Danny Ocean Rallies Aid for Venezuela on European Tour & More Uplifting Moments in Latin Music

From career milestones to new 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.

Amid the crisis caused by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela, Danny Ocean announced he will move forward with his scheduled European festival tour while transforming each stop into an opportunity to mobilize aid for his home country. Through his social media, the Venezuelan singer-songwriter has called on fans to help raise funds for organizations already working on the ground.

“If you have the ability to help, we have joined forces with World Central Kitchen, which is already in Venezuela providing food and support to affected communities, and with Hogar Bambi, who are offering assistance to children impacted by this catastrophe,” said Ocean. “Any contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference.”

Brooklyn’s beloved Puerto Rican matriarch Toñita got a well-deserved moment in the spotlight at the third annual Toñita Fest on Sunday (June 28) in Williamsburg, where Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso presented her with the Key to Brooklyn. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani was also on hand to honor her with “Bandera Viva,” an original artwork inspired by the Puerto Rican flag created by Bronx-born designer Edwin Reyes. The free street festival — centered around Toñita’s legendary Caribbean Social Club, now celebrating 52 years — brought a full day of music, DJs, dominoes and community programming, with performances from Los Mirlos, Calma Carmona, Afro Dominicano, Anónima Orquesta and The Salsa Project, plus a surprise appearance by Guaynaa.

“For 52 years, Toñita has been an icon for this city,” Mamdani said during the ceremony, praising her for building “a sense of community” and belonging for Nuyoricans across the five boroughs. He also used the moment to spotlight solidarity beyond the block, acknowledging both Puerto Rico’s ongoing water crisis and the recent earthquakes in Venezuela — noting that comedian Angelo Colina was on-site with a booth to support Venezuelan relief efforts. Between the honors, the lineup and the surprise guest, the day stood as a joyful celebration of Boricua culture and community resilience in New York.

Becky G is bringing music, soccer and community together. The Mexican-American star served as global ambassador for Lenovo’s Your Club Your Canvas initiative, which on Tuesday (June 30) unveiled a limited-edition “12th Player” kit for Seattle football clubs Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC. Created by creative director Sophia Yeshi — whom Becky G mentored — the jersey was shaped over a full season of conversations, workshops and community storytelling, honoring the fans, volunteers and supporters who give the clubs their identity. Proceeds from sales will be reinvested into both clubs and their communities.

“Football has always been about the people,” Becky G said in a statement. “What I love about these kits is that they weren’t designed for the communities — they were designed with them. They reflect pride and belonging that goes far beyond the game.” Arriving amid World Cup fever and a growing moment for soccer kits as cultural and fashion statements, the drop marks the second chapter of Lenovo’s global initiative, following a launch in China, with designs from Brazil and Italy still to come.

Abbey Road Institute is bringing its world-class music production education to Los Angeles. The international school announced on Monday (June 29) that its newest campus will open Oct. 26 inside Hollywood’s historic Sunset Gower Studios, led by 19-time Grammy and Latin Grammy winner Rafa Sardina. The renowned engineer, producer and musician — whose credits include Rosalía, Alejandro Sanz, Stevie Wonder, Camila Cabello and Lady Gaga — designed the campus to give students a professional, hands-on experience at the heart of the city’s music scene, including access to the legendary United Recording studios.

“Abbey Road Institute Los Angeles is the culmination of a long-held dream,” Sardina said in a statement. “I want to share the invaluable professional experiences of my closest musical colleagues and myself with outstanding new generations of mixers, producers, and other music and music business professionals.” The Diploma in Music Production and Sound Recording program will feature a faculty of top L.A.-based producers and engineers, offering aspiring talent a direct pipeline into the industry — a meaningful boost for the next generation of Latin and global music creators alike.