Keityn Named Songwriter of the Year at ASCAP Latin Music Awards

Posted on May 4, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

(Te) Felicito-ciones are in order for Keityn…

The Colombian songwriter and musical artist who co-wrote Karol G’s “Provenza” and Shakira and Rauw Alejandro’s “Te Felicito,” was named songwriter of the year at the 2023 ASCAP Latin Music Awards.

“Me Porto Bonito” — performed by Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone and co-written by ASCAP songwriter Master Joe — won song of the year, while Universal Music Publishing Music Group took the publisher of the year honor.

Winners at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers’ annual awards — which recognize the songwriters, producers and publishers behind Latin music’s biggest hits — where announced on May 3 at an invitation-only event in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A first-time ASCAP winner, Keityn (real name: Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno) has also been behind chart-topping hits such as “Tusa” by Karol G and Nicki Minaj, Maluma‘s “Hawái” and J Balvin and Tainy’s “Agua,” to name a few.

In October 2021, he signed an exclusive deal with Warner Music Latina, and since then, he has released songs as a performer like “El Egoísmo” with Mike Bahía and Dekko, “Anoche” and “Nueva Versión.”

Song of the year honoree “Me Porto Bonito” — a reggaetón track infused with Latin pop and sandungueo, in which two men promise to behave nicely if the woman they’re after asked them to — spent 20 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. It also reached No. 1 on Latin Airplay, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, and hit the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.

Universal Music Publishing Music Group was recognized as publisher of the year for hits including “Después de la Playa,” “Efecto,” “La Corriente,” “Me Porto Bonito,” “Moscow Mule,” “Neverita,” “Ojitos Lindos,” “Party,” “Tarot,” “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Un Ratito” — all part of Bad Bunny’s uber-successful Un Verano Sin Ti, the second album in Spanish to ever top the Billboard 200.

Other 2023 ASCAP Latin Music Award-winning songwriters include Daddy Yankee (“Remix”), Jhayco (“Sensual Bebé”), Marc Anthony (“Mala”), Marco Antonio Solís (“Si Te Pudiera Mentir”), GALE (her first ASCAP Latin Award for “Ley Seca”) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Dos Oruguitas”).

Warner Music Latina Signs Worldwide Deal with Keityn

Posted on October 29, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Keityn is ready to break out globally…

Warner Music Latina has signed a worldwide exclusive deal with the 25-year-old Colombian songwriter.

Born Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, the artist is behind chart-topping hits like “Tusa” by Karol G and Nicki Minaj, Maluma‘s “Hawái” and J Balvin and Tainy‘s “Agua,” to name a few.

The deal will see future releases of his songs as an artist. With “Nueva Versión,” which was released this week, he makes his debut as a singer-songwriter.

“Keityn is undoubtedly one of today’s top and most complete artists,” Gabriela Martinez, managing director Warner Music Latina, said in a statement. “His new musical work with his lyrics and rhymes represent an unprecedented new sound, and his voice confirms his unstoppable talent.”

“For me it is a pleasure to be part of the Warner family, this is one of the largest labels in the industry and I’m extremely happy,” Keityn expressed. “It is incredible to know they trust me, and my talent and I hope to do amazing things with this great family.”

Juan Vargas, Keityn’s manager added: “It is a pleasure to start this new stage in his rising career, with the support of a Warner Music Latina. It means a lot to be backed by a such a great record label.”

Keityn is up for three Latin Grammys, including song of the year for “Agua” and “Hawai” and best urban song for “Agua.”

Earlier this year, Billboard caught up with the artist who’s “Tusa (Heartbreak),” which he co-wrote with Ovy on the Drums, won song of the year at the ASCAP Latin Music Awards.

“It’s a song that a woman or a man can sing,” Keityn said talking about the hit song. “It’s a situation a lot of people go through so they identify with the song. Plus, the combination of Nicki with Karol; that was explosive.”

Joss Favela Signs Worldwide Administration Agreement with Warner Chappell Music

Posted on October 10, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Joss Favela has a new deal…

The 30-year-old Mexican award-winning singer-songwriter has signed a worldwide administration agreement with Warner Chappell Music.

“His raw talent, creative instincts, and authenticity shine through in every performance,” said Gustavo Menéndez, WCM president, U.S. Latin & Latin America, who first saw Favela perform at the ASCAP Latin Music Awards a few years ago. “We’re glad Joss has chosen Warner Chappell as his partner in this journey and we look forward to working alongside him.”

Proud to be his publisher and excited to do “great things together,” Lazaro Hernandez, WMC vice president, A&R, U.S. Latin & Latin America, added: “Joss is a dynamic and genuine songwriter who at such a young age has already established himself as one of the greatest of his time.”

The Regional Mexican star, who has penned more than 100 songs for artists like Alejandro Fernandez, Banda MS, and Natti Natasha, made history at the 2016 Premio ASCAP as the youngest person ever to win songwriter of the year. He nabbed the title in 2017 and 2018.

On the Billboard charts, Favela has entered Hot Latin Songs, Latin Airplay, Top Latin Albums, Regional Mexican Albums, and Regional Mexican Airplay, where he has five top 10’s.

“When my love for music started I never thought that I’d get to spend my life writing songs,” he said. “I’m continuously surprised by the beautiful things that happen to me, and joining the Warner Chappell family is one of them. I’m grateful for the songs that life has given me, but I’m even more grateful for the ones that are still to come.”

Favela, who is represented by Simran A. Singh and Christopher Navarro of Singh, Singh & Trauben, LLP, is nominated for best banda album at the 2021 Latin Grammys with Llegando al Rancho.

Daddy Yankee Named Songwriter of the Year at This Year’s ASCAP Latin Music Awards

Posted on March 25, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is celebrating a massive honor…

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has revealed the 2021 winners of the ASCAP Latin Music Awards, with the 45-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton singer/rapper earning the top prize.

Honoring the most performed Latin songs of the past year, Daddy Yankee nabbed the title of ASCAP Songwriter of the Year for the third time, following his songwriter-artist of the year wins in 2019 and 2017. Yankee has a total of 42 ASCAP Latin Music Awards.

The reggaeton veteran had a promising year with many collaborations that included Sech, Play-N-Skillz, Zion & Lennox, Anuel AA, and Kendo Kaponi, to name a few.

He closed off 2020 with his Marc Anthony-assisted salsa single “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta,” which arrived at No. 6 on the Hot Latin Songs chart (dated Dec. 26). His current single “Problema” debuted at No. 9 on the chart dated March 13, earning him his 36th top 10 on the list, which blends airplay, streams, and digital sales.

Meanwhile, Karol G and Nicki Minaj’s viral collaboration “Tusa,” which became the first song by two lead female artists to debut at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs, received the ASCAP Song of the Year award.

“Tusa,” which is an empowering ode to heartbreak, was written by Keityn and Juan Camilo Vargas Vásquez and published by Girl Power Publishing, JCV Music, KCMusic, Kobalt, and Sony Music Publishing.

“We are so thrilled to honor your amazing achievements of the past year at our El Premio ASCAP, our annual Latin Music Awards,” said Paul Williams, ASCAP chairman of the board and president, in a video. “Once again we will come together in spirit and solidarity. Starting today, we welcome your fans from all over the world to join in and celebrate your success. On behalf of your ASCAP family, I want to say congratulations to all of this year’s winners for your incredible musical achievements. Felicitaciones!”

Hosted by Colombian singer, rapper, and songwriter Farina, the event kicked off with a livestream concert featuring winners Danny Ocean, Elena Rose, and Vibarco.

The ASCAP Latin Music Awards are presented until March 25 in both Spanish and English via @ASCAPLatino and @ASCAP on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with the hashtags #ElPremioASCAP and #ASCAPAwards.

Here’s the complete ASCAP Latin Music Awards winners list:

ASCAP Composer of the year: Daddy Yankee
Song of the Year: “Tusa”
Composers: Keityn, Juan Camilo Vargas Vásquez
Publishing: Girl Power Publishing, JCV Music, KCMusic, Kobalt, Sony Music Publishing
Publishing of the Year: Sony Music Publishing

WINNING SONGS

ADICTO
Composers: Jhay Cortez
Publishing: A Million Dollar Dream, Warner Chappell

ADMV
Composers: Miky La Sensa, Vibarco
Publishing: Dynasty Publishing Group, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Vibarco Publishing, Warner Chappell

AGUA
Composers: Lex Borrero, Jhay Cortez, Derek Drymon, Mark Harrison, Stephen McDannell Hillenburg, Keityn, Blaise Smith, Juan Camilo Vargas Vásquez
Publishing: 22 Words, A Million Dollar Dream, JCV Music, KCMusic, Sony Music Publishing, Tunes By Nickelodeon, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell

AY DIOS MIO!
Composers: Danny Ocean
Publishing: OCNS Publishing, Sony Music Publishing

BLANCO
Composers: Bull Nene
Publishing: Black Koi Entertainment, Warner Chappell

BONITA
Composers: Mauricio Rengifo, Sebastián Yatra
Publishing: Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell

CABALLERO
Composers: José Luis Roma
Publishing: Sony Music Publishing

CADA VEZ TE EXTRAÑO MÁS
Composers: Miguel Luna
Publishing: Editorial LGA Nueva Generación, Pacific Latin Copyright

CARAMELO
Composers: Gotay El Auténtiko, Yazid Rivera López, Felix Ozuna
Publishing: Gotay Autentik Music Publishing, Kobalt, Los Tesla Publishing, My Money 3

CON TUS BESOS
Compositores: José Ángel Del Villar
Publishing: BMG, Del World Song

DÁKITI
Compositores: Jhay Cortez, Mora
Publishing: A Million Dollar Dream, RSM Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell

DEFINITIVAMENTE
Composers: Daddy Yankee, Nekxum
Publishing: Cangris Publishing, Nerdy Beats Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

EL CIRCO
Composers: El Fantasma
Publishing: Melodies Of Afinarte, Melodies Of Rigoletto Music Publishing

EL ENVIDIOSO
Publishing: Melodies Of Afinarte, Melodies Of Rigoletto Music Publishing

ESCONDIDOS
Composers: Abbel
Publishing: Editora Anval

ESTA VEZ SOY YO
Composers: Mario Ernesto Martínez Cuevas
Publishing: De Calibre Music

FANTASÍA
Composers: Chris Jedi, Luis E. Ortiz Rivera, Nino Karlo Segarra
Publishing: Isla Estrella Publishing, Jedy Squat Music, ORL Music Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell

FANTASÍAS
Composers: DJ Urba, Eric Duars, Windel B. Edwards, Farruko, Franklin Martínez, Sharo Towers
Publishing: The Beat Tower Publishing, Duars Music Publishing, Holl Up, Kobalt, Music By STB, Primestar Hits Music Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Urbani Music Publishing , Warner Chappell

HASTA QUE SALGA EL SOL
Composers: Gotay El Auténtiko, Jamal F. Rashid
Publishing: Gotay Autentik Music Publishing, Los Tesla Publishing, Mally Mall Music

HAWÁI
Composers: Bull Nene, Jowan, Keityn, Miky La Sensa, Andrés Uribe, Juan Camilo Vargas Vásquez
Publishing: Dynasty Publishing Group, JCV Music, KCMusic, Rudeboyz Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell

KEII
Composers: Chris Jedi, Luis E. Ortiz Rivera,Nino Karlo Segarra
Publishing: Isla Estrella Publishing, Jedy Squat Music, ORL Music Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell

LA DIFICIL
Composers: Mora
Publishing: RSM Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

LA JEEPETA (REMIX)
Composers: Benny Benni, Brray, Flow La Movie, Myke Towers, Nío García, Juanka
Publishing: Ah Ent Music Publishing, Canaliense Music, House Of Haze Music, León Negro Music Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell, White World Music Publishing

LA MEJOR VERSIÓN DE MI (REMIX)
Composers: Joss Favela, Natti Natasha, Raphy Pina, Romeo Santos
Publishing: Acustic Music, I Love Amiguita, Kobalt, La Dura De Las Duras Publishing, Los Magnífikos Music, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

LA SANTA
Composers: Daddy Yankee
Publishing: Cangris Publishing, RSM Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

LA TÓXICA
Composers: Andy Bauza, Everton Bonner, DJ Joe, Farruko, Franklin Martínez, Luis Angel O’Neill, Héctor Pagán, Sharo Towers, John Christopher Taylor, Tempo, Lloyd Oliver Willis
Publishing: Ankk Tempo Music, The Beat Tower Publishing, Carbon Fiber Hits Publishing, Holl Up, Irish Town Songs, Kobalt, No Stop Music Publishing, Primestar Hits Music Publishing, RSM Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Trebol Clan Official Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

LO QUE TE DI
Composers: Marc Anthony
Publishing: Sony Music Publishing

MAMACITA
Composers: Bruce R. Gaitsch, Gotay El Auténtiko, Madonna
Publishing: Gotay Autentik Music Publishing, Los Tesla Publishing, Warner Chappell, Webo Girl Publishing

ME GUSTA
Composers: Joan Antonio González, Chris Jedi
Publishing: Canciones De Caballero Music, Jedy Squat Music, Universal Music Publishing Group Warner Chappell

ME LA AVENTÉ
Composers: Javier González, Carin León
Publishing: Klak Hits

ME QUEDARÉ CONTIGO
Composers: Eliosbel Galarraga “El Brujo”, Jacob Forever, Lenier, El Micha, Ne-Yo
Publishing: Kobalt, Pen In The Ground Publishing, Rottboyz, Rottweilas Miami, Songs 305, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell

MUÉVELO
Composers: Daddy Yankee, Kenton Nix
Publishing: BMG, Cangris Publishing, Contenido Auténtico, Play for Play N Skillz Music, Skillz for Skillz N Play Music, Sony Music Publishing, Twenty Fifteen Avenue Music, VMG West End Copyrights

PORFA
Composers: Esteban “Wain” Higuita Estrada, Feid
Publishing: Dynasty Publishing Group, Universal Music Publishing Group

QUE CALOR
Composers: Bull Nene, Diplo, Keityn, Ronald “El Killa” Hernandez T.
Publishing: BMG, I Like Turtles Music, KCMusic, Kobalt, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell

QUÉ PENA
Composers: Wissem Amine Larfaoui
Editoras: Sony Music Publishing

QUE TIRE PA LANTE
Composers: Everton Bonner, Daddy Yankee, DJ Urba, Philip Smart , John Christopher Taylor, Lloyd Oliver Willis
Publishing: BMG, C And I Jah Bless Music, Cangris Publishing, Irish Town Songs, Kobalt, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Urbani Music Publishing

RITMO (BAD BOYS FOR LIFE)
Composers: Francesco Bontempi, Michael Gaffey, Peter Wilfred Glenister, Annerley Gordon, Keith Harris, Giorgio Spagna
Publishing: BMG, Fresh Me Fresh U Music Publishing, Roynet Music, Warner Chappell

ROJO
Composers: Nicolás Ignacio Jana Galleguillos, Luis Angel O’Neill
Publishing: Black Koi Entertainment, Kobalt, No Stop Music Publishing, Warner Chappell

SAFAERA
Composers: DJ Orma, Missy Elliott, Jowell, Bob Marley, Randy Nota Loca, Sting International, Timbaland, Lloyd Oliver Willis
Publishing: Fifty Six Hope Road Music, Irish Town Songs, León Negro Music Publishing, Mass Confusion Productions, ODNIL Music Limited, RSM Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Sting International Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell

SI ME DICES QUE SI
Composers: Ricardo Arjona, Camilo, Julio Ramírez Eguía, Farruko, Sharo Towers
Publishing: Arjona Musical, The Beat Tower Publishing, Holl Up, Sony Music Publishing

SI TE VAS
Composers: Simón Restrepo
Publishing: Universal Music Publishing Group

SIGUES CON ÉL (REMIX)
Composers: Arcángel, Keityn, Omar Rivera, Angelo Roca V “Jvy Boy”, Romeo Santos, Juan Camilo Vargas Vásquez
Publishing: I Love Amiguita, JCV Music, Jvy Boy Publishing, KCMusic, Kobalt, La Maravilla Music Publishing, Omi Mgmt Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

TATTOO (REMIX)
Composers: CAMILO, Eric Duars, Rafael Alfonso Rodríguez, Daniel Ignacio Rondón, Elena Rose
Publishing: Daniel Rondón Music, Duars Music Publishing, Rafa Rodríguez, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell

TE QUEMASTE
Composers: Chris Jedi, Luis E. Ortiz Rivera, Nino Karlo Segarra
Publishing: Jedy Squat Music, Isla Estrella Publishing, ORL Music Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell

TUSA
Composers: Keityn, Juan Camilo Vargas Vásquez
Editoras: Girl Power Publishing, JCV Music, KCMusic, Kobalt, Sony Music Publishing

TUTU (REMIX)
Composers: Camilo, Jon Leone, Richi López
Publishing: Lola Words & Music Publishing, Sony Music Publishing,Trainer Red Publishing, Warner Chappell

UN DÍA (ONE DAY)
Composers: Lex Borrero, Clarence Bernard Coffee, Dua Lipa
Publishing: 22 Words, Best Coffee in Town, Kobalt, RSM Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

VETE
Composers: César Batista, Edgar Wilmer Semper Vargas, Xavier Alexis Semper Vargas
Publishing: Best Music by Kartier, Editora De Música Mambo Kingz, RSM Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

YO PERREO SOLA
Composers: Nesi
Publishing: RSM Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, White Umbrella

YO YA NO VUELVO CONTIGO
Composers: Fabián Pacheco, José Ángel Del Villar
Publishing: BMG, Del World Son

Bad Bunny Speaks Out on Racism, Poverty & More in Surprise New Single “Compositor del Año”

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is back… And, he’s using his music to send a message to the haters.

The 26-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer, who was named Songwriter of the Year at this year’s ASCAP Latin Music Awards, has released the surprise single “Compositor del Año.”

The single addressed the social media chatter from people who questioned his win due to his sometimes explicit lyrics.

Via the track, Bad Bunny sends a message to his haters, saying there are more important issues going on in the world.

“They fight because they gave me composer of the year but not for what matters,” he belts in the song.

In the song, which has a Soundcloud link that ends in “f–k2020”), Bad Bunny opens up about the ongoing social issues affecting the United States, including racism, immigration, the importance of voting and more.

Sampling Little Richard’s 1955 classic “Tutti Frutti,” Bad Bunny’s 2-minute, 34-second song is a rap freestyle in which he first and foremost reminds fans that he went from an altar boy to a trap star. He then mentions the Black Lives Matter movement, saying, “It’s 2020 and racism is worse than COVID/ A black man with a gun, that’s a criminal, but if he’s white, they say that’s a hobby.”

“There are more important things than sitting down to criticize the achievements of an artist,” he continues, like encouraging the youth to vote.

“There are more important things like fighting for the rights of immigrants.”

At the end of the track, the “Yo Perreo Sola” singer expresses his dream to change the world and end poverty.

“But I can’t; it’s not my fault,” he says. “Before being born, all of this already existed. We only have to teach and learn, live and grow. Understand that we will always see something that will hurt us. To have faith, to believe that it is going to be possible.”

The song can be found on Amazon under the name Bad Bunsy.

Bad Bunny Wins ASCAP Songwriter of the Year at ASCAP Latin Music Awards

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a special first for Bad Bunny…

ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) has revealed the winners of the most performed songs of the past year in Latin music, with the 26-year-old Puerto Rican singer and rapper taking the top honor for the first time in his career.

Bad Bunny, who’d previously won the ASCAP Song of the Year award for his Cardi B & J Balvin collaboration “I Like It.,” was named the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year at the ASCAP Latin Music Awards. He won the prestigious award on the strength of seven of his recognized singles, including “Callaita,” “La Cancion,” “Que Pretendes,” and “Solo de Mi.”

Romeo Santos picked up the Songwriter/Artist of the Year award. The 38-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer earned the honor for penning the recognized singles “Aullando,” “Canalla,” and “Inmortal.”

The Song of the Year award went to Daddy Yankee’s “Con Calma,” featuring Snow.

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton rapper/singer’s uptempo reggaeton and dancehall song, a reimagination of Snow’s chart-topping single “Informer,” was YouTube’s most viewed music video of 2019.

Other recognized artists include Gerado Ortiz (“Aerolinea Carrillo”), Becky G (“Bubalu”), Farruko & Pedro Capo (“Calma (Remix)”), Marc Anthony (“Parecen Viernes”),Jhay Cortez (“Reggaeton,” “Hola” ) and Carlos Vives(“Si Me Das Tu Amor”).

Universal Music Publishing Group was bestowed the Publisher of the Year award and the Independent Publisher of the Year award went to Kobalt Songs Music Publishing.

Due to the coronavirus, this year’s winners were announced via ASCAP’s social media platforms: @ASCAPLatino and @ASCAP. The innovative virtual format allowed fans, friends and peers to join in the online celebration.

The virtual event, hosted by Greeicy Rendón and Mike Bahía, also included special performances and appearances by: Marc Anthony, Descemer Bueno, Pedro Capó,Desmond Child, Jhay Cortez, Darrell, Natalia Lafourcade, Lunay, Silverio Lozada andSebastián Yatra, among other music creators.

The complete list of winners is available on the ASCAP website.

Garcia to Perform at This Year’s ASCAP Latin Music Awards

Posted on February 25, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Kany Garcia is preparing for her great ASCAP…

The 34-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter will perform at the 25th annual ASCAP Latin Music Awards.

Garcia, a two-time Latin Grammy winner, including Best New Artist in 2008, joins a lineup of confirmed performers that includes Jacob Forever, Noel Schajris, Joss Favela and Silverio Lozada.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Vanderbilt Hotel in Condado in Puerto Rico on March 15.

This year, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers will honor iconic salsa group El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and singer/songwriter Vico C during the ceremony hosted by José Santana.

El Gran Combo will be honored with the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award in recognition of their “unique and enduring contributions to Latin music” while urban music pioneer Vico C will receive the ASCAP Vanguard Award.

ASCAP will also present accolades to songwriter of the year, singer/songwriter of the year, publisher of the year, independent publisher of the year and Latin song of the year.

Last year, the annual awards show was hosted at the Ritz Carlton in South Beach, Miami, with standout performances by Natalia Lafourcade, Favela, who became the youngest-ever songwriter of the year winner, and Gente de Zona.

Daddy Yankee’s “Limbo” Recognized at the ASCAP Latin Music Awards

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee has plenty of reason to celebrate…

The 37-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton singer-songwriter’s “Limbo” has been named Song of the Year at the ASCAP Latin Music Awards.

The track, released as a Spanish-language song and bilingual track, peaked at number one on Billboard’s Latin Songs and Latin Pop Songs charts.

“Limbo” was written specially for Zumba Fitness to highlight the dance fitness company’s presence in the Latin music industry.

Daddy Yankee said he wanted “Limbo to invite the imagination, ignite creativity, to step away from the norm and bring something completely different.”

But that wasn’t the only prize Daddy Yankee picked up…

He also received ASCAP’s Voice of Music award. Looking visibly emotional, Daddy Yankee accepted his award and addressed the crowd in general and his fellow musicians in particular.

“It’s such an honor to be here. For me everything began as a young guy in Santurce, Puerto Rico in the 90s. I still have that passion in my heart,” he said.

Meanwhile, legendary musicians Fania All-Stars, this year’s Heritage award recipients, shared the stage with today’s stars in what became a true once-in-a-lifetime musical moment.

“I want to thank these boys for being with me so many years,” said 78-year-old Fania founder and bandleader Johnny Pacheco when accepting the award. “To me, this is the best salsa orchestra in existence.”

Colombian Andres Castro shared the Songwriter of the Year award with Romeo Santos (who was on tour but sent a video greeting).

Held in New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom, the awards celebrate the most-performed songs, publishers and composers of 2013, with Sony/ATV winning publisher of the year and Mayimba Music winning Independent Publisher of the year.

Anthony Receives ASCAP’s Founders Award

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He’s the top selling tropical salsa artist of all time… And, now Marc Anthony is being celebrated for his songwriting talents…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, a two-time Grammy award winner, received ASCAP’s Founders Award at the 20th annual ASCAP Latin Music Awards.

Anthony received the award from ASCAP president and chairman Paul Williams and soccer star David Beckham during a music-filled night that honored the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed Latin music songs in 2011.

“When I left home today I felt handsome, and then they stand me next to this,” Anthony said with a laugh when he picked up his award, pointing to Beckham, a good friend. “This award goes to my team,” he added on a more serious note. “I’m not an island. It’s all about the love of music and the fight for music.”

The evening included performances of Anthony’s songs by Victor Manuelle, Pia Toscano, La Mafia and Natalia Jimenez.

Past recipients of the Founders Award include Rod Stewart, Annie Lenox, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney and Ruben Blades.

Described as a “renaissance man,” Anthony also shared the best pop song award with Cuban American rap superstar Pitbull for their collaboration, “Rain Over Me.”

The Songwriter of the Year award was given jointly to Claudia Brant and Anthony “Romeo” Santos. Meanwhile, the Latin song of the year award went to “Di Que Regresarás,” written by Carlos M. Ferraresi “Ferra“, and recorded by regional Mexican band La Original Banda El Limón.

Awards were also presented in the Pop, Tropical, Regional Mexican, Urban and Television categories.

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