At the West Coast’s buzziest marisco stall, chef Gilberto Cetina’s menu bursts with flavor—and blows dated notions about Mexican cuisine out of the water.

If you manage to snag a table at the buzzy Los Angeles marisco stall Holbox, you can expect to encounter more than food. Sure, you probably came to munch on its next-level baja fish tacos, tangy ceviches, and spicy pulpo, but you might also rub elbows with chefs fresh off their shifts, an Angelonian in flip flops eager to sample this week’s catch, or an influencer reviewing Yelp’s number one restaurant of 2025.

The act of packing into the Michelin-starred counter tucked in Historic South-Central Los Angeles’s Mercado La Paloma is part of the charm of chef Gilberto Cetina’s passion project turned commercial success. Since earning his industry stripes—including prestigious accolades, like a semifinalist nomination for this year’s James Beard Awards for Outstanding Chef—Cetina is focused on soaking up the moment while continuing to serve diners braving long lines to eat up his punchy creations. His business went relatively unscathed by the city’s recent wildfires, but the devastating crisis served as a reminder of how fickle the industry is. When asked what’s next, he bristles a bit. “It’s really just enjoying what we’ve built and trying to keep that star for a few years,” Cetina tells Latina. “We like where we are and we love what we do and we just want to continue to do it better.” 

Rethinking Mexican Mariscos

With no formal training but a lifetime supporting his family’s culinary business ventures while growing up between California and Mexico, Cetina opened Holbox’s doors in 2017 determined to do Yucatan-style seafood justice within Los Angeles’ food scene. “It was always supposed to be a side project, a little place for me to hang out and have fun with fish,” he says of the outpost neighboring his dad’s restaurant Chichen Itza.

Holbox has since evolved to encompass the different coastal regions of Mexico through the lens of seasonal locally sourced Southern California produce and seafood. Embracing the simplistic spirit of Mexican cooking that centers fresh ingredients and traditional flavor profiles, Cetina’s lively dishes burst with spice, chili-fueled acid, and heat. 

“I knew that the reason that all of the marisco spots in Los Angeles kind of tend to taste the same [is] because they’re all working with a certain set of ingredients priced appropriately for what the expectation is of Mexican food,” Cetina says.

One way Cetina stands out is his deep appreciation for corn, a staple in Mexican cooking he’s seen overlooked at other marisco restaurants, with the ingredient often being overpowered by beautiful fish. He takes pride in Holbox’s handmade tortillas, which are crafted by former staffer Fátima Juárez’s Komal Molino. The masa shines in the laborious multistep dehydrated and fried crunchy tostadas raspadas currently paired with local white sea bass ceviche in a salsa macha avocado cucumber puree.

“I knew that all the marisco spots in L.A. tend to taste the same [because] they’re all working with a certain set of ingredients priced appropriately for what’s expected of Mexican food.”

Then there’s the mesquite grill, a vessel through which Cetina channels his reverence for the primal spirit of cooking a freshly caught fish on a stick over a fire on the beach. He gushed over spot prawns, a recent highlight on the menu. The delicacy is found at over a thousand feet of the ocean’s depth then kept alive in tanks until their heads are fried then bodies and tails left raw marinated in chile, even the most seasoned seafood lovers can’t comprehend a shrimp’s texture could taste so fresh.

Falling in love with seafood while spearfishing and catching conch and octopus on the coast of Yucatan as a teen, Cetina no longer dives for his supper, calling it a “young man’s game.” He now collaborates with local fishermen who help him navigate the challenges of sustaining a seafood restaurant amidst climate change and economic uncertainty, informing the menu by tipping him off when there’s an overabundance of invasive species like box crabs. Staying clear of giant seafood distributors also keeps costs stable and protects Cetina against some of the shocks felt by other restaurant owners impacted by tariffs, labor immigration laws, and the supply chain.

Challenging the “Cheap Taco”

Cetina never imagined his curiosity of the sea would lead him to a project like Holbox. Throughout his youth, food was always a means of survival for his family, but spending weekends helping his parents make tamales to make rent led him to reject the craft. He attempted to fight off what seemed like his preordained fate by studying computer science instead. “I didn’t think cooking was in my future,” he said. “I thought I was gonna be the next Bill Gates.” When his dad first needed an extra pair of hands to help realize his dream at Chichen Itza, he volunteered to do everything from take out the trash to work in front of house. What was supposed to be a temporary stint training a chef in his dad’s approach in 2010, turned into an obsessive attempt to master the kitchen that hasn’t waned.

Despite his determination, Cetina didn’t hit the ground running when he ventured off on his own. Holbox didn’t resonate with diners at first, “It created a business that was not easy to sell, and it was hard to get customers on board,” he said. People weren’t ready to spend $7 on a taco at the time, which Cetina believes reflects the misconception that Mexican food should always be cheap. Even a rave review didn’t move the needle.

Then, just as Holbox gained traction with local media and online in 2019, the team was forced to confront the COVID-19 pandemic months later. “It completely stopped us in our tracks,” Cetina said. He anticipated it’d take another couple of years to regain their footing.

But instead Holbox met the moment and continued to grow in popularity. Locals leaned into a place where they could indulge in a satisfying meal in an unpretentious setting. “I think customers were hungry for that human connection and [to be] in a space that felt like community,” he said. “It’s a combination of different people from different backgrounds, cultures, different parts of town, different towns, different states, that love good quality seafood, marisco fanatics.”

Now on a pricier, twice-a-week tasting menu that serves just 16 guests nightly, Cetina pushes the boundaries of traditional Mexican seafood with fun and cheeky offerings like abalone tamales, fish head pâté, and stuffed cabbage with fish sausage. Though he admits it’s probably not the most fiscally sound endeavor, it brings him joy, “That’s probably a very selfish project on my end.”

“Customers were hungry for that human connection—to be in a space that felt like community.”

Cetina remains committed to serving bold quality food, no matter the setting. While inspiring meals can be found in markets and street vendors around the world, he feels the U.S. is behind on embracing these spaces. He believes his approach in the kitchen wouldn’t change if the food were served in a high-end white tablecloth dining room.

“Lack of a maître d’ or a hostess, a wine list, and a white tablecloth doesn’t define the quality of a food experience,” he says. “There’s something really beautiful and super appealing to me about striving for excellence despite being in a humble setting. The fact that we’re in a mercado, it’s not a reason to not put everything that we can into the cooking.”

The sonics connoisseur opens up about his creative process, founding legacy, and highly anticipated solo debut, “If Not Now, Then When.”

Southern California native Joe Kay is a vibe curator. Unabashedly music-obsessed, throughout his early life, he would discover vintage sonics and songs as if they were high-end collectible sports cards. Sonics to Joe Kay are compelling sounds and produced beats that would stimulate his imagination to seek out more. The 35-year-old DJ and beatmaker founded the Soulection collective, a music discovery platform where DJs worldwide share their love for music, with Andre Power and Guillaume Bonte in 2011. “[In Soulection Radio] we say future beats, eclectic soul, and forgotten gems,” Joe Kay prefaces on our Zoom call. “A lot of that is really how the Soulection collective is coded, what we live by, it is the Soulection Bible.”

In 2008, broadcasting sounds in his Grandmother’s basement, Kay produced his own homegrown radio show on Podomatic called “Ill Vibes,” which would lay the foundation for Soulection Radio and his forthcoming sold-out Soulection spinning live events. The eclectic grooves that occupied the DJ’s mindspace sparked the idea of Soulection, which would go on to blossom into a global artistic and cultural movement.

 

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From February through March 2025, Soulection celebrated its 14-year anniversary in a big way, making tour stops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and Houston. An astounding lineup of DJs (including Kay himself) shared their synergistic adoration for sonics with a crowd of 5,000-plus attendees. Nowadays, the vibe facilitator is choosing to take his fluency in curating worldly sounds and packaging them into a musical body of work that captures his essence. If Not Now, Then When marks a major moment for Joe Kay, who has historically often been camouflaged behind a standing table of DJ turntables. Out April 4, 2025, the six-track EP was crafted in the executive producer’s Joshua Tree sanctuary, which inspired much of the sound design. Out in the desert terrain of Yucca Valley, Joe Kay made a call out to his friends: Karri, Cruza, Isaiah Falls, Arin Ray, Blackway, Amaria, Dylan Sinclair, Merges, Sinead Harnett, and D’Mile. There, “the skeleton of the musical foundation of If Not Now, Then When was laid down in about 7 to 10 days,” Joe Kay breaks down to me. 

Only someone like Joe Kay could send out a bat signal in the sky to get artists and producers who all live across the globe to come to a desolate, creative safe haven. Kay caught up with Latina ahead of his EP release to discuss his lifelong love for sound design, being inspired by the soul of California music, and his family household’s Hispanic-Caribbean heritage.

LATINA: Truly standing the test of time in contemporary music’s creator economy, how does it make you feel knowing you created the Soulection collective that has been around for this long?

JOE KAY: I’m forever grateful. I’ve said this to my friends recently, every year that we make it, every extra year added, it’s always a blessing. I just feel to be able to do what we’re doing this deep in and have a loyal following and community of people that come out to the shows. We don’t even announce the lineups or my name is not even on there, and it feels really, really good to be able to bring the amount of people that we’re doing. I think in New York, we did over 5000 tickets. We had to add bonus shows for the stops that we decided to do in the US. Somewhere between 10,000 to 12,000 people with a handful of shows that we did for this 14-year run. People are still listening to the radio show religiously and are dedicated to the sound of Soulection.

LATINA: What is at the core of Soulection’s creative beliefs?

JK: At the core, the message and ethos of what we do is always to be intentional. That is what people feel first [from] anything we post, anything we share, anything we release, everything from the communication, the language, the captions to the design, and the music. It’s a testament to the longevity of us still being here. It is not about trying to inspire people to get into music or to be an artist, DJ, or producer. It is about staying true to yourself. Do not dim your light, keep finding ways to push through with your vision no matter what [your doubts are], and stay selective.

LATINA: What led you to create the idea of Soulection?

JK: I’ve been doing this since 2007. [The intent was] always to create this concept of uniting other like-minded people. We created the early foundations of Soulection back in 2008, 2009, but it took a couple of years to [get going]. There have been so many artists, DJs, and people that I’ve brought in along the way during this journey to help push it to what it is. Much of it was created in my grandmother’s basement in the den when I was in college.

LATINA: Tying to your family’s background, what Latin music or artists impacted you when you were younger that nurtured this cultural idea of making music a movement?

JK: Music is my therapy. There was a lot of different music played around the house, a lot of soul music, a lot of R&B. There was such a world sound always brought into the house, whether it was house music or reggae. I’m half-Mexican, I have Puerto Rican heritage and Native heritage, too, so there were always different styles of music. There were always Latin sounds, like Puerto Rican music, getting into salsa via my grandma—who only spoke Spanish—and Dominican music. I’ve always resonated with Jamaican music, too. Dancehall, lovers rock, just the overall Jamaican sound. So a lot of what was inspired and created in Jamaica also influenced the Puerto Ricans and that is where reggaeton and all these different sounds came from that I love. 

“Music is my therapy.”

LATINA: How has Southern California shaped your taste in music?

JK: I feel the Cali sound, the West Coast sound, has influenced me immensely. Sometimes, if I’m playing that music across the world, people might not resonate with the West Coast sounds. The Chicano oldies culture is huge here, [so] I think that is a part of my heritage growing up in LA—the lowrider culture mixed with that classic 1970s soul music. It is a whole energy, from the way you dress to the way you look. South LA’s Battlecat had a certain bounce and soulfulness. Today, Kendrick has done so much for the culture, so that’ll always be a part of my DNA. Some sounds are still coming from the [highly influential musicians] of the Bay area.

LATINA: Referring to your first EP, If Not Now, Then When, the title is very telling. What about this body of work made it right for your solo debut?

JK: It’s six tracks and features nine artists who I believe in and love. The EP is a snapshot of what I already do on Soulection radio and what I do as a tastemaker. This time, it is me leaning in and owning that. There is R&B, soul, some Jamaican influence, and Afrobeats. Primarily all with singers and vocalists. We had great writers and a legendary producer, such as D’Mile. I leaned into the tastemaker and executive producer side. I’m not [doing production] on this project. I put these people in the right room. It was many of the artists’ first time meeting each other or even finding out about each other. So the entire EP felt like a true Soulection ethos of what I’m about: [introducing] people to new artists and new sounds.

LATINA: The whole idea of If Not Now, Then When—were you second-guessing this release at times? What was the timeline like for this project? 

JK: Original music is the only thing I’m missing in my portfolio and catalog. If Not Now, Then When was intentionally created at my home in Joshua Tree. The home where we created these sessions inspired the EP with the space’s interior design. The project was inspired by the desert, the energy and clarity out there, the quietness brought everyone together. In terms of, why aren’t you doing this much sooner? Or why haven’t you done this before? And to be honest, I do feel like it’s right on time even though I’m 14 years in with Soulection, I feel like I’m the most poised and established now. Before, I was constantly telling myself, I’m not ready or I need more time, I’m around people that create the best music.

LATINA: What creative decisions did you make sure to prioritize while creating this EP, or was it all spontaneously organic? 

JK: When we were in Joshua Tree, it was great to see how everyone was discovering each other for the first time in person, yet there was this synergy. It just felt like a jam session with like-minded individuals. The fact that people took the time to trek two to three hours out from Los Angeles, some people flew in, told me that people were serious about this and it was important to me to take charge. People immediately resonated with one another and had chemistry within the first two hours. A couple of the records, such as “Moonlight and “Slow It Down,” were created within the first 24 hours.

LATINA: How did you approach these artists in introducing their sounds together?

JK: There was a real spark and chemistry that came about from bringing these people together. It felt really good. I did come into it telling everybody: Be yourself, but also feel free to create and step out of your normal sound. Come out of your normal pockets of sounds that you’ve been producing or records that you’ve put out. Let’s make a moment to try something new. That is what Soulection is about. It is about taking risks. I started off the whole session by giving them that speech and that introduction allowed these artists to experiment and try something different.

LATINA: In the digital age, the music world is increasingly saturated with artists tapped into algorithms and social media. How do you stay inspired as an artist and keep things sounding natural?

JK: I stay inspired in different ways, not just through music. I have tapped more into interior design and spatial design, [like,] How do I want my place to feel and sound? That correlates to how I spend all of my days at a time in one place. I might as well invest in my space and make it feel the best possible—artwork up on the walls, furniture pieces, and chairs, lights, and aromas that inspire me to want to create. Even when I experience writer’s block, I might look at a poster or look at a magazine or a coffee book or something that I have on my table that was made in the ‘60s or ‘70s and think, Damn, this still feels timeless.

“That is what Soulection is about. It is about taking risks.”

LATINA: What about the state of contemporary music are you excited about? Any criticisms as a music lover and someone who loves art?

JK: Right now, there are more artists than ever. I was listening to the latest show that I did for Soulection Radio. I was listening back to it and I had played this artist Jayla Darden, and she has a similar tone and pitch to Brandy. She is kind of slept on—she needs to be bigger. We’re in a time when there is more music and more creatives, designers, DJs…just more everything than we’ve ever had. When we were younger, there wasn’t social media, [everything] wasn’t as accessible. [I think] it was much harder to become successful in the music space—to be known and seen. You had to create this unique body-of-work and really depend on your resources and go through the label system. I find out about new artists every day, every week, and there are so many more that are untapped. [But] we have to do a lot more nowadays. You have to be your own creative director, your own designer, and your own visionary.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Malik Peay is a features writer based in Los Angeles who focuses on culture, entertainment, and more. He loves the art of traveling and connecting with people through their taste in music. You can follow his work on Instagram.

As we say goodbye to another wild, weird, and sometimes wonderful year, Latina reflects on the biggest musical moments of 2024 and all the brilliant work created by Latina musicians worldwide this year—and there was a lot of it.

Women like Karol G, Kali Uchis, and Young Miko continued to push the boundaries of Latin music, carrying it even more prominently into the mainstream, and we saw epic collaborations among Latinas through hits by Shakira with Cardi B, Tokischa with Nathy Peluso, and more. And these familiar faces aren’t the only stars we saw: Fresh talent emerged, too, with the rise of Colombia’s Ela Taubert, Mexico’s Yeri Mua, Cuba’s Daymé Arocena, and many more of the names on this list. 

Without further ado, join Latina as we unveil the 20 best songs of 2024 by Latinas, exploring how each artist reshaped music and defined a different aspect of an extraordinary year through their work.

20. La Guru, “Perra Melancólica”

La Guru got the break of a lifetime when Karol G invited her to perform on “The Juanpis Live Show” in April. The rising Colombian artist, who’s breathed new life into traditional Latin genres with an alternative edge, sang her breakthrough hit “Perra Melancólica” alongside La Bichota. With her bewitching banger—which became an anthem about the struggle of overcoming a toxic relationship—La Guru indicates her resolve to reshape Latin music with dark emotional depth.

19. Bellakath, “Vaquero” Remix with La Dinastia, El Malilla, and El Bogueto

La Dinastia brought together the new leaders of the reggaeton Mexa movement on a remix of “Vaquero.” Bellakath, who scored the first global hit in the scene with 2022’s “Gatita,” jumped on the track with El Malilla and El Bogueto. In an otherwise all-men collaboration, Bellakath held it down for women in reggaeton Mexa, stealing the show with her fierce and flirty verses. 

18. Goyo, “Cuando Te Vi”

Though Goyo is known as a core member of ChocQuibTown, she is continuing to establish herself as a solo star. Following the 2022 release of her debut album En Letra de Otro, the Colombian singer and rapper has released a string of fiery and feel-good singles. In the alluring “Cuando Te Vi,” Goyo displayed a more seductive and soulful side to La Pantera. 

17. Elena Rose & Maria Becerra, “Pa’ Qué Volviste?”

After writing hits for artists like Selena Gomez, Christina Aguilera, Becky G, and Maria Becerra, Elena Rose is becoming a Latina pop star in her own right. The Venezuelan-American singer teamed up with Becerra for the cumbia-infused collaboration “Pa’ Qué Volviste?” In this girl-power anthem, both women sing about an ex attempting to enter back into their lives—and how they plan to kick him to the curb.

16. Jessie Reyez, “Just Like That” with Ari Lennox

Jessie Reyez spent the past year releasing stellar collaborations. The Colombian-Canadian star teamed up with Lil Wayne for “Ridin” and then joined forces with Big Sean on “Shut Up.” Two of the best voices in R&B today collided when Ari Lennox joined Reyez on the captivating “Just Like That.” Tossing elements of bolero into the recipe, Reyez uses imaginative and refreshing methods to blend her worlds.

15. Danna, “Platonik”

Danna made a big career move this year when she dropped her last name from her stage name. The Mexican pop star also released her most personal album “Childstar,” which included the standout “Platonik,” a sultry song in which Danna opens up about having a crush on another woman. As she reclaims her narrative, Danna’s star continues to rise as the voice of Elphaba in the Spanish-language dub of the “Wicked” movie.

14. Anitta, “Aceita”

After solidifying her mainstream crossover with 2022’s “Versions of Me,” Anitta used her platform to put a spotlight on the gritty sounds of Brazil with this year’s Funk Generation album. A standout on the LP: the empowering “Aceita,” which blends Brazilian funk with elements of EDM. Anitta is not afraid to push buttons with the song’s music video, which celebrated the traditions of her Afro-Brazilian faith Candomblé. 

13. RaiNao, “Roadhead” with Tainy

After generating buzz for the past few years as an alternative voice in reggaeton, RaiNao released her debut album “Capicú” in February. The rising Puerto Rican star linked up with a pioneer of the genre for the standout track “Roadhead,” an R&B-infused reggaeton ode to hooking up in the car produced by certified hit-maker Tainy. Even better: The steamy music video celebrated LGBTQ+ romance, showing the openly queer singer getting intimate with men and women.

12. Belinda & Kenia Os, “Jackpot”

For the first time in her career, Belinda teamed up with another female Mexican artist. The Spanish-Mexican icon joined forces with Kenia Os for the dreamy “Jackpot.” After releasing corridos like “Cactus” and “300 Noches” featuring Natanael Cano, Belinda returned to pop with a refreshing house music edge. In this hypnotic collaboration, Belinda and Kenia Os sang about how being with them would be like winning big on a slot machine. 

11. Becky G & Delilah, “Todo”

Becky G teamed up with a rising star in música Mexicana for the most genre-bending moment on Encuentros. The Mexican-American star enlisted Delilah, the first woman to sign on Natanael Cano’s Los CT label, for the soaring “Todo.” Becky G beautifully blended her pop spin on música Mexicana with the rock-infused sound that Delilah is bringing to the genre. Hearing these two Chicanas come together on the same song was everything. 

10. Daymé Arocena, “Por Ti” 

After making her mark in jazz, Daymé Arocena now aims for domination in the pop star realm. The Cuban star moved to Puerto Rico where she worked on her latest album “Alkemi” with former Calle 13 member Eduardo Cabra. Arocena masterfully melded her worlds in the Caribbean with R&B, jazz, and pop throughout the LP, especially in the commanding “Por Ti.” In 2023, she told Latina, “This is the beginning of a new moment in my career and I am doing as much as I can to make this pop.”

9. The Marías, “Lejos De Ti”

Throughout 2024, The Marías continued their seamless navigation between indie pop and Latin music while bridging those worlds within the band’s music. Their second album “Submarine” was inspired by lead singer María Zardoya and fellow founding member Josh Conway breaking up. Zardoya tapped into her Puerto Rican roots to sing in Spanish about being haunted by the memory of an ex in “Lejos De Ti,” seeing The Marías channel a difficult time into an ethereal and vulnerable gem.

8. Ela Taubert, “¿Cómo Pasó?” with Joe Jonas

Ela Taubert got a big boost in her career when Karol G invited her to open her concerts in Bogotá. After that breakthrough, the Colombian singer-songwriter gained a massive following with her breakup anthem “¿Cómo Pasó?” Joe Jonas later came out as a fan of Taubert when he joined her on a Spanglish version of the global hit. In November, she proved to be the future of Latin pop by winning Best New Artist at the 2024 Latin Grammy Awards. 

7. Yeri Mua, “Traka” 

Yeri Mua spent 2024 making the jump from beauty influencer to a leader of the reggaeton Mexa movement. After signing with Sony in June, the rising Mexican star hit back at her haters with the defiant “Traka.” Known for speaking her mind on social media, Mua unleashed a fierce and in-your-face anthem about her triumphs that keep people talking. And the chatter is far from stopping: In early December, TikTok revealed that she was the number-one artist globally on the platform in 2024. 

6. Young Miko & Villano Antillano, “Madre”

After spending the past few years becoming a leading LGBTQ+ voice in reggaeton, Young Miko released her debut album att. in April 2024. The Puerto Rican rapper paid tribute to the Ballroom scene with “Madre,” which interpolated the house anthem “Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic. Young Miko upped the queer and femme power of this empowering anthem with fellow Boricua Villano Antillano in the mix.

5. Tokischa & Nathy Peluso, “De Maravisha”

Two of the Latinas who are changing the game in the music joined forces. Tokischa teamed up with Nathy Peluso for the genre-bending banger “De Maravisha.” At first, Tokischa and Peluso trade hard-hitting bars about being bosses over trap beats. The women then let their hair down at the halfway point when reggaeton rhythms take over, colliding the Dominican Republic and Argentina by way of New York City in a fresh new girl-power anthem. 

4. Lismar, “BZRP Music Sessions #60” with Bizarrap

Lismar made her debut this year in the biggest way possible. The rising Dominican rapper was tapped by Argentine producer Bizarrap for his “BZRP Music Sessions #60.” Lismar wrapped her versatile and fierce rap flow around Bizarrap’s trap, EDM, and Jersey club beats with ease. Her explosive bars couldn’t be contained to one song, so the duo also released the fiery “Subió La Temperatura” on the same day. Lismar’s takeover of Latin hip-hop is just getting started. 

3. Shakira & Cardi B, “Puntería”

Following a heartbreaking, high-profile split in 2022, Shakira returned with a vengeance with her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” album, proving that the “She Wolf” is back on the prowl with her single “Puntería,” a sexy and vibrant bop that saw the Colombian pop icon team up with Dominican-American rapper Cardi B Together, Shakira and Cardi hit a bullseye with their synth-pop ode to a lover that hits all the right spots.

2. Karol G, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”

After becoming the top woman in reggaeton, Karol G is also showing that she’s a Latina pop queen, with the Colombian superstar taking a detour from the genre that she’s known for in the sunny “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” Karol G explored merengue rhythms for the first time while singing about not giving up on romance, turning forlorn hypotheticals of what if into a certified tropical smash which reaffirmed that her success is not limited to one genre.

1. Kali Uchis, “Igual Que Un Ángel” with Peso Pluma

After making her mark in Latin music with “Telepatía” in 2020, Kali Uchis once again stuck the perfect balance between her two worlds with “Igual Que Un Ángel,” wherein the Colombian-American star sings in Spanglish about an angelic lover in the disco-infused banger. A pleasant and welcome surprise: the addition of Mexican singer Peso Pluma, whose raspy vocals add a sensual side to the song. Through this dazzling collaboration—which has played nonstop in my headphones, for the record—Uchis and Peso Pluma proved to be a dream team and, while we can’t wait to see what each does next on their own, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that these two will partner up again soon.

Lucas Villa is a freelance music contributor for Latina. His work is also featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Teen Vogue, the Los Angeles Times, and W Magazine.

These cookbooks by chefs all over the world cover everything from ceviche and lomito to sourdough and sofrito. While you’re at it, check out our holiday guides for the best gifts from Latin-owned brands and the best wellness gifts. All products are hand-selected by Latina editors. If you buy something through one of our links, we may receive an affiliate commission.

Even in the age of cooking apps and aspirational Pinterest boards, there’s still nothing quite like flipping through a cookbook earmarked with favorite recipes and annotated with handwritten notes. While many recipes are often passed down by word of mouth in Latinx families, chefs from across the diaspora are prioritizing the preservation of culturally significant dishes and equipping the next generation with the tools to ensure the roots of our food aren’t lost. If you’re searching for the perfect holiday gifts to give your favorite foodie, one of these beautiful cookbooks is sure to be a hit.

Whether you’re an experimental chef eager to recreate the comforting snacks of your Dominican childhood but only have access to your bodega, a food historian seeking a deep dive into the culinary legacies of Latin America more broadly, or a veggie-lover embracing plant-based spins on nostalgic dishes, this curated list highlights authors who offer passports to your next food adventures without having to leave home. Here are 15 of the best cookbooks to gift or add to your own wishlist from James Beard Award-winning chefs to viral Instagram bakers that serve as guides for the sizzling barbecues of Argentina to the soulful stews of El Salvador, and celebrate the diversity and evolution of Latin and Caribbean cuisines.

For the Wanderluster

1. Nopalito: A Mexican Kitchen, Gonzalo Guzmán with Stacy Adimando ($30, Bookshop and Amazon)

Inspired by Napolito, Gonzalo Guzmán’s popular San Francisco restaurant, the chef (along with culinary author Stacy Adimando) shares simple yet impressive recipes that spotlight the range of Mexico’s regional culinary differences from Puebla to Yucatán. Featuring dishes like crispy red quesadillas with braised pork, tamales with red spiced sunflower seed mole, and toasted corn with crema and queso fresco, this approachable cookbook combines essential Mexican techniques with thoughtful cultural insights. 

2. The Simple Art of Rice, JJ Johnson ($35, Bookshop and Amazon)

The acclaimed James Beard Foundation Book Award winner’s second publication is an ode to rice across cultures and cuisines featuring a foolproof guide to cooking the versatile grain. JJ Johnson’s recipes influenced by diverse traditions from across the globe push you to think outside of the white rice box and include dishes (like Liberian jollof and Filipino champorado) while taking the reader on an educational journey through the culinary staple’s deep history and significance.

3. Colombiana: A Rediscovery of Recipes and Rituals from the Soul of Colombia, Mariana Velásquez ($35, Bookshop and Amazon)

This visually stunning and heartfelt tribute to Colombian cuisine from Mariana Velásquez, a Michelle-Obama-approved recipe developer, blends traditional dishes with modern cuisine. Featuring recipes from classics like arepas and empanadas to inventive creations like tamarind pork tenderloin with mint and spicy papaya gazpacho, this cookbook captures Colombia’s hospitality and array of flavors and customs.

4. Diala’s Kitchen: Plant-Forward and Pescatarian Recipes Inspired by Home and Travel, Diala Canelo ($30, Barnes & Noble and Amazon)

Inspired by her culinary explorations of cities like Barcelona, Santo Domingo, and Florence, chef Dialo Canelo (known as @dialaskitchen on Instagram) shares vibrant, vegetable-forward, and pescatarian-friendly recipes. Rooted in fresh, local ingredients, and a love for bold touches, her star dishes range from salmon tacos with chipotle crema to coconut flan.

5. The Cuban Table: A Celebration of Food, Flavors, and History, Ana Sofía Peláez & Ellen Silverman ($35, Rizzoli and Amazon)

Food writer Ana Sofía Peláez and photographer Ellen Silverman uncover the lore and family secrets behind authentic Cuban cooking. With timeless recipes and beautiful presentation, this contemporary explores the country’s rich cuisine and culture through the insights of home cooks, chefs, and food writers from Cuba, Miami, and New York.

6. Ceviche, Martin Morales ($31, Amazon)

This introduction to Peru’s vibrant culinary scene from Martin Morales, owner of the London’s acclaimed SoHo restaurant Ceviche, offers a look into the fusion of native Peruvian ingredients like quinoa and lucuma with Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Plus, find refreshing takes on ceviche, superfood salads, and eclectic desserts.

For the Nostalgia Lovers

7. Cocina Criolla, Carmen Valldejuli ($26, Barnes & Noble and Amazon)

Currently only available for sale in Spanish, Cocina Criolla by Carmen Valldejuli has been a staple in Caribbean kitchens since it was published in 1983. This old-school classic is filled with charming illustrations and hundreds of authentic recipes—it offers instructions for making everything from moro de guandules to sofrito—while providing practical cooking tips and advice (even for beginner cooks!) on how to read recipes and stock your kitchen with essential equipment.

8. The SalviSoul Cookbook: Salvadoran Recipes and the Women Who Preserve Them, Karla Tatiana Vasquez ($35, Rizzoli and Amazon)

After experiencing difficulty finding recipes to recreate dishes from her childhood, Karla Tatiana Vasquez set off to write this book highlighting the El Salvadoran community through recipes and personal stories gathered from women in her family and community. Combining traditional dishes like pupusas and Rellenos de Papa with moving narratives of resilience, Vasquez preserves the voices and histories of Salvadoran women across generations.

For the Aspiring Great British Bake-Off Contestant

9. New World Sourdough: Artisan Techniques for Creative Homemade Fermented Breads, Bryan Ford ($28, Bookshop and Amazon)

Inspired by his Honduran roots and New Orleans upbringing, viral baker Brian Ford (known as @artisanbrian on Instagram) offers a fresh, approachable take on baking sourdough bread and other baked goods at home, featuring recipes for birote, bagels, and beignets, among others. Focusing on practical techniques and flavor development over perfectionism, this cookbook is a must-have for bakers of all levels with tips on how to experiment with pan de coco, challah, tortillas, Cuban muffins, and more. 

10. Chicano Bakes, Esteban Castillo ($40, Bookshop and Amazon)

Explore sweet, nostalgic notes of Chicano cuisine with recipes for desserts, tamales, pan dulce, and traditional drinks that sparkle on the cookbook’s pages through dreamy Instagram-feed-worthy photography. Drawn from his Mexican American roots and childhood memories, Esteban Castillo shares beloved recipes like tres leches cake, conchas de vainilla, churro cheesecake, and tamales de elote.

11. Bodega Bakes, Paola Velez ($35, Bookshop and Amazon)

This debut cookbook from the co-founder of the organization Bakers Against Racism is a joyful celebration of Paola Velez’s childhood and Dominican heritage that invites you to bring the magic of bodegas into your kitchen. With more than 100 accessible and playful recipes highlighting the colorful character of corner stores, Velez showcases her blend of expertise and experimentation through recipes like pineapple empanadillas (a Caribbean classic) and her signature Thick’ems cookies.

For the Vegetarian or Vegan (…or Just Plain Veggie Lover)

12. Abuela’s Plant-Based Kitchen: Vegan Cuisine Inspired by Latin & Caribbean Family Recipes, Karla Salinari ($30, Bookshop and Amazon)

Drawing from her Puerto Rican upbringing, health coach Karla Salinari shows readers that they can still indulge in satisfying meals with complex flavors centered around plant-based ingredients. This cookbook shows you how to utilize chickpea water, tempeh, and tofu to carry on multigenerational cooking traditions. Dishes like garbanzo stew with plantain balls, Cuban-style picadillo, and coconut flan prove meat- and dairy-free comfort food doesn’t have to come at the expense of taste, making it an excellent cookbook for anyone with dietary restrictions or food allergies.

For the Grill Master of the Family

13. Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way, Francis Mallmann ($40, Bookshop and Amazon)

A deep dive into mastering cooking with fire, this 2009 James Beard Award-winning cookbook shares primal techniques for sophisticated palettes. With show-stopping recipes like whole boneless ribeye with chimichurri, salt-crusted ctriped bass, and dulce de leche pancakes, renowned Argentine chef Francis Mallmann introduces readers to seven distinct grilling methods for both indoor and outdoor cooking.

For the Encyclopedic Chef

14. The Latin American Cookbook, Virgilio Martinez ($51, Bookshop and Amazon)

This comprehensive Latin American cookbook curated by a renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez features over 600 recipes that praise the region’s rich and complex culinary heritage. With classic dishes like empanadas, tamales, and tacos and lesser-known specialties that are sure to be a hit at any dinner party—Chilean disco fries and Nicaraguan squash stew, anyone?—Martinez exhibits myriad influences from indigenous, European, and Asian flavors.

15. Gran Cocina Latina: The Food of Latin America, Maricel E. Presilla ($40, Amazon)

Historian and restaurateur Maricel Presilla’s ultimate guide to Latin American cuisine provides over 500 recipes that span from Mexico to Argentina and the Caribbean. This expansive cookbook has it all: traditional dishes like adobos, ceviches, tamales, and moles, as well as desserts like flan and tres leches cake.

Leah Rodriguez is a writer based in Brooklyn, NY. You can follow her work on X.

“For us, stories are living beings,” writes Nemonte Nenquimo in the introduction of her memoir, We Will Be Jaguars: A Memoir of My People, co-written with her husband, and fellow activist Mitch Anderson, “A story dies when no one tells it.”

“This book centers my thoughts: how I look at evangelicals, how I look at white people,” Nenquimo shares with me over a video call while on a family vacation with her in-laws in Petaluma, California, a drawing of a densely populated jungle hanging behind the white couch Nemonte sits in with her husband and children. We Will Be Jaguars, released in the U.S. on September 17, is a testimony of her upbringing. “I asked my dad, ‘How about sharing our collective struggle? Our memory. Making the world understand is necessary,” she recalls. “We began remembering with my dad, my mom, my brothers, aunts. Many times, evangelicals, and anthropologists have given their perspectives. But no one has written, our memory, the true history.”

Nemonte Nenquimo is among the world’s most recognized Indigenous climate activists. On April 23, 2019, she was the lead plaintiff in a landmark suit against the Ecuadorian government’s planned auction of Waorani land to oil companies. After a three-day trial, the verdict stated that the government had conducted a faulty consultation process with the community prior to putting their territory up for sale. Under the leadership of Nenquimo, the Waorani people asserted their right for self-determination, culminating in the protection of half a million acres of their rainforest. On April 26, hundreds of Waorani flocked to Puyo, Ecuador, streaks of achiote red pigments adorning their eyes and declared them Waorani. They had won over a system that long deemed them voiceless.

Nenquimo was born in 1985 deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon as a member of the Waorani tribe. It was among the last tribes to be contacted by American missionaries in the 1950s and known for resisting previous contact attempts. Experiences and life stories like Nenquimo’s have been told by anthropologists and other outsiders looking in for far too long. Nenquimo achieves a monumental feat in reversing colonial narratives, using the written word to center generations of Waorani cosmovision. It joins the company of The Falling Sky: Words of a Yanomami Shaman, Davi Kopenawa Yanomami’s 2010 memoir documenting his life story as a shaman and Yanomami spokesperson and the cosmo-ecological thought of the Yanomami in the Brazilian Amazon.

The book serves as both a recollection of a people and a coming-of-age tale covering nearly three decades of her community, from the early 1990s through 2019, from the first time Nemonte sees a plane land near the Curaray River to the ever-rising tensions between settler evangelicals and nearby oil companies in the last decade. Youth and elders can either accept missionary hymns, Western clothing, and work for the oil companies or find forms of fighting back. Some flee their land while others accept employment, but in the end, they must all come together in response to the oil companies’ poisoning of their water supply.

For Nemonte, the process of remembering her adolescence meant confronting deeply painful memories she had long repressed. At 14, Nenquimo left Nemompare for the first time to study with an evangelical missionary group in Quito. She writes from a place of empowerment with women in mind as she recounts stories of sexual abuse and her journey towards unlearning prejudiced viewpoints held by the so-called “civilized” world. Naming the harm became a step on the journey to healing and transformation. “It was a difficult process of remembering,” Nemonte says. “I kept so many things hidden for so long”

By far, the hardest memories to unearth pertained to her late brother Victor or Mengatowe. “It was very emotional to talk about him and then listen to the stories. I went to the waterfall crying and asking Victor to join me and help me to write this book so that everyone can see mother nature,” explains Nenquimo.

With Victor’s blessing, Nenquimo expresses an urgent message: “How can I make the world respect Waorani, respect mother nature? Many elders say, ‘outsiders know more about destruction than the jungle.’ We need to remind cityfolk that they are also connected to the earth, connected to the air, connected to the water.”

We Will Be Jaguars arose from years of early-morning conversations with Anderson. A few days before the birth of their son Sol, Nemonte began sharing stories with her husband. Guided by generations of oral tradition, Nemonte would recite while Mitch would transcribe. Over the next two years, the two collected enough stories from Nemonte, friends, and loved ones to begin weaving a tapestry of the Waorani people. She insists that Mitch is not a translator, “My husband lives in our territory. He is one of the activists that works and fights with us. We’ve learned from him, just like he has learned from us.” Mitch is the founder and executive director of Amazon Frontlines and has long worked with Indigenous nations throughout the Amazon to defend their rights to land, life and cultural survival. During our interview, Mitch distracts their two kids Sol and Daime while Nemonte tells me her recent dreams. It’s a small glimpse into their partnership.

As its title suggests, We Will Be Jaguars asserts the future without erasing the past. It is a promise towards reclaiming and amplifying Waorani knowledge—a self-documented celebration of the tribe’s rich history and culture. Importantly, as so many of us watch, all but frozen with fear, as our world seems to be inevitably consumed by rising tides, burning forests, and deepening inequalities, We Will Be Jaguars is a portrait of the modern revolutionary activism undertaken by Nemonte and her husband, peers, and ancestors. Our task is to listen with humility, then ask ourselves: What action can we take now?

In her latest single, “Era De Cristal,” J Noa, the 18-year-old Dominican rapper also known as “La Hija del Rap,” delves into the depths of her mental health struggles. Directed by Lennyn Salinas, the music video captures J Noa in a poignant dialogue with herself within the confines of her room. Throughout the video, symbolic imagery emerges, notably when the artist is depicted submerged underwater, yet retaining a sense of composure, mirroring the complexities of her inner world.

J Noa’s trajectory has been marked by significant milestones, including her feature on NPR’s Tiny Desk in September 2023, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month. During the same period, she earned her inaugural Latin Grammy nomination in the Best Rap/Hip Hop Song category for “Autodidacta.”

Experience J Noa’s introspective journey in her music video for “Era De Cristal” below.

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Jennifer Machin is an editor for LATINA, specializing in pop culture and music. Her work has appeared in Hypebae, Life & Style, Billboard, Seventeen and more.

Regardless of musical preferences, Jennifer Lopez undeniably stands as an icon in her own right. Her creativity, hard work and determination in the entertainment industry have propelled her to worldwide success. As a Latina who began her career dancing in the late ‘80s, J.Lo has proved that anything is possible. Despite varying opinions on the Bronx native, her accomplishments and creative prowess continue to highlight her immense power.

That’s why her new album, “This Is Me…Now,” particularly stands out — it’s the sequel to her third studio album, “This Is Me…Then,” released in November 2002. It details a personal journey of growth, healing, self-acceptance and finding love with both others and most importantly, oneself.

How are “This Is Me…Then” and “This is Me…Now” connected?

The connection between “This Is Me…Then” and “This Is Me…Now” lies in Lopez’s visionary perspective two decades ago. “This Is Me…Then” was initially conceived as a personal love letter to her future self, which is her present-day reality. It can be viewed as a public diary, documenting a specific chapter in her life. 

Released in 2002 when Lopez, now 54, was 33, the album captured the highs and lows of both her professional and personal life. At the time, she was engaged to Ben Affleck, whose influence heavily shaped the project, even starring in the music video for “Jenny from the Block,” which achieved instant classic status.

“This Is Me…Then” was crafted with foresight, as Lopez expressed in a 2002 interview discussing the album. “If I gave this album to my kids, let’s say, in 20 years from now, I’ll be like this is me…then,” she said in a 2002 clip describing the LP. She envisioned it as a gift to her future self, providing insight into her preferences, music tastes, aspirations and emotional state at the time.

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Is “This is Me…Now” an album and a movie?

“This Is Me…Now” is both an album and a musical film, constituting a three-part project chronicling Lopez’s life journey. This includes her rekindled romance with Affleck, culminating in their marriage in July 2022, following their initial engagement’s dissolution in 2004. Additionally, the project includes a documentary titled “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” which also serves as the closing track of the album.

Released on Friday, February 16, 2024, “This Is Me…Now” marks Lopez’s ninth studio album and her first in nearly a decade. With 13 tracks and 16 on the deluxe version, the album offers fans a glimpse into Lopez’s evolution and important life lessons. In a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Lopez described the album as more than a celebration of love and second chances, emphasizing its deeper narrative and the decision to complement it with a documentary film.

The accompanying musical film, “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story,” described by Prime Video as a “narrative-driven cinematic odyssey rooted in mythological storytelling and personal healing,” boasts a star-studded cast including Lopez, Affleck, Sofia Vergara, Trevor Noah, Kim Petras, Fat Joe and others.

Listeners can stream “This Is Me…Now” the album below and watch the musical film on Prime Video. Additionally, the documentary “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” directed by Affleck, is set to release on February 27 via Prime Video.

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Jennifer Machin is an editor for LATINA, specializing in pop culture and music. Her work has appeared in Hypebae, Life & Style, Billboard, Seventeen and more.

Awards shows are memorable for several reasons, and the allure of celebrity fashion is undoubtedly one of the highlights. At the 2024 Golden Globes, our favorite stars not only dressed to impress but elevated their fashion game by seamlessly blending Old Hollywood charm with a modern twist.

Setting the tone for the evening was Jennifer Lopez, who turned heads in a stunning pink gown adorned with oversized rosettes serving as off-the-shoulder sleeves. Opting for a timeless look, she complemented her attire with understated makeup and classic Old Hollywood waves. Equally captivating was Selena Gomez, donning a striking red Giorgio Armani dress that instantly caught the eye. Fans couldn’t stop gushing about her homage to Marilyn Monroe, as she recreated the iconic wind-blown dress pose.

Pedro Pascal also commanded attention with his fashion statement. The Chilean-American actor sported a classic Bottega Veneta ensemble, featuring a black and white turtleneck paired with black trousers. What set his look apart was a unique yet essential accessory – an arm sling, a result of a recent fall-induced injury.

Beyond the sartorial splendor, the night witnessed significant moments. Lily Gladstone etched her name in history as the first Indigenous person to win a Golden Globe. The film “Barbie,” with America Ferrera and Ariana Greenblatt in the cast, secured the Cinematic and Box-Office Achievement award in a new category.

Regrettably, Latin representation was somewhat lacking outside of the fashion realm, but there remains hope for a more inclusive future in upcoming awards shows.

To see more of the standout looks from the 2024 Golden Globes, continue scrolling through the post below.

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Jennifer Machin is an editor for LATINA, specializing in pop culture and music. Her work has appeared in Hypebae, Life & Style, Billboard, Seventeen and more.

As we bid farewell to 2023, LATINA’s taking a look back on the standout musical moments of the year and spotlighting the brilliant work of Latina musicians. Icons like Shakira, Karol G, and Young Miko played pivotal roles in propelling Latin music to new global heights. Meanwhile, Becky G proudly embraced her Mexican heritage, infusing her artistry with cultural richness. Kenia Os, Emilia, and Danna Paola, in turn, revitalized the Latin pop scene with their undeniable talents. And amidst the musical landscape, a wave of fresh Latina stars emerged, capturing hearts and playlists alike—J Noa, GALE, and Conexión Divina being among the rising luminaries.

Without further ado, join LATINA as we unveil the definitive list of the 20 best songs of 2023 by Latinas, a testament to the diversity and dynamism that defined this extraordinary year.

20. Sofia Reyes and Danna Paola, “tqum”

Sofia Reyes ventured into hyperpop, making history as one of the first Latin artists to do so. Collaborating with compatriot Danna Paola, they delivered the bubbly heartbreak anthem “tqum,” exploring the theme of longing for an ex while on a long airplane ride. This refreshing collaboration is featured on Reyes’ third album, “Milamores.”

19. Nicki Nicole and Milo J, “Dispara”

In her most personal and empowering album to date, Nicki Nicole channels heartbreak into the standout track “Dispara.” Teaming up with Milo J, the Argentine singer uses cutting lyrics to metaphorically unload a magazine of bullets, asserting her strength and resilience against her naysayers. Nicole describes the album as a healing journey, as shared with LATINA back in May.

18. Mon Laferte, “NO+SAD”

Mon Laferte returned with the experimental album “Autopoiética,” featuring the defiant reggaeton-infused track “NO+SAD.” The Chilean icon showed that any genre can become alternative with her adventurous touch while delivering a fierce message about harnessing the power of women’s resilience against discrimination, harassment, and sexism.

17. Conexión Divina and Gabito Ballesteros, “Paso a Pasito”

Breaking barriers in the male-dominated regional Mexican music scene, Conexión Divina represents the voice of women. After a notable performance at Coachella, the all-girl sierreño group released their debut album, “Tres Mundos,” featuring the fiery standout track “Paso a Pasito” with Mexican singer Gabito Ballesteros. The song harmonizes on withstanding life’s challenges.

16. Bad Gyal, Young Miko, and Tokischa, “Chulo, Pt. 2”

Bad Gyal’s breakthrough hit “Chulo” gained momentum with the stellar remix featuring Puerto Rico’s Young Miko and the Dominican Republic’s Tokischa. The remix not only amplified girl power but also turned the song into a queer-positive club banger. The upcoming release of Bad Gyal’s debut album, “La Joia,” is highly anticipated for January 26, 2024.

15. Kali Uchis and Karol G, “Labios Mordidos”

As Kali Uchis prepares to release her second Latin album, “Orquídeas,” she joins forces with fellow Colombian queen Karol G for “Labios Mordidos.” The alluring reggaeton track sees Uchis and Karol G celebrating womanhood, with Uchis proudly expressing her bisexual identity in this explosive collaboration.

14. Anitta, “Used to Be”

Undergoing significant changes in her career, Anitta left Warner to join the Universal label roster, taking more control of her music. In “Used to Be,” she continues to globalize Brazilian funk by blending it with EDM, singing in English, Spanish, and Portuguese about settling down after indulging in life’s pleasures.

13. Goyo, “Tumbao”

In addition to her work with ChocQuibTown, Goyo shines as a solo artist. The Colombian superstar, the first Afro-Latina artist to perform at this year’s more inclusive Victoria’s Secret fashion show, combines funky rhythms and reggaeton in the empowering anthem “Tumbao.” Goyo celebrates the power of her “tumbao” that has shaped her into the fierce woman she is today.

12. Melanie Martinez, “Death”

After reinventing herself from her “Crybaby” persona, Melanie Martinez emerges as one of the top alternative acts of the year. The singer-songwriter of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent returns with the twisted track “Death” from her “Portals” album. Martinez has a knack for delivering dark messages, such as a eulogy for who she used to be, in bright and biting pop songs like this.

11. Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj, “Princess Diana” Remix

Ice Spice, one of this year’s breakout stars, pushes the drill music scene forward with her debut EP “Like..?” In the fierce banger “Princess Diana,” she flaunts her baddie swagger and receives a powerful co-sign from Trinidadian icon Nicki Minaj. Ice Spice’s nomination for Best New Artist at the 2024 Grammy Awards solidifies her impact.

10. Yahritza y Su Esencia and Grupo Frontera, “Frágil”

Yahritza Martinez of Yahritza y Su Esencia is a trailblazer for women in regional Mexican music. Collaborating with Grupo Frontera on the global hit “Frágil,” the Mexican-American bands blend Martinez’s heartbreaking sierreño soul with Grupo Frontera’s cumbia-norteño sound, exploring the troubles of a fragile heart.

9. Danna Paola, “Tenemos Que Hablar”

Danna Paola turns a dark chapter in her life into illuminating pop music with “Tenemos Que Hablar.” The Mexican pop star reveals her struggles with a controlling management team, using the synth-pop track to communicate with her younger self about letting go of the past to take control of her future.

8. GALE, “Nuestra Canción”

After writing for renowned artists like Christina Aguilera and Shakira, GALE finds her voice with the debut album “Lo Que No Te Dije.” One of the brightest moments on the Puerto Rican singer’s LP is the feel-good “Nuestra Canción,” blending reggaeton beats with synth-pop elements. GALE sings about shaking off heartbreak by hitting the dance floor.

7. Emilia, “GTA.mp3”

Reviving Latin pop music, Emilia embraces the sound of the 2000s in her latest album “.MP3.” Channeling Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” the Argentine singer delivers the alluring house music banger “GTA.mp3,” expressing her infatuation with a hot-and-heavy lover.

6. Kenia Os, “Malas Decisiones”

Kenia Os brings Latin pop back to the global stage with her viral breakthrough hit “Malas Decisiones.” Backed by bouncy beats, Os sings about the readiness to risk it all for a forbidden romance in this fierce and flirty synth-pop bop, a highlight from her second album “K23,” which earned her a Latin Grammy nomination.

5. Becky G and Peso Pluma, “Chanel”

Becky G proudly embraces her Mexican roots in her third album “Esquinas.” Dabbling in corridos tumbados for the first time, she collaborates with Mexican singer Peso Pluma on the fiery corrido “Chanel.” The artists commiserate over a relationship that has sadly run its course, showcasing another facet of Becky G’s artistic versatility.

4. Young Miko, “Lisa”

The future of reggaeton and Latin trap shines with the success of Young Miko. Collaborating with Bad Bunny, Karol G, and Feid, Young Miko asserts her identity with the hit single “Lisa,” where she name-checks all the women she has fallen in love with in this swaggering trap track. The rising Puerto Rican star establishes herself as a force to be reckoned with.

3. J Noa, “No Me Pueden Parar”

Dominican rapper J Noa makes a powerful statement in Latin hip-hop with her debut EP “Autodidacta.” Unleashing fierce rhymes that speak truth to power, J Noa affirms her determination in “No Me Pueden Parar.” Her electrifying rap flow earns her a Latin Grammy nomination, marking her as a rising star in the genre.

2. Karol G and Shakira, “TQG”

A seismic shift occurs when two Colombian queens, Karol G and Shakira, collaborate on “TQG.” Both artists cut down their exes while uplifting each other in this knockout track. Karol G anticipates the significance of their collaboration, stating, “It’s incredible that we have this moment with this female collaboration in front of the world.” Karol G makes history as “Mañana Será Bonito” becomes the first all-Spanish album by a woman to open atop the Billboard 200 chart.

1. Shakira and Bizarrap, “BZRP Music Sessions #53”

Undoubtedly, 2023 belongs to Shakira. The Colombian icon turns heartbreak into a cathartic anthem in collaboration with Argentine producer Bizarrap on “BZRP Music Sessions #53.” This globally impactful session sees Shakira cleverly addressing her ex, Gerard Piqué, and his alleged infidelity. Her empowering lyric, “Women don’t cry anymore, women get paid,” encapsulates her current state of empowerment. Shakira unleashes her inner “She Wolf” once again, delivering one of pop’s most savage takedowns.

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Lucas Villa is a freelance music contributor for LATINA. His work is also featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Teen Vogue, MTV News, and W Magazine.