‘Queen of Reggaeton’ to Headline Newark Latin Fest 2024

NEWARK — A daylong celebration to be headlined by “Queen of Reggaeton,” Ivy Queen, this month will also include a performance by Fernando Villalona, one of the greatest merengue singers in the genre’s history, city officials announced.

The city’s seventh-annual Latin Festival is scheduled to be held from noon to 10 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18, on Bloomfield Avenue between Lake Street and Clifton Avenue, in the North Ward, Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles-Mercado and Mayor Ras J. Baraka and announced.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

“I am very excited to bring two singing legends to this year’s Latin Festival and share their enormous talents with a vast audience for free,” Deputy Mayor Quiles-Mercado said in the announcement. “It’s also thrilling to introduce the amazing assortment of local musical artists who generate as much dynamic energy as the headliners.”

Ivy Queen, a Puerto Rican native, is a singer, songwriter, actress, podcast host, and pioneer of the Reggaeton genre, officials said. Her 2007 “Calle 13” album gained her a Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Museum Album, officials said. Ivy Queen was nominated for another Latin Grammy in 2012 in the same category for her album “Musa,” and she was recently recognized by the prestigious Billboard magazine as “Icon of the Year,” receiving recognition from her compatriot Bad Bunny, officials said.

Also performing will be Fernando Villalona, one of the greatest merengue singers in the genre’s history, officials said. The Dominican native began his career in the early 1970s and has recorded 24 albums. He participated in the Spanish recording of “We Are the World,” along with superstars Shakira, Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias.

“No one can deny – or ignore – the special energy that our Latino residents and business owners infuse into our city life,” Baraka said. “For generations, they have combined their optimism, hope, and faith with their leadership, creativity and skill, to build strong families and communities, and enrich Newark on every level.”

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

Representatives from Newark’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, which is among the event’s sponsors, will be available for conversation and connect residents with resources for mental health, employment, relocation and services for those who have been affected by crime and violence.

“Because all of Newark benefits deeply from the Latino cultural devotion to family and community, this hugely popular event is the perfect venue to spread awareness about OVPTR services,” OVPTR Director Kyleesha Wingfield-Hill said. “Our office is here to help residents understand the causes and prevention of violence, and how to heal from it.”

Coolers and pets are not permitted during the event, officials said. Riding bikes or scooters is also prohibited on site, but attendees are encouraged to arrive and depart using Newark Go, the city’s scooter and bike share program, the city said. The rented e-bikes and scooters can be left on Clifton and Bloomfield Avenues, near the Latin Festival. There will be additional car parking in Branch Brook Park, officials said.

“With all its vibrancy each year, this festival is a fantastic opportunity for our Latino residents to come together, celebrate their culture, enjoy great entertainment, and obtain valuable resources about services available to empower their lives,” Quiles-Mercado said.

People interested in becoming a sponsor or participating in the Latin Festival may contact Quiles-Mercado at the Office of Community Engagement at 973-733-4310.

If you go

The annual Latin Festival is scheduled to be held from noon to 10 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18, on Bloomfield Avenue between Lake Street and Clifton Avenue, in the North Ward. Coolers and pets are not permitted. Additional parking is available in Branch Brook Park.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net