Agushto Papá, Juancito y Jess Judith hablan del impacto de los podcasters en la música en Latin Music Week

During the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami, a distinct shift in music promotion emerged as podcasters Agushto Papá, Juancito, and Jess Judith discussed their expanding influence within the Latin music sphere. The panel, moderated by Billboard Español's Isabela Raygoza, showcased how podcasting has become a dynamic platform for connecting artists and audiences beyond traditional media.

Jess Judith, a Dominican influencer turned podcaster, shared her unconventional journey from marketing student to a content creator whose passion for music evolved into a professional pursuit. She highlighted how podcasting allows for deeper engagement, offering listeners intimate and extended conversations that differ significantly from the brief interactions typical of social media.

Venezuelan podcaster Juancito recounted his transition from labor-intensive jobs like Uber driving and construction to hosting “Desde Cero,” a podcast that symbolizes the concept of starting fresh. Over seven years, his platform grew to include live shows in Miami, reflecting the potential for podcasts to cultivate loyal communities and elevate emerging voices within the Latin music landscape.

The group Agushto Papá, composed of Mexican childhood friends Diego Mondragón, Ángel López, and Jason Nuñez, revealed their pivot from aspiring regional Mexican artists to curators of a podcast dedicated to bridging the gap between fans and artists. Their initiative arose from noticing a lack of media coverage for popular Mexican music acts, particularly in the U.S., inspiring them to create a space that connects audiences with the genre’s evolving scene.

Central to the discussion was the role podcasters now play in artist development and promotion. Judith emphasized the audience's appetite for authenticity and long-form storytelling, which allows fans to discover the personalities behind the music. This approach fosters a more meaningful artist-fan relationship that traditional short-form content struggles to achieve.

Juancito added perspective on the strategic dimension podcasters must consider, particularly in a market saturated with content. He stressed the importance of offering unique value to artists, suggesting that successful podcasts contribute actively to an artist’s promotional efforts rather than merely serving as passive platforms.

Agushto Papá's experience illustrated how podcasting can fill gaps left by mainstream music media, especially for genres or artists that may be underrepresented. By directly engaging with fans and musicians, their podcast helps sustain interest and visibility for Mexican regional music within the competitive U.S. market.

The event underscored the evolving media ecosystem in Latin music, where digital formats like podcasts are increasingly instrumental in shaping artist narratives and expanding reach. The timing of this conversation aligned with the announcement of the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to be broadcast live on October 22 from Miami’s James L. Knight Center, further highlighting the growing interplay between traditional awards ceremonies and new media platforms.

While the panelists shared personal insights and career trajectories, details about specific podcast content or audience metrics were limited. Nonetheless, their collective experience signals a broader trend whereby podcasting is cementing itself as an influential medium in the Latin music industry’s future.

As Latin music continues to diversify and globalize, the rise of podcasting offers artists novel avenues for exposure and fan engagement. This development not only challenges established promotional models but also enriches the cultural dialogue surrounding Latin music’s ongoing evolution.