Latin Music Week Heats Up: Maluma's Emotional Confession & Grupo Duelo's Chart Reign

Billboard Latin Music Week recently served as a vibrant stage for Latin music stars to celebrate significant career milestones and reflect on their journeys, offering emotional tributes and deep dives into the creative processes of artists who have shaped the genre.

Among the celebrated figures, Grupo Duelo marked one of the most important years of their career during a recent Billboard Latin Music Week. On Tuesday, October 20, Oscar Iván Treviño, the band's frontman, participated in a “Milestone Moment” presented by La Bonita Music. Treviño highlighted the group's two No. 1 hits on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart, “Te Cura el Tiempo” and “Para Que a No Duela,” both stemming from their album Gravedad. During his session, Treviño discussed how Grupo Duelo played a pivotal role in modernizing norteño music by infusing it with a more romantic sensibility and exploring diverse rhythms, referencing tracks like “Malabares” and “Veneno.” He stressed the cultural importance of representing northern Mexico and southern Texas, an identity forged from the union of two distinct cultures. Treviño, the son of migrant parents, shared his personal journey from working in U.S. fields to establishing his successful music career, underscoring the deep roots and evolution of norteño music within the community. This year also signified Grupo Duelo's return to a traditional label structure, partnering with Warner Music after years as an independent act under La Bonita Music. Alongside Live Nation, they embarked on their first arena tour across the United States and Mexico, celebrating three sold-out shows at Houston's Toyota Center as part of their Gravedad Tour. Following their discussion, the group received a commemorative plaque honoring their chart achievements and performed their latest single live.

The following day, Wednesday, October 21, the spotlight turned to Colombian superstar Maluma during an “Iconic Songwriter Q&A” presented by Sony Music Publishing. Maluma was visibly moved to tears as he reflected on his 15-year career and listened to his 2020 hit “Hawái.” He shared his deep gratitude, recalling the many memories associated with the song, which had topped Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart for nine weeks and reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 with The Weeknd remix. The conversation also delved into other significant tracks that have established Maluma as a leading exponent of Latin music. He discussed “Agua,” his recent sensual merengue collaboration with Shakira, which marked a new chapter in their creative relationship, born from transforming an older track with Sky Rompiendo. Maluma praised Shakira's discipline and focus, acknowledging their incredible chemistry. He also touched upon “1 + 1,” his duet with Kany García, which reflects his desire to reconnect with his roots and homeland, Colombia, particularly Medellín. Furthermore, Maluma spoke about “Según Quién,” his 2023 collaboration with Carín León, which he sees as a symbolic marriage between Colombian and Mexican cultures. He expressed a strong desire to further explore regional Mexican music, drawing from his family’s influence and positive experiences performing in Mexico. The panel concluded with Maluma receiving a commemorative plaque from Jorge Mejía of Sony Music Publishing Latin America and U.S. Latin, recognizing his more than 30 songs that have reached No. 1 on various Billboard charts.