Eladio Carrión is bringing the sauce to Puerto Rico…
The 28-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and singer of Latin trap and reggaeton will launch the first Sauce Boyz Fest , which he conceived.
The event, which promises to be historic, will host some of the most exhilarating acts in the música urbana and rap game.
Headliners include Argentine giants Bizarrap and Duki, rap superstar Wiz Khalifa, Dominican dembow artist Tokischa, and rising stars like Young Miko, Dei V, Yovngchimi and more, with an expected attendance of 45,000 total.
The event sold out weeks before the lineup was even announced.
“We really want [fest-goers] to have the best experience of their life. Musically it’s going to be crazy. I’ve been dying to just announce this lineup,” Carrión tells Billboard Español. Taking place May 18 and 20 in Mayagüez and San Juan, the Puerto Rican festival is the first of its kind, being held at a beer factory on day one and by the beach on day two.
At the same time, Carrión will launch his own beer line, La H.
Eladio Carrión is headed to the capital city of Texas…
The 28-yeaer-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton rapper/singer is among the artists set to perform at part of Billboard’s SXSW star-studded concerts.
Carrion will participate in Billboard’s series of star-studded concerts, Billboard Presents The Stage at SXSW.
Carrion will perform on the second night, March 17, alongside fellow Latin star Feid.
Meanwhile, rapper-singer Lil Yachty will perform on March 16, with opening acts Lola Brooke and Armani White, while electronic giants Kx5 (Kaskade x deadmau5) will perform on March 18.
Billboard Presents The Stage at SXSW will take place at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park in Austin.
Several artists will also take part in conversations during a variety of events hosted at The Billboard House (800 Congress) on March 17. The one-day-only interactive content house will feature brand activations, photo moments, bites, cocktails and more. Entry is on a first come first serve basis, with a reserved amount of spaces available exclusively to SXSW Music and Platinum Badge holders and SXSW Music Festival wristband holders.
Billboard will also be donating a portion of ticket proceeds to Waterloo GreenwayConservancy, a nonprofit organization that aims to create an urban park system in partnership with the city of Austin. The organization’s first phase, Waterloo Park, opened in 2021 to provide downtown green space, community programming and performing arts and entertainment at the Moody Amphitheater.
In addition to the presenting sponsors, Billboard will be sharing Reels on its official Facebook page across the three-day experience, and fans will have the opportunity to create custom Facebook Reels with unique experiential activations throughout SXSW.
The 30-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter will be among the headlining acts at the second edition of Sueños Music Festival.
In addition to Feid, headlining acts include Wisin y Yandel, Grupo Firme and Nicky Jam, who will all grace the stage on the weekend of May 27 and 28 in Chicago’s Grant Park.
The exclusively all-Latin music festival — which highlights regional Mexican and urbano powerhouse performers in the same roster — will also host reggaeton icon Ivy Queen, as well as Becky G, Eladio Carrion, Chencho Corleone, Junior H, Gera MX, Ryan Castro, Young Miko, Pao Pao and more.
From the founders of Mexico’s Baja Beach Fest, Sueños made its debut in 2022 with headlining acts J Balvin, Ozuna, and Farruko. Returning acts include Puerto Rican rapper Myke Towers, Dominican dembow purveyor El Alfa, as well as reggaeton pioneers Wisin y Yandel who will be headlining for a second year in a row.
“We’re thrilled to be coming back to Chicago for our second annual Sueños festival,” Aaron Ampudia and Chris Den Uijl, co-founders of Sueños, told Billboard Español in an email. “Last year was such a moment, you could feel the energy and excitement from fans no matter where you were at in the festival. It just felt like we were meant to be there, celebrating Latin music and culture with Chicago’s thriving Latino community – and this year we’re bringing even more.”
Wisin y Yandel kicked off their farewell tour La Última Misión last year, while showcasing their latest 2022 album of the same name. In December, the dynamic duo broke their own record at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot (a.k.a. El Choli) with a series of 14 homecoming shows, which included a New Year’s Eve performance, the first time ever the iconic venue held a show on said date.
Feid, who entered the Billboard 200 chart in October for his successful (and leaked!) LP Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo: Te Pirateamos el Álbum, is poised to make an impact in 2023. Late last year, Feid embarked on his first headlining U.S. tour, produced by Live Nation, selling out numerous dates.
The Mexican band Grupo Firme, who has been elevating norteña music to higher grounds, made a splash at last summer at Baja Beach Fest in Rosarito when the group surprised audiences with its performance of “Cada Quien” alongside Medellín superstar Maluma.
“We can’t wait to see what Grupo Firme, Wisin Y Yandel, Feid, Nicky Jam and all the phenomenal artists on the lineup bring to the Sueños stage this Memorial Day Weekend!” added the founders.
The 2023 Coachella Music and Arts Festival lineup has been announced, with the 28-year-old Puerto Rican superstar revealed as one of the headlining acts.
In doing so, Bad Bunny – the ultra-hot reggaeton superstar who had the highest-grossing tour of 2022 in North America and internationally – becomes the first Latin act to ever headline the festival.
Coachella is set to take place in Indio, Calif., on two consecutive weekends, from April 14-16 and then again from April 21-23.
Bad Bunny will play Friday on April 14 and 21.
But Bad Bunny isn’t the only Latinx act set to perform…
Becky G will return to Coachella to perform her own set after being Karol G’s special guest last year, where they sang their anthem “MAMIII” in front of a roaring crowd.
Spanish star Rosalía will take the stage on Saturday, April 15 and Saturday, April 22.
Others set to perform include the iconic Argentine rock band Los Fabulosos Cadillacs are confirmed, as well as emerging artists DannyLux and Conexión Divina as the face of a new generation of Mexican music. Kali Uchis and Eladio Carrión are also set to perform.
This year’s lineup doesn’t compare to the number of Latin artists featured last year, which was more than 20 representing a wide-ranging and robust slate of Spanish-language artists. Then, Coachella had doubled the Latin acts on its 2022 roster from 2020, the most ever featured at an edition of the event.
After earning his first Latin Grammy nomination for his work on Rauw Alejandro’s Trap Cake, Vol. 2, the Puerto Rican songwriter has signed a global publishing deal with Rimas Publishing.
The artist, whose real name is Roberto Rivera Elias, says he’s “living one of the most exciting moments of my career.”
YENSANJUAN has worked with artists like Sebastian Yatra and Feid.
He joins Rimas’ star-studded roster, which includes Bad Bunny, Eladio Carrión, Mora, Súbelo NEO and Tempo.
The 41-year-old half-Ecuadorian American singer will take part in this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week, taking place September 26-October 1 at the Faena Forum in Miami.
During the conference, Xtina will be hosting the “Premiere Party with Christina Aguilera,” where she’ll be debut never-before-heard music and answer fan questions in an intimate setting.
But Aguilera isn’t the only new addition to the lineup…
Justin Quiles will take part in an engaging panel about connecting people with music through technology, while Wisin y Yandel will join Nicky Jam for a compelling conversation during The Nicky Jam Rockstar Show Live from Billboard Latin Music Week.
The artists join a star-studded lineup that already includes: Bizarrap, Blessd, Camilo, Chayanne, Cris Chil, Dannylux, Dimelo Flow, Eladio Carrion, Elena Rose, Foreign Teck, Grupo Firme, The Children of Jenni Rivera, Kuinvi, Kunno, Lili Zetina, Luis R Conriquez, Eslabón Armado, Ivy Queen, Maluma, Mariah Angeliq, Ovy On The Drums, Subelo Neo, Tini, Tokischa, Ugly Primo and The King of BachataRomeo Santos.
More participants will be announced in the weeks leading up to the 2022 Latin Music Week.
Farruko is bringing some vibra to the summer season…
The 30-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter will be performing at this year’s Vibra Urbana, the popular reggaeton festival returns to Orlando in the summer.
Farruko, who rose to fame collaborating with Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Don Omar and J Álvarez, joines a lineup that includes Myke Towers, Arcangel, Nio Garcia, Eladio Carrion, Lunay, Feid and many more.
For its second consecutive year in Orlando, the event will take place on June 11-12 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.
Vibra Urbana will first make its debut stop at Las Vegas in April and will wrap the year in the winter in Miami.
Gloria Estefanis headed to the Latin Grammys stage…
The Latin Recording Academy has announced additional performers set to take the stage for the 22nd annual Latin Grammy Awards on November 18 in Las Vegas, with the 64-year-old Cuban singer and four-time Latin Grammy winner among those on the list.
Making her return to the Latin Grammys stage after more than a decade, Estefan — accompanied by Anitta, Carlinhos Brown, Laércio da Costa, Pedro Capó, Farina, Giulia Be and Diego Torres — will open the Latin Grammys with a three-song medley, including her iconic song “Abriendo Puertas,” along with “Cuando Hay Amor” and “Magalenha.”
Additionally, Ángela Aguilar, Pepe Aguilar, María Becerra, Eladio Carrión, Silvestre Dangond, Emmanuel, Joss Favela, Evaluna Montaner, Ricardo Montaner, Fito Páez, Residente, Sofía Reyes, among others, have joined the broadcast as presenters.
The new group of artists join previously announced performers Mon Laferte, Grupo Firme, Bad Bunny, Banda El Recodode Cruz Lizárraga, Rubén Blades, C. Tangana, Calibre 50, Los Dos Carnales, Alejandro Fernández, Juanes, Maná, Ozuna, Danna Paola and Myke Towers, among others.
Five-time nominee C. Tangana is set to perform alongside Antonio Carmona, Diego del Morao, Jorge Drexler, Israel Fernández, La Húngara, Natalia Lafourcade and Omar Apollo. Meanwhile, Juanes will perform a new arrangement of Juan Gabriel’s iconic “No Tengo Dinero,” alongside Rubén Albarrán and Meme del Real of Café Tacvba.
With the theme “rediscovering life through music,” the three-hour show will air live on Univision at 8:00 p.m. ET, preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.
The telecast, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, will “invite audiences to rediscover what’s important in life using music as a storyline,” according to a statement from the Latin Recording Academy.
Camilo leads the 2021 Latin Grammys nominees with 10 nods, including nominations in the album, record, and song of the year categories. He’s followed by tropical music icon Juan Luis Guerra with six, Spanish rapper Tangana with five nominations, and multiple artists, including Bad Bunny, with four.
Estefan is nominated this year for Best Contemporary Tropical Album for her samba-flavored album Brazil305.
Junior Mesa has found(ry-ed) his place on YouTube…
YouTube Music has revealed its Foundry New Class of 2021, with 27 independent artists representing 14 countries across a variety of genres, including the Latino American singer.
This is YouTube’s largest class to date since the program’s inception in 2015.
The global artist development program, which “helps independent artists use music and storytelling to engage fans across borders,” per a press release, provides artists with marketing, promotion, and development support, and tools to help set them up for long-term success.
In addition to Junior Mesa, seven Latin artists have been included on the list this year — including three who were recently featured on Billboard’sEmerging Latin Artists to Discover in 2021 list. They join other Latinx Foundry alumni like Natanael Cano, Eladio Carrion, Cuco and Omar Apollo.
Ambar Lucid Country: U.S.A. Genre: Alternative/Indie
Ambar Lucid is a New Jersey-born singer-songwriter of Dominican and Mexican descent. She began to pen her own songs in her mid-teens, and ultimately put her hazy, bilingual indie-pop tracks onto SoundCloud.
“To me, being independent means having creative control and power over myself and my art,” she says to YouTube. “Success means being able to do things my way while having a loyal group of supporters with me throughout my journey.” Earlier this year, Lucid signed with independent label 300 Entertainment.
Bad Milk Country: Colombia Genre: Urban/Pop
Bad Milk (born Manuelita Garcia) has developed a following with her soulful vocals and urban-infused pop tracks. Her first single of 2021, “Ego,” was helmed by Latin hitmaker Ovy on the Drums, who also gave her his stamp of approval on his track “Angelito,” featuring Bad Milk and fellow Colombian newcomer Beéle.
“I love to experiment with different sounds and portray different emotions. I don’t enjoy putting my creativity in a box,” she says. “I see music as a mission. It’s definitely what I came here to do.”
Blessd Country: Colombia Genre: Urban/Hip-Hop
Also hailing from Colombia is Blessd (real name: Stiven Mesa Londoño), whose witty freestyle and sweet, crisp vocals are landing him major collaborations. The 21-year-old rapper, who kicked off his career in 2019, has already dropped tracks alongside Maluma, The Black Eyed Peas, Ovy on the Drums, The Rude Boyz and Piso 21.
Forming part of YouTube’s Foundry class is a great opportunity for Blessd, who mentioned that “being an artist is a dream I always had and also something I needed to do for my family. As an independent artist, I feel free.”
Junior Mesa Country: U.S.A. Genre: Alternative/Indie
California-based newcomer Junior Mesa is bringing a fresh sound to indie music while staying inspired by the greats. With songs such as “Far Out,” “Losing my Grip” and “Pushing Away,” the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is immersed in a trippy psych-pop sound that’s influenced by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix and Sly & The Family Stone.
“Being independent is a mentality,” he assures. “Claiming independence is saying: We are not the same! I will not conform to your standards. I will express myself in a way that satisfies my will, not yours!”
Marina Sena Country: Brazil Genre: Pop
What Brazilian newcomer Marina Sena loves about being an independent artist is creating a sound that incorporates traditional genres such as Bossanova and funk with a soulful, seductive twist. “To be an independent artist is to have determination, free will, freedom,” she notes. “After starting my solo career on the right foot and being about to release my first full album, there’s nothing better than support to bet on my sound and make it reach people all over the world.”
Tokischa
Country: Dominican Republic Genre: Urban
With her bold attitude and unapologetic lyrics, Tokischa is changing theTokischa dembow game one single (and collaboration) at a time. With songs such as “Tukuntazo,” “El Rey de la Popola” and “No Me Importa” making the rounds, the Dominican trapera has already garnered the attention of artists such as J Balvin, Anuel and Karol G. “My music has no labels,” she says. “It’s a free, new wave. I’m excited to stand out in countries that are far from my culture.”
Tuyo Country: Brazil Genre: Alternative/Indie
Brazilian trio Tuyo — made up of Machado, Lio and Lay Soares — is making waves with an organic sound that experiments with folk music, lo-fi hip-hop and synth-pop. The São Paulo-based act says that their music is “more about a feeling” than a genre. “We mix very delicate vocals with strong rhythms. It’s music for floating, for flying. We are whole, happy, and successful when we can communicate with people through music.”
Following its inaugural edition in Miami last February 2020, the Vibra Urbana Music Festival will make its debut in Orlando with a two-day event featuring the 28-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and composer.
Set to take place July 31 – August 1, phase one of this year’s lineup includes artists like, Sech, Mora, Mariah Angeliq, Alex Rose, Dalex, Eladio Carrion, Zion & Lennox, among others, who are set to perform at the Orlando Amphitheater. Additional artists will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
“After over a year since our last show as a result of the pandemic, our team wanted to make sure we delivered the most exciting and energetic festival for our fans,” Javier Caso, founder and partner of Vibra Urbana, said in a statement. “Being able to bring our Vibras to a second city in the Sunshine State makes us beyond excited.”
“We are honored to be bringing some of the biggest and brightest names in the genre with Rauw Alejandro and Sech, along with one of the legendary groups in reggaeton, Zion Y Lennox,” added Kirk Taboada, head of talent and Vibra Urbana partner. “It has always been a dream of mine to do a reggaeton festival here in my home state. Orlando, I hope you’re ready for us!”
Other artists set to perform in Orlando include Boza, Eix, El Prefe, Emilia, LATENIGHTJIGGY, Marconi Impara, Mario Duran and Omy de Oro. Tickets will go on-sale on Friday, May 14, at 10:00 a.m. ET at www.vibraurbanafest.com.
Growing from a single-day event to two days, Vibra Urbana will also return to Miami at the Miami Dade County Fair & Expo Center on December 18-19. This year, the outdoor fest will transform into an immersive two-day experience in a new, open-air format.
The event, which promises to be historic, will host some of the most exhilarating acts in the música urbana and rap game. 
