Tag: mexico

BLAIR, Matchola, and Blnko Star in 3 New Spotify Sessions From Latin America

Spotify Sessions logo appearing on a yellow background

Our Spotify Sessions video series turns up the volume on some of Latin America’s most exciting artists, giving them and their hand-picked creative teams a space to reimagine their music. Over the last few weeks, we’ve dropped a trio of new sessions featuring artists from Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.

Spotify Sessions serves as a platform for both established and emerging names, bringing together an artist, a music director, and a visual director to create a five‑track video EP. The team has complete creative freedom to shape the session. The result is always different—but reliably gives fans a fresh way to experience an artist’s work. 

It’s all part of our continued investment in video and our commitment to supporting the artists and creatives shaping Latin America’s music scene today. 

The latest Spotify Sessions lineup

Spotify Sessions cover of BLAIR

BLAIR (Argentina)

This latest batch of Spotify Sessions kicks off in Argentina, with tracks from BLAIR’s BAR SCORPIOS. Argentine rock icon Marilina Bertoldi provides musical direction, while director Dana Campanello leads visuals. The video expands the cinematic universe of the album and features a quartet-backed cover of Soda Stereo’s classic, “Entre Caníbales.” 

BLAIR is an EQUAL ambassador who recently took home the 2026 Gardel Award for Best New Artist. 

Matchola, Russo, and Rodrigo de Paula

Matchola (Brazil)

Up-and-coming artist Matchola filmed his Spotify Session in Salvador—a city that embodies Brazil’s rich cultural and musical heritage. Joining him are Russo and Rodrigo de Paula for musical and visual direction, respectively. The result is a video that celebrates the variety of genres and mixing of music scenes happening in the country today. 

This is the third Spotify Session from Brazil, following Ana Castela and KayBlack with Burna Boy.

Blnko, Chetes, and creative director posing on set

Blnko (Mexico)

In a cross-generational collaboration, genre-bending alternative artist Blnko teams up with Chetes, one of Mexico’s most respected musicians, producers, and arrangers, to create something that feels both familiar and entirely new.

TRIPLESIETE, a production company specializing in music and audiovisual projects, provided the visual direction for the session. The video captures the aesthetic of the “neighborhood vampire,” a melancholic character with modern vampiric undertones. Filmed in Centro Cultural Helénico, a historic chapel in Mexico City, the set features gothic architecture and lighting designed to accentuate the shadows. A curated color palette guides the visual narrative, reinforcing the intimate, emotional atmosphere.

Spotify Sessions are available exclusively to Spotify Premium subscribers. Stay tuned for more from the series coming soon.

And the Winners of the 2026 Spotify Podcast Awards in Mexico Are. . .

A group of people sitting on a stage holding awards

Last night, the Spotify Podcast Awards in Mexico returned to the country’s capital. Now in its second year, the evening honors creators whose voices are helping shape the cultural conversation across Mexico in Latin America. Leading up to the ceremony fans turned out in record numbers to support their favorite shows, with more than 1 million unique voters casting nearly 8 million votes.     

“Eight million votes say much more than any metric; it speaks of a community that not only watches and listens, but organizes, supports, and celebrates,” said Thais Tavara, Head of Podcast, Spotify Latin America. “That’s exactly what we want to celebrate.”

From Buenos Aires to Mexico City, EQUAL Days Bring Latin America Together for Women in Audio

This year, Spotify celebrates the five-year anniversary of EQUAL, our global program dedicated to advancing equity for women in audio. We recently marked the milestone by launching EQUAL: The Podcast, creating an intimate space for women artists to share their stories.

In Latin America, the anniversary has taken shape as a unified regional movement, with Spotify hosting on-the-ground events that brought together artists and industry leaders to forge connections and spark conversations about the future of women in music. The celebration also included the release of Chilean-Mexican artist Mon Laferte’s Spotify Session, the first to be produced entirely by women.

EQUAL has already made a significant impact across the region, supporting more than 200 ambassadors who have collectively generated over 17 billion editorial playlist streams. From Mexico’s Julieta Venegas to Argentina’s María Becerra, Colombia’s ARIA VEGA to Brazil’s Julia Mestre, the program continues to amplify women artists, songwriters, and producers driving Latin music forward.

Here’s a look at how EQUAL Day events unfolded across Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil this March.

Argentina

In Buenos Aires, EQUAL took over Casa Spotify for a two-day event that brought together nearly 800 women from across the industry. Highlights included a standout panel featuring Argentine pop star Lali alongside EQUAL ambassadors BLAIR and BB ASUL, live performances from BLAIR and Yami Safdie, a financial empowerment session led by Sabri Castelli of Mujer Financiera, and a live taping with the creators of the En Teoría podcast.

In partnership with the digital outlet HISPA, Spotify also captured exclusive interviews with Yami, BLAIR, and BB ASUL to further amplify their voices.

Stream the EQUAL Argentina playlist and watch the panel with Lali, BB ASUL, and BLAIR.

Fans Enter Bad Bunny’s Universe at Spotify’s Immersive Experience in São Paulo

Last weekend, São Paulo buzzed with energy as Bad Bunny took the stage for two nights of performances. The concerts marked the first time the Puerto Rican star, and Spotify’s 2025 Global Top Artist, performed in Brazil. To honor the occasion, Spotify unveiled an immersive “De Puerto Rico Pa’l Mundo” (“From Puerto Rico to the World”) experience that brought Bad Bunny’s 2025 album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, to life.

Fans, creators, and press explored a physical interpretation of the album’s themes. Each meticulously designed space reflected key elements of its sonic journey, inviting attendees inside Bad Bunny’s universe. The concept, previously brought to life in Mexico and Colombia, proved that the power of Bad Bunny transcends borders.

Spotify Sessions Launch in Latin America, Handing Creative Control to Artist-Led Trios

The world is listening to Latin America. The region’s artists are consistently setting the tempo for global music culture, and to celebrate this creative influence, we’re launching Spotify Sessions, a new video project that puts artistry first.

Spotify Sessions are crafted by a unique trio: a lead artist, a music director, and a visual director working as a single creative unit. The result is a five-track video EP that reimagines an artist’s songs through a distinct visual performance, combining sound and vision in a unique way for fans.

Spotify Sessions are part of Spotify’s music video experience, available to Premium subscribers in our beta markets. In Brazil and Colombia, music videos are also available to Free listeners.

Creative trios, complete freedom

Instead of adapting to a preset format, Spotify Sessions are built on creative freedom. Artists and their handpicked teams shape every aspect of the session, from musical arrangements to visual concepts. Some sessions happen on a stage, others in unexpected spaces, but every performance is designed to be true to the artist’s creative world.

This project builds on the momentum of music videos on Spotify, which have already strengthened the connection between artists and fans across Latin America. It’s a format designed to celebrate experimentation and reflect the cultural shifts happening across the region.

Experience the first Spotify Sessions

Crudo Means Raw (Colombia)

Rapper and producer Crudo Means Raw joins forces with music director Adan Naranjo and visual director George Gallardo.

“‘X-TRA’ is a message to those who listen to me: Let’s learn to nourish our souls with what’s organic and natural,” said Crudo about the previously unreleased song he performed. “Always choose what’s good for your health—both spiritual and physical. I chose ‘X-TRA’ because it was the perfect time for it to come to light.”

Ana Castela (Brazil)

Sertanejo singer Ana Castela teams up with music directors Douglas Moda and Lucas Vaz and visual director Edvaldo Raw.

“We took five songs and transformed them into other musical genres — which was challenging for me. I’m very happy that, among so many talented artists, I was chosen to represent my genre, sertanejo,” said Ana Castela. “It’s also a chance to unite music in Latin America and reach other countries. It’s another way to show Brazilian power.”

RØZ (Mexico)

The electronic music duo RØZ collaborates with music directors COASTCITY and visual director Humainleau (Jonathan García).

“Mexico is one of the most powerful cultural markets in Latin America, driving local talent that’s rewriting the rules,” said Manolo Cabrera and Hugo Lara of RØZ. “Our Spotify Session becomes a reflection of the country’s vibrant creative evolution, where we aim to build a deep connection here and around the world.”

KayBlack (Brazil) + Burna Boy

Trap artist KayBlack and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy come together with music directors Fejuca and Nave and visual director Junior Scoz.

“Sharing this Spotify Session with Burna Boy was incredible,” said KayBlack. “We collaborated, exchanged ideas, and were warmly welcomed. I hope everyone feels the vibe we put into these songs and absorbs the message we want to convey.”

Peces Raros (Argentina)

Electronic rock duo Peces Raros teams up with music director Gustavo Borner and visual director Lautaro Esposito.

“We wanted to show everything Peces Raros can be: rock, electronic, at times more song-driven, a bit of jam,” said Lucio Consolo and Marco Viera of Peces Raros. “And something we really wanted people to notice is that the Session is performed completely live—no pre-recorded elements, no edits, no cuts.”

A platform for the next generation

Spotify Sessions represent our continued investment in video and our direct collaboration with the artists and creatives contributing to the next wave of Latin music. 

“With video on Spotify, we’re giving users the opportunity to discover music in a bigger way,” said Mia Nygren, General Manager, Latin America, at Spotify. “Spotify Sessions are developed to surprise fans and give the artists behind them a format where they can truly express themselves. Celebrating Latin American music and creativity through this new experience is an honor and an important part of our work to support the next generation of stars coming from this part of the world.”

Cómo México se convirtió en uno de los mayores hubs de K-Pop en Spotify

Con una mezcla vibrante de pop, hip-hop, R&B, electrónica y rock, el K-Pop en México no es solo un género: es una forma de vida. Con más de 14 millones de fans del K-Pop en Spotify, México se posiciona como el quinto mercado más grande del mundo para este fenómeno, y el único país de habla hispana dentro del top 10 global. Desde picos de reproducciones hasta enormes comunidades de fans, la pasión por el K-Pop en México se vive con fuerza.

Para celebrar el Día Mundial del K-Pop, destacamos las tendencias de escucha y el poder del fandom que han hecho de Spotify un epicentro para la escucha de K-Pop en México. Descubre los datos clave en nuestra infografía.

Un fandom como ningún otro

La ola coreana es un movimiento que lleva años tomando fuerza. Llegó a México en los 2000, cuando los dramas coreanos y sus bandas sonoras despertaron curiosidad. Pero fue en la década de 2010, con la llegada de grupos como BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, Stray Kids, y Red Velvet, cuando el K-Pop realmente explotó. Desde entonces, los streams de K-Pop en Spotify México se han disparado, creciendo más de un 500% solo en los últimos cinco años.

¿Qué hace diferente al fandom mexicano? No es solo la cantidad de horas que pasan escuchando—sobre todo la Gen Z—sino la forma en que viven y respiran el K-Pop. En México, los fans no solo escuchan: se organizan, crean y celebran. Llenan conciertos, hacen eventos temáticos y bazares, y construyen comunidades vibrantes. En redes sociales, son una fuerza imparable: marcan tendencias, apoyan a sus idols y difunden la cultura del K-Pop por todos lados. Incluso integran el sabor local, incorporando elementos de la cultura mexicana en fan art, memes y todo tipo de expresiones creativas.

Por qué el K-Pop conecta en México

La narrativa emocional y los visuales deslumbrantes del K-Pop han tocado una fibra muy especial en los oyentes mexicanos. Las canciones abordan temas universales como el amor, la amistad y el superar obstáculos, creando un sentido de comunidad y pertenencia entre los fans. Para muchos, el idioma no es una barrera: la música y los artistas se sienten cercanos y auténticos.

“Los artistas de K-Pop conectan con sus fans al mostrarse reales y hablar abiertamente de sus emociones, algo que resuena profundamente con los jóvenes en México”, dijo Alejandro Grageda, Head of Music de Spotify México. “También promueven una visión optimista del mundo—algo que inspira a los fans a soñar, creer en un futuro mejor y construir comunidades fuertes y solidarias.”

En Spotify nos enorgullece haber sido parte del crecimiento del K-Pop en México, ofreciendo un espacio para descubrir nueva música y celebrar a sus idols favoritos. Seguiremos apoyando a la comunidad, a los artistas y a los momentos que hacen tan especial a este género.

Dale play a la playlist insignia de Spotify K-Pop ON! (온) para escuchar los últimos hits. Y mantente al pendiente de una serie de videos especial que celebra la pasión y creatividad de los fans mexicanos del K-Pop, muy pronto en @spotifymexico.

How Mexico Became One of the World’s Biggest K-Pop Hubs on Spotify

A vibrant blend of pop, hip-hop, R&B, electronic, and rock, K-Pop is more than just a genre in Mexico—it’s a way of life. With more than 14 million K-Pop fans on Spotify, Mexico stands as the genre’s fifth-largest market worldwide and the only Spanish-speaking country in the global top 10. From streaming surges to massive fan communities, Mexico’s passion for K-Pop runs deep.

To celebrate World K-Pop Day, we’re spotlighting the streaming trends and fandom power that make Spotify an epicenter for K-Pop discovery in Mexico. Explore the highlights in our infographic below.

A fandom like no other

The Korean wave is a movement that’s been building for years. It first hit Mexico in the 2000s, when Korean television dramas and their soundtracks sparked curiosity. But it was the arrival of groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, Stray Kids, and Red Velvet in the 2010s that truly ignited a K-Pop explosion. Since then, K-Pop streams on Spotify in Mexico have skyrocketed, growing by more than 500% in the last five years alone.

What sets Mexican fans apart? It’s not just the hours spent streaming—especially among Gen Z—but the way they live and breathe K-Pop. Devotees in Mexico organize, create, and celebrate. They fill concert venues, host themed events and bazaars, and build thriving communities. On social media, they’re a force—starting trends, supporting their idols, and spreading K-Pop culture far and wide. And they put their own spin on the movement, weaving Mexican culture into fan art, memes, and other creative content.

Why K-Pop resonates in Mexico

K-Pop’s emotional storytelling and dazzling visuals have struck a powerful chord with Mexican listeners. The songs explore universal themes like love, friendship, and overcoming obstacles, helping foster a sense of community and belonging among fans. For many, language isn’t a barrier—the music and artists still feel personal and relatable.

“K-Pop artists connect with fans by being real and speaking openly about their feelings, which really resonates with young listeners in Mexico,” said Alejandro Grageda, Head of Music, Spotify Mexico. “They also promote an optimistic vision of the world—something that inspires fans to dream, believe in something better, and build strong, supportive communities together.”

Spotify is proud to have played a part in K-Pop’s rise in Mexico, offering listeners a place to discover new music and celebrate their favorite idols. We’ll keep supporting the community, the artists, and the moments that make this genre so special.

Press play on Spotify’s flagship K-Pop ON! (온) playlist to hear the latest hits. And check out a special video series celebrating the passion and creativity of Mexican K-Pop fans on @spotifyLATAM.

Fans Vote Mexico’s Top Podcasting Stars at Spotify Mexico’s Inaugural Podcast Awards

On Wednesday, Spotify brought together Mexico’s vibrant podcast community for a night to remember: the first-ever Spotify Podcast Awards. The ceremony gathered more than 300 industry guests and nearly 200 top fans of nominated shows, making it a milestone moment for creators, listeners, and the country’s booming audio scene.

Lupita Villalobos and Kass Quezada, the fan-favorite duo behind Las Alucines, served as hosts, keeping the crowd entertained with their signature wit and spontaneous style.

Lupita Villalobos and Kass Quezada

Throughout the evening, several Mexican creators—including Miss Diamond, Eduardo Videgaray, José Ramón Sancristóbal “El Estaca,” Kikis, Ana Julia, Toño Cervantes, Mario Huerta, Mau Nieto, Román Torres, Janis and Maldo from Las Morras Malditas, Romina Sacre, Grecia Castillo, Conder, and Bastian—took the stage to present awards across 10 categories.

But it wasn’t just about the creators—this was a celebration of the listeners, too. Nearly 8 million votes were cast by fans in the lead-up to the show, and hundreds were there in person to cheer on their favorites, proving once again that podcasts are all about community.

The fans have spoken: Meet your winners

Fans showed strong engagement across categories, with nominees representing the breadth and diversity of Mexico’s podcasting landscape. Without further ado, here are the winners of the inaugural Spotify Podcast Awards:

Top of the Top Podcast

Breakthrough Podcast 

Favorite Comedy Podcast 

Favorite Horror Podcast 

Favorite Interview Podcast 

Favorite Gossip Podcast

Favorite Wellness Podcast

Favorite “Love Stuff” Podcast

Favorite True Crime Podcast 

Favorite Documentary Podcast  

Spotify Celebrates Mexico’s Booming Podcast Scene With First-Ever Podcast Awards

Mexico’s love for podcasts is no longer a trend—it’s a lifestyle. With more than 27 million people in Mexico tuning into podcasts on Spotify in 2024 alone, a 19% increase from the previous year, we’re thrilled to celebrate the country’s vibrant podcasting community with the first-ever Spotify Podcast Awards.

“The Spotify Podcast Awards seek to become a recognition worthy of the talent and creativity of podcasters in Mexico,” said Thais Tavara, Head of Podcasts, Spotify Mexico. “Our goal is to celebrate the cultural impact of podcasts in the country, while offering fans a creative way to recognize their favorite creators voting through the app.”

The awards recognize podcasts across 10 categories, from comedy and true crime to wellness and gossip, celebrating the diverse range of content that resonates with Mexican listeners. The nominees were selected by Spotify based on a combination of listener data and critical acclaim from 2024.

From May 7 to May 21, fans will be able to vote for their favorite podcasts directly through the Spotify app. Free users will have one vote per category per day, while Premium users will have three votes per category each day. The winners will be announced live on Spotify Mexico’s TikTok account on June 4.

Without further ado, check out the full list of nominees below.

Top of the Top Podcast

Breakthrough Podcast 

Favorite Horror Podcast 

Favorite Interview Podcast 

Favorite Comedy Podcast 

Favorite Wellness Podcast

Favorite Gossip Podcast

Favorite Documentary Podcast  

Favorite True Crime Podcast 

Favorite “Love Stuff” Podcast

Spotify Celebrates Women in Music: A Global Spotlight on Talent and Achievement

Spotify is dedicated to amplifying and celebrating the incredible contributions of all artists and creators worldwide. As part of that commitment, on March 6 we teamed up with Billboard to host the first-ever Women in Music Executive Honoree Reception, an intimate gathering in Los Angeles.

The evening served as a pre-celebration for the magazine’s annual Women in Music event on March 29, which recognizes top artists, creators, producers, and executives for their contributions to the industry.

Gabito Ballesteros Honors the Legacy of Ariel Camacho With His New Spotify Single, ‘Te Metiste’

It has been 10 years since the world lost corridos tumbados godfather Ariel Camacho, but the influence of the Sinaloan singer-songwriter remains stronger than ever. His signature requinto and minimalist style paved the way for a new generation of artists now dominating international stages, like Natanael Cano, Peso Pluma, Fuerza Regida, and Christian Nodal.

Included in this group is Gabito Ballesteros, who was publicly encouraged by Ariel to keep pushing forward with his career. Today, Gabito is the eighth-most-streamed artist on Spotify in Mexico, and along with Spotify, he is honoring Ariel’s legacy with the release of his Spotify Single,Te Metiste,” one of the greatest hits by Ariel and his band, Los Plebes del Rancho.

“For many, Ariel is an idol. Not just because of his age but because of how he started from the bottom, picked up a guitar, and made it happen,” Gabito said while recording the Spotify Single. “Many of us followed that path, and that’s why we relate to him so much. We owe a lot to Ariel Camacho, and that will never change.” 

Gabito is not the only artist who has felt the positive effects of Ariel’s impact. Globally, Música Mexicana has grown by nearly 450% over the last five years, and Ariel was a key figure in making this phenomenon possible.

“Ariel Camacho was one of the first artists to bring sierreño to the mainstream. Before him, this genre was entirely regional, deeply rooted in northwestern Mexico,” said Alejandro Grageda, Artist & Label Marketing Lead at Spotify Mexico. “After his passing, artists who grew up listening to him started blending his style with trap and hip-hop elements, shaping the evolution of sierreño into what we now know as corridos tumbados.” 

Ariel’s Songs Are Louder Than Ever

Ariel’s songs have not only remained relevant in the years since his passing, but the impact of his music has grown stronger over time. Streams of Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho have increased by more than 130% in the last five years, and new generations continue to embrace his music, with more than 40% of his listeners on Spotify aged 24 years or younger.

“In the past, the biggest icons of Música Mexicana were well-established figures like Vicente Fernández or Los Tigres del Norte. But Ariel Camacho broke that tradition, proving that a young artist could stay true to the ranchera essence while keeping it fresh,” Alejandro added. “His rise coincided with the explosion of social media and music streaming in Mexico, which helped his songs, videos, and content go viral and gain traction on Spotify.”

For those just discovering Ariel’s discography, there are many must-listen classics, but “Te Metiste” (#1), “Hablemos” (#2), and “El Karma” (#3) are Ariel’s most-streamed songs on Spotify. In total, eight songs from Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho have made it onto Spotify Mexico’s Top 100, while his music is featured in more than 18.7 million fan-created playlists.

Most-Streamed Songs by Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho in History

  1. Te Metiste
  2. Hablemos
  3. El Karma
  4. 2 Veces” (featuring Christian Nodal)
  5. DEL Negociante
  6. No Lo Hice Bien
  7. Qué Caro Estoy Pagando
  8. Por Enamorarme
  9. El Señor de los Cielos
  10. Según Tus Labios

Ariel’s streams outside of Mexico have also surged by approximately 80% in the past five years, with the U.S., Guatemala, and Chile being the top consumers of his music abroad.

Countries That Have Listened to Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho the Most (Last 5 Years)

  1. Mexico
  2. USA
  3. Guatemala
  4. Chile
  5. Colombia
  6. Honduras
  7. Costa Rica
  8. El Salvador
  9. Canada
  10. Nicaragua

Without a doubt, the padrino of corridos tumbados remains more alive than ever on Spotify.

Find Gabito’s cover of “Te Metiste” and other timeless hits from the icon in the playlist Ariel Camacho Por Siempre.

From Corridos Tumbados to Mexican Reggaetón, Experience the Wide-Ranging Sounds of Mexico at MEXCLA Spotify

On November 2 and 3, more than 27 artists will take the stage at MEXCLA Spotify: Palenque, Feria y Cotorreo. The event, hosted at Parque Bicentenario in Mexico City, brings fans, artists, and creators together to celebrate the sounds and styles of Música Mexicana. One of the strengths of the region’s music is its rich diversity—it’s no surprise to hear the beats of Mexican reggaetón alongside the reverberations of Mexican pop as you travel from shops to restaurants to live music venues throughout the country. 

MEXCLA Spotify aims to reflect that musical diversity during one special weekend in a lineup comprised of 100% Mexican artists—from Música Mexicana, banda, norteño, and corridos tumbados to hip-hop, Mexican reggaeton, alternative pop, folk, and electronica.

Spotify listening trends informed this event. Last year, half of the 50 most-listened-to songs on Spotify Mexico were by Mexican artists, a huge jump forward from just five years ago, when that number was only 14%. Additionally, the streams from Mexican artists are increasing, with a whopping 100% year-over-year growth in Mexico since 2013. This music is traveling far beyond the geographical boundaries of the country, too. Since 2019, the collective streams of Mexican artists have more than tripled globally, soaring by more than 220%.

Here’s a taste of whom fans will see.

Música Mexicana

  • Grupo Firme helped grow Música Mexicana into a global phenomenon.
  • Luis R Conriquez is one of the most popular singers and composers of Música Mexicana, and a pioneer of corridos bélicos.
  • Grupo Marca Registrada stands out for its norteño and sierreño styles and has been evolving to incorporate hip-hop and electronic.
  • La Adictiva is a quintet hailing from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, known for its norteño style.
  • El Padrinito Toys recently became one of the most-played corrido tumbados artists.

Mexican Reggaetón

Mexican Hip-Hop

  • RICH MAFÍA is composed of two artists who influenced the last decade of Mexican hip-hop: Alemán and Gera MX.

 Alternative Pop and Folk

  • Kevin Kaarl is a folk artist who has racked up streams in 180 countries. 
  • Silvana Estrada won the Latin Grammy in 2022 for Best New Artist.
  • ALMAS is a female group with a K-Pop-inspired style.

 

Find a full list of artists performing here, and you can purchase tickets through Boletia.

The MEXCLA Spotify event will soon be upon us. Get inspired by the wide-ranging sounds of Mexican music by listening to our MEXCLA Spotify playlist.