From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Maluma to star in Encanto
Colombian superstar Maluma joins the cast of Disney’s upcoming film Encanto where he’ll voice the character of town heartthrob Mariano. “Encanto is such a magical movie,” Maluma said in a statement. “I’m from Colombia and the story is about a Colombian family. I’m proud to be part of this beautiful story. It means so much to me as I’m very passionate about sharing my country’s cultural values and story globally.” Other cast members in Encanto include John Leguizamo, Wilmer Valderrama and Diane Guererro.
Greeicy & Mike Bahia are engaged
Colombian power couple Greeicy and Mike Bahia are getting married! After nearly 10 years as a couple, Bahia officially proposed to Greeicy during Alejandro Sanz’s concert in Miami on Oct. 16. While she was onstage singing her duet with the Spanish singer, Bahia pretended to be one of the guitar players but later revealed his identity as he knelt down on one knee behind Greeicy. The sealed the deal with a beautiful ring decorated with a red and blue stones.
Natti Natasha’s is getting her own Amazon series
Natti Natasha is getting her very own original series on Amazon Prime. The six-episode series titled Everybody Loves Natti is set to premiere Nov. 19 on the streaming platform. The series will offer a glimpse into the Dominican star’s journey and life (personal and professional). Mona Scott-Young, producer of the Love & Hip Hop franchise, serves as series creator and executive producer, along with executive producers Natasha and Raphy Pina. Watch the trailer below.
El Alfa sells out MSG
El Alfa has become the first dembow artist to sell out New York’s Madison Square Garden. The Dominican artist celebrated the milestone after more than 13,000 fans showed up to his concert on Friday (Oct. 22). “This accomplishment is dedicated to all Latinos around the world,” he wrote on social media. “I love you God, this happened thanks to you.” El Alfa’s feat was applauded by his compatriot Romeo Santos who wrote on Instagram, “Understand that El Alfa isn’t doing just another concert, he’s creating a precedent in the most important arena of the world. If you are Dominican, you should feel proud of his achievement because is another point for the Dominican Republic.”
2021 Billboard Latin Power Players Event
Billboard celebrated its 2021 Latin Power Players event in Miami on Monday night with more than 65 executives representing top music companies. Hosted by Billboard president Julian Holguin; editorial director Hannah Karp; and VP/Latin industry lead Leila Cobo at the Nobu Restaurant in the Nobu Hotel, the event also honored Latin executive of the year Noah Assad, the co-founder and CEO of Rimas Entertainment.
Assad, who also manages Karol G and Eladio Carrion, among others, had a stellar year with his clients, including Bad Bunny, who became the first artist in Billboard history to place an all-Spanish album at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. At 31, he’s also the youngest executive ever to be honored as a Billboard executive of the year.
See the event’s photos here.
