Latin Archives

Egidio Cuadrado, Carlos Vives’ Longtime Accordionist & Vallenato Icon, Dead at 71

October 21, 2024

Egidio Cuadrado, an icon in Colombia’s music scene and Carlos Vives’ longtime accordion player, is dead at the age of 71. The vallenato star passed away due to health complications related to pneumonia on Monday (Oct. 21) in Bogota.
“With deep sorrow, the Clínica Universitaria Colombia wishes to inform the public that vallenato artist Egidio Cuadrado has passed away in our institution,” an official press release by La Clínica Universitaria Colombia noted.

“Today we say goodbye to him, paying tribute not only to his career, but to the humble man who, with his accordion, made us part of his family by calling us all ‘compadres y comadres, compadritos y comadritas,’” Vives expressed in a statement to Billboard. “Egidio Cuadrado, the same one who never left his vueltiao hat, his Arhuaca backpack and his 12 accordions, will remain forever in our hearts; longing for that vallenato song that permeated his noble heart and telling the world that life has the greatest meaning when the accordion of a Vallenato King like him plays.”

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Cuadraro was born in Villanueva, La Guajira, and learned to play the accordion at the age of six. In the early ‘90s, he formed part of Vives’ tropical orchestra La Provincia, giving life to the tropipop sound that blends the spirit of vallenato music with contemporary pop-rock melodies.

Embodying Colombian folk music, Cuadrado’s artistry gave life to some of Vives’ biggest albums including 1995’s La Tierra del Olvido. In 2021, The Latin Recording Academy honored him with the Trustees Award, bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to Latin music during their careers in ways other than performance.

“An artist is made by his audience — without you this award would have no value, to Latin Grammys for reminding us today of the importance of our local music and our Colombian identity and finally to my accordion, my first friend and an extension of my body,” Cuadrado wrote on his Instagram account when he received the award.

Earlier this year, Cuadrado formed part of Vives’ “Regreso a Escalona” documentary made available through ViX’s premium streaming plan.

“His passing leaves a deep void in the music and lives of those who knew him,” Vives continued in his heartfelt statement shared with Billboard. “With his accordion, he wove melodies that resonated throughout the world, at Colombian parties and at family gatherings, creating a bond between generations. His warm smile and generous spirit transformed each chord into a sonorous embrace, and his words, always full of affection, made everyone feel like part of his family. Today, as we remember him, we celebrate not only his immense talent, but also the legacy of love and joy he left in every note. Egidio, your music will live on in every corner where the echo of your accordion is heard.”

Bad Bunny & Lionel Messi Unveil Groundbreaking Adidas Collaboration: ‘We Hope to Create a Legacy’

djfrosty

October 21, 2024

In a groundbreaking collaboration, global music phenom Bad Bunny and soccer legend Lionel Messi join forces to introduce a pioneering Adidas shoe line that epitomizes the golden juncture of sport and music: the Bad Bunny x Messi collection, scheduled to launch on Saturday (Oct. 26).

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Bad Bunny — whose dynamism has vaulted him from top-tier festivals to the upper echelons of global music icons — shared how their initial meeting was imbued with mutual insight and enthusiasm for this collection. “That first encounter with Messi was incredible. From the moment we got together, the vibe was good,” revealed the Puerto Rican superstar in an exclusive interview with Billboard Español. “We talked about our visions and what we wanted to achieve with the collection. Both of us are passionate about what we do, and that shows in every idea we shared. It was a smooth and natural process, and I will never forget it.”

Bad Bunny

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The collection reimagines Adidas heritage through two iconic silhouettes: the Adidas Gazelle and the Adidas F50 cleat, each embodying the essence of its muse. The creative infusion is very personal, with references to their roots and triumphs. “I think we brought both my style and Messi’s into it, primarily basing it on the naturalness with which each of us approaches what we do. We were inspired by a 1949 Adidas shoe that featured the natural brown colors of leather,” noted Bad Bunny.

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Lionel Messi, meanwhile, spoke to Billboard Español about the role music plays in his life. “Music is connected to many aspects of life. Not only to soccer, although it is true that there is a special connection between both worlds, but also to moments of leisure, to workouts in the gym, to trips while driving,” he said. “Music is something I like very much and is present in several moments of my daily life,” he added, also mentioning that Bad Bunny is an artist that is “never missing” in his playlists.

Building on the theme of collaboration, Bad Bunny recalled a standout moment during the creative process: “A memorable moment for me was when we started to shape the vision for this collaboration. Working with someone as iconic as Messi and seeing how we each brought ideas and concepts to the table was truly unique.”

This venture’s momentum is fueled by the unwavering support of their global following via Adidas’ La Voz de los Fans campaign. “The fans’ influence has been fundamental in our careers, and this collaboration would not have happened without their passion,” Benito highlighted. “They inspire us to keep evolving and experimenting on every project. This campaign is a reflection of that connection, because without the fans, none of this would be possible.”

On the impact of his worldwide following, Lionel Messi also conveyed a sense of honor coupled with duty. “I am aware that there are a lot of people who follow me and a lot of kids too. For me it is a pride and a great responsibility,” said the Argentine global champion. “I always tried to be myself, but bearing in mind that there are people who notice me, who follow me and support me every day.”

Lionel Messi

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The collection, showcasing designs like the ‘X’ stripe heel and blue accents linking to Adidas’ heritage, transcends traditional sportswear to embody shared greatness and artistic synergy. Each piece is an homage, a collective memory crafted for the pitch and the playlists.

Both megastars see this collection as a symbol for future generations, exemplifying the merger of their realms and standing as a testament to collaborative greatness. “With Bad Bunny x Messi we hope to create a legacy that reflects this unique collaboration, inspiring new generations to follow their passions and work hard to achieve their dreams. We want this collaboration to become a symbol of unity for our Latino community and for the future,” said Bad Bunny.

As Messi and Bad Bunny continue to redefine paradigms in their fields, this collaboration is not just a testament to their stardom but a celebration of the crossroads of culture, music and sports.

The Bad Bunny x Messi collection is set to drop both online and in select flagship stores. For more info, visit adidas.com/badbunny and adidas.com/lionel_messi.

Proyecto Uno closes the Billboard Latin Music Awards with a bang

djfrosty

October 21, 2024

Legendary Dominican trio Proyecto Uno closed the Billboard Latin Music Awards with a flourish, reaffirming their status as merengue-house pioneers with a performance of their iconic 1993 hit, “El Tiburón.” The performance was not only a nod to the group’s origins, but also a celebration of their influence on Latin dance music over the past three decades.

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With their signature party style, the trio, currently comprised of Nelson Zapata, Kid G, and Paolo Tondo, took over the stage wearing bright jackets in shades of red, blue, and yellow, while an entourage of colorful dancers accompanied them as they chanted their iconic “No pares, sigue, sigue” (“Don’t stop, keep going, keep going.”)

This year, Proyecto Uno celebrates 35 years of musical career in which they have given away hits such as “Brinca”, “Latinos” and “Otro Nivel”, fusing tropical genres with hip-hop, house and techno, creating a hybrid sound that has left an indelible mark on Latin music.

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The 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, hosted by actors Carmen Villalobos and Danilo Carrera, celebrate the most outstanding talents in Latin music. This year’s edition brings together a star-studded lineup that spans a wide variety of genres and generations. This year’s performances include J Balvin, Chencho Corleone, Fuerza Regida, Gloria Trevi and Maria Becerra, Xavi, Grupo Niche, Pepe Aguilar, Prince Royce, Yandel and Proyecto Uno.

For more on performances, special awards and behind-the-scenes action, visit Billboard Español.

6 Things You Didn’t See on TV at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards

djfrosty

October 21, 2024

Before the artists took the stage at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which aired on Sunday (Oct. 20), they walked the red carpet and shared with Billboard anecdotes and moments that you didn’t see on television. Just after receiving their award for tropical song of the year for “Cosas de la Peda,” Prince Royce […]

Best Photos From the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards

djfrosty

October 20, 2024

Show-stopping performances by Prince Royce and Gabito Ballesteros, who took the stage to sing “Cosas de la Peda” – which won tropical song of the year – and Gloria Trevi and Maria Becerra – who joined forces for “Borracha” – made the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards one for the books.Special awards honorees, Pepe Aguilar, J Balvin and Alejandro Sanz, each gave emotional speeches as they accepted their respective honors. Aguilar was inducted into the Billboard Hall of Fame, and said: “The way to remain relevant has been through my passion for my music and by reinventing when it was necessary. And that’s been possible thanks to the people who’ve been by my side. An artist is as good as the team that surrounds him.”
Meanwhile, Balvin who was bestowed the Spirit of Hope Award spoke on the significance of this recognition. “I’ve always liked to help my people quietly, because those are the awards that one carries forever,” he expressed. “These awards come and go, but the awards of the soul, helping a friend, serving others, those are the ones that are most worthwhile.” Sanz didn’t perform but did take the stage to share special words with fans and fellow hitmakers when accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award. “I want to dedicate to my colleagues who do music, because there was a time when making music in Spanish wasn’t easy. Feel proud for what has been achieved.”
Besides the big winners of the night, it was Lupillo Rivera that perhaps made a massive statement with his outfit choice. The regional Mexican artist wore a t-shirt with Diddy’s face and a big, red X over it. It’s a shirt he designed himself in hopes of getting a very specific message across.
“I wore this shirt because I don’t like people playing with the dreams, feelings, and desires of people who are just starting out in the entertainment world,” Rivera told Billboard Español. “There are a lot of things like that in this world and we have to put a stop to it. I don’t support anything this man does at all, and the truth is that it’s something that shouldn’t happen.”
The ceremony may be a wrap but we’re reliving some of the highlights from the show, which broadcast Sunday (Oct. 20) on Telemundo, and hosted by actors Carmen Villalobos and Danilo Carrera,
Below, find a gallery of photos that show some of the best moments from the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Gloria Trevi & Maria Becerra