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.
Maluma Celebrates His Hits
This week, Maluma shared a photo in celebration of his 24 No.1 Billboard hits on the Latin Airplay chart. “This isn’t I arrived and made it big. This takes years,” he captioned the photo. The Colombian artist’s first No. 1 entry on the chart arrived in 2015 with “Borro Cassette,” where it topped the chart for 38 weeks. His longest-leading title was this 2020 “Hawai (Remix)” with The Weeknd, spending 45 weeks at No. 1; whereas his latest No. 1 title is “Según Quien” with Carin León. See Maluma’s celebratory post below:
Karol G’s Foundation Launches “The Calm Corner”
In honor of Mental Health Month, Karol G‘s “Con Cora Foundation” launched its new initiative “Rincón de la Calma” (The Calm Corner). The project, in partnership with Glasswing International, will establish safe and private spaces within educational institutions in Latin American cities including Guatemala City, Guatemala; San Salvador, El Salvador; San José, Costa Rica; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
“This initiative arises from the need to provide students with tools to manage the impact of stress and trauma on physical health, as well as their ability to manage emotions, behaviors, and learning,” Valentina Bueno, executive director of the Con Cora Foundation, said in a press statement. “We are proud to join forces with Glasswing International in creating these spaces that foster an environment of mutual support and personal growth in the educational sphere.”
Joaquina’s Sweet Fan Encounter
Earlier this week, Joaquina — best new artist at the 2023 Latin Grammy — shared a sweet encounter she had with a fan in Spain. In a video posted on Instagram, she explained that her fan’s parents DM’ed her asking her to visit their restaurant, where they wanted to surprise their daughter on her 10th birthday with a visit from the Venezuelan singer. Without hesitation, Joaquina accepted and documented the wholesome moment. “I love you so much Cami,” the artist captioned the pic. “Thank you and your beautiful family for having me 😭 This made me very happy (btw the cake was delicious).”
Latinos at the Met Gala
Spanish-language musicians were strongly represented at the 2024 Met Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday (May 6). Shakira, Bad Bunny, Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, Camila Cabello, Rosalía, Jennifer Lopez, Omar Apollo, and Cardi B all strutted the coveted fashion runway, celebrating this year’s theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” Karol G exuded fairy-like charm with elf ears, Bad Bunny captured whimsy with his goat-like shoes, and Shakira turned heads in a strapless Carolina Herrera gown with a dramatic cape.
