With lyrics ranging from soothing to motivating, artists including Bad Bunny, Erika Ender, Farruko, Raquel Sofia, and Alejandro Sanz released quarantine-inspired songs to help them cope with self-isolation during the global pandemic in 2020.
Ender’s melancholic “Back to Basics” sings of screens replacing real and physical love, while Farruko is wishing he could go back in time and enjoy the moments he once took for granted and Bad Bunny gets real with “En Casita (At Home),” featuring his girlfriend Gabriela, singing about how he’s coping with quarantine.
Here are the Latin songs that have been inspired by the coronavirus global crisis (so far).
Alex Ubago, “Dame Tu Aire” (Home Session 2020)
Just 16 years after his heartfelt hit “Dame Tu Aire,” Spanish singer-songwriter Alex Ubago drops a revamped version dubbing it the “home session 2020.” The new edition of “Dame Tu Aire,” which originally appeared on Ubago’s 2004 album Fantasia o Realidad, was recorded in the midst of the global health crisis with his bandmates Emiliano Giménez, Charlie Giardina, Ariel Colla, and Leonel Duck, recording from their home studios.
“The song was recorded in September 2020 at a distance with the musicians that have accompanied me for years on my South America tour,” Ubago elaborates. Watch the video below. — J.R.
Diego Torres, Macaco, Jorge Villamizar, “Amanece” ft. Catalina García
Offering a beacon of light, Diego Torres’ recruits Macaco, Jorge Villamizar and Catalina García for the empowering anthem “Amanece.” The upbeat pop song finds Torres as anchor of a newscast who brings in some breaking news: the sun will rise. With the help of reporters in Bogotá (García), Barcelona (Macaco) and Colombia (Villamizar), the news team asks viewers to have hope and lean on each other during these trying times.
“At this moment, life is giving us an opportunity to check on ourselves,” Torres said about the song. “To see where we were coming from, where we’re standing and where we want to go.” – G.F.
PJ Sin Suela, “Mirame”
PJ Sin Suela’s “Mirame” is a Latin hip-hopp song that sends a message of hope and love during these trying times. In its optimistic lyrics, the Puerto Rican artist sings about missing his loved ones during the quarantine and social distancing and assures that once everything is over they will reunite. “It’s time to be more united than ever,” he expressed on social media. “Make this song yours, send it to a friend or family member that you’re missing,” he noted.
In the heartfelt music video, PJ shows scenes with his grandmother and his life before COVID. “This song represents the world to me. This is the last time my grandmother and her mother were seen in a video together and a summary of my last years as a musician.” – G.F.
Anthony Ramos, “Stop”
On Aug. 14, actor and singer Anthony Ramos released his new upbeat single “Stop,” along with a music video, reminding people to stop, breathe and live for the moment. “Stop came from my inability to do just that,” Ramos said about the track. “It’s a song about stopping, breathing, being present in whatever moment you’re in and finding the beauty in it.”
Directed by Blythe Thomas, the clip follows Brooklyn artist and stylist Anthony Payne who, after losing his job at a hair salon in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he grabbed his scissors and comb and started cutting hair outdoors, all while supporting Black Lives Matter. The video intercuts footage of Ramos canvasing the streets, getting a haircut, and delivering a subtle message: “VOTE.” – G.F.
Reik, “Lo Mejor Ya Va A Venir”
Sending a message of hope, faith, and love during these trying times, Reik drop their new single “Lo Mejor Ya Va Venir.” Translated to “the best is yet to come,” the Mexican trio dedicates heartfelt lyrics to the frontline heroes and victims during the current health crisis. “Remember that there’s love here and that the sun comes after the storm / remember that a heart gets stronger and doesn’t die of pain,” part of the chorus says.
“Lo Mejor Ya Va A Venir” is the sequel to their recently released single “Pero Te Conoci,” marking the second episode of their upcoming EP, 20-21. The music video, directed by Fernando Lugo, is a continuation to the romantic story found in “Pero Te Conoci.” Watch it below. – J.R.
Beatriz Luengo ft. Alejandro Sanz, “Ojos de Mandela”
Forming part of her 2018 album Cuerpo y Alma, Beatriz Luengo officially dropped the music video for “Ojos de Mandela, in collaboration with Alejandro Sanz. Originally based on a reflection that the Spanish songstress made about a phrase from the novel The Little Prince, “Ojos de Mandela” resurfaces two years later to bring a message of hope and faith amid the global pandemic.
“There was a time, a while back when my mother was sick and I felt just that kind of despair,” Luengo said in an official statement. “I was invoking God, but I learned that for me, faith was right before my eyes, in my mother’s smile, in the gestures of her medical team, and the positive vibes they gave to my family. That’s the faith that I’m singing to today. That’s what the song is about and I focus on Nelson Mandela, who said: ‘I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.’”
Bringing this magical poetry to life, director Asiel presents a somber yet powerful music video. “Beatriz filled me in on her causes and struggles of the past year and wanted to turn them into imagery for the video – FGM, racism, pandemic…and Madrid!,” he added. “‘Please Asiel,’ she told me, ‘I need to see my Madrid, my country specifically. It will be my tribute to the victims and the pain of the people close to me.’” – J.R.
Rio Roma, “Gracias un Millon”
With their powerhouse vocals, Rio Roma dropped “Gracias Un Millon,” a feel-good pop song with inspirational lyrics that can be dedicated to our loved ones and frontline heroes during this pandemic. In their case, Rio Roma penned “Gracias Un Millon” in support of staffers in the music industry who have been affected by COVID-19, including sound engineers, musicians, and dancers, to name a few.
“The lockdown has made us sensitive,” José Luis Roma said in a statement. “At first, we were all scared and uncertain. We didn’t know what was going to happen. We were all going through different stages but then, after a few weeks, you begin to value things that are truly important and to be grateful for the things life gives you. This song comes at a time when we really miss singing and really miss our fans.”
Río Roma is donating 100 percent of song’s income to the Música México COVID-19 initiative driven by Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas (AMPROFON), Cultura UDG, the Feria Internacional de la Música para Profesionales (FIMPRO), and other companies and organizations. – J.R.
Gloria Trevi, “Demasiado Frágiles”
In the midst of the global pandemic, Gloria Trevi has found the inspiration for her new single “Demasiado Frágiles.” The heartfelt ballad, composed by Erika Ender and produced by Ettore Grenci in Los Angeles, sheds light on the emotions many people have during these trying times.
“We thought we were invincible by shooting missiles / But we are fragile, too fragile / We challenge the impossible and today the invisible beat us / Because we are fragile, too fragile,” Trevi chants powerfully. The accompanying music video was directed and produced by Trevi from her own home and edited by Nicotronick. Watch it below. – J.R.
Mitre & Ely Guerra, “Infinito”
The current health crisis has taken a heavy toll on people worldwide, including Mexican singer-songwriter Mitre, who during the quarantine period has evolved as an artist and personally. With the mission of bringing hope and faith to his followers, Mitre teamed up with Grammy-winning Mexican songstress Ely Guerra for “Infinito.”
“Although the world stops and everything changes places,” he sings, imagining such phenomenons as the sun turning into ice and the rain becoming salt, “I will stay with you until the end / I love you infinite.” The homemade music video, which is available on Mitre’s official Instagram account, shows Guerra and Mitre as well as our frontline heroes and people of all ages with their loved ones. – J.R.
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Carlos Rivera, “Ya Pasara”
Bringing some hope and light to these challenging times, Carlos Rivera teamed up with Save the Children for his moving song “Ya Pasara.” Co-written by Rivera and Jules Ramllano, “Ya Pasara” is a Latin pop ballad about resilience during the global pandemic and starting over, renewed, and stronger. “The storm will pass, it will bring calm and what hurts today will heal,” the Mexican crooner sings.
All money raised will be donated to support the girls and boys who are most vulnerable to this pandemic. “The greatest hope that we can have in a crisis is that sooner or later it will be over,” Rivera said in a statement. The official music video, which dropped June 25, shows heartfelt scenes from fans, patients, and frontline heroes around the world as they deal with the pandemic and adapt to the new reality. – J.R.
“Volver a Volarm” Multiple Fonovisa artists
Banda Carnaval, Banda La Ejecutiva, Banda Los Recoditos, Banda Los Sebastianes, Calibre 50, Enigma Norteño, José Manuel Figueroa, among others joined forces to record “Volver a Volar,” an anthem of faith giving fans a positive and powerful message. The song is all about wanting to be reunited again, to be able to hug each other and looking forward to a much brighter and optimistic future. – GRISELDA FLORES
Lila Downs, “El Silencio”
Inspired by the global pandemic, Lila Downs, accompanied by Paul Cohen, penned “El Silencio,” a folk alternative about being separated from your loved ones due to the quarantine and social distancing. “It’s a different kind of silence, one that lets us hear the bird calls. Mermaids go by and I lost your footsteps…today when I heard the loudspeakers of the municipal authorities I knew that a state of fear, of confinement, of depending on myself were coming…because you no longer were,” Downs sings on the heartfelt track. – JR
Joan 808, “Cuarentemita”
Rising artist Joan 808 presents “Cuarentemita,” a song that gives the current health crisis a playful twist. “I’m being followed by the Coronavirus,” he sings in the lyrics, putting in perspective how the invisible disease can be anywhere, from the supermarket to the bank. With a colorful and positive vibe, “Cuarentemita” is characterized by the 808 trap and pop synthesizers of the ’80s. Watch the animated music video below. – JR
Danna Paola, “Contigo”
Mexican singer Danna Paola recently dropped her quarantine-inspired track “Contigo” (With You), a pop-urban song perfect to dedicate to your crush during the coronavirus pandemic. “I don’t see the news anymore, no / I don’t count the time or days / You’re so far and I’m alone / It’s time to stay at home,” she kicks off the song, before expressing in the catchy chorus that she wants to be quarantined with her crush. The playful music video shows Danna singing and dancing the song in a backyard mixed with virtual scenes of her colleagues singing the song. Sebastian Yatra, Lali, Greeicy, and even the cast of Elite, to name a few, make a cameo in the clip. – JR
Bryanne, “Unidos”
Bryanne is a 13-year-old singer who’s putting into lyrics her heartfelt feelings about the global pandemic. In “Unidos,” the young talent sings particularly about the effects of COVID-19 in the United States. “Everything will soon end / there won’t be more cold nights / you’ll be able to enjoy a new opportunity that life gives us,” Bryanne assures in the chorus, bringing a sense of hope and positivity to kids her age. A homemade video shows Bryanne performing the song during a rainy day as other scenes show medical professionals in action. — JR
Siilva, “Comparte Una Sonrisa”
Hailing from Miami, Fla., Siilva hopes to bring a smile on people’s faces with his new single “Comparte una Sonrisa” (Share a smile). To a soothing reggae rhythm, the half Cuban, half Peruvian artist spotlights the importance of sharing a smile amid the current health crisis. “I am very excited to be able to share this beautiful project. I hope you like it and can give you a moment of joy in the midst of this crisis, “the rising artist said in a statement. The song is accompanied by a homemade video showing people of all ages, including frontline heroes with their face masks on (and a smiling face drawn on them). – JR
Gilberto Santa Rosa, “Canta Mundo”
Gilberto Santa Rosa joined forces with Colombia’s Orquesta Sinfónica de Caldas to drop an optimistic salsa song dubbed “Canta Mundo” (Sing World). The collaboration, between the Puerto Rican award-winning artist and 50 Colombian musicians, is about having faith in humanity amid these challenging times. “The world is full of people who want to sing again / who want to forget their sadness / who are tired of crying so much,” Santa Rosa kicks off the song. – JR
Alex Rose ft. Yanzee, “Toque De Queda”
Alex Rose teamed up with Yanzee for “Toque De Queda” (Curfew), a song about quarantine life and the new norm. The rumba reggaeton is a catchy track that sheds light on the current challenges humanity is facing due to the novel coronavirus. In the song, both artists sing about having to pay their bills despite being laid off, the annoying TikTok dances, and surviving at all costs. “I’m going to continue sleeping until this is over,” they chant. — JR
Gloria Estefan, “We Needed Time”
With lyrics such as “All the dreams that we envisioned seemed to crumble in our hands / So suddenly alone” and “The life that I have known will forever be changed / And I pray it’s for the better,” Gloria Estefan brings to light a sincere song about humanity and the current global health crisis.
“Since we’re all in this together, let’s find ways to make it through,” she chants. In a homemade video, the Cuban-American artist is seen playing her guitar on an ocean dock and penning the lyrics, which were born on Earth Day. – J.R.
Manuel Turizo, “Quiereme Mientras Se Pueda”
Giving light to the global health crisis, Manuel Turizo presents “Quiereme Mientras Se Pueda,” a heartfelt urban bop about loving today because tomorrow might be too late. The video kicks off with encouraging viewers to stay home amid the pandemic, it then shows never-before-seen clips of Turizo with his loved ones, including his mother, girlfriend, brother Julian Turizo, and fans. His industry friends, such as Llane and Camilo also make appearances. Watch it below. — J.R.
St. Pedro, “Phone Sex”
Here, the R&B Spanish singer-songwriter gets real about feeling lonely during the pandemic. The R&B pop distancing-inspired song is about young lovers figuring out how to cope with the separation and the virtual mechanisms they’re turning to. – G.F.
Pitizion, “Cura Y Amenaza” feat. Omar Koonze, Jordy Jill, Okaa
Reflecting on global health crisis, Pitizion opens up about feeling a roller coaster of emotions while quarantined and the duality in humans who can be the cure or the pandemic’s biggest threat. For the DIY song and video, the Colombian singer-songwriter recruits other artists like Omar Koonze, Jordy Jill and Okaa. — G.F.
Danny Ocean, “Bailame”
For Danny Ocean, quarantine and social distancing is not quite the challenge since he’s used to creating his music at home. In the midst of the global pandemic, the Venezuelan artist let his creative juices flow, and with the help of director and editors Aroldo Contreras and Daniel Morales, he dropped a homemade video for his single “Bailame.” The romantic urban-ballad forms part of Ocean’s studio album 54+1.
“When I think of ‘Bailame,’ I think of an elegant girl listening to this elegant song at an elegant bar,” he previously told Billboard of the song he created between 2013 and 2014. In the music video, released Saturday (April 25), Ocean is seen in his Miami-based ocean-view apartment, dancing to the song on his balcony, living room, and bedroom. — J.R.
Black Guayaba, “Un Abrazo”
Puerto Rican rock band Black Guayaba released “Un Abrazo” (A hug) to demonstrate how everyone’s life has radically changed due to the coronavirus outbreak. “Even though everything stopped, our time is still the same,” the group chants in the lyrics.
The song, which is a different vibe for the group since they’re all singing in it, comes accompanied by a homemade video that shows all four members and scenes of the frontline heroes. “I think that during this quarantine, people have ventured to try different things, often out of necessity. Interesting things come out of those situations,” guitarist and composer Javier Morales said in a statement. – J.R.
Nibal, Justin Quiles, Danny Ocean, Feid, “Cuando Amanezca”
Emerging artist Nibal has teamed up with Justin Quiles, Danny Ocean and Feid to drop his quarantine urban love song about counting down the days to see that special someone. “We’ll see each other soon when the sun rises / I know this will make the desire grow,” the sweet lyrics say. The homemade clip, filmed in the midst of quarantine, features all four artists singing their verse in a video call. — J.R.
Manuel Carrasco, “Prisión Esperanza”
Spanish pop singer-songwriter Manuel Carrasco gets melancholic in his quarantine-inspired song titled “Prisión Esperanza” where he sings about yearning to reunite with loved ones after being in a prison-like state of mind. The accompanying music video includes breathtaking nature shots to reminisce on the little things we took for granted when we were “free.” – G.F.
David Bisbal, Aitana, “Si Tu La Quieres”
Two of Spain’s melodious voices have teamed up for a soothing and inspiring pop song titled “Si Tu La Quieres” (If you love her). The collaboration, born in the middle of the global pandemic, brings to light the unconditional love between two people, who are willing to make sacrifices for each other. In the video, we see Bisbal and Aitina performing as well as homemade videos of themselves and other people spending quarantine at home. – J.R.
“Resistiré México,” Multiple artists
Mexican artists like Gloria Trevi, Ximena Sariñana and Lila Downs, Horacio Palencia, Kinky, among others join forces for the uplifting and motiving song titled “Resisteré México.” The song’s message is of hope and unity and to tell the people in Mexico to “keep their spirits high in the face of this pandemic.”
One hundred percent of the song’s profits will be donated to the Unidad Temporal COVID-19, a temporary health unit enabled within Centro Citibanamex, which will treat patients with mild to moderate symptoms of the virus. – G.F.
Adriana Rios, “Esta En Ti”
Adriana Rios, one of Billboard’s Latin Artists to Watch in 2020, penned a heartwarming song in regards to the current health crisis. “Esta En Ti” (It’s In You) is a wake-up call to society, encouraging everyone to cooperate and stay at home. In the track, she also recognizes all of the workers and health professionals who have been in the frontline during these challenging times. – J.R.
Banda MS, “Es Hora de Unirnos”
With motivating lyrics and a message of unity and hope, Banda MS releases a new empowering song inspired by the global health crisis to give their fans a simple and direct message: “it’s time for us to unite.” Banda MS’s lead singers Alan and Waldo sing, “it’s time for us to get up, confront the situation. As difficult as it may seem, we will win.” “Es Hora de Unirnos” was written by Omar Tarazón, Javier Rochin and Jhonny Zazueta. – G.F.
Various artists from Azteca Records, “Cuando Pase Todo”
Azteca Records artists have joined forces for the empowering “Cuando Pase Todo” (When everything passes). The heartfelt Regional Mexican tune is about appreciating the smaller things in life, such as a smile, visiting a family member, giving a hug to a stranger, and playing in the park.
Written by Latin Grammy-nominated songwriter, Salvador Aponte, the song features La Maquinaria Norteña, La Fiera De Ojinaga, La Energía Norteña, La Reunión Norteña, Siggno, Los Pescadores Del Río Conchos, and Sexto Grado. — J.R.
Pablo Alborán, “Cuando Estes Aquí”
Spanish singer-songwriter, Pablo Alborán, released “Cuando Estes Aquí” (When You Are Here), a heartwarming beneficial song that brings a message of hope during the current health crisis. According to Alborán, this song represents a virtual hug to all of his fans. All proceeds from “Cuando Estes Aqui” will go to UNICEF to fight COVID 19. To make a donation, click here. – J.R.
Ivy Queen, “Antídoto”
Ivy Queen has penned a heartfelt song about the importance of hugs and kisses during these trying times and the life lessons of a global pandemic in “Antídoto” (Antidote). “We will restore our heart full of faith and we will walk,” says the chorus, encouraging her fans to keep strong.
Compared to her infectious reggaeton hits, the melodies in “Antídoto” are kept simple but powerful, where Ivy sings over a clock-ticking beat. “Let the family be the union / that the future is an uncertain one / and the present a gift,” she expresses before the final message in the video: “We are the antidote of the world.” — J.R.
Abraham Mateo, “Esta Cuarentena”
With shots of empty streets and other takes showing how people are keeping busy while in quarantine, Abraham Mateo’s self-isolation-inspired song is about longing to reunite with those loved ones once quarantine is over. “I’m missing you, not seeing you is taking a toll on me, but I’m doing it to keep you safe,” he sings. — G.F.
Erika Ender, “Back to Basics”
Panamanian singer-songwriter Erika Ender gets real in her quarantine-inspired melancholic song. “A screen replacing love” is how Ender starts the song. “No looks, just empty words.” Ender also released a Spanish version of the song titled “Cosas Que Echo de Menos,” listen to it here. – G.F.
Jorge Drexler, “Codo Con Codo”
With guitar in hand, the Uruguayan singer-songwriter took to social media to sing his new, nostalgic song “Codo Con Codo (Elbow to Elbow),” in which he explores all the other ways one can say hello without touching. “The hugs will come back, the slow kisses. If you run into a friend, say hello to them with your soul. Smile, throw them a kiss from afar,” Drexler sings. — G.F.
Farruko, “El Tiempo Pasa (Cuarentena)”
The reggaetón singer-songwriter is reminiscing on the past, wishing he could go back in time when he was able to visit family and hanging out with friends. “Wish I could enjoy those moments again. I can’t forgive myself for taking them for granted.” — G.F.
Raquel Sofia, “Amor En Cuarentena”“
When I get scared tonight, tell me if this world will come to an end, just tell me that love will save us,” Raquel Sofia sings in her recently-released soothing ballad “Amor en Cuarantena (Love In Times of Quarantine).” — G.F.
Karol G, Anuel AA, “Follow”
In the middle of quarantine life, Karol G dropped “Follow” in collaboration with her boyfriend Anuel AA. Produced by Ovy on the Drums, the song is a fusion of old-school reggae roots and sensual urban melodies about two people who like each other but are playing hard to get. Although the lyrics are not related to the current health crisis, the homemade music video highlights how the urban couple is spending their time at home during the pandemic. — J.R.
Bad Bunny, “En Casita”
Bad Bunny’s quarantine goes from playing with his Toy Story collection on his Instagram to dropping a surprise track with his girlfriend, Gabriela Berlingeri. In the improvised trap song, which was uploaded to Soundcloud, Bunny pens all of his feelings during the quarantine.
“I don’t want to die and I also don’t want to break the law / but being stuck here until May 16 really sucks,” he sings, elaborating in the song that he misses AutoTune, he had to cancel his concerts, and that he wants to see his loved ones but he can’t because of curfew. – J.R.
Alejandro Sanz, “El Mundo Fuera”
Alejandro Sanz and Juanes were one of the first artists to launch the new virtual concerts in times of COVID-19. In addition to crooning his fans from a YouTube live session, Sanz dropped his heartfelt piano-infused “#ElMundoAfuera” (The World Outside). “This song was created at home in quarantine,” he expressed on social media. “It’s an improvisation traveling on a voice note, some harmony instructions and a feeling in common.” –– J.R.
Franco De Vita, “Frágiles”
Venezuelan singer-songwriter Franco De Vita who currently resides in Madrid penned a heartfelt song about the effects that COVID-19 has on humanity called “Fragiles” (Fragile). “I never thought I would miss a hug so much,” he croons over a soothing melody. “Our lives, our dreams, fragile/ Our bodies, our homes, fragile,” says the impacting chorus. – J.R.
