In February, Latin music shone in unprecedented fashion thanks to two Latinas. Jennifer Lopez, who is Puerto Rican by way of the Bronx, and Colombian pop star Shakira co-headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in Miami. J.Lo waved a Puerto Rican flag and Shakira danced the Afro-Colombian Champeta in front of more than 62,000 people in the stadium and an additional 104 million home viewers.
The frequency of women coming together in Latin music jumped after Mexican-American singer Becky G and Dominican reggaetonera Natti Natasha scored a global hit in 2018 with “Sin Pijama.” Their collaboration peaked at No. 4 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart and No. 70 on the all-genre Hot 100. The music video has amassed more than 1.6 billion views on YouTube. During Billboard‘s Latin Music Week last year, Becky G talked to us about the song’s impact.
“The industry, the press, the audience would rather see women compete against each other and fight against each other,” she said. “I would like to change that. So many people told me not to do ‘Sin Pijama’ with anybody. Imagine two powerhouses coming together. That’s a moment in history. That’s more than just a hit song. That’s making a statement that will change the game and that’s exactly what we did.”
This isn’t a new phenomenon, of course, but it’s refreshing to see to more women in Latin music joining forces. Even women in the Anglo market are becoming part of the movement, with Trini superstar Nicki Minaj rapping in Spanish on Colombian reggaetonera Karol G’s “Tusa,” one of the biggest hits in the world at the moment. They made history last November with the first track featuring two women as lead artists to debut atop and reach No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting 10 of the grandest all-female collaborations in Latin music. Get your girl power playlists ready to be graced with the presence of reinas.
Becky G & Natti Natasha “Sin Pijama” (2018)
Before “Sin Pijama,” if women in reggaeton did collaborations, it would mostly be with the men in the genre to help extend the reach of their music. Becky G and Natti Natasha proved that an all-female collaboration could make just as much of an impact, if not a greater impact, than their previous hits with the guys. The women’s urbano romp about a sexy sleepover awakened a movement of female solidarity in Latin music.
Natti Natasha & Kany García “Soy Mía” (2019)
Another woman Natasha teamed up with on her debut album, last year’s ilumiNATTI, was Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Kany García on “Soy Mía.” For this song, Natasha took a step back from reggaeton and embraced the bachata music of her native Dominican Republic. Both women stand their ground and promote a message of self-love over the need for romance. This breezy bop is a breath of fresh air.
Gloria Trevi & Karol G “Hijoepu*#” (2019)
For last year’s Diosa de la Noche album, Mexican icon Gloria Trevi teamed up with Karol G for “Hijoepu*#.” Trevi is no stranger to all-female collaborations, having previously teamed up with fellow Mexicanas Paulina Rubio and Alejandra Gúzman on separate occasions. With Karol, the two women let an unfaithful “son of b**ch” know that the jig is up. They took the vengeful reggaeton-pop anthem to No. 12 on the Hot Digital Latin Songs chart dated March 29, 2019.
Paulina Rubio & Alejandra Gúzman “Ni Tú Ni Nadie” (2020)
Speaking of Rubio and Gúzman, the Mexican pop icon and the queen of Latin rock joined forces for a cover of Alaska y Dinarama’s ’80s classic “Ni Tú Ni Nadie.” Just in time for Women’s History Month, the music video surfaced this month featuring both artists taking their media-fueled “feud” into the boxing ring. This was reportedly part of the promotions for their Versus Tour that might come to fruition after the coronavirus pandemic passes. The Mexicanas pack plenty of punch on this pop-rock knockout.
Thalía & Lali “Lindo Pero Bruto” (2019)
Mexican pop icon Thalía has collaborated with many women in the past. That includes Becky G, and on her last album, 2018’s Valiente, she worked with Natasha and Spanish singer Ana Mena on separate tracks. Another all-female standout on that album is “Lindo Pero Bruto” with Argentine pop princess Lali. On the playful reggaeton bop, both women indulge in and take aim at airheaded himbos. They took the girl-power song to No. 32 on the Latin Airplay chart dated April 20, 2019.
Tini & Greeicy “22” (2019)
Something that Argentine pop princess Tini is not credited enough for is helping push for all-female collaborations in Latin music. Last year, she continued working with women such as Colombia’s Greeicy on “22” from her upcoming third album. A blend of reggaeton and cumbia music backs both women as they remain steadfast in singing that heartbreak won’t stop them from enjoying their birthdays.
María José & Ivy Queen “Las Que Se Ponen Bien La Falda” (2016)
The cover art for the “Las Que Se Ponen Bien La Falda” single shows ex-Kabah member María “La Josa” José and the first lady of reggaeton, Puerto Rico’s Ivy Queen, together with their fists held high in the air. The Mexican pop star and the OG reggaetonera unite in their fight against the objectification and degradation of women in the tune. The reggaeton-pop collaboration is an empowering ode to women who wear what they want while pushing back on sexism. La Josa and Ivy boldly lead the charge.
Shakira & Rihanna “Can’t Remember to Forget You” (2014)
As a force in Spanish and English music, Shakira has often been tapped for collaborations in both markets, including when superstar Beyoncé did a duet with her on 2007’s “Beautiful Liar.” For her 2014 self-titled album, Shakira recorded another memorable female collaboration, “Can’t Remember to Forget You” with Barbadian superstar Rihanna. On the reggae-influenced bop, both women find themselves caught up in bad romances. They took it to No. 15 on the Hot 100 chart dated Feb. 14, 2014.
Jennifer Lopez & Cardi B “Dinero” (2018)
Technically, Jennifer Lopez’s “Dinero” with Dominican-American rapper Cardi B also features DJ Khaled, but he serves as one of the song’s producers and usual hypeman. The two Latinas hold their own as they boast about their lavish spending habits in both English and Spanish. Backed by a blend of Latin and trap music, J.Lo and Cardi proudly rep the Bronx as girls who just want to have more funds. Their bankable club banger hit No. 80 on the Hot 100 chart dated June 8, 2018.
Madonna & Anitta “Faz Gostoso” (2019)
After feeling inspired by her move to Lisbon, Portugal, Madonna covered the Portuguese track “Faz Gostoso” by local singer Blaya for last year’s Madame X album. For her version, the Queen of Pop enlisted the help of Brazilian superstar Anitta. The Latina gives extra credibility to Madonna’s stab at Portuguese as they fight their feelings for a hot homewrecker. Together the two women turn up the heat with this irresistible baile funk banger.
