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The Echeverri-Reglero family is officially a family of four. Camilo and Evaluna announced on social media on Thursday (Aug. 1) the arrival of their second daughter, Amaranto, who joins her 2-year-old sister Índigo.
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“Amaranto. All the frogs came out to sing your welcome. Girl of golden velvet. Dad caught you and you painted his hands forever. Sovereign of midnight. Welcome,” reads a shared post on the couple’s Instagram accounts, along with a carousel of photos that starts with a tender image of the four resting on a bed, Amaranto on Evaluna, Índigo on Camilo.
There’s also a photo of a white sheet with a pair of hands imprinted on it in red, something that the poem in the caption refers to.
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It is not specified where and when Amaranto was born. Camilo’s publicist told Billboard Español that no further information will be provided at this time.
Camilo and Evaluna married in February 2020 after five years together, and became parents in April 2022. Índigo was born months after they announced the pregnancy in the music video of a song named after their daughter.
Earlier this year, in February, they announced that they were expecting baby No. 2 with a beautiful poem by Camilo dedicated to his wife, who wrote in the description: “Officially the Echeverri-Reglero are FOUR.”
“Evaluna, fertile, a mother never ready, a walker discovered in the journey, a new daughter of calmness and killer of haste,” narrated the Colombian singer-songwriter in a video. “Owner of all Sundays, a caller of downpours and heavy rains, a tester of bathtubs and a volcanic diver. A baker by accident, excellent for intentional lack of trade. A springtime crossed. Violator of calendars, anticipator of Christmases, and mother of Amaranto and Indigo.”
Check out Camilo and Evaluna’s new baby announcement here.
A timeless Andy & Lucas song has resurfaced 20 years after its release thanks to a new version by Pabllo Vittar.
The heartfelt “Son de Amores,” released by the Spanish duo in 2004, has been picked up by the Brazilian artist for an uptempo, samba version that has gone viral on social media.
Thanks to its easy-to-learn dance challenge — where you make a heart shape with your hands, lift your arms, move your finger across your neck, and do a four-count pelvic thrust — Vittar’s “São Amores” version has nabbed over 167K video creations on TikTok, and another 330K reels on Instagram at the time of publishing. A Peruvian woman demonstrating how to do the dance has also powered its success (her video alone has garnered nearly 80K video creations on TikTok).
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Although Vittar is currently going viral with her track, the song has yet to enter the Billboard charts. The original version, however, hit No. 1 on the Tropical Airplay, Latin Airplay, and Hot Latin Songs charts dated Sept. 18, 2004 — all for one week.
In addition to Vittar’s 2024 version, other artists have covered the popular early 2000s tune, including Puerto Rican newcomer Luis Vázquez, who delivered his own salsa version last year.
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Now, Billboard compares Andy & Lucas’ and Pabllo Vittar’s version. See what’s different, below:
Title: “Son De Amores”
Artist: Andy & Lucas
Release Year: 2004
Song: Marking the second single off of the duo’s self-titled debut album, “Son De Amores” is a romantic pop ballad backed by weeping Flamenco guitar riffs. Produced by Alejo Stivel and penned by member Lucas Gonzalez Gomez, the sweet song finds the duo encouraging a girl to stop crying and to remember her worth following a bad breakup. “Stop crying/and think that one day a boy will give you/the whole fantasy and much more/because you are not crazy,” says part of the chorus.
Video: In the official music video, the Spanish duo is performing the track in different rooms of a house as a model is first seen going through a rollercoaster of emotions in her bedroom. She’s upset, she’s sad, she’s mad, but towards the end of the clip, she blossoms into a happier version of herself.
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Title: “São Amores”
Artist: Pabllo Vittar
Release Year: 2024
Song: Sung completely in Portuguese, Vittar did not change any of the song’s lyrics, but she did give it an uptempo beat. Part of her album Batidão Tropical Vol. 2, “São Amores” is an infectious samba interlaced with batucada produced by Gorky, Maffalda, and Zebu. Its repetitive, fast pace melody powered by hard-hitting drums and sultry saxophone melodies, has become a 2024 party anthem.
Video: No official video has been released, but there is an all-pink visualizer showcasing a radiant Vittar in a fantasy desert, surrounded by flamingos, as she’s brushing her hair and getting ready to go out.
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Telling her story in a documentary was not difficult for Mon Laferte. On the contrary, the Chilean-Mexican singer-songwriter tells Billboard Español, narrating part of her past in front of a camera provoked “a certain nostalgia,” mainly when remembering her pregnancy and the birth of her son.
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“I think how crazy I was, going singing when I was three months pregnant, with my belly all over the place — and then with my baby, three months after birth, and I was on stage!” the artist explains from Mexico City, with a chuckle.
Mon Laferte, Te Amo, which arrived on Netflix on Thursday (August 1), is an intimate portrait in which the singer of “El Beso” and “Tu Falta de Querer” reveals details of her professional and personal life, from her crude childhood and her start as a singer in her native Viña del Mar, to her arrival in Mexico in 2007, and how she managed to become a Latin music star. But it is, above all, “a story of strength, of resilience,” she says.
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Directed by Camila Grandi and Joanna Reposi Garibaldi, the documentary finds Laferte in the middle of an international tour, just weeks away from becoming a mother. In the back and forth between stages, dressing rooms and her home, Norma Monserrat Bustamante Laferte (her real name) recalls a complex childhood, marked by the abandonment of her father and economic struggles, as well as the differences that distanced her from her mother at a young age.
Then, a painful event caused an even greater estrangement with her mother, who was involved in a relationship with an alcoholic man who used domestic violence and abused Laferte sexually, the artist narrates in her biographical chronicle.
“Talking about my mother in a documentary was very healing,” she says. “I’ve had a difficult relationship with her, at times of much love, and at times of friction, of disagreements with her since I was a child. But over the years, I understand her much more, and today there is greater empathy.”
Motherhood is undoubtedly the common thread in Mon Laferte, Te Amo — where the figures of her grandmother, her mother and herself as a new mom are the protagonists.
The artist compares her experience to that of Beyoncé, whose documentary Homecoming (2019) records the days leading up to her highly anticipated performance at the 2018 Coachella Festival and the emotional path the American superstar and also mother went through, from creative concept to the concert’s moment.
“I remember in the documentary, she was rehearsing all day, she was with her baby, and in my ignorance I thought, ‘She should go home to rest, and then come back,’” Laferte says. “But when I became a mom, I understood her a lot because there is something about needing to feel again like yourself before pregnancy and giving birth.”
Other passages in Mon Laferte, Te Amo talk about her life after leaving school, her beginnings as a singer in local bars in Chile and her relationship with a man 21 years older than her who soon became her first manager, and she the victim of emotional and economic abuse.
It also tells of her time on Rojo, the Chilean National Television show that made her known, and her arrival in Mexico, where she had to start over again years later to conquer the most important music market in the Hispanic world.
“Many women can see themselves reflected in this documentary, we go through the same things,” says the four-time Latin Grammy winner. “Not all of them are singers, but it is like the daily life of a woman — facing the challenges that society demands of us, and that we demand of ourselves.
“I demand a lot from myself to be a great artist, but also to be the best mother in the world,” she adds with a smile.
Mon Laferte’s documentary arrives as the Chilean star — and naturalized Mexican, as of November 2022 — continues her Autopoiética Tour in support of her 2023 album of the same name.
Mon Laferte was also just confirmed to participate at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week, which will be held Oct. 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason in Miami Beach, Florida.
Yng Lvcas, Lupita Infante, De La Ghetto and Venesti are all set to perform at RUMBAZO 2024, Billboard announced Thursday (Aug. 1). The third edition of the event, taking place Sept. 13-14 in Las Vegas, is being headlined by Nicky Jam, Luis R Conriquez, Arcángel and Codiciado, as previously confirmed.
In partnership with Billboard and presented by Estrella Jalisco, RUMBAZO is set to take place at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, where music fans will not only be in for some showstopping performances, but will also get to enjoy food stands, art displays and many other activities. RUMBAZO coincides with the traditional El Grito and Mexican Independence Day weekend, celebrated Sept. 15-16.
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Nicky Jam, Arcángel, De La Ghetto and Venesti are set to perform Sept. 13, while Luis R Conriquez, Codiciado, Lupita Infante and Yng Lvcas will take the stage Sept. 14.
“We listened to the fans, and are excited to bring even more top talent from across the Latin world to the heart of downtown Las Vegas,” said a RUMBAZO Organizer. “No matter if you attend both days or just Friday or Saturday, you’ll discover an incredible up-and-coming artist while also celebrating with your favorite headliner. It’s going to be an unforgettable Mexican Independence Day Weekend.”
General Admission tickets include access to multiple bars, local Latin cuisine, live performances and additional experiences, with GA Weekend tickets starting at $99. GA Single Day tickets will be available for purchase starting Aug. 2 at 10a.m. PT, with prices starting at $59.
VIP tickets include upfront viewing, a dedicated entrance, exclusive bathrooms and all GA ticket inclusions, with VIP Weekend prices starting at $149. VIP Single Day tickets will be accessible starting Aug. 2 at 10a.m. PT, with tickets starting at $99. The event is open to guests ages 18+ and tickets can be purchased at rumbazofest.com/tickets.
This year’s RUMBAZO lineup reflects the stronghold both regional Mexican and urbano have on Latin music and culture. For more information, visit rumbazofest.com or follow the event on social media at @rumbazofestival.
See the lineup below:
Ivan Cornejo achieves his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart with Mirada, his third studio album, which debuts atop the Aug. 3-dated ranking. The 12-track effort follows two other top 10 albums for Cornejo, both within a year, between 2021-22.
Mirada starts at the summit on Top Latin Albums with 34,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. during the July 19-25 tracking week, according to Luminate. The set was released July 19, the first day of the tracking period, on Zaragoza/Insterscope/ICLG.
Of Mirada’s 34,000 units in its coronation week, 25,000 of those derive from streaming activity, which represent 35 million official on-demand U.S. streams of the album’s songs. Album sales comprise 9,000, while the remainder negligible amount stem from track sales. On Top Latin Albums, one unit equals one album sale, 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams for a song on the album.
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Third Regional Mexican Act to Debut at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums in the 2020s: 20-year-old Cornejo joins an elite group of regional Mexican acts whose projects launched at the summit on Top Latin Albums in the 20s decade. Alejandro Fernández’s Hecho En México debuted at No. 1 in Feb. 2020, while Eslabon Armado enlisted two No. 1 debuts, through Vibras de Noche and Desvelado in Aug. 2020 and May 2023, respectively.
Further, Cornejo captures his third top 10 on Top Latin Albums with a third appearance. The singer-songwriter visited the chart with the No. 7-peaking set Alma Vacía (Oct. 2021) and Dañado which peaked at No. 2 (Dec. 2022) and earned him a first Billboard Latin Music Award for regional Mexican album of the year in 2023.
Largest Debut Sales Week for a Regional Mexican Album Since 2020: Adding to Cornejo’s triumphs this week, the Riverside, Calif.-born artist likewise scores the largest debut sales week for a regional Mexican album since 2020, with 9,000 sold. The last regional Mexican album to start with a bigger sales figure was Fernández’s Hecho En México, which debuted at No. 1 on the Feb. 29, 2020-dated Top Latin Albums chart with 10,000 sold. Mirada‘s first-week sales were supported by a signed CD exclusive to his webstore, and a standard CD.
Second Regional Mexican Album to Debut in The Top 10 on Top Album Sales: Mirada is just the second regional Mexican album to debut within the top 10 on the all-genre Top Album Sales chart, which began in 1991. In total, 33 Latin albums have opened in the top 10. The only other regional Mexican album to debut in the top 10 was Fernández’s Hecho En México, with a No. 8 debut in 2020.
11 cuts from Mirada have landed on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, led by “Baby Please,” which bowed and reached a No. 8 high last March. Here’s a look at the album tracks on Hot Latin Songs, including two already ranked songs, a reentry, plus seven debuts on the current survey:
No. 7, “Intercambio Injusto”No. 9, “Sale Para Ser Feliz”No. 14, “Mirada”No. 19, “Baby Please”No. 21, “Herida Abierta”No. 23, “Vuelve”No. 27, “Donde Estás”No. 29, “Atención”No. 31, “Aquí Te Espero”No. 41, “Interlude”
Adding to Mirada’s breakthrough week, Cornejo reaches the top 20 for the first time on the overall Billboard 200, as the new album debuts at No. 17. He previously peaked at No. 28 with his last album, Dañado, in 2022. Plus, Mirada also debuts at No. 1 on Regional Mexican Albums, for Cornejo’s second No. 1 there.
Lomiiel always knew he had a gift, but it was put to the test only a year ago when he uploaded his debut single, “Que Chevere,” to all the streaming platforms. He’s been unstoppable since.
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Inspired by artists such as Lil’ Baby, Drake, Bad Bunny and El Alfa, Lomiiel hails from La Romana in the Dominican Republic, and comes from a Christian family who’s fully supporting his dream. Although he’s making a name for himself in the dembow genre, the young newcomer has already navigated other genres, including trap, drill and reggaeton.
In fact, it was because of his freestyle-rap abilities that he was initially discovered while working at a local hype store called Cuero Macho Boutique.
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“I worked at the store of my now manager [Eddy Alexander Florian Rodriguez], and he saw my intention and desire to pursue a music career,” Lomiiel tells Billboard. “He was the first one to see my potential. He was also a fan of music, but neither him nor I knew what the music business was like. However, we began working together, and today we are representing and succeeding as business partners.”
Lomiiel’s first viral hit arrived in the spring with the release of “Hay Lupita,” a song that he says connected with people all over the world because of its lyrics and flow. With its sped-up drum pattern and carefree energy, “Lupita” — about a girl who looks good and is moving her hips to the beat — has garnered nearly one million video creations on TikTok and more than 40 million views on YouTube at press time.
On the Billboard charts, the saucy tune secured entries in the Hot Latin Songs, Latin Rhythm Airplay, Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, currently spending 12 weeks on the former.
As the new face of dembow, Lomiiel assures he’s bringing a lot of new colors and textures to the Dominican urban movement.
“It’s something different that was truthfully missing in dembow,” he explains. “I know my audience very well and I structure myself well for them. That’s why Lomiiel, in just nine months, has been able to get to where I am today.”
Below, learn more about this month’s Latin Artist on the Rise.
Name: Marco Antonio Santana
Age: 20
Recommended Song: “Hay Lupita”
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Biggest Accomplishment: “Truthfully, the success from ‘Hay Lupita’ has opened a lot of doors for me. It’s taken me to markets where very few Dominicans have gone. I also feel very happy to have bought my house and my car.”
What’s Next: “A lot of collaborations and bada– songs with American and Puerto Rican artists. Wait for a lot of new music because we’re going to go all out. In about two weeks, I’m thinking of releasing an EP.”
Maria Becerra has announced she’s taking a break from social media to focus on her mental health amid panic and anxiety attacks she’s experienced while on tour in Europe.
On Tuesday (July 30), the Argentine hitmaker began her emotional X post with, “I’m leaving this social media platform.” Later in the thread, she explained that she’s “detoxing” from not only X, but all social media.
“I have struggled a lot with my mental health on this European tour, it feels horrible, I have experienced everything from crying spells to anxiety and panic attacks,” she wrote in Spanish. “It’s waking up every day and reading thousands of offensive things about me and talking about my personal life and the way I dress — as if I’m committing some crime and deserve the worst when it’s just MY TASTE to dress. They pick on my physique on a daily basis, on everything! I understand that this is part of the fame.”
She continued: “I understand that many of you want to help and advise me and you of all people know that I listen to you and care a lot about what you think. But to get to the point of insulting me like you do is unacceptable to me. I will no longer tolerate this because it’s not good for me. I understand that things like this will continue to happen to me. But I’m not going to continue being a masochist having a social account where you enter and it’s just reading horrible things. I’m out of here. Thanks to all who support me and send me their love.”
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Signed to Warner Music Latina, in a joint venture with 300 Entertainment, the singer-songwriter is currently touring in Spain and will then head to Latin America to continue her world trek. She’s set to kick off the U.S. leg of her stint in October, with stops in New York, L.A. and Dallas, among other major cities.
The 24-year-old artist — known for fusing pop, cumbia villera, bachata and reggaeton — broke out in 2019 with her EP 222. Two years later, she released her debut album, Animal, featuring collaborations with artists such as Cazzu, Becky G and Tiago PZK. The set earned Becerra a Latin Grammy nomination for best urban music album.
Most recently, she teamed up with Gloria Trevi for “Borracha.” She’s also set to participate in Billboard Latin Music Week, as announced on Wednesday (July 31).
“I will get back to my cell phone when I feel able to do it. For the moment it has only caused me anxiety and panic,” she ended the X thread.
Read the original post in Spanish below:
Me voy de esta red social. He luchado mucho con mi salud mental en esta gira por Europa, se siente horrible todo esto, experimente desde ataques de llanto hasta ataques de ansiedad y panico.Es despertarme todos los dias y leer miles de cosas ofensivas sobre mi hablando 👇🏽— LNDA 🇦🇷 (@MariaBecerra22) July 31, 2024
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
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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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