Titans in Latin music came together for the 35th anniversary of Billboard Latin Music Week, and the theme of community was highlighted during a panel discussion at The Fillmore.
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On Tuesday, October 15, the 'Deja Tu Huella: Inspire Who's Next' conversation presented by Cheetos saw four creatives discuss how they are actively making their mark to uplift and inspire their communities and future generations with their art . Guests on the daytime program included rising stars Omar Courtz and Saiko, Mexican designer Kiko Baez and celebrity yoga instructor Yudy Arias, with Billboard's Isabela Raygoza, Associate Editor of Billboard Español, moderating the discussion.
Below, watch the entire debate, with some memorable quotes from each participant:
Omar Courtz on Daddy Yankee's impact on his career: “Dad Yankee gave me the opportunity to work with him. And not only did he give me that opportunity, but he showed up at that first huge concert we did in Puerto Rico. So for me, Daddy Yankee has been a big inspiration since I was a kid. I remember imitating him in talent shows, dressing up like him, wearing his clothes, going to his concerts and sharing the same stage. That's why I say I'm trying to make my mark so people can identify with me, so they can have a story like mine. For me, it's important to have one of my idols there at the concert, for that reason, to inspire others who feel the same.”
Saiko on how his passion inspires others:At the end of the day, I know I was a normal teenager. I enjoy what I do [and] could inspire another artist. I don't consider myself an example of anything, but it's true that I like to be a source of inspiration for many people. And this year is incredible. And it excites me, for example, that people from Chile are listening to me. I'm thrilled that people from Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spain are listening to me.”
Kiko Baez on how he discovered his work ethic: “Tijuana, as a border city, is recognized for its jobs and exports to the United States with a focus on manufacturing. I think I've had this dream since I was a kid, like you said. Funnily enough, I would work with my dad selling clothes, which I didn't like since I was five years old. Then a woman selling pirated CDs moved in next to our stand. It was 2005, with the music of Wisin y Yandel, and since then I wanted to work because my mom wouldn't let me listen to Wisin y Yandel at home since I was only five years old. But, since then, that's been my motivation… Believe me, it changed my life because I saw how, as a child, it turned the switch on me. I wanted to work for a motivation, which was music, and gradually that dream came true, which is really crazy.”
Yudy Arias on her mission to inspire youth: “[I’m looking] sure to inspire. I love what we are doing with Maluma's label at Royalty Records. In my case, a lot of people say to me, “Wow, Maluma, you've done it,” but honestly, what I love most about the industry is the process. For me, it is so exciting to see young people wanting to achieve so much. Being able to contribute a grain of sand is so nice. You have no idea how much love I put into it, how I try to get them up.”
Omar Courtz, Saiko, Kiko Baez, Yudy Arias, Isabela Raygoza at the Billboard Latin Music Week Panels on October 15, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Gustavo Caballero
Atmosphere at the Billboard Latin Music Week Panels on October 15, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Gustavo Caballero
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/best-quotes-from-cheetos-deja-tu-huella-inspire-whos-next-panel-billboard-latin-music-week-1235807923/
