From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Latin Music Appreciation Month
May 2024 has been designated as “Latin Music Appreciation Month” in The United States, after a bipartisan resolution was introduced by U.S. senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla) this week. The effort was led by award-winning producer Emilio Estefan, People en Español, and political strategist and organizer Nathaly Arriola Maurice, after the group traveled to Washington, D.C. last year in December to meet with Senator Lújan.
“As one of the only Hispanics in the United States Senate, I’m honored to introduce this resolution recognizing Hispanic and Latino achievements in music and culture,” Luján said, according to People en Español. “The impact of Hispanic and Latino artists in the U.S. and around the world is immeasurable – from driving cultural trends to achieving commercial success – and it’s worth celebrating.”
Since kicking off his career in the ‘70s, Estefan has always focused on elevating Latin music and culture. “The recognition of Latin Music Month marks a crucial moment to highlight the true story of our music, which carries a diversity of styles from all corners of the world,” he expressed. “These sounds have influenced many generations and continue to be the inspiration for the new ones.”
Feid Launches his Foundation
Earlier this week, Feid shared a new Instagram profile called “Fundación GOOD KIDZ” on his stories, which all hints that its the start of his own foundation. The foundation—that has garnered over 25K followers in its first week and only follows the Colombian artist—shared its first post, showing one of its first efforts. “This young forest that we planted last weekend in collaboration with @CasaMadreRaiz is the beginning of many projects to come. Join us to promote culture, nature and well-being,” read the caption.
Camilo Presents His Creative Space
Camilo welcomed Billboard to his creative space that he calls his “Taller Creativo.” Located in Miami, Camilo’s new home-away-from-home is where he created his latest studio album Cuatro — the set where he experimented with salsa music, bossanova, and other genres. The industrial building that he decorated with instruments and a Bohemian aesthetic is also where he filmed the 12 music videos — including the Carin León-assisted “Una Viva Pasada” — directed by his wife Evaluna Montaner. During the event, Camilo also crooned us with acoustic versions of his new songs.
Carlos Vives Is Named POTY
Carlos Vives — winner of 18 Latin Grammy Awards, two Grammy Awards and a Billboard Latin Music Awards Hall of Fame inductee — has been named The Latin Recording Academy’s 2024 Person of the Year. “It’s still surprising to me,” the Colombian artist told Billboard Español in an exclusive interview. “It’s like a message that the Academy gives at the end, because 32 years ago I chose a path [that was unconventional]. To be successful, to be commercial, there was one way. This other path that’s cultural or has to do with your identity, that doesn’t work, [they would say].” Vives will be honored as part of the Latin Grammys 25th anniversary celebrations held November in Miami. Watch the emotive reactions of his family members below:
