New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Ryan Castro, Grupo Frontera, “APODO” (AWOO Corp./Sony Music Latin)
On their first collaborative effort, Ryan Castro and Grupo Frontera unwrap “Apodo” (nickname): Produced by Latin hitmaker Edgar Barrera, and co-written by Barrera, Castro, and Andrés Jael Correa Rios, the song laces Frontera’s modern-day norteño melodies around Castro’s breezy Caribbean reggae beats. Sonically, the tune is laid-back and fun, but lyrically, it’s heart-wrenching, referring to a person who was not loved nor respected in a relationship. “It doesn’t hurt to see you with another man/ it hurts that you gave this love another name/ almost something/ a madness/ a hook-up/ an adventure/ the mistake of your life,” says the catchy but heartbreaking chorus. The music video—showcasing both act’s fun vibes and chemistry—was filmed in McAllen, Texas, where Grupo Frontera and Barrera are from. — JESSICA ROIZ
Carlos Vives, Grupo Niche, “La Tierra del Olvido” (Versión Salsa) (Gaira Música Local)
The Pacific and the Colombian Caribbean embrace in this salsa version of “La Tierra del Olvido” (The Land of Oblivion), a Carlos Vives classic that now takes on a new life alongside the legendary Grupo Niche. This profoundly Colombian tribute unites two of the country’s most representative genres: Vives’ signature vallenato-pop and the Cali salsa that Niche has brought to the world. In the performance, the voices alternate fluidly, and the salsa-inspired arrangement reaches its climax in the musical bridge, as they chant: “Waiting for you to come back / with me / to the land of oblivion.”
The song doesn’t need a complex video: it shows Vives and Grupo Niche in the studio, sharing the energy of the recording and performing salsa moves. Also interspersed are images from the original video and a touching nod to maestro Jairo Varela, founder of Niche. — LUISA CALLE
Doctor Nativo, “Caminantes” ft. Roco Pachukote (Stonetree Records)
With “Caminantes,” Doctor Nativo delivers an electrifying mariachi-tinged ska single that bridges borders, histories, and generations. The track, featuring Roco Pachukote (the Maldita Vecindad frontman), pulses with jubilant rhythms and sharp brassy flourishes, paying tribute to Mayan elder Tata Pedro Cruz and his peaceful pilgrimage for world unity. Rooted in Guatemalan spirituality yet enriched by Mexican ska energy, Nativo crafts a vibrant ode to migration, resistance, and ancestral wisdom. It’s an upbeat call to leave comfort zones, connect with nature, and walk in solidarity. Produced with dynamic precision, “Caminantes” teems with both jubilance and mindfulness. A fitting preview of Nativo’s forthcoming BarrioKandela, this song celebrates cultural fusion and unwavering hope. It’s punchy, spirited, and deeply moving. (Tata Pedro’s family and movement will receive a share of proceeds earned from this song.) — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Zoé, “Campo de Fuerza” (Universal Music Group México)
Ending a four-year musical drought, Zoé returns with a bang: “Campo de Fuerza,” the Mexican alt-rock band’s first single since its 2021 album Sonidos de Karmática Resonancia, is a reminder of Zoé’s ability to craft hypnotic melodies that thrive on a canvas of instrumental atmospheres — alternating between neo-psychedelic-tinged synths and a head-banging drum beat — that instantly transport you to an alternate universe where sound and lyrics come together to enhance your journey. “Campo” comes on the heels of Zoé’s upcoming five sold-out shows at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City, which kick off Sept. 27. — GRISELDA FLORES
Zhamira Zambrano, “Quisiera Ella” (Dynamic Records)
Zhamira Zambrano ventures into bolero with “Quisiera Ella,” a song about resilience and self-love in the face of heartbreak which continues to demonstrate her versatility as a performer. “She would like you to bring down the sky and the stars for her/ That after the altar you would travel the world/ And that the honeymoon never ends… But that’s not possible because you’re a lie/ A dream seller with your filthy gift ofgab,” she sings warmly over elegant orchestral arrangements. Accompanied by a cinematic music video in which she plays a waitress unexpectedly called on stage — in which her husband Jay Wheeler makes a special appearance — “Quisiera Ella” is the third single from the Venezuelan singer’s upcoming debut album. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
iLe, “Un Amor de la Calle” (La Buena Fortuna Music)
Puerto Rican singer-songwriter iLe delves into a musical genre rooted in her sonic DNA, the bolero, reinventing some of her favorite songs in this style to give them strength and passion. “Un Amor de la Calle,” the first single from her upcoming album Como Las Canto Yo, is a profound expression of disillusionment and heartbreak. The former Calle 13 member impresses her sensitivity to this piece, originally written by Orlando Brito and popularized in 1975 by the great Héctor Lavoe, giving it new life with her powerful, dramatic voice, accompanied by street guitars and harsh, aggressive chords that captivate the listener. – NATALIA CANO
Isabela Merced & Tony Succar, “Apocalipsis” (Unity Entertainment)
Actress and singer Isabela Merced teamed up with Peruvian musician Tonny Succar to release a dynamic new version of her 2020 song “Apocalipsis.” This revitalized interpretation elevates the original track into a dazzling exhibition of Latin music’s rich artistry. The lively anthem blends vibrant salsa rhythms with catchy pop melodies, honoring their shared Peruvian heritage. Succar brings his unique flair to this rendition as he masterfully integrates iconic salsa instrumentation, such as brass and percussion, with modern arrangements that enhance the song’s energy and unites two generations. — INGRID FAJARDO
Duelo ft. Louie Padilla (La Firma), “Soy Como No Soy” (La Bonita Music)
This new live version of the 2010 hit — recently recorded at Domo Care in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico — brings together two iconic voices of the Tejano norteño: Oscar Iván Treviño, vocalist of the group Duelo, and Louie Padilla, vocalist of the group La Firma and author of the lyrics, which tell the story of a man who doesn’t dare confess his love and feels that he’s no longer who he was. With the distinctive sound of the accordion, and a rhythmic beat that, from the first chords, invites listeners to dance, “Soy Como No Soy (En Vivo)” is a gift for fans and proof that the tejano norteño is still relevant for new generations. — TERE AGUILERA
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
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