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.
Latin Music Week panels
This week, Billboard unveiled some of the panels to take place at the 2021 Latin Music Week returning to Miami from September 20-24. Cuban artist/activist Yotuel Romero, Puerto Rican star Kany García and ChocQuibTown members (and husband and wife) Goyo and Tostao will be part of “My Cause, My Music: A Conversation on Social Justice,” where they will discuss the role of artists in social justice movements and the advantages and pitfalls their involvement presents in their respective careers. Puerto Rican sensation Lunay, known for bops like “Soltera,” “La Cama” and the Anitta-assisted “Todo o Nada,” will join longtime producers Chris Jedi and Gaby Music to form part of “Making the Hit, Live,” a masterclass where Latin Music Week attendees can see how they craft a song in real-time. And Corridos tumbados artist Natanael Cano, sibling duo Los Dos Carnales and Mexican singer-songwriter Carin Leon will be part of “Regional No More – Mexican Music Goes Global,” a conversation on the globalization of regional Mexican music. The panel will be moderated by Jimmy Humilde, founder and CEO of indie label Rancho Humilde. For registration and more information, visit www.billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
Camilo and LaLiga Unite for Soccer
LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank are kicking off their 2021-2022 season on Aug. 13 with the help of Camilo. Together, they teamed up for a soccer-infused version of Camilo’s summer hit “KESI” called “KESI La Liga Version Oficial” to celebrate fans returning to stadiums across Spain. “It’s a dream come true for me to be involved in the LaLiga song for the 2021/22 season. This is the first tour of my life and the first concerts have been in Spain, a country that has really made me feel at home,” the Colombian singer-songwriter said in a statement. “Music and football are one; the passion of singing a song and celebrating a goal goes beyond the rational. It makes you connect with the here and now and completely forget everything else. It’s a magical moment.”
Ozuna Bahama Fest
Ozuna has announced the debut of his Ozuna Fest Bahamas in partnership with travel company Pollen. Taking place from December 2-6 at Atlantis Bahamas, the festival will include full resort accommodations, pool parties, exclusive club events, and many more activities. Besides headliner Ozuna, the confirmed lineup is Alex Sensation, Blessd, Caleb Calloway, Dimelo Flow, DJ Adoni, Emilia, Jhay Cortez, Lunay, Major Lazer, Sound System, Mora, Sech, and Tiago PZK. For tickets and more information, visit here.
Sia Recruits Sofia Reyes and Yandel
Sia has dropped a new version of her “1+1” bop, recruiting Mexican pop star Sofia Reyes and Puerto Rican artist Yandel for a Latin remix helmed by Banx & Ranx. Reyes first gave Billboard the exclusive of this major collaboration at the 2021 Premios Juventud carpet. “They just gave me the news and it makes me want to cry every time I think about it,” she said. “I’ll be part of a new song with Sia and Yandel. This is very powerful and I’m very excited.” This isn’t the first time Sia teams up with Latin artists to drop bilingual tracks. Previously, she joined forces with Ozuna and Doja Cat on “Del Mar.”
La Gabi Makes Her Grand Debut
Dominican newcomer La Gabi presents her debut EP, Origen, home to seven tracks that best showcases her versatile musical proposal. Born Gabriela Guaba, La Gabi is an 18-year-old rapper who, thanks to her sick freestyles and crisp voice, landed on J Balvin’s radar and is now one of his signed artists on his Ma G Nation Label. Balvin revealed that he discovered Gabi on social media after she covered his songs. Up next, the emerging artist will hit up many important festivals including Baja Beach Fest, CDMC Flow Fest, and J Balvin’s Neón Fest in Las Vegas and Punta Cana. Listen to her EP below.
