Erika Ender Inducted Into the Latin Song Writers Hall of Fame

Posted on October 22, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

She’s the woman behind the song of the summer… And, now Erika Ender has earned her place in Latin music history.

At the fifth annual La Musa Awards gala last week — hosted by Jane the Virgin‘s Jaime Camil – the Panamanian-Brazilian singer/songwriter was inducted into the prestigious Latin Song Writers Hall of Fame, the youngest inductee in the hall’s history.

Along with Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, Ender is co-writer of the biggest hit of the year, “Despacito,” featuring Justin Bieber, which spent 16 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.

Born in Panama to a Brazilian mother and a U.S.-born father of German ancestry, Ender speaks fluent Portuguese and Spanish, and moves easily between cultures.

Before “Despacito,” she had written hits for Chayanne, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Gloria Trevi, Ednita Nazario and Los Tigres del Norte. She also is a TV personality in Latin America, where she has been a judge for a Latin version of American Idol.

Along with Ender, Ana Gabriel, Roberto Livi, Martin Urieta, Carlos Vives and Camilo Sesto were also inducted into hall of fame.

Each was presented at the James L. Knight Center with the coveted hand-crafted trophy, originally inspired by “the muse” of the late Cuban songwriter and poet, Elena Casals.

Additionally, Vives was presented with the Icon Award, while Wisin, the late Julio Jaramillo and “La Bamba” garnered the Victory Award, Legacy Award and Song of All Time, respectively.

Amid a political climate currently riddled with anti-immigrant rhetoric, as well as the devastating aftermaths of hurricanes Irma and Maria throughout the Caribbean, Urieta offered words and sentiments in support of immigrants, while Nazario performed a brilliant tribute to the island of Puerto Rico.

The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame is dedicated to educating, preserving, honoring and celebrating “the lives and music of the world’s greatest Latin songwriters, composers and lyricists in every genre while developing and inspiring new generations of music creators through master classes, workshops, scholarships and digital initiatives.”

Shakira Notches Her 28th Top 10 Hit on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart with “Perro Fiel”

Posted on October 1, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

And the hits just keep coming for Shakira…

The 40-year-old Colombian star’s “Perro Fiel,” featuring Nicky Jam, re-enters Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart at No. 10, spurred by the release of its music video on September 15.

Shakira

The re-entry gives Shakira her 28th top 10 hit — extending her record for the most top 10s among women — which passes Ricky Martin’s 27 top 10 hits.

Ahead of her, among all acts, are Luis Miguel (with 39), Enrique Iglesias (37) and Chayanne and Cristian Castro (29).

Of Shakira’s 28 top 10 hits, 11 reached the summit at No. 1, the fourth-most in the chart’s history.

“Perro Fiel” concurrently debuts at No. 13 on the Latin Streaming Songs chart, powered largely by clicks of the track on YouTube.

Gente de Zona Signs Worldwide Booking Deal with Cardenas Marketing Network

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Gente de Zona is going global…

The Cuban reggaeton duo, consisting of Alexander Delgado and Randy Malcom, has signed an exclusive deal with Cardenas Marketing Network (CMN) for worldwide booking, according to Billboard.

The deal was negotiated in partnership with Magnus Media, the entertainment company launched by Marc Anthony, which also manages Gente de Zona.

“We are proud to add Gente de Zona to our booking roster as they are continuing an upward trend playing in new venues, countries and continents”, said Henry Cardenas, Cardenas Marketing Network CEO.

CMN has already begun preparations for Gente de Zona’s 2016 tour dates which will take the duo throughout Europe, Latin America, the U.S., and for the first time, the Middle East.

Regarding the partnership, Magnus’ CEO, Michael Vega said: “We are thrilled to have the CMN team aboard as partners as we continue to develop Gente de Zona’s profile throughout the world.”

CMN, based out in Chicago and Miami, produces Latin music concerts in the United States and the rest of the world for Marc Anthony, Juan Luis Guerra, Juan Gabriel, Chayanne, Alejandro Fernández and more.

Since the release of “Bailando” (with Enrique Iglesias) in 2014, and “La Gozadera” with Marc Anthony in 2015, Gente de Zona has taken Cuba’s sounds and rhythm around the world with their music.

The duo is a four-time finalist for the Billboard Latin Music Awards 2016.

Martin Receives Star on Puerto Rico’s Paseo de la Fama

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin’s star is shining bright in Puerto Rico…

The 44-year-old singer, actor and author has received a star on Puerto Rico’s Walk of Fame in San Juan, where actor Jose Ferrer and actresses Roselyn Sánchez and Míriam Cólon and singer Chayanne have already been honored on the Paseo de la Fama.

The main manager of the San Juan location, Santiago Villar, made the announcement in a press release, saying the event is aimed at “paying tribute to those figures who have made the name of our land known.”

“We’re very happy that Ricky Martin provides continuity to this project,” Villar said, “to complete our aim for the first phase … of presenting 40 stars.”

The “Perdoname” singer, who will perform at the Coliseum in San Juan from February 12-14 as part of his One World tour, is the Puerto Rican artist who is the most widely known internationally.

The former member of the boy band Menudo in the 1980s has won numerous prestigious awards, including several Grammys, and has set album sales records, all while participating in important television and theater productions.

San Juan’s Walk of Fame is a new cultural and tourist attraction that acknowledges the work of figures from the arts and sports worlds.

Martin Notches His 24th Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is moving up the list of acts with the most top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart…

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican singer has scored his 24th top 10 on the chart as “Adios” jumps 16-9.

The rise is fueled by Martin’s performance of the uptempo song at the Latin Grammy Awards, which aired on Univision on November 20.

The performance boosted the tune’s digital sales 151 percent (to 3,000 downloads) in the week ending November 23, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The rise in sales also drives the track 15-4 on Billboard’s Latin Digital Songs chart.

“Adios” moves Martin ahead of Gloria Estefan on the list of acts with the most top 10 hits on the Hot Latin Songs chart. Luis Miguel leads all artists, with 39 top 10s, followed by Enrique Iglesias (34), Chayanne (29), Cristian Castro (29), Marco Antonio Solis (25), Martin (24) and Estefan (23).

In addition to his solo turn on the awards, Martin also performed with Mexican duo Camila, singing their track “Perdon.” It also enjoyed a post-show sales bump (130 percent, to over 2,000 downloads), rising 21-9 on the Latin Digital Songs chart.

On the Latin Grammys‘ red carpet, Martin announced that his upcoming studio album will be released early next year.

Chayanne Earns His Fifth No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums Chart

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Chayanne is back at the top of the charts…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican singer, actor and composer has reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart with his latest studio album En Todo Estare.

Chayanne vaults 17-1, fueled by 10,000 copies sold in the week ending Aug. 31 according to Nielsen SoundScan.

His climb to the summit comes a week after early street-date violation sales pushed the album onto the chart at No. 17.

The climb marks Chayanne’s fifth No. 1 and first since No Hay Imposible spent two weeks at the top in 2010.

The new set’s first single, “Humanos a Marte,” peaked at No. 3 last month on the Latin Airplay and Latin Pop Airplay charts, and it remains in the top 10 on the latter chart (5-7).

Vega to Be Honored at This Year’s El Megaton Mundial de Polito Vega Show

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

This upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month, Polito Vega will have extra reason to celebrate.

The 76-year-old Puerto Rican radio personality, El Rey de la Radio in New York, will be honored on September 21 during a concert at Madison Square Garden featuring performances by some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Juan Luis Guerra, Don Omar, Chayanne and Carlos Vives.

El Megaton Mundial de Polito Vega show, presented by MEGA 97.9 FM, will celebrate Vega’s 30 years of service to the Hispanic community in a showcase that will also feature J’Martin, Don Miguelo, Alex Sensation, DJ Lobo and DJ Aneudy.

The third edition of this concert will celebrate a career arc that spans more than five decades for Vega, who moved to New York in 1952 to work in radio and went on to have major influence in Latin music across the U.S.

“It’s a great pleasure and honor to have a celebration this summer in New York with major artists,” said Lucas Piña, senior VP, SBS Entertainment, the company producing the event.

Vega has for decades been a popular personality on radio and has beat the competition consistently through Mega 97.9FM and AMOR 93.1FM.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15.

Chayanne to Debut New Single at the Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on April 12, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Chayanne is making a triumphant return to music at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican pop star is set to debut the first single from his new album with a live performance at the awards show on April 24.

Chayanne’s last album A Solas Con Chayanne, which was recorded during his two concerts at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico in June 2011, was released on February 7, 2012. His last single, “Me Enamoré de Ti“, which served as the theme song for the 2009 telenovela Corazon Salvaje, was released in November 2009.

Chayanne, who has recorded 23 albums and recorded more than 50 music videos, has sold more than 40 million albums around the globe.

He has 28 Top 10s on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, the fourth-most chart toppers on the list and four No. 1s on the Top Albums chart.

The entertainer has also appeared on the big and small screens on projects such as the film Dance with Me and the iconic TV show Ally McBeal.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards will be broadcast on April 24 at 7:00 pm ET on Telemundo.

In addition to Chayanne, the awards show will feature performances by Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, David Bisbal and Luis Fonsi.

Bachata singer Prince Royce will also perform including Colombian superstar Juanes.

de Vita to Receive the Prestigious Billboard Hall of Fame Award

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It’s the Fame game for Franco de Vita…

The 60-year-old Venezuelan singer-songwriter will be feted with the Billboard Hall of Fame Award at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will take place on April 24.

The Billboard Hall of Fame Award is reserved for those artists who’ve achieved global recognition for a career that transcends genre and language.

de Vita is being recognized for his perceptive pop/rock ballads that have brought him international acclaim over his three-decade career.

He’s sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, achieving 11 top 10s and one No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.

One of Latin pop’s most revered artists, de Vita became known as the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and songwriter of the trio Icaro before launching his solo career.

After a string of hits in the 1980s including “Solo Importas Tu,” “Te Amo,” and “Louis,” his song “No Basta” spent six weeks atop the Hot Latin Songs chart in 1991.

Most recently, “Te Pienso Sin Querer,” featuring Gloria Trevi, peaked at No. 17 on Latin Pop Airplay.

de Vita has also composed hit songs for other artists including pop star Chayanne (“Contra vientos y mareas,” “Y Tú Te Vas” and “Un Siglo Sin Ti”); and Ricky Martin (“A Medio Vivir,” “Vuelve,” and “Tal Vez”). Those collaborative works alone have sold more than 30 million albums around the world.

He’s known for his frequent collaborations with a broad spectrum of artists. He performed “The Good Life” with Tony Bennett on the American crooner’s 2012 Duets album. de Vita’s latest production, Vuelve en Primera Fila (Sony Music Latin) features urban artist Wisin, salsero Victor Manuelle and rising Spanish pop singer India Martinez, among others.

de Vita’s Vuelve en Primera Fila tour will take him to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay and Argentina this spring. The Venezuelan leg of the tour, planned for March, was cancelled. “With the hope that my country achieves peace and harmony I hold the firm conviction that we will see each other soon,” The artist announced on his Website.

Durcal to Tour with Joan Sebastian and Pepe Aguilar

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Shaila Durcal is getting ready to leave a special footprint on her fans…

The 32-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter will be co-headlining a tour with Mexican stars Joan Sebastian and Pepe Aguilar.

Entitled Dejando Huella…Una Historia Musical, the 16-date tour will kick off in Kansas City this September.

The tour was originally slated to begin June 22 in Washington DC, but the first eight tour dates were postponed. Dejando Huella may have been affected by an overcrowded Latin tour schedule that included a triple-threat tour featuring Chayanne, Marc Anthony and Marco Antonio Solís; the Jennifer López, Enrique Iglesias and Frankie J. tour; and Vicente Fernández‘s farewell tour.

Dejando Huella stood out from others because it included Latin equestrian shows that have traditionally been part of Aguilar and Sebastian’s sets, as well as jaripeo performances that are considered a form of bull riding practiced in Mexico.

Here’s a complete look at the Dejando Huella tour dates:

Sept. 22: Kansas City (Sprint Center)
Sept. 23: Chicago (Allstate Arena)
Sept. 28: El Paso, Texas (El Paso Coliseum)
Sept. 29: Laredo, Texas (Laredo Energy Arena)
Sept. 30: Hidalgo, Texas (State Farm Arena)
Date TBA: Phoenix, Ariz., (US Airways Center)
Date TBA: San Jose, Calif. (HP Pavilion)

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