Titans in Latin music united for the 35th anniversary of Billboard Latin Music Week and the topic of community was highlighted during a panel conversation at The Fillmore.
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On Tuesday, October 15, the “Deja Tu Huella: Inspire Who’s Next” conversation presented by Cheetos saw four creatives discuss how they are actively leaving their mark to uplift and inspire their communities and future generations with their art. Among the guests at the daytime programming were rising stars Omar Courtz and Saiko, Mexican designer Kiko Baez and celebrity yoga coach Yudy Arias, with Billboard’s Isabela Raygoza, Associate Editor of Billboard Español, moderating the conversation.
Below, check out the conversation in full, with some memorable quotes from each panelist:
Omar Courtz on Daddy Yankee’s Impact on His Career: “Daddy Yankee gave me the opportunity to collaborate with him. And not only did he give me that opportunity, but he also showed up at that first massive concert we did in Puerto Rico. So for me, Daddy Yankee has been a great inspiration since I was a kid. I remember imitating him at talent shows, dressing like him, wearing his clothes, going to his concerts and sharing the same stage. That’s why I say I try to leave my mark, so that people can identify with me, so they can have a story like mine. For me, it’s important to have one of my idols there with me at the concert for that reason, to inspire others who feel the same way I do.”
Saiko on How His Passion Inspires Others: “At the end of the day, I know I’ve been a normal teen. I enjoy what I do [and] could inspire another artist. I don’t consider myself an example of anything, but it’s true that I like to be an inspiration for many people. And this year is incredible. And it excites me, for example, that people from Chile listen to me. It excites me that people from Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spain listen to me.”
Kiko Baez on How He Discovered His Work Ethic: “Tijuana, as a border city, is recognized for its work and exports to the United States focused on manufacturing. I think I’ve had that dream since I was a kid, as you said. Curiously, I would work with my dad selling clothes, which I didn’t enjoy since I was five-years-old. Then a woman who sold pirated CDs moved in next to our stand. It was 2005, with Wisin y Yandel’s music, and from then on, I wanted to work because my mom didn’t let me listen to Wisin y Yandel at home since I was just a five-year-old kid. But, from then on, that was my motivation…Believe me, that changed my life because I saw how, as just a kid, it flipped my switch. I wanted to work for one motivation, which was music and gradually this dream became a reality, which is really crazy.”
Yudy Arias on Her Mission to Inspire Youth: “[I’m looking] definitely to inspire. I love what we’re doing with Maluma’s label at Royalty Records. In my case, a lot of people tell me, “Woah, Maluma, you made it,” but honestly, what I love the most about the industry is the process. To me, it’s so exciting to see young people wanting to achieve so much. Being able to contribute a grain of sand feels so good. You have no idea how much love I put into it, how I try to lift them up.”
Omar Courtz, Saiko, Kiko Baez, Yudy Arias, Isabela Raygoza at Billboard Latin Music Week Panels on October 15, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Gustavo Caballero
Atmosphere at Billboard Latin Music Week Panels on October 15, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Gustavo Caballero
