5 Uplifting Moments in Latin Music This Week (October 16)

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.

Nicki Nicole’s Tiny Desk

Joined by an 11-member band, Nicki Nicole presented her NPR “Tiny Desk (Home) Concert” this week, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The blossoming Argentine star gave a select of her hits a different twist, kicking off with a tango-infused version of “Colocao.” She continues to flaunt her effortless swagger and soulful, powerhouse vocals in tracks such as “Mala Vida,” “Wapo Traketero” and “Freestyle.” Nicki also performed her stripped-down, ultra-personal ballad “Parte de Mi” and wrapped up with the groovy, chachacha “Baby.” In case you missed it, watch her performance below.

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Bad Bunny on ‘Allure’ Magazine

This week, Allure magazine revealed Bad Bunny as its November cover star. Rocking different bold outfits for the photo shoot, the Puerto Rican global star opens up about gender non-conformity in the article. “When I was starting to make my music, my style came as part of the process of liberating my mind and liberating spirit,” he said. “Since I was young, I had it in me — I just had to liberate it.”

Maffio Partners with Cadillac

Latin hitmaker Maffio, currently making the rounds with his Gente de Zona-assisted “Hablame de Miami,” partnered once again with automotive brand Cadillac. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the 2021 Sport Escalade, the brand highlights the Dominican artist’s passion for music, culture, and rise as a successful Latino artist. “Life is about your legacy, this is why I am excited to partner once again with legendary brand Cadillac,” he said in a statement. “At Cadillac, we champion big dreams and bold ambitions,” added Juanita Slappy, head of multicultural marketing for the brand. “Maffio’s sound is the soundtrack of our creative reflecting our drive — powerful and innovative.” Watch the video titled “Mi Cultura, My People” for Cadillac below.

KOATI Movie

A star-studded green carpet premiere took place this week at Miami’s Silverspot Cinema for the new animated film Koati. Directed by Rodrigo Perez-Castro and executive produced by Sofia Vergara and Marc Anthony, the film “follows the adventures of Nachi, a mischievous, solitary and good-hearted Coati who embarks on a journey to save his fellow animals of Xo after their beloved leader dies.” Showcasing the magical realism of the Latin American jungles, the cast stars Vergara, Joe Manganiello, Evaluna Montaner, Adriana Barraza, Karol G, and De La Ghetto, to name a few. Koati is available at select theaters and will soon premiere on Prende TV.

Las Villa & Their ‘La Tortura’ Cover

Colombian duo Las Villa, formed by twin sisters Laura and Lucia Villa, released their version of Shakira and Alejandro Sanz‘s “La Tortura” as part of Amazon Music LAT!N’s Hispanic Heritage Month initiative. On their cover, the girls flaunt their mesmerizing harmonizing vocals without compromising the authentic, catchy melody. The exclusive song appears on Amazon Music’s Breakthrough playlist, which “features emerging artists that are redefining the future of music and diversifying the industry.”