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.
Karol G Announces Livestream
In celebration of all the success her album KG0516 is having, Karol G will bless fans with an upcoming virtual concert. “This is the album of my dreams, the one of my nights of insomnia, the one I can’t stop listening to,” she wrote on Instagram. On June 10, the Colombian star will perform live hits from her latest set, home to “Bichota,” “Location” and “El Makinon.” The livestream will transmit via Facebook and Oculus. Check out the announcement below.
Hispanic Heritage Awards Returns For 34th Edition
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) unveiled that the 34th Hispanic Heritage Awards will be broadcast on Oct. 8 across PBS stations, the official website, and video app. The awards are presented by Target for the ninth year. “The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is thrilled to once again partner with Target and PBS to collectively celebrate and share the great promise, accomplishments, and cultural pride of the Latinx community through the 2021 awardees and powerful tributes by great performers,” HHF president/CEO Antonio Tijerino said in a statement.
The awards, which were created by the White House in 1988 to commemorate the establishment of Hispanic Heritage Month in America, recognize the contributions and accomplishments of Latino leaders in various fields while celebrating cultural pride and the great promise to America. The 2021 honorees, performers, hosts, presenters, and other sponsors will be announced in the coming months.
Hector Delgado Makes Comeback
Reggaeton veteran-turned-pastor Hector Delgado has made his highly-awaited comeback to music with his album, La Hora Cero, featuring 10 songs about spirituality and worship. Released under Maranatha Ministries and Nain Music, and co-produced by Aneudy Maysonet, the set marks Delgado’s first musical project since embracing the gospel in 2008.
“I felt in my heart that this was the perfect time for what God did with me to be heard through my music,” Delgado said in a statement. “La Hora Cero is another tool that I will use to transform lives, leading them towards the word and the way of the Lord.” Listen to focus track “Todo por nada” below.
Nicky Jam Launches “Nicky Jamz”
Nicky Jam is giving fans the ultimate experience with the launch of his new website nickyjamz.com. Available through the subscription-based FanTime app, the Puerto Rican artist will provide exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to his personal life. Fans will even have the opportunity to request personalized voice notes from Nicky. “I can’t wait to connect with fans in a more meaningful way and for them to get a peek into my world and see who I really am,” Nicky said in a statement.
J Balvin Signs His First Female Artist
This week, rising Dominican rapper La Gabi (real name: Gabriela Guaba) officially signed her contract to form part of J Balvin’s record label. “I’m officially the first female artist signed by J Balvin,” she captioned her celebration video. “Thank God for listening to my prayers. The wait is over. From here to the sun.” The Miami-based newcomer garnered the attention of Balvin after dropping her own freestyle version of his singles “Blanco,” “Morado” and “Loco Contigo.”
