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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
Fabled Mexican music singer and producer Pepe Aguilar has signed a worldwide deal with SESAC Latina, Billboard has learned. Previously with BMI, he now joins his children, Ángela and Leonardo Aguilar, who are also part of the SESAC Latina roster. “We are pleased to announce that superstar Pepe Aguilar has affiliated with SESAC Latina,” Celeste Zendejas, SVP, […]
Riding the wave of a blockbuster year so far, Billboard Español April cover star Myke Towers is poised to embark on his North American tour, La Pantera Negra, this fall. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news After touring Spain, Towers will recreate that stint in 18 cities […]
In one of the most powerful and emotional moments of the 2024 Premios Juventud, Lele Pons emphasized her message of self-love when she was recognized as an Agent of Change at the Thursday (July 25) ceremony in Puerto Rico’s José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum .
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After tearfully receiving the award from her father, who seemed to have surprised her by presenting it, the Venezuelan influencer and singer regained her composure and gave a powerful and eloquent speech to the millions of people who follow her on social media.
“Enough of looking for your happiness in the acceptance of other people who don’t value you. Look for it in God, look for it in yourself and in the people who love you and who will be there for you,” Pons said. “I use my platform to see if I can help people love themselves and take life [more lightly] and laugh at their cellulite, and if you got your nose done, please show that, be you, be transparent.”
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“I’m here because I want you to love yourselves, because, who cares? So what? Not everyone is going to love you, you don’t have to be liked by everyone. That is THEIR problem, not yours. Love yourself, respect yourself, you’re enough,” she added.
Pons served as the evening’s co-host alongside Clarissa Molina and Wisin, and was one of three honorees with the Spirit of Change award, which “recognizes and celebrates” young entrepreneurs and prominent stars who “selflessly contribute to creating a better world.” The other two honorees were Anitta and Los Tigres del Norte.
In its 21st annual edition, Premios Juventud had Carín León, Maluma, Peso Pluma, Karol G, and Shakira among its main nominees. To see the list of winners, click here.
Watch Lele’s speech below.
A wave of Latin artists, emerging and established, arrived at the 2024 Premios Juventud in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Thursday (July 25) to traditionally celebrate the “extraordinary accomplishments in society, celebrating music, new artists, community and creators,” according to a press release.
This year’s fan-voted award show—which gave prominence to creators, figures who “lead on social media, by introducing new award categories to spotlight those who are making significant waves in la cultura”—were lead by top nominees Carin León, Maluma, and Peso Pluma, with seven nominations each. Karol G was the big winner of the night, nabbing five awards including female Premios Juventud artist and best urban album for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season). (See full winners list here)
Other top nominees included Shakira with six nominations; Becky G and Grupo Frontera with five nominations; and up for four awards each, Bad Bunny, Bizarrap, Farruko, Feid, Fuerza Regida, Manuel Turizo and Ozuna.
Meanwhile, artists such as Ivy Queen, Natti Natasha, Emilia, Prince Royce, Los Esquivel, Los Ángeles Azules, and Reik, took center stage at the ceremony for memorable performances.
Additionally, Premios Juventud recognized Anitta, Lele Pons, and Los Tigres del Norte with the coveted “Agent of Change” recognition, celebrating young entrepreneurs and prominent stars who selflessly contribute to creating a better world. Previous AOC titleholders include Ricky Martin, Shakira, Becky G, Camila Cabello, J Balvin, and Daddy Yankee, to name a few.
As all of this was televised live on Univision and streamed on ViX, Billboard was catching all the action backstage—at the red carpet and media center—that you didn’t see on TV. Check out the list below:
Dembow & Música Mexicana Meet