Emilio Estefan Jr., the renowned music producer and entrepreneur, recently sat down with Billboard’s Isabela Raygoza at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Power Players event. The exclusive interview shed light on Estefan’s incredible journey and his vision for the future of Latin music.
With over four decades in the music industry, Emilio Estefan has become a legend in his own right. The Cuban-American producer has been credited for bringing Latin music to a global audience and paving the way for future generations. His work with artists like Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Jennifer Lopez has garnered him multiple Grammy Awards and solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in the industry.
The 2025 Billboard Latin Music Power Players event brought together the top players in the Latin music world to discuss the current state and future of the industry. Estefan, who was honored with the distinguished Power Players Legacy Award, was joined by other industry leaders to share their insights and ideas.
In his interview with Raygoza, Estefan spoke about his early struggles as a young immigrant in Miami and how his passion for music led him to become a successful producer. He also emphasized the importance of diversity and representation in the music industry, saying, “We need to give opportunities to the young people that are coming from different countries, different cultures, different languages.”
Estefan also discussed his latest project, a Broadway musical based on his life and career. Titled “On Your Feet,” the musical has been a hit on Broadway, and Estefan hopes to bring it to Latin American countries in the future. He shared his excitement about the show and how he hopes it will inspire others to follow their dreams.
When asked about his thoughts on the evolution of Latin music, Estefan expressed his joy at seeing how the genre has grown and become more mainstream. He credited this to the hard work and dedication of talented artists and producers who are constantly pushing the boundaries and creating innovative music.
As a veteran in the industry, Estefan also had valuable advice for the next generation of Latin artists. He encouraged them to stay true to their roots and culture while embracing new trends, saying, “You have to be authentic, but you have to be contemporary. You have to be respectful of your culture, but you have to be modern.”
The interview also touched upon the impact of technology on the music industry and the potential it holds for Latin artists to reach a wider audience. Estefan emphasized the importance of adapting to new technologies and using them to one’s advantage.
The 2025 Billboard Latin Music Power Players event also celebrated the achievements of other influential figures in the industry, including Ozuna, who was honored as the Power Player of the Year, and Rosalía, who received the Rising Star Award. The event showcased the diversity and talent within the Latin music community and highlighted its undeniable impact on the global music scene.
As the interview came to a close, Estefan left a message of hope and inspiration for aspiring musicians, saying, “Never give up. You have to be persistent. Always remember that if you believe in something, you can make it happen.”
Emilio Estefan’s passion for music and dedication to his craft has made him a force to be reckoned with in the industry. His contributions have paved the way for Latin artists and opened doors for them to reach new heights. As he continues to inspire others and break barriers, it is clear that his legacy will live on for many years to come.
