Danny Ocean and Other Uplifting Moments in Latin Music
From career milestones to new releases and major announcements, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here is what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Danny Ocean Turns European Tour Into Venezuela Aid Effort
Amid the crisis caused by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela, Danny Ocean announced he will move forward with his scheduled European festival tour while transforming each stop into an opportunity to mobilize aid for his home country. Through his social media, the Venezuelan singer-songwriter has called on fans to help raise funds for organizations already working on the ground.
“If you have the ability to help, we have joined forces with World Central Kitchen, which is already in Venezuela providing food and support to affected communities, and with Hogar Bambi, who are offering assistance to children impacted by this catastrophe,” said Ocean. “Any contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference.”
Toñita Gets the Key to Brooklyn at Toñita Fest, Guaynaa Pops Up as Surprise Performer
Brooklyn’s beloved Puerto Rican matriarch Toñita got a well-deserved moment in the spotlight at the third annual Toñita Fest on Sunday (June 28) in Williamsburg, where Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso presented her with the Key to Brooklyn. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani was also on hand to honor her with “Bandera Viva,” an original artwork inspired by the Puerto Rican flag created by Bronx-born designer Edwin Reyes. The free street festival — centered around Toñita’s legendary Caribbean Social Club, now celebrating 52 years — brought a full day of music, DJs, dominoes and community programming, with performances from Los Mirlos, Calma Carmona, Afro Dominicano, Anónima Orquesta and The Salsa Project, plus a surprise appearance by Guaynaa.
“For 52 years, Toñita has been an icon for this city,” Mamdani said during the ceremony, praising her for building “a sense of community” and belonging for Nuyoricans across the five boroughs. He also used the moment to spotlight solidarity beyond the block, acknowledging both Puerto Rico’s ongoing water crisis and the recent earthquakes in Venezuela — noting that comedian Angelo Colina was on-site with a booth to support Venezuelan relief efforts.
Becky G Celebrates Seattle Soccer Culture With Community-Designed ’12th Player’ Kit
Becky G is bringing music, soccer and community together. The Mexican-American star served as global ambassador for Lenovo’s Your Club Your Canvas initiative, which on Tuesday (June 30) unveiled a limited-edition “12th Player” kit for Seattle football clubs Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC. Created by creative director Sophia Yeshi — whom Becky G mentored — the jersey was shaped over a full season of conversations, workshops and community storytelling, honoring the fans, volunteers and supporters who give the clubs their identity.
