Anamaria Sayre

Mon Laferte aims to contradict, expose or challenge norms; she takes the assignment of performing in an office space as no exception.

There's a reason why the escapist hit from singer Aitana has swept most of the Spanish-language world.

In her recordings, RaiNao leans into reggaeton and electronic beats. Her Tiny Desk performance presents a different version of Puerto Rico's song spine, built on guiros, timbales and maracas.

Since 2014, we've been hitting bands up to send in their videos for the opportunity to win the Tiny Desk Contest. And almost from the beginning, Alt.Latino has been pulling aside the bands and artists that play Latin music. It’s always been a highlight to see the incredible talent that's out there night after night in bars, clubs, community centers, street parties and backyards, finding new ways to express their Latino identity through music. This year was no different.We waded through hundreds of entries to select the six to feature this week, which showcase a huge variety of musical expressions.And a reminder: you can see every band that sent in a video this year right here - and a big shout out to this year’s winner, Cure For Paranoia!Artists and songs featured in this episode:(04:10) Sofia Gomez, "Without Me"(07:58) Ed Harvest, "Me Toca Despedirme de Ti"(11:05) alegrías, "Wahoo!"(16:05) Ivan Llanes and Friends, "Cubahia"(22:27) Majo Puente, "MAKTUB"(25:56) Thee Almighty Majestics, "Última Noc

The MET Gala 2026 was eclipsed by its own sponsors, making the event feel out of touch and out of fashion.Beyoncé made her first MET Gala appearance in ten years. Rihanna showed up (very late). And there were many incredible fashion moments: from Emma Chamberlain to Nicole Kidman to Lena Dunham. But the whole affair was overshadowed by the sponsorship of Jeff and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. Plus, other tech billionaires, Mark Zuckerberg and Sergey Brin, made their MET Gala debuts. All calling into question...what is this event (and art) really for?To get into it, NPR Music's Anamaria Sayre is joined by culture critic Marjon Carlos and culture writer Shelton Boyd-Griffith. Together they rate the best and worst of fashion's biggest night and explain why the MET Gala feels like it's in decline.Support Public Media. Join NPR Plus.Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluseFor handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR’s Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.

Etched with Argentine folklore and fueled by the rap batallas of Buenos Aires, Milo J's songs call upon the cumulative spirit of the centuries.

The Spanish singer and multi-instrumentalist dances between ferocity and softness. Amaia's music plays with flamenco, but never forgets home.

International Women's Day is more than a perfunctory holiday in many parts of Latin America. In Mexico City, for example, more than 120,000 people turned out on Sunday to protest femicide and celebrate the ongoing fight for basic rights for women in the country. In honor of the holiday, this week's episode debuts our female power anthems hall of fame, highlighting women in Latin music whose art challenged the status quo of their time. Plus, some on-the-ground reporting from Anamaria Sayre at the march in Mexico City.

On Feb. 21, the musical world lost a legend and pioneer of salsa: Willie Colón.The trombonist, songwriter, producer and arranger was a key part of the transition of Afro-Caribbean dance music from regional traditions to worldwide popularity. For an insider’s perspective on that history, this week we speak to trombonist and bandleader Angel “Papo” Vázquez, a Philadelphia-born musician who was not only inspired to play the trombone by Willie Colón, but also played on some historic recordings by Colón and other Fania Records notables.The best music tells great stories, and the same can be said about musicians. Vázquez brings along five tracks by Willie Colón that set him, and the rest of the world, on a path of deep appreciation for Colón’s contributions to salsa.This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed

This week on Alt.Latino, it's another new music episode with a global panorama: Canary Islands merengue, Chicano soul, Afro-Brazilian roots and more. Plus, a percussion supergroup that Felix could listen to for hours.Featured artists and albums:(00:00) Introduction(01:05) Quevedo, 'NI BORRACHO'(05:12) Joey Quiñones, 'In a Soul Situation'(12:34) Carolina Mama, 'Amina'(15:41) Elipsis, 'Elipsis'(19:32) Da Cruz, 'Som Sistema'(23:56) Sofía Rei, 'Antónima'This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music.