Selena Gomez’s Rema-Collaboration “Calm Down” Earns U.S. Afrobeats Song of the Year Honors

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez is this year’s Afrobeats queen…

The 31-year-old Mexican American actress/singer’s record-breaking hit collaboration with Rema, “Calm Down,” is the 2023 U.S. Afrobeats Song of the Year.

Following Gomez’s addition to the buzzing track for a September 2022 remix release, it flew to No. 1 on the weekly U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and rang up a record 58 weeks in charge, nearly obtaining a perfect shutout of holding the No. 1 spot for each week of the chart year that fell short when Tyla’s “Water” broke the stranglehold in the final frame.

The dominant “Calm Down” year helped the track make massive inroads for Afrobeats across multiple Billboard charts, setting new marks for the genre’s highest-charting hit on the Billboard Hot 100 (No. 3) and posting a 10-week command on the all-genre Radio Songs chart.

Strong performances reap rewards for the track on both year-end lists, with “Calm Down” at No. 6 on the 2023 Hot 100 review and No. 4 on Radio Songs’ recap.

Feid Releases Eclectic New Album “MOR, No Le Temas A La Oscuridad”

Posted on October 1, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Feid is back with new music…

After weeks of teasing fans on social media, the 31-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter has released his new studio album, MOR, No Le Temas A La Oscuridad.

Translating to “Love, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” the set’s title is a tribute to the renowned ‘90s Nickelodeon show Are You Afraid of the Dark? and its concept is meant to remind us that everyone shines in the darkness.

On a personal level, Feid told Billboard earlier this year that its “whole concept has to do with how I went from being in the shadows as a composer to everything I am achieving now [as an artist].”

Home to 15 tracks, including the previously-released singles “Niña Bonita” with Sean Paul, “Vente Conmigo,” and “FERXXO 151” with Icon, which is rapidly gaining virality on TikTok, MOR is easily Feid’s most eclectic production yet.

The set kicks off with a chill, one-minute piano melody, where Ferxxo (his alter-ego) summarizes all the fame and success he’s living now. “I always wanted to sing/I never wanted to be a bad boy/I don’t like to show off but music has me living like a gangster,” he chants.

If his latest singles, including the Spanglish Afrobeat “Bubalu” with Nigerian artist Rema, are any indication, the Colombian artist is experimental as ever. This time around, he dabbles into electronic music (“Luces de Tecno”), futuristic perreo (“Romanticos de Lunes”), and lacing funk and indie-pop (“Privilegios”).

On other notable tracks, such as the Ryan Castro-assisted “Ritmos de Medallo” and “Hey Chory,” Feid (real name: Salomón Villada Hoyos) keeps his essence by singing romantic lyrics using his Medallo slang and distinct reggaeton sound.

MOR, No Le Temas A La Oscuridad follows Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo, Te Pirateamos el Album, which after being leaked online, peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart in 2022.

Anitta & TOMORROW X TOGETHER Release New Single “Back For More”

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Anitta is back with More…

The 30-year-old Brazilian singer-songwriter and TOMORROW X TOGETHER have released their new collaboration “Back For More.”

The single arrived on all streaming platforms on Friday, September 15.

Alongside the track’s release, a music video also arrived, which featured the group members — Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun and HueningKai — hitting expert choreography from the stage of an auditorium as they sing the chorus of the track, which dares the object of their affections to either be with them, or prepare to leave them all heartbroken.

“I can see you comin’ back for more/ Comin’ back for more (Yeah)/ If you walk out that door/ I can see you comin’ back for more/ Comin’ back for more (Yeah)/ If you walk out that door,” the boys sing on an infectious chorus.

Anitta provides an assist on the second verse of the track, and proves her endless devotion to the person lucky enough to catch her eyes. “Don’t wanna feel nobody/ If it isn’t you, baby/ They’re gonna call my night/ Been thinking about you, baby,” she seductively sings.

TXT performed “Back For More” alongside Anitta for their debut at the MTV VMAs on Tuesday night (September 12). “Back for More” — the pre-release single for The Name Chapter: FREEFALL (October 13 release date) — will receive a (TXT Ver.), a house remix and an Afrobeats remix, all of which will arrive on September 18.

Anitta Teaming Up with TOMORROW X TOGETHER for New Single “Back for More”

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

There’s always Tomorrow for Anitta.

The 30-year-old Brazilian singer, songwriter, dancer, occasional television host and actress is joining voices with TOMORROW X TOGETHER for the new single “Back for More,” which combines K-pop and Latin pop elements.

Anitta and TOMORROW X TOGETHER will debut the track with a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, days ahead of its September 15 release.

“Back for More” is slated to be TXT’s pre-release track, and will arrive ahead of the group’s third studio album, The Name Chapter: FREEFALL. The album — which follows previous release in the Name series, The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION — will be released on October 13.

The track will have several versions released throughout the month. A performance version of the song arrives the same day as its official drop, while “Back for More (TXT Ver.),” a house remix and Afrobeats remix will be released on September 18.

The press release describes “Back for More” as “a disco track with a groovy baseline and playful whistling sounds, adorned with the colorful hues of trendy Latin pop.”

Thematically, the lyrics explore how “enchanting miracles can be woven into the ordinary moments of our lives.”

TXT is nominated for VMAs in four different categories: song of summer, group of the year, push performance of the year and best K-pop (both for “Sugar Rush Ride”). Anitta scored one nomination for best Latin (“Funk Rave”).

The 2023 MTV VMAs will take place at the Prudential Center in New Jersey, and will air on MTV at 8:00 pm ET on September 12.

Rels B Releases New Single “Un Rodeoooo”

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Rels B is ridin’ high with new music.

The 29-year-old Spanish rapper, who is preparing for the release of his next studio album Afrolova, has released his new single “Un Rodeoooo” via DALE PLAY Records/Flakk Team.

As the album title may imply, the track is a sensual Afrobeats cut with bachata undertones that accompany lyrics about meeting and falling for a beautiful girl at a party.

“My producers are very connected with this culture, and we’ve traveled to Nigeria to work with producers there as well. It’s a project that I believe will mark a before-and-after for the Afrobeats genre,” Rels B, a former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise, said of the overall production.

Rels B has described his upcoming album as “the heaviest project I’ve ever created.”

The album will be released on July 21st.

Ozuna Signs with Scooter Braun‘s SB Projects

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ozuna is hoping to build up his music empire with a little extra braun…

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, and rapper has signed with Scooter Braun‘s SB Projects.

The management deal is a partnership with Edgar Andino, founder and CEO of Andino Marketing Group.

Ozuna joins a SB Projects roster that includes Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato, among others.

The company also previously managed Colombian powerhouse J Balvin, who parted ways with SB in June 2022 and is now signed to Roc Nation.

“I’m confident that Scooter and his team’s global music expertise will open doors into new markets,” Ozuna said in a statement. “We all share the same strategic vision and direction to keep spreading my music worldwide. I’m truly excited about all the new opportunities the future holds.”

“His music is a true voice of his community, and we look forward to working with him here at Hybe on a global scale,” Braun, CEO of HYBE America, added.

A key figure in Ozuna’s team, Andino has helped the singer-songwriter land global deals that range from NFT collaborations to releasing a song for the Call of Duty video game.

Most recently, he led negotiations for Ozuna’s inclusion in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Official Soundtrack, performing “Arhbo” with rapper GIMS. The uplifting song, which they performed at the World Cup’s closing ceremony, peaked at No. 1 Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart.

“Working with Ozuna over these past years, one thing is for certain, we always go big,” added Andino. “For us, Scooter and SB Projects align with our vision. They are the perfect partners to help in our continued approach and take Ozuna to the next level of his career. We cannot be more thrilled and cannot wait for everyone to see what we have coming next.”

In May, he released Afro, a seven-track EP where he experiments with Afrobeats. It followed his 2022 studio album, Ozutochi, which landed at No. 5 on the Top Latin Albums chart. Ozuna is set to embark on his Afro Tour across Europe this summer, which has 16 confirmed dates, including stops in France, Spain, Italy, Israel and Holland. The monthlong trek kicks off July 7 in France and wraps Aug. 6 in Spain.

“We’ve been following Ozuna’s career for years and we’re excited to be bringing him into the family to work with him and Edgar,” Jennifer McDaniels, president of management at SB Projects, said in a statement.

“Ozuna’s music is unmatched. His ability to work across genres including reggaeton, Latin pop, and more, is phenomenal. With unique songs offering fresh perspective and beautiful sounds, we’re thrilled to amplify his artistry with this partnership.”

Boza Releases Eclectic, Third Studio Album “Sin Sol”

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Boza is living without sun…

The 25-year-old Panamanian singer-songwriter has released his third studio album Sin Sol.

For the new album, Boza traveled across Europe seeking inspiration for his new lyrics and sound — such as beach getaways in Spain and late-night walks in Italy.

The set kicks off with “Talismán,” a smooth hip-hop track about a failed “perfect” relationship that highlights his infectious vocal range; followed by “Sin Waze,” a sensual Afrobeats cut about euphoric love; and transitioning to “Pa’ Que Tú Me Vea,” an EDM jam that narrates the story of a man who’s convincing a girl to leave her toxic relationship.

Though he’s still rooted in the reggae plena sound that made him a household name, Boza gets experimental on his new 13-track set.

In the Dalex-assisted “Volar,” produced by Sky Rompiendo, he dips his toes in a sugary electronica melody; in “Rompeolas – Acústica,” he passionately sings over weeping guitar riffs, and in “Te Conozco” he drops a hard-hitting dancehall groove.

Reggaetón also makes a strong presence in Sin Sol, as heard in tracks like “Qué Prefieres?” with Beéle and “Booty Puty.”

The set wraps with “Ocean,” where he reels in Mexican pop star Kenia Os for a sultry Afrobeats-meets-electronic song about having undeniable chemistry.

Daddy Yankee Comes Out of Retirement to Release “Beachy” Single, Featuring Omar Courtz

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Life’s beachy keen for Daddy Yankee…

To everyone’s surprise, the 46-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter and actor came out of retirement to release a new collaboration with newcomer Omar Courtz (who he discovered on Instagram).

Daddy Yankee and Courtz have teamed up for the summer-ready track called “Beachy.”

Co-written by Daddy Yankee, Courtz, Justin Quiles and BCA, the song — part of the upcoming LEGENDADDY Goat Edition album — narrates the story of a girl who’s getting tanned at the beach and enjoying the sun while she’s living her best single life.

The single, produced by Yankee, Dimelo Flow, BK and PM, fuses reggaetón with Afrobeats, backed by Daddy Yankee’s signature sugary vocals and Courtz’s raspier tones.

Ozuna Partners with Coors Light to Release “Chill Conmigo” for Brand’s Newest Ritmo Chill Campaign

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ozuna is ready to chill…

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and rapper has teamed up with Coors Light to kick off the beer brand’s newest campaign Ritmo Chill.

In the spirit of Coors Light’s slogan “Made To Chill” — which is on par with Coors Light’s aesthetic of the Rocky Mountains — Ozuna heads towards the icy route but gives his newest song some heat with the tropical-laden single, “Chill Conmigo,” written and produced by the artist himself.

The visual follows Ozuna in an office setting as he’s ready to break free from work and go on a quest for chiller moments. So he climbs to the peak of the Rocky Mountains and discovers a loaded Coors Light cooler.

“Yo solo busco un ambiente para vacilar con mi gente,” he sings against a joyous mix of Afrobeats and calypso pop. “I’m just looking for an environment to hang out with my people.” Then the scene transitions to the Ozuna enjoying himself at a spring break-styled pool party.

“Ritmo Chill is a musical program focused on helping consumers eliminate daily pressures by relaxing with good music and a cold Coors Light,” said consumer excellence senior manager, LatAm, Yaidi Clery in a statement. “The collab with Ozuna is a dream partnership because they both embody that spirit of taking things easy and letting go with good vibes. Just like Ozuna, Coors Light is ‘made to chill’.”

Although Coors Light Latin America soft launched Ritmo Chill last year, which also includes a series of five playlists on Spotify titled “Chill with Friends,” “After Work,” “Beach Chill,” “Pool Time,” and “Chill Vibes,” it’s the first time the division launches an original song and video with a Latin powerhouse performer for their campaign.

Ozuna, a global reggaeton and Latin trap hitmaker, is a five-time No. 1 chart-topper on Hot Latin Songs. He has landed on the Top Latin Albums with all of his five albums, including two No. 1s, and has reached the Billboard Hot 100 twenty times to date with hits like “Taki Taki,” “Te Boté,” “Monotonía,” “Criminal,” and more.

In December, Ozuna performed live at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 closing ceremony.

Boza Partners with Dalex to Release New Single “Volar”

Posted on April 15, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Boza is flying high…

The 25-year-old Panamanian singer and songwriter has joined voices with Dalex to release “Volar,” marking his first official single of the year.

Steering away from the signature reggae plena and afrobeat melodies that characterize his music, Boza experiments with infectious electronica beats helmed by Colombian hitmaker Sky Rompiendo.

A common denominator, however, is his romantic and flirtatious lyricism:

“Kiss me and tell me what you feel/ If you want to repeat it, for me it’s enough/ Time without you is time wasted/ I feel alive when I’m with you/ Show me how to fly,” says the chorus. Boza and Dalex join forces on a track about falling hard for a girl and feeling the highest of emotions.

The music video — where Boza is having a passionate makeout sesh with a model — is also representative of that.

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