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.
“Ferxxo The Green Man”
Feid has blessed fans with his very first comic book in partnership with Marvel. Titled “Ferxxo The Green Man,” the Colombian hitmaker unveiled the project at a pop-up in Tokyo, Japan on April 6 at the Small Planet Marvel store in Shinjuku.
According to an official description of the comic book, “The Green Man” is “enthralling narrative intertwining the elements of fantasy, personal struggle, and the journey towards self-discovery, set against the vibrant backdrop of Medellin, Colombia.” Inspired by true events, the book explores themes of empowerment, identity, and the “pursuit of one’s destiny amidst adversity.” It also captures Feid’s evolution from “a hopeful musician to a powerful individual capable of confronting and overcoming deceit and manipulation reflects a broader narrative of self-discovery and resilience.”
The limited edition comic book is available now at Feid’s official website FERXXOP.COM.
Universal Music’s Jesús López gets special honor
Just a day after receiving the Gold Medal for Merit in the Fine Arts by the King and Queen of Spain, Jesús López, chairman/CEO of Universal Music Latin America and Iberian Peninsula, was celebrated by his colleagues and the artists he’s worked closely in his 45 years in the industry. The private ceremony, held April 4, included performances by Universal Music artists including David Bisbal, Rosario Flores, Joaquina and Lola Índigo, among others.
“Becoming the first Spanish record executive to receive this recognition has a double meaning for me, on the one hand the personal and family pride and gratitude and on the other hand that the work of so many record executives is rewarded by the Spanish cultural world,” López previously said in a statement after receiving the medal. “I thank all the artists, composers, producers and colleagues in the different labels I have worked with and continue to work with for their support and care, without them this recognition would never have been a reality.”
Rosario Flores & Jesús López
Florentino Primera confirms upcoming new album
Florentino Primera, of the iconic Venezuelan brother duo Servando y Florentino, is working on an upcoming new album. The singer-songwriter, who has penned songs for artists like Marc Anthony and Chayanne, recently signed a global publishing deal with peermusic. News of him working on a new album comes on the heels of Servando y Florentino’s return to the stage alongside Karol G, who invited the brothers to her March 22 show in Caracas, Venezuela. There, the three performed “De Sol a Sol” in front of more than 50,000 people at the Monumental Simón Bolívar de La Rinconada Stadium.
Capitán Avispa buzzing at a cinema near you
On Friday, Juan Luis Guerra released Capitán Avispa Original Motion Soundtrack with 41 original tracks composed and arranged by the Dominican maestro, the collection includes new versions of his hits “La Gallera,” “Bachata Rosa,” “Las Avispas” and “Bachata en Fukuoka,” as well as instrumental themes and songs especially created for the project.
Directed by his son, Jean Gabriel Guerra, and Jonathan Meléndez, the cast of Capitán Avispa is comprised of Luis Fonsi as Capitán Avispa, the hero of the story, and Joy Huerta (of Jesse & Joy) as Princess Honey Bee. Also, Juanes gives voice to Sargento Picadura, and the Colombian rocker’s wife, actress Karen Martínez, plays Ximena Colmena. Dominican actor José Guillermo Cortinez lends his voice to the villain Jacques Puasón, and Dominican actress Amelia Vega — Miss Universe 2003, as well as Juan Luis Guerra’s niece — voices Polibya Néctar.
Capitán Avispa opened in theaters in the Dominican Republic on April 4. In the coming weeks, it will reach more than 34 countries under international distribution of Caribbean Films Distributions. For now, listen to the soundtrack here.
2024 Latin American Music Awards Performers
TelevisaUnivision announced its first round of performers for the upcoming ceremony, which will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas via Univision, UNIMÁS, Galavision and ViX on Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m. ET.
Peso Pluma, one of the night’s most nominated artist with 12 nods, is set to perform during the ceremony. Other performers include Gabito Ballesteros, Yng Lvcas, Farruko and Justin Quiles, among others.
Co-hosted by Thalía, Alejandra Espinoza and Carlos Ponce, this year’s awards ceremony will celebrate the theme “We Speak Música.” See the complete list of performers here.
