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.
New Doc Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Eddie Palmieri
A new documentary feature film, Eddie Palmieri: Sweet Sweet Sugar, directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Omar Acosta, is currently in production. The film focuses on the life and legacy of Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and bandleader Eddie Palmieri, who revolutionized salsa and Latin jazz and shaped the genre as we know it. Set against the backdrop of Spanish Harlem and the Bronx from the 1950s to the 1980s, the film explores how Palmieri used his music to amplify the voices of Puerto Ricans while shaping Latin music’s global influence today.
“Puerto Ricans came to New York with rhythm, passion, and very little else. We didn’t melt into the pot. We reshaped it. Eddie Palmieri is the proof,” said director Acosta in a press release. “Born in the crucible of Spanish Harlem, his music captures the moment Puerto Rico collided with New York and invented something new, something permanent. Eddie speaks for the Puerto Rican diaspora, a people whose fight for dignity and opportunity transformed not only themselves, but American culture and the world beyond it.”
Produced by David Kennedy and Nick Quested of Goldcrest Films in co-production with Uprising Music NYC and in cooperation with the Eddie Palmieri estate, the film has full access to Palmieri’s music catalog and never-before-seen archival footage.
Eddie Palmieri. Photo Credit: Robert Schneider
Outernational Brings Revolution Rock to Bogotá’s Streets
New York troupe Outernational brought the streets of Bogotá to life with a riveting performance on Callejeras Música de a Pie, a YouTube channel that transforms public spaces into open stages. Frontman Miles Solay was joined by Bogotá ensemble — Diana Castro (accordion), Juancho Mendez (tiple), Hector Marín Bedoya (bass), Sergio Arias (guitar) — as they fused their rebellious future rock with Latin American rhythms, such as cumbia, carranga, jazz, and slam poetry in La Candelaria, creating a riveting celebration of music in 15 minutes. Songs “Woman on the Edge of Time,” “La Gente Nueva,” and “Welcome” — all from their 2024 album Welcome to the Revolution, produced by Chad Smith — invited onlookers passing by to connect, dance, and reflect. Watch below.
Peso Pluma Joins the Adidas Family
Adidas announced on Friday (Feb. 13) that Peso Pluma has officially joined its roster of global ambassadors. “Representing the three stripes for Mexico and our music with Adidas is something I dreamed about since I was a kid,” the Mexican superstar said in a statement. “This isn’t just about me, it’s for my people, my culture, and everyone pushing Mexico forward. I’m excited to join the Adidas family and keep showing the world who we are.” Peso joins the ranks of Bad Bunny, Pharrell Williams and Jennie (BLACKPINK), who have also partner with the iconic brand.
Guaynaa & Lele Pons Welcome Baby Girl
Beloved Latin music couple Guaynaa and Lele Pons — who are also Billboard Español cover star alums — welcomed their first born child. They introduced their blue-eyed girl on a shared Instagram post on Wednesday (Feb. 11), captioning, “Say hello to Eloísa.” A bevy of stars congratulated them, including Jay Wheeler, who wrote, “What we create are works of art! God bless her,” and who also recently welcomed a child with his wife. De La Ghetto commented, “She has the same face as her dad.” Meanwhile, Anitta shared her excitement, simply writing, “Loooooove.” See the post below.
