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From pivotal career achievements to new musical endeavors, Billboard editors shine a light on the uplifting events within the Latin music landscape. Here’s a look at the highlights from this week.
RIAA Recognizes Selena Quintanilla
The beloved Tejano music icon, Selena Quintanilla, was posthumously awarded an RIAA Lifetime Achievement plaque, commemorating her impressive career that boasts 17 million certified units. This includes her groundbreaking album, Dreaming of You, which holds the record as the highest-certified Latin album with a remarkable 62x Platino status. The ceremony took place at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on April 21, celebrating her lasting influence in music and culture.
According to Rafael Fernandez Jr., RIAA’s Senior Vice President of State Public Policy & Latin Music, “Music has the power to transform lives, fostering connections that transcend language barriers.” He emphasized the swift rise of Latin music in the U.S. and underscored Selena’s legacy as a significant factor. This event, occurring just before Dia del Niño (International Day of the Child), also highlighted Selena’s passion for enhancing children’s lives and serves as a reminder for all to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Jimmy Humilde’s Academic Journey
Jimmy Humilde, the visionary behind the influential indie label Rancho Humilde, served as the keynote speaker for the Into the Music event at Harvard University last week. Organized by Harvard-Radcliffe Raza and NEON16, he discussed his insights on Mexican music, Chicano identity, and the vital contributions of the Latinx community in the U.S.
Humilde acknowledged his lack of a formal college education but recognized the essential role academia plays in society. “As members of the Latino community, we hold a shared duty to advocate for our heritage, traditions, and cultures,” he stated. “Access to higher education at institutions like Harvard not only benefits individuals but also bolsters our community’s strength.”
Ivy Queen Partners with Wendy’s
Ivy Queen, the pioneering figure in reggaetón, has been selected as the face of Wendy’s latest campaign in Puerto Rico, which promotes authenticity and boldness. She is featured in the advertisement for Wendy’s Presents the Breakfast Baconator, showcasing her unique artistic style.
“Ivy Queen stands as a trailblazer in urban music,” remarked Lizmarie Medina, Wendy’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Her influence in paving the way for women in the genre aligns with Wendy’s ethos of being bold and authentic. We strive to challenge norms and make courageous choices amid industry obstacles.”
To view the commercial in Spanish, click here.
Noel Schajris at Barnes & Noble
Effective May 2, Noel Schajris’ music will be available exclusively at Barnes & Noble locations across the U.S., including vinyl and collector’s editions. This announcement marks a significant milestone as Schajris becomes the first independent label artist to achieve national distribution through the bookseller.
Schajris expressed his honor in partnering with such a well-known brand, stating, “Bringing my work to fans who appreciate the tangible aspects of music—like the artwork and the physical product—is invaluable. It promotes the enduring essence of music as a lived experience.”
2025 Latin Women in Music Celebration
The third annual Billboard Latin Women in Music event was held on April 24, honoring notable artists such as Anitta, Belinda, Celia Cruz, Chiquis, Ha*Ash, Natti Natasha, Olga Tañón, and Selena Gomez for their pioneering contributions to the Latin music industry.
To watch the livestream from the pink carpet, click here, and for more details about the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music, click here.
Source
www.billboard.com