Latin
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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.
Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito Livestream
Karol G is set to wrap her history-making Mañana Será Bonito World Tour on July 23 in Madrid. For the closing, the Colombian superstar announced that she will livestream the concert on her YouTube channel for all her fans around the world to watch.
In an emotional post on Instagram that she shared on Friday (July 12), Karol wrote in Spanish, “The time has come to close an unforgettable chapter in our lives. This album, more than songs, has been a journey of overcoming, of desire, of motivation and a band-aid for the soul. Every stadium we stepped in vibrated with the beautiful emotions that each one of you brought and we had the opportunity to fill thousands of hearts around the world. We are about to have the last concert of this tour and yes, it is hard to say goodbye to something that has meant so much to all of us, but the time has come and I want us to celebrate together! This July 23rd, our last concert, we will broadcast it through my YouTube channel, in real time, so that EVERYONE, anywhere in the world, can watch it and celebrate this beautiful thing we built together.”
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Below, watch the sweet video, which features Iker, who was part of her original Mañana Será Bonito tour announcement:
Chiquis Marries Emilio Sanchez
“To infinity and beyond,” Chiquis captioned the photos from her wedding. The Mexican-American star shared with her more than six million followers on Instagram photos from the ceremony where she and her longtime partner, photographer Emilio Sanchez, officially became husband and wife. Chiquis looked stunning in a strapless white wedding gown and wore a long veil. Sanchez also shared the photos with the caption: “Thats my WIFE.” The two announced they were engaged last year.
Shakira at Copa América
After rumors that Shakira would perform at Copa América’s final match, the Colombian superstar has been officially confirmed to perform on Sunday (July 14), where Argentina and Colombia will play for the championship. Shakira will sing during halftime of the match, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where some 54,000 people are expected to attend. Her song “Puntería,” featuring Cardi B, is the official song of TelevisaUnivision’s 2024 Copa América CONMEBOL coverage.
“Shakira is an extraordinary South American star who has dazzled the entire world,” said Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL, in a statement. “Her songs are sung and danced to in every corner of the planet, turning her art into a global phenomenon that crosses borders and is enjoyed by millions of people. We are sure that her performance at the Copa América USA 2024 will enhance the message of healthy passion and unity through sport.”
Premios Heat Conference
Billboard was present at the 2024 Heat Latin Music Awards and Conference for a one-hour long conversation on how artists can optimize their relationship with the global music publication. Moderated by Colombian journalist Lina Caceres, Billboard‘s assistant editor, Latin, Jessica Roiz and social media manager, Latin, Ingrid Fajardo were present at the event on Wed. (July 10) in Punta Canta, Dominican Republic to talk about the editorial and social aspects of Billboard Latin and Billboard Español, as well as the do’s and don’ts of how to make a formal pitch. During the masterclass, Roiz and Fajardo also talked about the importance of using social media to grow your music, investing and believing in your art, and building a solid fan base in your country, first and foremost. Spectators in the crowd included aspiring artists, managers, journalists, and the Heat Latin Music Awards founder and 2023 Billboard Latin Power Player, Diana Montes.
From left: Lina Caceres, Jessica Roiz and Ingrid Fajardo
Carlos Zambrano/Heat Latin Music Awards
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 Jasiel Nuñez, Ivan Cornejo, J Balvin, Omar Montes, Las Villa and more. Mexican rising artist Jasiel Nuñez, signed to Peso Pluma’s Double P Records, has unleashed “Made In Paris,” which fuses traditional corrido elements with an […]
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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J Balvin & SAIKO, “Gaga” (Sueños Globales/UMG Recordings)
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J Balvin’s second single from his upcoming album is a total departure from the first single “Polvo de Tu Vida,” with Chencho Corleone, which was powered by a hypnotizing reggaetón drum. The Colombian hitmaker’s new offering, titled “Gaga,” is a club-ready track that thrives on electronic head-bobbing beats. For this new single, Balvin recruits Spanish reggaetón and trap singer SAIKO. The song encapsulates the vibe that Balvin is going for in his new album, Rayo — set to drop Aug. 9, as announced by Billboard. The set, he teased, will sound more like a house party than a collection of songs, and “Gaga” is definitely a party-starter. — GRISELDA FLORES
Omar Montes & Rels B, “YOTULOKO” (Sony Music Latin)
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Omar Montes and Rels B — two of Spain’s breakthrough stars — have joined forces on “YOTULOKO” (which means “yo tu loco,” “I’m your crazy” in English). Produced by Tunvao and co-penned by Montes, Rels, and Estefano Berciano Garduño, “YOTULOKO” is a conceptual tune that takes listeners to an imaginary island. The sensual reggaetón track fuses captivating flutes and the melodic voices of both Spanish acts. “Yo tu loco, mami yo tu loco” (“I’m your crazy, baby, I’m your crazy”), they chant in a repetitive chorus that could potentially go viral on social media. An accompanying music video directed by David Fernández, a.k.a. “Mowlihawk” in Marbella, Spain, features the two stars’ bromance, as well as the captivating sceneries of their native country. — JESSICA ROIZ
TIMØ, “Superpoder” (Universal Music Latino)
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Colombian band TIMØ releases “Superpoder,” its new pop-rock single that invites us to believe again with the purity and naivety of when we were children. The melody begins as an acoustic ballad with soft guitar chords, and gradually transforms into a vibrant Latin pop. The lyrics, nostalgically recall the time of childhood when life was simpler, and easier to believe that many things are possible. “I want to believe again in fairies, in heroes and in giant dreams / that there will never be anything more important/ than being with family on a Sunday afternoon.” TIMØ shares an emotive video of the song accompanied by images of the Colombian soccer team on their social media. — LUISA CALLE
Jasiel Nuñez, “Made in Paris” (Double P Records)
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Following his successful collaborations with Peso Pluma (“Me Activo,” “Rosa Pastel”), Jasiel Nuñez returns with “Made in Paris,” where he showcases his meteoric rise and penchant for Parisian fashion. Co-produced with Ernesto Fernández, the track infuses traditional corrido elements with an urbano flair, reflecting the Guadalajara newcomer’s lifestyle transformation to the top. Marking a significant shift from the stark visuals of “0 Sentimientos,” which featured the singer atop a desolate snowy mountain, the music video for “Made In Paris,” in contrast, captures his luxurious life — complete with high-stakes poker and rides in private helicopters, underscoring his high-flying status. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
Valentino Merlo and The La Planta hold steady atop the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart as “Hoy,” their first partnership, rules the July 13-dated ranking for a second week. As the song rose 2-1 the week prior (list dated July 6), Argentinian Merlo became the youngest act to score a No. 1 since the chart […]
Fonseca‘s 2023 Viajante Tour was an “ambitious” and “incredible” celebration of his 20-year career, spanning across Latin America, the United States and Europe. But the intensity of the trek also led to one of the most distressing moments he has ever experienced.
The Latin Grammy-winning Colombian singer-songwriter, whose vocal quality has been described by maestro Juan Luis Guerra as that of a “nightingale,” faced a terrifying moment when he began having problems with his voice.
“It was very crazy because I would start to sing and when I went high, I would hit a certain note where air would come out and not voice,” Fonseca shared publicly for the first time during a Q&A with Billboard‘s Leila Cobo at the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) on Thursday (July 11) in New York City. “And what’s worse is that I realized this in the middle of the tour — we still had about 18 shows to go in the U.S. and then 10 more in Europe.”
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During a visit to a laryngologist in Miami, he said, a polyp was found on his vocal cords. With insufficient time to treat it due to the imminent continuation of the tour, he had to make changes to the arrangements of his songs and take as much care of himself as possible.
“I did the tour. It was tough. I did exercises. I lowered the key of the higher songs, but the feeling of knowing that you have that, feeling it when you are singing, and also thinking, ‘Is this something that will affect me? Will this not go away?’ Oh, that was crazy!” he continued. “When I finished the tour, I went for another check-up in Bogotá, and the polyp had grown.”
With rest and with therapy, Fonseca and his doctors finally managed to make the polyp disappear. Now, he takes more care of his voice, among other things by using a nebulizer and doing warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after each performance.
“[The Viajante Tour] was very ambitious, it was incredible, but it also left me with the lesson that, at the end of the day, it’s about going to sing. So when you put so much intensity into the voice, there is wear,” the artist said.
On the eve of the Q&A, Fonseca had given a concert at SummerStage in Central Park, where he showed total control of his voice. He also celebrated Colombia’s goal against Uruguay in the Copa América semifinal from the stage. (Colombia won and will now face Argentina in the final this Sunday.)
On Thursday, during the conversation with Cobo at the 25th edition of LAMC, the creator of hits such as “Te Mando Flores,” “Eres Mi Sueño” and “Arroyito” also indulged the audience with a snippet of “Ven,” first a cappella and later accompanied by his guitarist Jairo Barón.
The Latin Alternative Music Conference is taking place this week in Manhattan with panels, interviews, concerts, and more. For a full calendar of events, click here.
The Argentina and Colombia national teams will face each other at the 2024 Copa America final match on Sunday (July 14), and Billboard is celebrating with the ultimate playlist. Both teams have proven to be the best in the field since the soccer tournament began on June 20, eliminating other strong countries such as Brazil, […]
For the second consecutive year, Karol G was the night’s big winner at the 2024 Heat Latin Music Awards on Thursday (July 11). The Colombian superstar nabbed seven awards, including best female artist, song of the year, and album of the year.
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Other top winners of the night included Feid, Anitta, Morat, Silvestre Dangond, and Los Esquivel.
Traditionally known as Premios Heat, the fan-voted awards ceremony celebrated its 10th anniversary live from the beach at the Hard Rock Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic. Manuel Medrano, Lenny Tavarez, Tito el Bambino, Corina Smith, and viral newcomer Lomiiel, among others, were present at the star-studded gala.
“It’s a very special year because it’s our 10-year anniversary,” founder Diana Montes previously told Billboard. “We’ve expanded our categories, and this year, we’ll name winners in 29 categories, including a video-game streaming song. We’re also going to give out song of the year for the first time, and we’re launching a salsa category. We’re also excited about our app, Heat.TV. We launched it in 2021, and we have 647,000 unique monthly users. Last year, we had 5.2 million people watch the show in its entirety on the app.”
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Heat Latin Music Awards recognizes artists who are making a buzz in the Caribbean and Latin American regions.
Anitta
Premios Heat/Carlos Zambrano*
Below, check out the complete 2024 Heat Latin Music Awards winners list:
Best Male Artist
Feid — WINNERBad BunnyPeso PlumaCarin LeónArcangelJ BalvinEladio CarrionChayanneCarlos Rivera
Best Female Artist
Karol G — WINNERShakiraYoung MikoMaria BecerraNicki NicoleAnittaGreeicyKany GarcíaKali UchisKenia OSNatti Natasha
Best Group or Band
Morat — WINNEREslabón ArmadoPiso 21Grupo FronteraLos Ángeles AzulesGrupo FirmeRBDWisin & YandelFuerza RegidaReikMonsieur PerinéCultura ProféticaRawayana
Best Rock Artist
JuanesMoratMolotovManáBelanovaJorge DrexlerAterciopeladosMar Rendón — WINNER
Best Pop Artist
Luis FonsiGreeicySebastián YatraManuel Turizo — WINNERCamiloCarlos RiveraAna MenaAitanaLassoMalumaFonsecaChris LebronManuel Medrano
Best Urban Artist
FeidKarol G — WINNERWisinOzunaYoung MikoBlessdEladio CarrionDukiAnuel AAArcangelJ BalvinMoraMyke TowersRels BJustin QuilesYandelNicky Jam
Best Tropical Artist (Bachata, Merengue, Vallenato, Cumbia)
Romeo SantosCarlos VivesSilvestre Dangond — WINNERPrince RoyceJuan Luis GuerraGrupo 5Eddy HerreraFelipe PeláezKe PersonajesCharlie ZaaOlga TañonJorge CeledónJandy VenturaServando y Florentino
Best Salsa Artist
Víctor ManuelleGilberto Santa RosaWilly GarcíaGrupo NicheAlvaro RodChristian AliceaYiyo Sarante — WINNERLa India
Best Artist South Region
Nicki NicoleLudmillaEmiliaAnitta — WINNERDukiKHEACris MjTruenoLa JoaquiAmy GutiérrezCielo TorresTiniMilo JTiago PZKLit Killah
Best Artist Andean Region
Mike BahíaManuel TurizoCamiloGreeicyDanny Ocean — WINNEROvy On The DrumsRyan CastroDayanaraAndreina BravoElena RoseLassoFarinaJerry DiNachoFanny Lu
Best Artist North Region
Lenny Tavárez — WINNERDarellJay WheelerYoung MikoLola ÍndigoRauw AlejandroQuevedoEladio CarrionJhaycoSt. PedroKim LoaizaLunayÁlvaro Díaz
Best New Artist
XaviKenia OSHumbeJoaquinaSaikoGabito BallesterosJunior HYng LvcasElena Rose — WINNEROmar CourtzSanta Fe KlanBad Gyal
Musical Promise
NathZhamira ZambranoLos Esquivel — WINNERDannyLuxVenestiAna Del CastilloJ NoaMarlon ArenasDamianLucia De La PuertaAnais CastroSarodj BertinEsteban RojasJuan Duque
Influencer of the Year
DomelipaYeri MuaWendy GuevaraYuleria (Yurielkys Ojeda y Valeria Ramírez)Gemelas OrtegaLele PonsCarlos MontesquieuLa DivazaLa Segura — WINNERCalle y PochéLos MontañerosLa Granja del BorregoEl Mindo
Best Popular Regional Artist
Peso PlumaChristian NodalGrupo FronteraCarin LeónPipe BuenoAlejandro FernándezÁngela AguilarXaviGabito BallesterosJessi UribeLuis Alfonso — WINNERYuridia
Best Dominican Artist
El AlfaRochy RDChimbalaAngel DiorAmenazzyJey OneDonatyYailin La Más ViralShadow BlowLa InsuperableLa Perversa — WINNERYaisel LM
Best Music Video
“Triple S” – J Balvin, De La Ghetto, Jowell & Randy“S91” – Karol G — WINNER“Mamasota” – Manuel Turizo, Yandel“Mónaco” – Bad Bunny“Isla Desierta” – Ozuna“Contigo” – Karol, G, Tiësto“Primera Cita” – Carin Leon“Puntería” – Shakira Cardi B“Así es la vida” – Enrique Iglesias, Maria Becerra“Privilegios” – Feid, Cupido
Best Collaboration
“Perro Negro” – Bad Bunny, Feid“Contigo” – Karol G, Tiësto — WINNER“ALV” – Arcangel, Grupo Frontera“Los del Espacio” – LIT killah, Duki, Emilia, Tiago, PZK, FMK, Rusherking, Maria Becerra, Big One“Según Quien” – Maluma, Carin León“Luna” – Feid, ATL Jacob“BZRP Sessions 58” – Bizarrap, Young Miko“Trofeo” – Maluma, Yandel“Harley Quinn” – Fuerza Regida, Marshmello“Bellakeo” – Peso Pluma, Anitta“No Es Normal” – Venesti, Nacho, Maffio“Calor” – Nicky Jam & Beéle
Best Content Platform
MoluscoTVAlofoke MediaPanel Urbano (Enrique santos, Dímelo King, Maiky Backstage)Dímelo KingLa Nave Podcast (Marko) — WINNERChente YdrachIbai llanosEscorpión DoradoEl ChomboJuanpis González
DJ of the Year
Steve AokiMarshmelloTiëstoDJ Adoni — WINNERMarcela ReyesAgudelo 888GordoAlex Sensation
Song of the Year
“Luna” -Feid, ATL Jacob“La Diabla” – Xavi“Que Chimba de Vida” – Karol G“Mi Ex Tenía Razón” – Karol G — WINNER“Harley Quinn “- Fuerza Regida & Marshmello“Lala” – Myke Towers“La Víctima” – Xavi“El Amor De Su Vida” – Grupo Frontera, Grupo Firme
Producer of the Year
TainyOvy On The Drums — WINNERBig OneMaster ChrisThe RUDEBOYZ – Kevin y ChaNBizarrapSOGSky RompiendoIcon Music – Jowan y RoloSergio GeorgeAndrés CastroEdgar Barrera
Director of the Year
Simon BrandFernando LugoRodrigo FilmsJessy TerreroPedro ArtolaNuno GomesKacho López MariPatricia AlfonsoStillzAda OdremanHannah LuxSebas Sánchez — WINNER
Album of the Year
Mañana será Bonito Bichota Season – Karol G — WINNERFerxxocalipsis – FeidGénesis – Peso PlumaColmillo de Leche – Carin LeónNadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana – Bad BunnyEl Comienzo – Grupo FronteraLas Mujeres Ya No Lloran – ShakiraOrquídeas – Kali UchisUn Sueño Llamado Ranchera – Felipe Peláez
Best Viral Song
“Luna” – Feid, ATL Jacob — WINNER“La Diabla” – Xavi“Según Quién” – Maluma, Carin León“Lollipop” – Darell“Dora” – Farina, El Alfa“Línea del Perreo” – Uzielito Mix, Yeri Mua, El Jordan 23, DJ Kiire“Harley Quinn” – Fuerza Regida, Marshmello
Composer of the Year
Edgar BarreraMauricio Rengifo y Andrés TorresMaster ChrisElena RoseKeitynMoraFeid — WINNERManny CruzJustin QuilesBullnene
Best Videogame, Series or Movie Song
Luis Fonsi, Adriel Favela – “La Paz” (Banda sonora serie “Zorro”)Karol G, feat Aldo Ranks – “Watati”- (Barbie) — WINNERPeso Pluma, Grupo Frontera “TULUM” – (FIFA 24)Myke Towers – “LALA” – (FIFA 24)Peso Pluma – “Peligro” – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IIBanda MS –“141”- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Fandom of the Year
Fandom Karol GKeninis – Kenia OSTeamAndreina – Andreina BravoTurbias – Yeri MuaFandom DomelipaMarcianos – Mar RendónTeamLu – Lucia De La PuertaFandom YuleriaFandom FeidYahalovers – Yahaira PlasenciaTeam Chivirikas – Yailin La Más ViralLa Tribu – CamiloFandom Wendy GuevaraFandom Lele PonsFandom La Segura — WINNERFandom La DivazaFandom Calle y Poché
Best Religious Song
“Me Encontraste”- Christian Ponce & Alex Zurdo“Pan Duro” – Alex Campos — WINNER“Pasa_je_ro” – Farruko“Guarda tu Corazón” – Alex Zurdo“Mambo 23” – Juan Luis Guerra“Donante de Sangre” – Daddy Yankee“El Cielo Aun Espera” – Adriel favela & Jesús Adrián Romero“Parabellum”- Redimi2
The Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) continues to highlight pivotal voices in the Latin music industry, as shown in its panel 25 Years of LAMC: Latin Music’s Past, Present & Future. In this discussion on Thursday (July 11) at New York’s InterContinental Hotel — which featured prominent music industry executives — the panel focused on the evolution of Latin music over the past quarter-century, capturing key trends and projecting future developments.
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Moderated by Billboard‘s Leila Cobo and presented by MTA, the panelists included Alex Gallardo of Sony Music Latin, Polo Montalvo of La Buena Fortuna, Luis Dousdebés of The Latin Recording Academy, Bruno del Granado of CAA, and Jason Pascal of The Orchard. Cobo posed hard-hitting questions about the evolving landscape of the Latin music industry, and whether the expansion of Latin music is more influenced by streaming technology, cultural shifts or demographic changes. She also delved into the nature of music contracts and artist development priorities in the current digital age.
Here are some of the best quotes from the 25 Years of LAMC: Latin Music’s Past, Present & Future panel at LAMC 2024:
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Polo Montalvo of La Buena Fortuna, on the opportunities and challenges in the industry: “Not everyone has the same success in streaming, live or on social networks, to capitalize on each one and see how it helps us reach other places. A lot of times when we talk about and see success, we think of big artists — but there are a lot of people here who are just starting out and don’t have the access that those big artists have.
For example, with [more established artists], I have some tools with them that have developed over time, because of different relationships, agreements and situations in their career. But when you start, you don’t have that availability. So, for me, it’s crucial to see how we can help all the producers and artists that are here — that if they come to this panel or to the event like LAMC, to look at how we can support them, considering that more than 90% are starting out.”
Jason Pascal of The Orchard, on adapting global strategies: “The changes and transformations are clearly seen in the growth of the business as a whole and the explosion of Latin music. At The Orchard, this was our plan from the start; we were global 20 years ago, when there wasn’t any money being made. There are people who are still with us now who were with us back then, like Laura in Argentina and Albert in Spain. They believed in this model and worked for us, and maybe made $3,000 in an entire year from their work at The Orchard.
The plan was to have people on the ground all over the world, to be ready when streaming exploded. So, the fact that streaming and music exploded is the transformation. We’re very fortunate to have had the leadership prepared for this, starting to put all these elements in place early on.”
Alex Gallardo of Sony Music Latin, on success in the music industry: “The artistry, that in which there really is an artist capable of moving, is definitely a key point — and something that I am detecting today is that even the biggest artists find it hard to keep putting out hits. And the ones that I see doing the best are the most focused, the most disciplined, the ones that every day go to the studio, the ones that every day call colleagues to collaborate, and those whose impulse comes from an internal will of ‘I want more, I want to do it well.’
On the other hand, there are those who sit back, waiting for opportunities to come on their own. And I feel that, right now, with so much competition and so much volume, those who are more passive and wait for things to come to them are screwed.”
Luis Dousdebés of the Latin Recording Academy, on the importance of music creation: “It all starts with the creation of a song. When you’re competing with 100 or 1,000 songs a day that are uploading on Spotify alone, I definitely believe that creating good music is the key to everything. The message, the beat and what you’re conveying. Once the listener gets that vibe, that emotion of the art, it naturally starts to go viral — logically, with the help of label promotions and streaming. But if it’s not good music and it doesn’t transmit anything, it’s not going to happen.
What happens is that many people either like it or don’t like it. That’s the art; it’s the subjective part of grading. I think that if the numbers are there and there is a following [on social networks], it means that someone is liking it — and that’s what’s important on the track, knowing who is liking it and how it’s going to reach these people.”
Bruno del Granado of CAA, on the economic impact of the Latino community: “There are over sixty-five million Latinos here. We keep growing. The other thing I always say is about undocumented immigrants. They consume. They don’t come to take from this country. They go to concerts, buy sneakers, and buy iPhones […] Twenty-five years ago this summer, we were celebrating a Latin explosion with Enrique [Iglesias], Ricky [Martin], Shakira, Marc [Anthony] and Chayanne. That was a period where there was a clear before and after.”
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the 2024 edition of the Latin Alternative Music Conference includes a Q&A with Fonseca, moderated by Billboard‘s Leila Cobo; a Q&A with Residente, moderated by Rolling Stone‘s Julyssa Lopez, panels on the Business of Songwriting, Publicity and Social Media, New Releases and Catalogs, Bridging Music and Money, Tours and More. To see the full LAMC guide, click here.
Chyno y Nacho has become one of Latin music’s most emblematic duos, achieving various No. 1 Billboard hits, four Billboard Latin Music Awards and a Latin Grammy win, while releasing six studio albums.
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Now, after parting ways in 2017 and a serious health condition that affected the mobility of one of the members, the duo composed of Jesus “Chyno” Miranda and Miguel Ignacio “Nacho” Mendoza is making a comeback, with a five-date U.S. tour called Eternos. The duo officially launch its new era with new single “Tu Nombre,” which they will perform at the 2024 Heat Latin Music Awards taking place on Thursday (July 11) in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic.
“We are happy with the opportunities that life gives us to start over, and to appreciate the second chances,” Mendoza tells Billboard. “Today, we feel stronger than ever, and we feel that there are no challenges that we cannot measure ourselves against.”
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The highly awaited return comes in the midst of Miranda’s arduous health recovery.
In 2020, the Venezuelan singer was diagnosed with COVID-19, and as a result suffered peripheral neuropathy, encephalitis, and other long-term COVID symptoms that affected his nervous system. Miranda had to learn to walk again and battled depression, among other collateral health complications.
The “Niña Bonita” singer was moved to Venezuela for his recovery, where for almost all of 2022 he was admitted to the Tía Panchita rehabilitation center. Since entering the rehab facility, all of Miranda’s loved ones, including Nacho, lost touch with the artist. Nacho describes not having access to his bandmate as a mystery, because for many months they were unsure of Miranda’s health condition.
“Many people in Venezuela who had the resources went behind the case and made it possible to remove him from the center he was in,” he recalls. “From that point on, we [Chyno y Nacho] have not been separated.”
Nacho admits that Miranda is still recovering — but thanks to music, he’s been able to heal and improve, and is capable of going on tour. Chyno y Nacho is set to make a comeback with its Eternos Tour set to kick off September 28 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. The duo will also visit Puerto Rico, Houston, New York, and Orlando.
Below, read Nacho’s Q&A with Billboard.
What does the Chyno y Nacho comeback at Heat Latin Music Awards signify?
My heart feels like taking advantage of the time — because time goes by very quickly. You don’t realize how the years go by, how what you do affects the lives of others. Only time tells you, and today we realize that we have left a beautiful legacy and touched the hearts of millions of people around the world, and that there are many young people who were inspired by our careers and efforts. Thanks to that, they have an example of being able to develop their own careers, and that makes us feel very good.
You guys will be performing your new single at the awards show. What can you share about “Tu Nombre”?
This song is like a warm-up for the return. It came out as a soft release, but we trust our fan base and we know that people are always looking for new things from Chyno and Nacho, and that the discovery of new things begins. It has a fairly fresh sound, and it defines a lot of the essence of Chyno and Nacho but in 2024. We feel the energy when we are on stage, we see the people’s reaction to the song. Seriously, the feedback has been great — and we hope that this performance [at Premios Heat] serves as a window, so that people not only find out about the union and the tour, but also that they know that we are here to make new content.
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Chyno y Nacho made a brief return in 2021 with the album Chino & Nacho Is Back, but then stopped making music. Why is 2024 the adequate time for the tour and comeback?
In 2021, just when we released the album, my partner’s health complications began to worsen and [music plans] was something that we had to abandon. There were people who connected with songs from the album, but in reality, all the attention was focused on the development of my partner’s illness. We abandoned the musical theme a little, and it was as if we couldn’t do anything because the intention was to unite and show our new projects.
I think the issue of the pandemic also crossed our intentions. But hey, God knows what his plans are, and at work we simply accepted what the result was. Those three years were years of personal struggle for each one. But you know that kings are made in the desert, and after having that resistance and walking through those personal deserts, today we feel more strengthened than ever — and we feel that there are no challenges that we cannot measure ourselves against.
It’s been a very challenging road for Chyno, but I can imagine that as his duo partner, it’s been difficult for you as well. How has this entire process been for you?
[We see] the opportunity that God gave us to recognize and value a friendship that is still valid. We had our downfalls as friends, our disagreements, but I believe that the courage of human beings is not in maintaining the best attitude all the time, but in recognizing how you can get back into the best vibes and tunes, and also recognize your blessings.
I believe that those 10 years that we lasted as a duo, plus the previous years that we were in other groups, are worth a lot. I have shared more with Chyno than with my own blood brothers. Having entered into those discussions, it was simply a process for us to be able to understand how strong our friendship was, and how much we should value the gift that God gave us both of being able to have a prosperous career and being able to gather experiences together that are unforgettable .
I see it as the opportunity for both of us to see how we can improve everything we have … Each one [of us] had their personal process, but I think his was much more difficult, because he went through certain situations that I went through — such as divorce, for example — but he also has a health issue. I feel that his strength has been more noticeable, and the battles he has had to fight have been stronger. If I have the opportunity to be able to accompany him in those battles and carry on my shoulder some of those weights that he has to carry, with all my pleasure, at this moment I have all the disposition in the world to do it.
When did you realize that Chyno was ready to continue with his music career and go on tour?
I think it was circumstantial, because I was one of those friends and family who couldn’t find his whereabouts. We didn’t know where he was, where they had him hidden. It was difficult. It is a process that today I can tell you, we are together and living a new reality, but our fans don’t know the entire trajectory of us being able to be with him again, and being able to tell him, “Look, we are going to continue doing what is really going to bring you back — which is music, and what you are really passionate about.”
From that point on, we have not been separated. Music is the best medicine, because the evolution that he has [gone through] has been demonstrated in the last months. Now, he’s ready to go on tour, for example. A couple of years ago it didn’t even cross our minds, based on his condition.
In addition to Eternos Tour, what does the future look like for Chyno y Nacho, in terms of new projects?
The new album is a possibility — it is very feasible to do it in the future. For now, we are releasing “Tu Nombre,” because he still has certain current commitments with his recording label that he has to fulfill individually. When we decided to go our separate ways, we approached new contracts as individuals, and he is still going through that process of being able to deliver what he has as part of his musical debt.
We have to see what the permit issue is like — I don’t think his record company will disagree with us continuing to do things together. I think it is the best alternative at this moment for his musical career, his development, and his improvement.
Five months after releasing the first single from what will be his next album, Mexican singer-songwriter Alfredo Olivas offers another preview with “Imaginación,” a norteño song with country elements that follows the same line of his “Asignatura Pendiente” released in February.
“That sound that has worked for us and that people like a lot is something that already distinguishes Alfredo Olivas’ music — and this song could not be the exception,” the artist tells Billboard Español. Announced as the focus track of his new LP, due out soon on Fonovisa/Universal Music, “Imaginación” debuts Thursday (July 11) at 8 p.m. ET and will be available here.
A little more than a decade into his career, Olivas has been consolidating himself as one of the most important singer-songwriters of the regional Mexican music scene. The artist from Sonora, Mexico has a resumé full of accomplishments, ranging from pioneering the corridos alterados, which predate the corridos tumbados and bélicos, to a score of Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Airplay chart entries, including three No. 1s: “El Problema,” “Yo Todo Lo Doy” and “No.”
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In 2023, the 30-year-old singer became the highest-grossing artist in Mexico, with 71 sold-out dates in palenques, arenas and, for the first time, stadiums for a solo artist. He recently renewed his contract with Fonovisa Records-Universal Music, the company that has seen him grow professionally.
“Huge legends of Mexican music have been lost in recent years,” says Antonio Silva, managing director of Fonovisa-Disa U.S. & Mexico. “Who among the new phenomena of popularity will go on to establish themselves in far-reaching careers that will generate a legacy? It is clear to me that Alfredo Olivas will achieve that transcendence. In my perception, he has everything it takes: author of all his hits, unique lyrics and a way of performing that has forged his unique style.”
This year, Alfredo Olivas has embarked on a spectacular tour with banda-norteño star Julión Álvarez, Los Prófugos del Anexo, and for the first time in his career he recorded a duet with Alejandro Fernández, “Cobijas Ajenas,” which toppedBillboard‘s Latin Airplay chart, giving Olivas his first overall Latin radio chart leader.
Below, Olivas talks to Billboard Español about this achievement and his big current career moment.
Your lyrics are generally about heartbreak — how do you get inspired if you are in a stable relationship?
It is enough to observe what happens to many people. I express that in my style, and fortunately I have connected with my audience.
In 2023 you were the artist with the most dates in the most important venues in Mexico, including stadiums. What did this mean to you?
It was a great satisfaction, because one dreams of those moments. At the same time, it is a commitment. I have fought hard to get to this point, so I have to take great care of the quality of what I give to the public. I always dreamed of seeing myself on stage like the most important artists. I love to see what’s new in terms of production. Sometimes we have to spend a lot of money — but it doesn’t matter if it’s so that regional Mexican music can be more colorful and of higher quality, and the world can see it that way.
Are you worried about the image of regional Mexican music in the world?
Completely. Sometimes it is annoying that we are wrongly labeled; there is a lot of talent and quality. In my case, I like to have everything in order, the sequences, the setlist — but without losing the essence of our genre, which is the mischievousness and improvisation.
You are a pioneer of a generation that fueled corridos around a decade ago. What do you think of the new stars?
I think it’s very good that there are so many talents. From my point of view, it is a positive thing that they are joining the cause. These new breakthroughs are a positive thing to continue the fight that began many years ago. When Grupo Firme began to break protocols, we could see a new positive era coming for everyone.
You don’t record collaborations often — how did the duet “Cobijas Ajenas” with Alejandro Fernández come about? Did you already know each other?
Of course, there has always been a lot of admiration on my part. Two or three years ago, I had the opportunity to meet him — and although it was my dream that he would record one of my songs, I never told him, I don’t like to force things. Time went by, and now through the record label (Universal Music), they proposed it to me and of course I said yes. The song is by maestro Espinoza Paz.
How did the idea of touring with Julión Álvarez come up if you are both so successful as solo artists?
There is a very special connection, and it shows on stage — we are great friends. He recorded one of my songs, “Sin Memoria,” and made it a big hit. People like us as a duo, the proof is that we have seven sold out shows so far in 2024.
You recently renewed your contract with Universal Music/Fonovisa Records, what makes you continue working with the company after a decade?
It’s just like a marriage relationship — like keeping promises to each other, setting goals and reaching them, loving and respecting each other. I think it is very healthy to leave certain things in the hands of experts, as in this case, the record label. In this way, the artist is dedicated to focus on making music.
Los Tigres del Norte have said that you are one of the young artists they respect because you preserve the traditional style of regional Mexican music. Would you also collaborate with them?
It would blow my mind — I am the first to raise my hand. If they would consider me it would be a tremendous achievement. And now that you mention it, of course we are going to look for that opportunity.
Last year you recorded for the first time a song that you didn’t write, “Ni Con Labios Prestados,” and it was a big hit on streaming platforms. Why did you decide to do it?
The songwriter Aarón “El Pantera” Martínez is one of those who I admire the most — and the truth is that we didn’t know each other personally, only on Instagram. But he knew, as a good poet, to write me with the right words. I listened to it, and from the first moment I liked it. To this day it is one of the most requested songs in my show.
Have you thought about recording more songs by other composers?
It happened with “Ni Con Labios Prestados,” and now with Alejandro Fernández. But I’m not going to lie to you, I have set goals for myself, and one of them is to have my own catalog. I deeply admire Joan Sebastian, Juan Gabriel and Marco Antonio Solís, they are my example to follow as singer-songwriters.