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.
Gente De Zona and Guaynaa Perform at We Love Foundation
The We Love Foundation celebrated its 12th annual gala, bringing together personalities across the world of entertainment; from fashion to music. The gala took place Feb. 12 at the Rubell Museum in Miami.
Puerto Rican hitmaker Guaynaa and Cuban duo Gente de Zona performed at the event. In addition, the foundation presented its Spirit Award to Venezuelan comedian George Harris, who was part of the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week.
Funds raised during the gala will go towards humanitarian initiatives, including support for Venezuela, Mission:Brain in Mexico, the Guiribitey Foundation in the Dominican Republic and the Agrolibano Foundation in Honduras, according to a press release. “These organizations work tirelessly to improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities by providing access to health, education and welfare.”
Shakespeare, Spiced Up: Amor with No B.S.
Amor with No B.S., an off-Broadway production staged at The Flea Theater in Manhattan on Valentine’s week (Feb. 11), showcased a Gen-Z Latin cast’s reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless works. This ambitious rendition, featuring Diego Echeverria, Sofía Vilches, Eli Vazquez, and Bralmarys Batista, highlighted modern love and identity issues, bringing humor and heart to classic pieces such as Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and Hamlet. A standout moment featured Vilches masterfully delivering Bad Bunny’s hit “Tití Me Preguntó” into Shakespearean prose, demonstrating the connection between historic themes and the current experiences of young Latin audiences.
Through its 45-minute runtime, Amor with No B.S. fused traditional drama with modern cultural nuances under the stewardship of producer Roberto Sneider, director Estefanía Fadul, and playwright Matt Barber, with a backing from Chispa, the Latin-centric dating app. “Reimagining Shakespeare from a Latine perspective isn’t merely about modernizing a classic — it’s a testament to how young Latino singles can own their cultural identities, be proud of their roots, and still push the boundaries of love,” Julia Estacolchic, head of brand and marketing at Chispa, said in a press release. “Our Amor with No B.S. campaign champions the idea that real love flourishes when you cast off stereotypes and embrace who you truly are.”
Amor with No B.S. cast (left to right: Eli Vazquez, Sofía Vilches, Bralmarys Batista, Diego Echeverria)
Courtesy of Arxna
Carlos Vives Celebrates His Mom
Carlos Vives celebrated his mom’s 90th birthday with a big hoorah, accompanied by mariachi and all. The Colombian singer-songwriter shared with his more than eight million followers on Instagram photos and videos of the birthday party, expressing his love for his mother.
“We celebrate the 90th birthday of my mom, the woman who has taught me to love my land so much and to whom I owe my life,” the “Fruta Fresca” singer wrote on an Instagram post. “Love you mommy, you deserve all the love and all the most beautiful songs in the world.”
Rosalía Joins Euphoria
Spanish hitmaker Rosalía will join the cast of HBO’s hit series Euphoria for its third season, set to premiere in 2026. The news of her casting was announced on Friday (Feb. 14).
“If there’s anything that excites me as much as creating a good melody or writing a great lyric, it’s becoming a better performer every day,” Rosalía said in a statement shared on Instagram. “Euphoria has been my favorite series over the last few years and I couldn’t be happier and more grateful to be acting alongside all of these incredibly talented people that I admire so much and contributing my ‘granito de arena’ to bring Sam [Levinson’s] vision to reality to make magic. I can’t wait to share what we’re doing!!! Besitos, Rosi.”
Additional reporting by Isabela Raygoza.
