Joel Pimentel to quit Latin American boy band after last concert

Video - CNCO wins big at Latin American Music Awards"/>

Joel Pimentel is leaving famous Latin American boy band CNCO, the group said in a statement on Sunday.

A blow to fans of the group around the world, Pimentel will perform one last live concert with the group on Friday.

“We are sad to tell you that after five and a half unforgettable and life-changing years together, Friday May 14 will be Joel’s last day as a CNCO member,” the group said, stating that “Joel is leaving and will pursue new opportunities. ”

The statement, from remaining members Richard Camacho, Erick Brian Colón, Christopher Vélez and Zabdiel De Jesús, underscored the unity around the group formed in 2015 on the Univision music competition series “La Banda”.

“We are and always will be brothers. We support him in his next chapter, and will always remain, above all, a family, ”the statement said.

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The group spoke about the impact of losing Pimentel, 22, on fans: “We know this is sad news and is going to be as difficult for all of you as it is for us, but we appreciate you staying with us. While it’s different, we’re excited to continue in this new era of CNCO and can’t wait for you all to see what we have in store for you! ”

Pimentel responded to an Instagram post of the statement with a comment, “I love you guys. “

Pimentel went further in its own statement, posted to his Twitter account. “It’s time for me to grow up and explore new artistic avenues, it’s time to start building my own path and my own career,” he writes. “That’s why I decided to leave the group. “

As for the upcoming Friday livestream finale, the band wrote, “You are what keeps us going and look forward to continuing together stronger than ever. For this reason, we wanted to give you one last gift all together. “

CNCO has enjoyed major success on the Latin music charts, releasing eight Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Latin Pop charts, including the # 1 tracks “Reggaetón Lento (Bailemos)” and “Se Vuelve Loca”. The band’s songs have reached global audiences, performing particularly well in countries such as Colombia, Mexico, Spain and Argentina.

CNCO’s first two albums – “Primera Cita” in 2016 and “CNCO” in 2018 – debuted at No. 1 on the Latin charts and reached the Top 40 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart of all genres. The group’s latest effort, the cover album “Deja Vu”, was released in February.

The group has won numerous honors at the Latin American Music Awards, the Latin Billboard Music Awards, and the iHeartRadio Music Awards. The group’s “MTV Unplugged at Home” performance won Best Quarantine Performance at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards and they were nominated for Best New Artist at the 2017 Latin Grammys.

Pimentel wrote on Twitter about a new project, without details. “This is just a new start,” he wrote.

Contribuant: The Associated Press.