Four Latin creatives — Kike Baez (fashion designer), Omar Courtz (artist), Saiko (artist), and Yudy Arias (celebrity coach) — gathered at 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week on Tuesday (Oct. 15) to discuss how they are actively using their platforms to uplift and inspire their community and future generations with their art. 

Below, check out memorable quotes from each speaker at the “Deja Tu Huella: Inspire Who’s Next” panel, moderated by Billboard Español’s Isabela Raygoza. 

Omar Courtz: “Daddy Yankee gave me the opportunity to collaborate with him and he performed at my first massive concert. He has been a great inspiration to me since I was a kid. That’s how I leave my mark, because I want my fans to identify with me. It was important to have my idol with me so I could also inspire other artists like me.”

Yudy Arias: “As a family, we managed to come from scratch to achieve great things, we always work without expectations. Work with love because the most important moments have been with family. There are crazy moments in fame but that’s not all. Everything comes, everything goes and everything changes but family is always there and be happy with that.”

Saiko: “When I started making music, I didn’t have any goals. This year I released an album, I’ve done stadiums and at the end of the day, I know I’m a normal kid and maybe I can inspire other artists. I’m excited to be heard in Chile, Mexico, and other countries, but there’s nothing like being crowned and being a prophet in your own city… and for me that’s the greatest thing there is.”

Kike Baez: I remained very true to my beliefs. It was going to cost me twice as much, but I wanted to achieve it in Tijuana so that a kid like me could see that it was possible. For me, it is very important to inspire, create culture, and continue creating.

Over the past 35 years, Latin Music Week has become the one, steady foundation of Latin music in this country, becoming the single most important — and biggest — gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world. Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.

Five figures from the música urbana and música mexicana landscape — including singer-songwriters, producers, and rappers — shared insights into their creative processes and the paths they have navigated within the music industry during Billboard Latin Music Week.

The panel How I Wrote That Song: The Urban and Música Mexicana Edition, presented by BMI, took place on Tuesday (Oct. 15), and was moderated by Jesús González, vp of creative, Latin at BMI. González was joined by corridos singer-songwriter Armenta, producer Caleb Calloway, Puerto Rican rapper/singer Álvaro Díaz, singer-songwriter Alexis Fierro “Chachito”  and producer Albert Hype.

Below, find some of the best quotes from the panel:

Álvaro Díaz on his creative process: “Sayonara has really been a great blessing. I fell in love with the sound, especially in Puerto Rico. Pursuing projects that have their own identity, sounding like Álvaro Díaz and not like anyone else, is crucial. At the end of the day, the artists who stand out are those who dare. Things are always changing. I always prefer to be alone, I like to enter the studio and flow with what we are feeling. Having the privilege to work with someone like Yandel or someone like Rauw, who started from scratch with us, makes it more challenging to compose by oneself. The trick should always be to continuously learn, never assume you know everything.”

Caleb Calloway on his first album Hayabusa: “It’s exciting. It’s been a process. I’ve always looked up to many people in the industry, and having my own label The New Wave Group, we did it all ourselves. I always had the vision. Be yourself. With the money we have, we need to support these artists. She [Young Miko] is now a superstar (who Calloway produces for since her foundations). Having an identity takes time. Keep pitching, keep searching for your identity; it will take you to another level.”

Chachito on his beginnings to becoming a hitmaker: “At the age of 13 or 14, when I was a soccer player, I realized that I could write songs and decided to learn to play the guitar. It became my passion; day and night, I couldn’t put the guitar down. I work with Oscar Maydon, he gives me ideas and I execute them. What I enjoy the most is starting from scratch with artists and watching them grow. In my work routine, I have a formula: at night, I clear my mind and start writing titles. Out of about 30, I choose two. For me, the important thing is the experiences; for example, the first time I saw a bottle of Dom Pérignon in a club with the words ‘Lady Gaga’ on it inspired me to write ‘Lady Gaga’ [by Peso Pluma].”

Armenta on his creative process: “Since I was 11 years old, I have been immersed in corridos, Mexican music influenced by figures like Juan Gabriel, Joan Sebastian, and Los Tucanes [de Tijuana]. Transitioning to a songwriter meant adapting to global styles. It’s important to decide the space you want to be in; the intention of the melody, whether it’s sad or happy, is crucial, although studying musical theory can be a bit boring. But you need to understand it; major tones make a melody constitute 70% of a song’s impact. Catchy hooks are essential. You have to accept that you won’t always be the best, but life gives you talent and, with dedication and hard work, you can [stand out].”

Albert Hype on connecting regional and urbano music: “I started making beats in 2015 after playing in a bunch of punk bands. A lot of my style came from playing in rock bands, and now I’m doing the Latin scene, trying to incorporate rock into it. I met Ivan [Cornejo] at a Billboard [event]; he was already on my radar. The Mexican regional genre is massive now, reminiscent of reggaetón in 2019 when there was a massive renaissance. That’s what’s happening with regional; helping push that genre forward. I feel we’re bridging the gaps that used to exist between regional and urbano.”

Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20, on Telemundo. It will simultaneously be available on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app, and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.

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Good news — Crocs has dropped a collection of official Wicked clogs that’ll finally have you decide whether you’re more of an Elphaba or Glinda. The cozy footwear brand released the exclusive shoes on Tuesday (Oct. 15), featuring two styles inspired by the Wicked stars for you to choose from.

Add a magical touch to your footwear rotation while expanding your Wicked merch collection when you throw on a pair of the Elphaba Clogs ($69.99) or platform Glinda Siren Crocs ($94.99). Each pair features intricate details inspired by the characters including exclusive Jibbitz charms you can only get with the Crocs. Since there are two pairs up for grabs, you and your bestie can channel your inner Glinda or Elphaba as you practice “What Is This Feeling” before the film’s premiere.

If you can’t bear to choose between the two, you can also snag a five pack of Wicked Jibbitz charms ($24.99) that feature the movie’s logo, flying monkey’s and the Emerald City for you to decorate your other Crocs with.

It’s common for Crocs collaborations to sell out quickly, which means you’ll want to snag a pair before they’re gone “For Good.” Keep reading to shop the Wicked Crocs collection below.

“Wicked” Elphaba Classic Clog

Buy Now on crocs $69.99

Buy Now on journey’s $69.99

Have your defying gravity moment when you slip on the official Elphaba Crocs featuring a statement-making metallic green upper that’ll have you shining with every step. The adjustable heel strap comes with a textured black design inspired by the Wicked Witch’s billowing black cape.

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“Wicked” Glinda Siren Clog

Buy Now on crocs $94.99

Buy Now on journey’s $94.99

Feel as though you’re floating in these cushy platform Crocs inspired by the pink-loving Glinda. Along the sole is a white shimmery bubble pattern while the upper has a bubblegum pink shade with a glittery design that’ll have you ready to belt out “Popular.”

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In addition to Crocs, Wicked has been casting its spell on other brands, giving you ample opportunity to collect exclusive merch — especially as you prep your movie outfit. Some of the most recent collaborations include Bombas, Mattel and even Beis.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best comfortable sandals, platform heels and knee-high boots.

Four of Colombia’s hottest acts of today joined forces at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week for The Explosion of Colombian Pop Music panel on Tuesday (Oct. 15).

In a panel presented by Imagen & Mercado and moderated by Alex Sensation, Luis Alfonso, Paola Jara, Pipe Bueno, and Yeison Jimenez talked about the rise of Colombia’s most exciting new music movement. Below, read everything you should know about the musical genre.

What Is Música Popular Colombiana?

“Outside our country, there is always confusion because popular music is of all genres except classical. In Colombia, it refers to heartbreak, lack of love, and it cuts veins. I dare say that it is the cousin of Mexican and ranchera music that began in the villages and bars, but little by little spread to the cities and the rest of the country.” — Paola Jara

Why Is It Exploding Now?

“The generational change. We’re adding more professionalism, more focus, more work. We have more resources too. We are in other leagues, in other times but with the same essence and gratitude for what the pioneers did. But today it’s another level. I was a fan of Pipe [Bueno], and I bought his music. Thanks to him, I decided to go for it. At that time, Pipe connected with the youth, and ultimately connected all of us, and from there came the new generation.” — Yieson Jimenez

Pioneer of the New Generation

“I grew up listening to popular music. I grew up loving this genre. When the time came to be a singer, popular music was the music that I felt in my blood and I was passionate about singing. When that dream began, popular music was the ugly duckling of genres, with little culture. At that time, many doors were knocked down for them to fall. This is due to the change in the genre in its exponents: how they dress, how they look … there is no longer a stereotype, and it became an aspirational genre.” — Pipe Bueno

What’s Needed for U.S. Explosion?

“A little more work, more noise. In Colombia there are tons of talents who come with a hunger to conquer the world and important musical material. We need more noise. For people to know about our music. Something I admire about reggaeton and urban music is that it is one of the biggest in the world because there is a lot of brotherhood between them. In Colombia that chip has already changed. There was a lot of ego, and today in popular music there is unity and strength. It is only necessary to light the match and for the bomb to go off.” — Luis Alfonso