Wednesday, October 16, 2024, marked another remarkable day in the history of Billboard Latin Music Week, the largest and longest-running Latin music industry gathering in the world. With a jam-packed schedule of panels, exclusive Q&As, and electrifying performances, the event brought together music superstars from across genres and provided fans and industry professionals alike with unforgettable moments.
J Balvin, Pepe Aguilar, and Alejandro Sanz Lead Exclusive Q&A Sessions
The highlight of the day featured some of Latin music’s most iconic figures. Superstar reggaeton artist J Balvin, alongside Mexican ranchera legend Pepe Aguilar and Spanish pop sensation Alejandro Sanz, took part in intimate Q&A sessions. Each artist shared personal stories, discussed their creative processes, and reflected on the impact their music has had on global audiences.
J Balvin, known for his influence in globalizing reggaeton, provided insights into his journey, including how he has navigated the music industry while staying true to his roots. Alejandro Sanz, whose romantic ballads have touched fans for decades, spoke about his experience as a veteran in the industry and his passion for continuous reinvention. Meanwhile, Pepe Aguilar, carrying the torch for his family’s musical legacy, discussed the future of regional Mexican music and how he’s using his platform to modernize the genre.
Legacy and Family: A Look at Trailblazing Women in Latin Music
Another standout moment of the day was a panel focusing on the legacies of some of Latin music’s most respected families. The discussion featured Camila Fernández, Chiquis, Lupita Infante, and Majo Aguilar—each an artist in their own right, yet all connected to legendary Latin music dynasties.
Camila Fernández, the daughter of iconic ranchera singer Alejandro Fernández, emphasized the challenges and responsibilities that come with continuing a family legacy in the public eye. Similarly, Chiquis, daughter of the late Jenni Rivera, touched on how her music empowers women and how she’s shaping her own path in the Latin music industry. Lupita Infante, granddaughter of Mexican music icon Pedro Infante, and Majo Aguilar, Pepe Aguilar’s niece, also contributed personal perspectives, making this panel a celebration of women’s influence in shaping the future of Latin music.
Breaking Boundaries: Mental Health Conversations with Thalia and Maria Becerra
In one of the most candid and refreshing moments of the day, pop icons Thalia and Maria Becerra took the stage to discuss a subject that remains taboo in the entertainment industry: mental health. Both artists opened up about their personal mental health journeys, providing an honest and inspiring dialogue on the pressures of fame, body image, and finding balance between career and personal well-being.
Thalia, who has been a beloved figure in Latin pop for over three decades, talked about the importance of mental health awareness, particularly for younger generations. Maria Becerra, a rising star in the Latin music world, spoke about her experiences as a newcomer to the global stage and how she’s prioritizing her mental health despite the pressures of the music industry. This panel highlighted the growing need for mental health advocacy in the entertainment space, resonating deeply with the audience.
K-Pop Meets Latin Music: NMIXX Makes History
In a groundbreaking moment for Billboard Latin Music Week, K-pop girl group sensation NMIXX became the first K-pop act to participate in the event. The special K-Pop x Latin Music panel explored the cultural crossover between two of the world’s most dynamic music industries.
NMIXX’s presence underscored the increasing global influence of K-pop and its connections to Latin music, as both genres share passionate fanbases and a focus on high-energy performances. The panel examined how K-pop’s global expansion intersects with Latin music’s continued rise, creating opportunities for future collaborations that could reshape the music industry.
Latin and Hip-Hop Come Together with Fat Joe and N.O.R.E.
Hip-hop icons Fat Joe and N.O.R.E. brought a powerful dose of New York’s hip-hop energy to the event, discussing the influence of Latin culture on hip-hop and vice versa. Their panel focused on the long-standing relationship between the two genres, with both artists sharing stories of their journeys from the streets of the Bronx to the heights of the global music scene.
Fat Joe, who has seamlessly blended hip-hop with Latin sounds, emphasized how music transcends language barriers, uniting people from different backgrounds. N.O.R.E. echoed these sentiments, sharing his experience of growing up in a diverse community and how that shaped his approach to music. Their conversation highlighted the intersectionality of Latin and hip-hop music and how the fusion of these genres continues to create cultural waves.
Spotlight on the Venezuelan Music Movement
A timely and poignant panel centered on the Venezuelan music movement brought together leading artists Mau y Ricky, Danny Ocean, Elena Rose, Nacho, and Lele Pons. With Venezuela’s ongoing political and social challenges, these artists discussed the responsibility they feel to use their platforms to speak on behalf of their people and raise awareness of their country’s struggles.
Each artist also delved into how Venezuelan music is evolving, with the country’s rich cultural heritage influencing new sounds and trends that are gaining global recognition. The panel was both a celebration of Venezuelan culture and a call for solidarity with the nation’s ongoing fight for stability.
Next-Gen Reggaeton: An Evening Curated by J Balvin
Capping off the day was Next-Gen Reggaeton: An Evening Curated by J Balvin, an electrifying event that showcased the future of reggaeton music. Presented by Cheetos and featuring performances by rising stars Dei V, Omar Courtz, and Saiko, the event underscored J Balvin’s commitment to supporting the next generation of reggaeton artists.
Fans were treated to immersive activations at Cheetos’ House of Huella, an experiential installation that encouraged attendees to “leave their mark” on the future of reggaeton. The evening’s performances were a perfect blend of high-energy music and cutting-edge artistry, setting the stage for reggaeton’s continued global domination.
Looking Ahead: The 35th Anniversary Concert Celebration
As Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 draws to a close, fans and industry insiders are eagerly anticipating the final event—the 35th Anniversary Concert Celebration at The Fillmore Miami Beach. The lineup promises an unforgettable night, featuring performances by Young Miko, Tito Double P, Ana Mena, FloyyMenor, Belinda, and Elvis Crespo, along with a comedy set by George Harris.
After three days of packed panels, unforgettable performances, and insightful discussions, Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 has once again proven why it’s the most significant event in the Latin music industry, paving the way for the next era of Latin music and its ever-expanding influence across the globe.
For more information on upcoming events and panel schedules, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
