Alicia Villarreal Performs For Female Inmates & More Emotional Moments In Latin Music

From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Advertising sign The editors highlight heartwarming moments in Latin music. Check out what happened in the world of Latin music this week.

Alicia Villarreal visits prisoners in Mexico

For International Women's Day, Mexican singer Alicia Villarreal paid one special visit to inmates at a women's reintegration center in Guadalajara, Jalisco. There, he spent about three hours touring new installments, including a library, a chapel and workstations, and gave a pep talk. She also performed for the prisoners two of her biggest hits: “Te Quedó Grande La Yegua” and “Te Aprovechas”.

Karol G is the Woman of the Year

The Colombian singer was honored as Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music event on Wednesday (March 6). After receiving the award from Colombian actress and producer Sofía Vergara, Karol followed up with an impassioned acceptance speech. “In my desire, in the midst of my desire to make music even if it was just for me, I decided that if my environment wasn't going to change, I was the one who had to change, and I was the one who was going to do it,” Carroll said. “And that I wouldn't let being a woman be a hindrance or define my capabilities, but that it would be my strength, my motivation and my reason.”

She also performed a salsa version of her hit song 'Amargura'. Watch her performance here.

Anthems for girl power

In the spirit of Women's History Month, Advertising sign has compiled a list of the best Latin female anthems. From Jenni Rivera's “Ovarios” to Shakira's Bizarrap session and Paulina Rubio's “Yo No Soy Esa Mujer,” these are the songs that continue to make us feel empowered. The list includes impressive songs from different genres of music that may have marked the before and after of an artist's career, but have also become a timeless staple for their fans. See the list here.

The Carlos Vives Special Award

The Colombian singer-songwriter will be honored with this year's ASCAP Founders Award, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced. “Carlos has led a new generation of Latin artists who are bringing the sounds of Colombian music to music lovers around the world,” he said. Paul Williams, chairman of the board and president of ASKAP, in a statement. “His talent and passion for Latin music and culture is unmatched. His achievements have paved the way for so many more, and we are thrilled to present him with our highest honor, the ASCAP Founders Award.”

The award will be presented on April 2 at the 2024 El Premio ASCAP in Miami, an invitation-only event celebrating this year's ASCAP Latin Music Award winners.

Montreux Jazz festival Miami is a wrap

Montreux Jazz festival Miami — headlined and co-owned by Jon Batiste — made its grand debut at The Hangar in Coconut Grove on March 1st. The three-day festival featured sets by Cuban musician Cimafunk, Emily Estefan — daughter of Gloria and Emilio Estefan — Darryl Hall, Cuban piano legend Gonzalo Rubalcaba and the Wailers, among many others. Special guest appearances included Brazilian singer Lia de Itamaracá, who performed alongside Batiste marking her first set outside of Brazil. And Will Smith, who had a cameo rap performance.