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.
Alejandro Sanz Gives Back to Chile
Just days ahead of his Viña del Mar performance, Alejandro Sanz visited the country’s commune, El Olivar, to show solidarity to those affected by the deadly forest fires that occurred in early February. More than 120 people have passed away and over 15,000 households were affected in Viña del Mar and Quilpué.
“Chile, my dear Chile, the scars left by this tragedy will forever remain in our memory,” the Spanish crooner said in a statement. “The losses are immeasurable and a whisper of eternal mourning invades us. Your pain is everyone’s, and it is intertwined with the hope of uniting us to lift, with all our strength and resources, everything that you are. Because in every root, every heart, the soul of Chile beats.”
In addition to spending time with locals and listening to their survival stories, Sanz revealed that he would make an important donation through Desafío Levantemos Chile and Un Techo Para Chile.
Noel Schajris Joins “Latin Grammy in the Schools”
Noel Schajris has joined Latin Grammy in the Schools, an educational program by the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation that connects music students with key players in the Latin music industry, and supports music departments with financial limitations. This week, Schajris visited Overton High School in Memphis, TN, where he will invest $40,000 to its Creative and Performing Arts Program, including the donation of musical instruments.
“We all know how important art is and what music is in our lives; In my personal case it has been the lifesaver, the friend, the love and even the doctor in many important moments,” he expressed in a press statement. “How important is this invitation from the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation to share with those who will undoubtedly carry that torch of hope; the kids, the new generations.”
Shakira Drops New Album’s Tracklist
For her first album in seven years, coming out March 22, Shakira has reeled in some of today’s hottest Latin acts. This week, the Colombian singer revealed the official 16-song track list to her set Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, which includes the previously-released bangers “TQG” with Karol G, the Fuerza Regida-assisted “El Jefe,” and the unapologetic “Music Sessions Vol. 53” produced by Bizarrap. Also unveiled were eight new tracks including new songs with Biza and Rauw Alejandro, and collaborations with Cardi B and Grupo Frontera. Read more about the album, here.
Maluma’s Act of Kindness
Over at the 2024 Premio Lo Nuestro, where he was the top nominee and took center stage to perform alongside Carin León, Maluma went viral for an act of kindness backstage. A video shows the Colombian singer having a conversation with a cleaning lady and thanking her for her hard work and labor. “Thank you for your spectacular work. Thank you for cleaning so that all of us can enjoy these space,” he told the lady. “You’re so sweet, thank you,” she replied. Maluma nabbed four awards, including pop male artist of the year.
