From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Nicky Jam’s Bakery
After telling all about his Miami-based restaurant idea at the 2020 Latin Music Week last fall, Nicky Jam officially inaugurated “La Industria Bakery and Cafe” in Bayside Marketplace on Friday (April 9). Named after his management company, the brunch spot offers sweet treats, signature pancakes and baked goods, to name a few.
“I went to a Venezuelan restaurant and I really loved what they did and they gave me an idea. I wanted to do a restaurant where people go and take photos of their breakfast and it’s going to be so incredible, and so nice, and so delicious that people are gonna go crazy. I’m going to take a bunch of artists over there. Bayside is going to be a hit no matter what,” he previously told Billboard.
Kali Uchis on Fallon
From TikTok to the world, Kali Uchis performed her dreamy, bilingual pop tune “Telepatía” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The Colombian crooner took center stage giving us major Goddess vibes. With a sensual performance under the stars and moon, Kali flaunted her enchanting vocals.
“Telepatía,” which was produced by Tainy, is about feeling lonely and wishing she could make love telepathically. The song’s success on TikTok propelled her studio album, Sin Miedo (Del Amor y Otros Demonios), to No. 1 on the Latin Pop Albums chart (dated March 6). The set, her first Spanish-language album, also marked her first leader on any Billboard albums chart.
Natti Natasha’s Gender Reveal
Earlier this week, soon-to-be parents Natti Natasha and Raphy Pina documented their gender reveal/baby shower during an Instagram Live. The Dominican singer and her longtime manager celebrated with loved ones and close colleagues, including Daddy Yankee. After fun and games, a helicopter flew over the party, unleashing pink smoke and revealing that Natti Natasha’s first baby will be a girl. Watch the emotional moment below.
NBA Teams Up with Duki
Argentine trap star Duki has joined forces with NBA Latam for a 10-part series that captures not only his love for freestyle but also sports. “I remember the first NBA game I ever watched,” he recalled. “I was home with my brother in Santa Teresita and the All-Star Game happened to be on at 2 o’clock in the morning. I was crazy about it… I remember Allen Iverson’s braids in that game. I’ve been a fan ever since.” The series also includes unique video content highlighting the intersection of basketball, entertainment and lifestyle.
Sofia Reyes Explains “WTF is Chamoy?”
Sofia Reyes is ready to make a difference with the help of Estrella Jalisco. This week, the Mexican artist announced she teamed up with the Mexican beer brand to raise awareness on “chamoy,” a “distinctly Mexican flavor that is widely loved, but hard to describe.” To celebrate, Reyes unveiled Estrella Jalisco’s brand new drink Tropical Chamoy Michelada, which is a lager fused with a flavorful blend of clamato, chamoy, and pineapple. Fun fact, according to a press statement, it’s the first ready-to-drink beverage in the U.S. to use chamoy!
