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.
The Rosalía Scholarship
Rosalía is fully backing a new scholarship at the Catalonia College of Music in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain (where she studied herself) to support aspiring flamenco singers and artists. The scholarship, valued at 15,000 Euros (about $16,000 dollars), will fully cover the student’s tuition and provide financial relieve during the 2024-2025 academic year. “With this financial support, we want to ensure that the student can focus as much as possible on their studies, developing their full artistic potential in an environment of stability and support,” notes an official statement. Deadline for registration is until August 27, and students who pass the entrance exam qualify. For more information, click here.
Latin Artists Show Love for Venezuela
As tension continues in Venezuela following the presidential elections on Sunday (July 28)—when the Venezuelan electoral authority declared Nicolás Maduro the winner and the opposition denounced irregularities in the count and claimed that their candidate Edmundo González had won with almost 70% of the votes—a wave of Latin artists have shown solidarity with the Venezuelan people amid the violent protests in the South American country.
“I love you Venezuela. You hurt me too much. You don’t deserve this anymore! You deserve to be free,” Karol G wrote earlier this week and a since-deleted Instagram story. “Venezuela you are in our prayers we ask for your freedom,” wrote Mexican rock star Gloria Trevi on her Instagram feed.
Don Omar also showed support on social media, writing: “The moment is coming when the good ones overcome fear and in Venezuela, we have no fear anymore. My Venezuelan brothers and sisters, I’m with you.” Meanwhile, Dominican star Juan Luis Guerra posted a bible verse from Santiago 5:16, in solidarity with the Venezuelan community.
Sunday’s elections in Venezuela had generated expectations of change in many people, since after 25 years of the socialist government initiated by the late Hugo Chávez, President Nicolás Maduro faced “the biggest electoral challenge since he came to power 11 years ago,” as reported by The Associated Press.
Camilo & Evaluna Welcome Second Child
In other news, Latin power couple Camilo and Evaluna announced the arrival of their second daughter, Amaranto in a sweet Instagram post on Thursday (Aug. 1). “Amaranto. All the frogs came out to sing your welcome. Girl of golden velvet. Dad caught you and you painted his hands forever. Sovereign of midnight. Welcome,” reads the shared post, along with a carousel of photos that shows the couple resting on a bed: Evaluna holding Amaranto, Camilo holding their two-year-old first born, Índigo. Camilo and Evaluna married in February 2020 after five years together, and became parents in April 2022.
Billboard Announces Latin Music Week 2024
Billboard unveiled its first lineup for the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week, returning to Miami Beach from Oct. 14 to 18. Forming part of Latin music’s biggest week, Peso Pluma, Gloria Estefan, Maria Becerra, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fuerza Regida’s JOP, Mon Laferte, and many more have been confirmed. Taking place at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater, the 35th-anniversary event celebrates Latin music, culture and entertainment, featuring exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars.
This year, Billboard is introducing new GA day passes providing attendees with the opportunity to join the event on specific days when their favorite stars and industry experts command the stage with thought-provoking discussions, performances, interactive workshops and other engaging events. For ticketing and more information, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Billboard Latin Music Week 2024