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.
Premios Juventud’s 2024 Lineup
Earlier this week, Univision announced a new wave of artists confirmed for the 2024 Premios Juventud set to take place Thursday, July 25 in San Juan, Puerto Rico via Univision. Farruko, Lenny Tavárez, Joss Favela, Chris Jedi, Gaby Music, and Corina Smith, who will make her PJs debut, will all take the stage at the coveted awards show. This year’s nominations are led by top nominees Maluma, Carin Leon, and Peso Pluma, with seven nods each. Premios Juventud recognizes artists and young people for their “extraordinary accomplishments in society, celebrating music, new artists, community and creators,” according to a press release.
The Good Bunny Foundation
Bad Bunny’s “Good Bunny Foundation” continues its mission to educate the youth in Puerto Rico through art, music, and sports. For a second consecutive year, the foundation returned with its “Un Verano Contigo” summer camp in San Juan and Ponce. In Ponce, the camp included interactive activities with the Juan Morell Campos Institute, the Charles H. Terry Sports Complex, and the Escuela Libre de Música. In San Juan, the camp included workshops at the Puerto Rico Museum of Art, the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and the San Juan Sports School / Rebekah Colberg Sports Center, among other destinations.
“For us at the Good Bunny Foundation, it’s a priority to identify talents in our society who can imagine a professional future in their area of interest, whether in the arts, sports or music,” said José “Che Juan” Torres, Director of the Good Bunny Foundation in a press statement. “We want to inspire young people through a fun summer, while continuing to provide them with the support, resources, contacts and connections to continue their development. Even providing them with extracurricular experiences that serve as a reference in a university application.”
Bad Bunny’s “Good Bunny Foundation” offers educational “Un Verano Contigo” initiatives in Puerto Rico
Selena Foundation Gives Back
In other positive news, The Selena Foundation has teamed up with the Corpus Christi Police Department to help give school supplies to students of all ages and grades in the community. “The Selena Foundation is honored to be the main sponsor for this amazing program called ‘Operation Safe Return,’” Selena’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla, shared the news on her Instagram account, and in a video message, she encouraged Corpus Christi locals to donate supplies such as paper, crayons, notepads, and pencils. Watch the video below.
Fania Records’ 60th Anniversary
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic Latin label Fania Records, and in celebration, El Museo del Barrio in Manhattan, New York will host a one-day, free community event called “Fania Mania.” On Thursday, July 25, from 6 to 9 p.m., people of all ages will be able to enjoy Afro-Latin and salsa music by DJ Gia Fu. New York City will also declare a special “Fania Day” with a Proclamation presentation in honor of the label’s impact and history. For more information, visit here.
Fania All Stars