The unity, camaraderie and constant collaboration between Argentine artists have become a fundamental contribution to their success and globalization.
On Monday (14 Oct.) at Billboard Latin Music Week 2024Argentine rapper and singer La Joaqui and Mexican star Kenia Os discussed the importance of friendship and support among their colleagues in the industry, especially for women.
La Joaqui and Kenia Os, who released two collaborations together this year — “Kitty” and “San Turrona RMX” — participated in the “Entre Amigas” panel, moderated by Flor Mauro, editorial content director of Billboard Argentina.
“We're in an industry where, especially if you're a woman, the media wants you to treat each other as competition — 'So-and-so female artist beat another female artist' — when they both beat 10 male artists,” La said. Joaqui. “However, many women are making noise.”
“It was such a relief to work with Kenya,” she added, noting that it was already her “No.” 1 fan” when he wrote to her hoping to meet and the Mexican artist replied that he was in the studio to record an album and immediately invited her to collaborate on it. “She opened the doors of her kingdom to me, let me enter this world so new to me. I was very afraid of such connections, but […] it was a genuine connection, which is why I think we got on so well.”
or Kenia, who also declared herself a fan of La Joaqui, working with another woman was refreshing because it doesn't happen often for female artists in Mexico, where “the media brings women together a lot,” she said.
“My first collaboration was with La Joaqui […] and from day one it was a beautiful connection. It was incredible,” she said, noting that it not only gave her entry into a difficult market for Mexicans such as Argentina, but led to new opportunities for collaboration, including with Mexican artists such as Peso Pluma, with whom she recorded the hit “Tommy & Pamela.”
For both, authenticity is a priority in their careers. “It's very important for artists starting out,” said Kenya Osh, recalling that it took her a while to find her own voice because she started out new in the business, from being a teenager to an adult in the audience and being influenced by others. people's opinions. La Joaqui, who started out as a rapper, said she found her authentic niche in RKT, a subgenre of cumbia villera characterized by its influences from cumbia villera, reggaeton and electronic music.
Summing up the importance of friendship in music, La Joaqui said it is “crucial” in a world where artists are constantly abused on social media and called for “more friends and less business”.
“We are moving in an environment where there is impunity,” said the Argentine star. “Where it's normal for people to tweet, 'Your music sucks… I hope you die.' It's not an opinion anymore, it's abuse. And you just get up and do something you like.”
“There are times when you're faking so much madness that you're going crazy and you need a friend to just ask, 'How are you?' are you ok How are you feeling?' she continued. “Most of the time I'm not well, I cry once a week and having friends in the industry has allowed me to cry in private. I recommend making real friendships to make songs. This complete feel is a sure hit.”
For the past 35 years, Latin Music Week has become the one, steadfast foundation of Latin music in this country, being the most important—and largest—gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world. Originally named the Latin Music Seminar, sponsored by Billboard, the event dates back to 1990, where it began as a one-day event in Miami featuring a two-artist showcase and an awards show.
Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards airing at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 20, on Telemundo. It will be available simultaneously on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/kenia-os-la-joaqui-friendship-music-latin-music-week-2024-1235800523/
