Billboard’s Latin Music Week Wraps Up 30th Year with Maluma, Camilo, Sky Rompiendo and More

There’s always some kind of party happening in Miami, and one of the hottest summer events is Billboard’s Latin Music Week. The weeklong celebration of Latinx music, culture, and entertainment include awards for top performers, concerts, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. It’s an annual chance for music fans to see today’s top artists and get a preview of new, emerging talent. Plus, there’s always plenty of behind-the-scenes goodies in store, from sneak peeks of upcoming music and videos to tips on reaching audiences better, including social media.

This year’s sold-up event took place from Sept. 26th through Oct. 1st at the Faena Forum. As in past years, there was plenty to get excited about, including dozens of favorite artists. But there were also some serious notes: Billboard announced that a portion of proceeds would be given to Puerto Rico for hurricane relief.

For those unable to attend this year’s Latin Music Week, here are the highlights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVGRz9DpqlE

Day 1: The annual event kicked off with plenty of panels, starting with the entertaining and educational workshop “Everything you wanted to know about Billboard, but were afraid to ask,” which featured various managers, writers, editors, and others who work their magic to accurately gather and rank music that sometimes changes by the hour.

Guests were given pointers on maximizing Instagram and Facebook Reels to reach a new audience and promote themselves. “Beyond Bad Bunny” looked at the popularity of Latin genres like reggaeton and how musicians who may be good at other styles can connect with larger audiences. The general marketing/networking emphasis included noted producer Subelo Neo offering a master class on music products and general best practices to adopt if you want to set records.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abfvhwS5JM8

Day 1: The annual event kicked off with plenty of panels, starting with the entertaining and educational workshop “Everything you wanted to know about Billboard, but were afraid to ask,” which featured various managers, writers, editors, and others who work their magic to accurately gather and rank music that sometimes changes by the hour.

Guests were given pointers on maximizing Instagram and Facebook Reels to reach a new audience and promote themselves. The “Beyond Bad Bunny” looked at the popularity of Latin genres like reggaeton and how musicians who may be good at other styles can connect with larger audiences. The general marketing/networking emphasis included noted producer Subelo Neo offering a master class on music products and general best practices to adopt if you want to set records.

The day wrapped up with an announcement from AT&T that the brand partner is joining in support of Puerto Rico by donating $30,000 to the Hispanic Federation in support of Hurricane Fiona relief.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZML-W74ZkA

Day 2: The conference’s second day included a Premiere Party hosted by Christina Aguilera that had the megastar previewing her new music, talking about her career, and answering fan questions; a well-attended Superstar Q&A featuring pop star Camilo plus Edgar Barrera, songwriter, producer, and founder of Border Kid Records; and a Superstar Q&A with Romeo Santos.

There was a touching performance by five of Jenni Rivera’s children, who are continuing in their late mother’s footsteps with a new album. The evening’s En Vivo concert, presented by Burger King, featured Camilo with special guest Gale.

https://youtu.be/JeVxZj7A5a4

Day 3 featured two Icon Q&As, one with Ivy Queen, dubbed the ‘Queen of Reggaeton,’ who discussed her career and some of the challenges she’s encountered in a male-dominated genre. Chayane was part of the other, where she discussed her first album in six years.

Maluma was the guest at a Superstar Q&A, as well as performing at a showcase of new artists from Royalty Records. Other performances took place by Elena Rose, Justin Quiles, Ovy on the Drums and Blessd, and Bizarrap, the Argentine DJ and producer.

Guests in and out of the music industry also discussed current representation in Latin music and media and what else needs to happen to elevate artists.