwhile, told the AP: “Venezuelans and the whole world know what happened.”
The situation, however, is not surprising to some, as similar situations have been seen in past elections in the South American country. “Venezuela has been living a great fraud for many years… an ideological, moral and ethical fraud,” the lead singer of Venezuelan rock/reggae band Rawayana, Alberto ‘Beto’ Montenegro, tells Billboard. “Unfortunately we are not surprised by another electoral fraud, we have already seen it all.”
Venezuelan producer and composer Román Rojas, meanwhile, told Billboard Español that he experienced “the aftermath of the brutality of the Maduro regime through a friend, a talented violinist, who was tortured for his political stance.” He was referring to Wuilly Arteaga, who became known in 2017 by playing sad versions of the national anthem during demonstrations in Caracas, and who was thrown to the ground, had his violin broken and was imprisoned in a confrontation with policemen.
“For artists to flourish, they need to live in societies where freedom of expression is protected, not punished,” Rojas added. “When governments impose restrictions, art loses its authenticity and becomes a tool of ideology.”
For Henry D’Arthenay, leader of the group La Vida Bohème, “In Venezuela, we’ve grown used to this political circus; we are unfazed, and in my opinion, this has only made us stronger. The millions of Venezuelans kidnapped by a scam of a government that sold false hope and gave hunger in exchange, and the millions of Venezuelans outside the country who were pushed out and that were denied the chance to vote. We are the orphans who continue holding the nation together with the power of hope.”
Latin Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Mr. Pauer, meanwhile, pointed out that, although he has been living in the U.S. for over 30 years, he prays for change and dreams of going back. “It hurts me a lot to see how they repress the voice of my country, which asks for change so badly,” he tells Billboard. “It is time for a peaceful transition and for the world to find out what is happening to my people and to take actions that truly defend democracy.”
—Additional reporting by Isabela Raygoza and Jessica Roiz.
Grupo Frontera’s latest single “Ángel,” featuring Romeo Santos, has topped this week’s new music Latin poll. In a poll published on Friday (July 26) — in support of the weekly New Music Latin roundup and playlist, curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — music fans voted for the Texas-based group and Dominican artist’s […]
Just four days after officially wrapping her Mañana Será Bonito World Tour in Madrid, Spain’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (where she became the first artist to sell out four shows at that venue), Karol G made a surprise appearance at Feid’s own Madrid stadium concert on Saturday (July 27) at Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano.
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“I invited a person who’s very special to me, and I hope you receive her with a lot of noise and demonstrate the love we have for her, ready?” an ecstatic Feid told the crowd. “Hey mor, let’s give it up for my queen!”
Matching in light denim, armored motorcycle vests and neon sneakers, the power couple performed their 2021 collaboration “FRIKI” — the head-bopping reggaetón produced by Noize and Sky Rompiendo, and interpolates Karol’s 2018 hit “Pineapple.” In the rare public appearance, El Ferxxo and La Bichota did not hold back from an intense perreo dance, and a sweet pop kiss before leaving the stage.
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“A night of pure perreo and sweat in Madrid, WHAT A BLAST, what a crazy show Spain!!” Feid expressed on Instagram Sunday (July 28). “Thank you my queen for sharing this day with my combo.” On his Instagram Story, the Colombian artist continued gushing over how incredible his girlfriend looked and for “accompanying me on this special day.”
Up next, Feid is taking his Ferxxocalipsis Tour to Mexico. Karol, on the other hand, has finalized her MSB tour, and recently shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, thanking her team, family, friends, colleagues, and fans, for being part of her successful journey.
“Today I look at the result of what we built and I see exactly everything I dreamed of years ago,” she wrote, assuring her fans that she is inseparable with them, and that this is only the beginning of many wonderful things.
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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Yeison Jimenez Gives Back to His Fans
This week, Yeison Jimenez made the dreams of one of his beloved fans in Colombia come true. The renowned música popular artist first surprised his fan named Diana with tickets to his concert, but in an extended letter, he revealed that he was also helping her with a university scholarship. In a video shared on social media, Jimenez expressed that Diana has been unable to pay for her studies and continue with her education. “One day I dreamed of being able to help people and give a little of what I lacked, today that I can do it, I prove to myself that I have done things well,” he wrote on Instagram. “Thank you God for allowing me to fulfill a dream and thank you @tiempodejuego (foundation) for making it come true.”
Myke Towers Supports Women’s Basketball
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A real sports aficionado, Myke Towers is supporting the women’s basketball team in his native Puerto Rico by donating $25,000 to the Puerto Rico Basketball Federation (FBPUR) through his Young Kingz Foundation. According to a press release, the contribution is to support the athletes as they prepare to participate at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Derrick Luna, president of Young Kingz Foundation, said the support also “reflects the belief in their discipline and ability to represent the country with excellence.”
Fuerza Regida’s “JOP” Helps Out His Community
In celebration of their new album, Pero No Te Enamores, Fuerza Regida gave back to their community in San Bernardino, Calif. A video posted on frontman JOP’s YouTube channel, documents how the Mexican-American singer showed up at a local Home Depot to recruit the workers outside, offer them work, and later surprise them with a well-deserved day off. The clip captures seven labor workers hanging out with JOP in a warehouse as the artist gifts them each with food, drinks, live music, haircuts, Fuerza Regida merch, and money. One of the most heartwarming moments in the video is when they are all sharing their personal stories. Watch the video below.
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Karol G Ends Mañana Será Bonito Era
This week, after a yearlong trek, Karol G officially wrapped her Mañana Será Bonito World Tour in Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where she became the first artist to sell out four shows at that venue. After unwinding, the Colombian superstar shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, thanking her team, family, friends, colleagues, and fans, for being part of her successful journey.
“Thank you for working your ass off with me every day this past year, thank you for the efforts and sacrifices and the countless hours of preparation to give the best to an audience to which I owe so much. Today I look at the result of what we built and I see exactly everything I dreamed of years ago,” she expressed. “The girl from the last video, is VERY, VERY proud of the woman you have become today, because even though nobody knows everything you have done to be there, at least they can see that fighting for yourself was worth it, that after so much it was beautiful, that dreams do come true and that hard work pays off. That is the most meaningful message you can leave the world.”
In the message, which she wrote in Spanish and can be read below, she assured her fans that she is inseparable with them, and that this is only the beginning of many wonderful things.
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music from artists such as Grupo Frontera, Fuerza Regida, Elsa y Elmar, Monsieur Periné and more. Mexican-American ensemble Grupo Frontera has teamed up with Romeo Santos for “Ángel,” a sweet bachata track produced by Santos, Edgar Barrera and Casta. The mainly bachata […]
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard’s Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Fuerza Regida, Pero No Te Enamores (Street Mob Records/Rancho Humilde)
Harnessing the blistering spirit of corridos bélicos and the dance-floor fervor of EDM, the latest venture from Fuerza Regida launches into a bold, unprecedented meld of regional Mexican bravado and pulsating Jersey club in Pero No Te Enamores. With lyrical theatrics and unapologetic “f–kboy” charisma, frontman Jesús Ortiz Paz (JOP) ushers listeners into this audacious new chapter they’ve coined, “Jersey Corridos,” embedding a gritty narrative into each bass drop and brass blast.
Crafted in Colombia and Mexico City, the irreverent, fifteen-track album is a riveting blend of electronic music dynamism and música mexicana’s soulful undertows. They enlist music producers Gordo (known for his work on Drake’s Baltimore club hit “Sticky”) and Synthetic, the architect behind Lil Uzi Vert’s Jersey club smash hit “Just Wanna Rock,” whose cutting-edge production styles thrust Mexican music into the main room.
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The album’s focus track, “Nel,” starts with stirring vocal delivery that ascends into a captivating crescendo; it then pivots sharply, intertwining throbbing Jersey club beats with vigorous reggaetón. “Sofía,” a synergistic powerhouse featuring Major Lazer and Alok, captures the global resonance of dance music while demonstrating the exuberant flair characteristic of Fuerza’s approach. The album reaches a peak with the robust, traditional corrido strains of “Jesús” and “Belinda,” with guitar- and brass-driven bombast, and with “Freestyle,” a track that introduces a thrilling drill influence.
The San Bernardino band’s innovative leap into Jersey corridos does more than fuse two disparate genres — it carves out a fresh niche in the musical lexicon, affirming that the barrios and dancehalls can, indeed, share a singular, resonant heartbeat. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Piso 21 & Ozuna, “Fichaje del Año” (Warner Music Mexico)
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In a first collaborative effort, Piso 21 and Ozuna deliver a new track that will boost any woman’s confidence. In “Fichaje del Año” (which translates to “signing of the year”), the Colombian group and Puerto Rican artist sing about the girl who is the complete package, but the partner she’s with doesn’t recognize it. “He never tells you anything/ Look how beautiful you are/ You’re the ideal girl/ But he treats you normal/ He’s no good for you/ Don’t forget you’re the ideal girl,” they sing in the chorus. Produced by ICON, Jowan and Rolo, the infectious pop-reggaetón tune with suave requintos also serves as a friendly reminder that self-love comes above all. “You have to let go and admit that it’s not your place […] that man doesn’t know how lucky he is to have you,” continues the track. — JESSICA ROIZ
Grupo Frontera & Romeo Santos, “Ángel” (Grupo Frontera)
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It’s not the first time bachata and Mexican music fuse, but it is the first time Grupo Frontera and Romeo Santos team up for a song. Their first collaborative effort is a delicate and swoon-worthy bachata where Santos’ soothing and velvety vocals meet Payo’s melodic voice. “Ángel” is about the type of love and devotion that transcends time and circumstances. Produced by Santos, Edgar Barrera and Casta, the song is mainly powered by the traditional bachata sound but if you stick around till the end, you’ll hear Frontera’s signature norteño accordion take command for the ultimate fusion of norteño and bachata. — GRISELDA FLORES
Fabiola Roudha, “Que Te Vaya Bien” (Fabiola Roudha)
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Guatemalan singer-songwriter Fabiola Rouhda delivers a master class in soul with her new single, “Que Te Vaya Bien” (good luck), an exquisite and nostalgic ballad filled with sentiment. The song combines soulful blues and gospel elements, showcasing Rouhda’s powerful vocals as she gracefully sings about letting go of a love story and wishing them the best. Accompanied by her acoustic guitar, Rouhda composed the emotional song, which was produced by Franc Castillejos and David Suarez in her home country. — INGRID FAJARDO
Elsa y Elmar, “Ké MaL” (Sony Music México)
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Elsa Carvajal, better known by the name of her project Elsa y Elmar, brings this week “Ké Mal,” a perfect pop song to vent about heartbreak at the top of your lungs. “Too bad that we crossed paths in life when it was ready/ And in yours right now there is a labyrinth/ Too bad that now we don’t want the same thing,” the Colombian star sings with pathos over the syncopated rhythm of an electric guitar and drums. Produced by Elsa and Julián Bernal, “Ké Mal” is the fourth single from her upcoming album PALACIO, which will be released on Aug. 30. It’s a splendid complement to the previously released “entre las libros”, “palacio