Billboard Latin Music Week’s feverish pulse continued to reverberate across Miami Beach’s Faena Forum. Day two unveiled a star-studded lineup, featuring the industry’s top artists including Carin León, Nicky Jam, and Ivy Queen, offering fans a rich tapestry of Latin culture and sound.
As the sun rose, the Forum came to life with Billboard’s “Making the Hit LIVE” panel. Mexican songbird Carin León and Puerto Rican maestro Pedro Capó delved deep into the heart of music. Their impassioned dialogue revolved around the essence of storytelling through song, a love for the craft that surpasses the allure of hits, and the timeless reminder that “life is too short to dream.”
A groundbreaking panel, The New Mexican Revolution, took center stage, spotlighting the new dawn of Regional Mexican music. Mexican juggernauts, led by the charismatic Peso Pluma, journeyed through the transformation of the genre. Echoing the power of unity, Pluma passionately expressed, “somos Mexicanos y la unión hace la fuerza” (we are Mexicans, and unity is our strength).
Billboard’s “Women On The Rise” panel brought forward a powerful message: The Boys Club is a relic of the past. Trailblazing artists like Gale, Maria Becerra, and Young Miko converged to share insights on conquering the male-dominated industry, embracing vulnerability, and crafting authentic images. As Young Miko so aptly put it, “The only limit there is, is the one we set for ourselves.”
Colombian heartthrob Sebastián Yatra, in a candid Q&A with Lasso, reminisced about love songs, cherished collaborations, and his enchanting performance at The 94th Academy Awards.
The Power Players: The Indie Edition, presented by Lexus, spotlighted Latin indie music’s architects. CEOs of trailblazing indie labels – Jimmy Humilde, Federico Lauria, and George Prajin – unraveled the secrets to their success, emphasizing mental health and artists’ unwavering passion.
Reggaeton, a genre that has transcended borders, took the spotlight as Chencho Corleone and Vico C charted its evolution. Vico C, after a 14-year hiatus, delved into his latest album, “Pánico”, while Chencho unveiled his pure reggaeton magic with “Un Cigarillo.”
The day reached its crescendo with The Marketing Of FERXXO panel and The Rockstar Show Live. As Feid and his team explored the essence of personal branding and the value of a strong support system, Nicky Jam engaged in soulful dialogues with Ivy Queen and Fuerza Regida’s JOP, even thrilling fans with an impromptu freestyle session.
As dusk settled, Thalia, the “Queen of Latin Pop”, dazzled at her Premiere Party, revealing her upcoming album’s soulful themes.
Night two culminated with electrifying En Vivo performances. Peso Pluma serenaded the audience at Faena Theater, while the rhythms of Wisin, Luny Tunes, and DJ Nelson took over Oasis Wynwood, ensuring Miami Beach danced well into the night.
Another day, another series of unforgettable moments at the Billboard Latin Music Week, with the promise of more to come. The heartbeats of Latin music, old and new, resonate through Miami, and the world listens, dances, and celebrates.
