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From career milestones to new music releases, big announcements and the little moments that matter, Billboard editors highlight Latin music's uplifting moments. Here's what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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Check out the latest videos, charts and news
Check out the latest videos, charts and news
Daddy Yankee releases faith-based music
Daddy Yankee hasn't completely retired from music, in fact, he's now focused on using his talents and platform to spread positive and uplifting messages. On Good Friday (March 29), the reggaeton king released the song “Donante de Sangre” (“Blood Donor”), dedicated to his faith and how Jesus changed his life. “I am healed by his blood/I walk free by his blood/I am not the same person I used to be,” sings Puerto Rican artist Raymond Ayala.
Yankee spoke about this new chapter in his life during a farewell concert in Puerto Rico in December, part of a series of four shows called La Meta (The Goal). “Every tool I have at my disposal – music, social media, platform, microphone – everything that God has given me is now for the good of God's kingdom,” he told fans. “I hope you will walk with me through this new beginning and I want you to remember something very important: don't follow anyone. I'm human. All you who follow me, follow Jesus Christ – He is the way, the truth, and the life.”
Latin AMA Announces 2024 Special Honor Awards
This week, the Latin American Music Awards announced which three artists will receive special recognition at next month's ceremony. Banda MS and Ricardo Montaner will be honored with the Latin AMA Legacy Award in recognition of their distinguished musical careers. Meanwhile, Yandel will be honored for his contributions to the Latin urban music scene with the Latin AMA Pioneer Award.
Fayed and Peso Pluma lead this year's nominations with 12 nominations each. This is followed by top contenders Bad Bunny (11 times), Grupo Frontera (11 times), Karol G (9 times), Shakira (9 times), Eslavon Armado (8 times), and Fuerza Regida (8 times). Continue. This year's ceremony, co-hosted by Thalía, Alejandra Espinosa and Carlos Ponce, celebrates the theme “We Speak Música” and will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 25th at 7pm ET. It will be broadcast live via Univision. UNIMÁS, Galavision, ViX.
Karol G brings out Servando y Florentino
During a two-day stop in Venezuela as part of the Mañana Serra Bonito tour, Karol G surprised fans with an epic reunion between Servando and Florentino. Additionally, he surprised fans with the big comeback of Sarserin. The Colombian singer and his talented Venezuelan brothers performed their 1996 salsa hit “De Sol a Sol” in front of a cheering and excited crowd of over 50,000 people.
“The first woman to make history at the Monumental Simón Bolívar Stadium. You stand out not only for your great show, but also for your own great humanity,” the pair commented on Instagram.
“Thank you for singing with me and doing the choreography. I can't believe it,” Bichota also wrote on her account.
Greasy releases song for Kai
Greasy shared an excerpt of a new song that he premiered at a recent concert at Bogotá's Movistar Arena. The song, named after her son Kai, reflects her new motherhood. “I hope that those eyes will look at me forever/I wonder what’s left in this world and what’s left in the next life/I don’t usually talk to you, but I want to show you / I wish I could wrap up the world and give it to you / And even that's enough,” are some of the heartfelt lyrics penned by Katin.
During the performance, Griese also shared never-before-seen footage of her son.