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.
Daddy Yankee Releases Faith-Based Music
Daddy Yankee has not entirely retired from music — in fact, he’s now committed to using his talent and platform to send positive and uplifting messages. On Good Friday (March 29), the King of Reggaeton released “Donante de Sangre” (“Blood Donor”), a song dedicated to his faith and how Jesus transformed his life. “I was healed by his blood/ I walk free by his blood/ I am different from what I was before,” sings the Puerto Rican artist born Raymond Ayala.
Yankee talked about the new chapter of his life during his farewell concert in Puerto Rico in December, part of four back-to-back shows called La Meta (The Goal). “All the tools that I have in my power, like music, social media, platforms, a microphone, everything that God has given me is now for his kingdom,” he expressed to fans. “I hope you walk with me in this new beginning and I hope you remember something very important: Don’t follow any person. I am human. To all the people who follow me, follow Jesus Christ — he’s the way, the truth and the life.”
Latin AMAs Unveil 2024 Special Honors Awards
This week, the Latin American Music Awards unveiled which three artists will receive a special recognition during the ceremony next month. Recognized for their notable musical careers, both Banda MS and Ricardo Montaner will be honored with the Latin AMA Legacy Award. Yandel, meanwhile, will be celebrated for his contributions to the Latin urban music scene with the Latin AMA Pioneer Award.
Feid and Peso Pluma lead this year’s nominations with 12 nods each. They are followed by top nominees Bad Bunny (11), Grupo Frontera (11), Karol G (9), Shakira (9), Eslabon Armado (8) and Fuerza Regida (8). Co-hosted by Thalía, Alejandra Espinoza and Carlos Ponce, this year’s awards ceremony will celebrate the theme We Speak Música, and will air live at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 25, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas via Univision, UNIMÁS, Galavision and ViX.
Karol G Brings Out Servando y Florentino
During her two-day stop in Venezuela as part of her Mañana Será Bonito tour, Karol G surprised fans with an epic Servando y Florentino reunion — more so, with a major Salserín throwback. The Colombian singer, alongside the talented Venezuelan brothers, performed the 1996 salsa hit “De Sol a Sol” to a roaring and excited crowd of more than 50,000 people.
“The first woman to make history at the Monumental Simón Bolívar stadium. You don’t only standout for your great show but also for the wonderful person you are,” the duo expressed on Instagram.
“Thank you for singing with me and doing the choreography. I can’t believe it,” the Bichota also wrote on her own account.
Greeicy Releases Song for Kai
Greeicy shared a snippet of a new song that she premiered during her recent concert at the Movistar Arena in Bogota. Named after her son, Kai, the song is a reflection of her new motherhood era. “Hopefully those eyes see me forever/ What’s left of this life and also the next one/ I don’t usually talk too much, I prefer to show you/ I wish I could wrap the world and give it to you/ And not even that will be enough,” goes part of the heartfelt lyric that’s penned by Keityn.
During her performance, Greeicy also shared never-before-seen footage of her son.
