From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Lenny Tavárez Celebrates Birthday With East Harlem Students
Lenny Tavárez marked his birthday in New York City by launching his Dale Ritmo Community Outreach initiative with a dance class in East Harlem. In collaboration with Platoon — and alongside his wife, dancer Natasha Nazario — the Puerto Rican star introduced the program on Tuesday (May 20) through Ballroom Basix at the James Weldon Johnson School, where they led an interactive salsa workshop for students ages 9 to 11.
“Dale Ritmo was created to share our culture, music, and joy with the younger generations,” Tavárez tells Billboard Español. “Seeing these students dance, learn and connect with their roots is the best birthday gift I could have received.” During the session, students took part in salsa and social dance activities focused on rhythm, coordination and teamwork — bringing Latin culture directly into a classroom setting and creating a hands-on experience centered on art, movement and community. See the video below.
Shakira Taps Uganda’s Ghetto Kids for World Cup Final
The Colombian superstar gave Inspire Ghetto Kids Foundation an unforgettable global moment this week, inviting the child dance group to perform with her during the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The invitation followed the group’s viral dance routine to “Dai Dai,” the official World Cup song by Shakira and Burna Boy.
The Uganda-based group, whose Instagram describes them as “An NGO with a mission of using music, dance & drama to help disadvantaged, street & orphaned children,” responded on Monday (May 18) stating that “this would be a dream come true for us and for Uganda and Africa!,” as captioned on the reel.
Then on Friday (May 22), Shakira shared a teaser showing her dancing with the kids while promoting the full “Dai Dai” video which will release Saturday (May 23) at 12pm ET. Watch the youth dancers’ IG post below accepting Shak’s invitation.
Rauw Alejandro Launches ‘La Tribuna del Fútbol’ in Puerto Rico
Soccer fans, rejoice! Rauw Alejandro is bringing World Cup fever to Puerto Rico with La Tribuna del Fútbol, a free fan experience running from June 11 to July 19 at Ecos Sport Puerto Rico. Announced Friday (May 22), the event is designed as a gathering place for fans across the island, with daily screenings of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches alongside live music, food, cultural activations and family-friendly programming.
Beyond the match screenings, La Tribuna del Fútbol will also feature the Rauw Cup 2026 in U16, U20 and adult divisions, as well as padel, beach tennis and beach volleyball tournaments. The programming also expands beyond sports with pilates, bachata and salsa sessions, exclusive watch parties — including the Xander Zayas vs. Jaron Ennis card — and an official merchandise store.
