From career milestones to the release of new music, to big announcements and those little moments that matter, advertising billboard Editors highlight inspiring moments in Latin music. Here’s what’s happening in the Latin music world this week.
Selena’s legacy lives on
Earlier this week, President Joe Biden awarded the 2022 and 2023 National Medal of Honor and National Humanities Medal during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Monday (October 21), followed by a reception. National Medal of Arts winners include the late Tex-Mex queen Selena Quintanilla, as well as Steven Spielberg, Alex Katz, Jo Carol Lauder, Mark Bradford, Spike Lee, Queen Latifah and Bruce Cohen.
“We are pleased to announce that tonight, President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden will honor Selena with the prestigious National Medal of Arts at the White House. This extraordinary achievement celebrates Selena’s enduring commitment to her music and legacy Impact,” reads the official announcement on Selena’s Instagram account. Her sister, Suzette Quintanilla, a member of Team Los Dinos, accepted the medal on her behalf.
Erika Ender’s TalenPro Gala
The finals of TalenPro 2024 took place this week, celebrating the artistic expression and social impact of the eight finalists through the restoration and equipping of 12 inclusive education centers across Panama. Erika Ender, founder of TalenPro and president of Fundación Puertas Abiertas, announced at the event that more than 8,000 Panamanians have benefited from the TalenPro 2024 process.
This year’s jury includes Carlos Ponce, Karina Banda, Johnny Lozada and Andy Clay, among others. In accordance with IFARHU regulations, each winner (in categories such as Best Song, Best Dance Group and Best Audiovisual) received a full scholarship to the university. Other prizes include a new car for the mentor teacher of the year. The evening featured special tributes to Millie Quesada, Debbie Nova and boxer Roberto Duran.
TalenPro (TALENt with PURPOse) is the Guinness World Record holder for “the largest social/global development project competition,” according to a press statement. This is an annual student competition that promotes the talents and goals of Panamanian youth. See Ander’s heartfelt post here .
Karol G reopens school
In other exciting news, Karol G’s foundation “Con Cora” has reopened Medellín’s Colegio Arenys de Mar school after two years of restoration and beautification work. In December 2022, heavy rains caused the retaining wall next to Iguana Creek to collapse, causing serious damage to the school. With the help of the community, the foundation successfully rebuilt the school’s infrastructure, including new retaining walls, refurbished classrooms, remodeled bathrooms and a new playground.
“I’m proud to be a part of this project and make a positive difference in the community I care about,” Karol G said in a statement. The Colombian artist attended the inaugural event. “Quality education is key for children to pursue their dreams. I want every student to remain curious because education not only opens doors but changes lives.
A heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne
Five artists from Ecuador have joined forces to pay tribute to the late Liam Payne, just days after his unexpected death. In a collaborative post on Instagram, Johan Vera, Mar Rendon, Ñusta Picuasi, Ren Kai and Johnta perfectly matched up with One Direction’s “Story of My Life.” “RIP Liam Payne,” alongside a heart emoji. Payne died at the age of 31 after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16. He leaves behind seven-year-old son Bear, whom he shared with ex-partner Cheryl Cole.