Tito Nieves and Luis Figueroa Bridge Generations at Billboard Latin Music Week

The “Salsa Revival: Bridging Generations” panel, held during the first day of Billboard Latin Music Week, brought together two distinct generations of salsa artists: Tito Nieves and Luis Figueroa. The conversation, which took place at the Faena Theater in Miami Beach, was moderated by Bryant Pino of AARP and focused on the enduring legacy and future of the genre.

Nieves, a veteran with five decades of hits such as “Fabricando Fantasías” and “De Mí Enamórate,” emphasized his commitment to the future of the music. “Young people inspire me. I already have my legacy, but they’re coming up strong, and I want to support the younger generation,” he stated. He reflected on the early days of the movement, recalling how he and Marc Anthony would perform in dozens of New York clubs to build a grassroots audience.

Figueroa, who grew up in Philadelphia immersed in the sounds of salsa, offered a modern perspective on the industry. He noted that while digital platforms provide reach, they lack the intimacy of live performance. “We have platforms now, but it isn’t as personal as having places where you can sing for people and feel their feedback,” Figueroa explained. “Another important thing we shouldn’t lose sight of is that the numbers we see on social media or streaming platforms don’t necessarily mean tickets sold.”

Both artists agreed that while reggaetón has shifted the landscape of dance music, salsa remains a vital, emotionally honest genre. Addressing the international appeal of the music, Nieves shared that he began recording in English in the 1980s to bridge cultural gaps, proving that the rhythm itself transcends language barriers. Figueroa echoed this sentiment, recalling his own childhood experience of being captivated by the emotion of the music long before he fully understood the lyrics.

As the discussion concluded, Nieves offered a piece of advice to aspiring singers: focus on hard work and, above all, genuine enjoyment. “I still perform two-and-a-half-hour shows, and I enjoy them from beginning to end,” he said. “That’s the key.” Figueroa, now a mentor in his own right, urged his peers to remain disciplined and aware of the business realities, adding, “They’ve spent 30 years doing what they love. Now it’s our turn to fight to keep it going.”