Esteman Releases New Single “Despertar”

Esteman is waking things up

The 38-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter has taken a departure from his signature upbeat electro-pop sound for his new track “Despertar,” which he has released via Universal Music Group Mexico.

EstemanThe song is a groovy, slowed-down pop ballad that narrates the Esteman’s emotional awakening.

The song — co-written by Esteman and Christian Jean — is about finding your way back to the person who makes you feel home or grounded.

“I want to wake up and find you next to me,” he nostalgically sings. “And gain back what I lost being far from you.”

“Despertar” is Esteman’s first single from his forthcoming album, due later this year.

Nanpa Básico Signs Management Deal with T6H Entertainment

Nanpa Básico has new management…

The 29-year-old Colombian rapper has signed a management deal with T6H Entertainment.

Nanpa BásicoThe new deal is a partnership between Nanpa’s manager Jorge Jimenez – who’s been managing him for the past two years — and Guillermo Rosas, T6H Entertainment’s founder, to create a “real” strategic alliance and catapult Nanpa to international success.

“Nanpa is not only a great artist, but a movement that trespasses frontiers,” says Rosas, who’s agency’s roster includes other artists such as Esteman and Leon Leidan, among others. “To be part of his management [team] in this transcendental path is very exciting.”

“Guillermo Rosas is a great human being and he is a person that I greatly admire,” adds Jimenez. “He had many achievements in the industry but he is also a person who thinks in an innovative way and for me partnering with him is the perfect alliance to develop an artist who has the ability to be a global artist.”

News of the signing comes on the heels of Nanpa’s upcoming new single, “Lejos De Ti,” in collaboration with Mexican singer-songwriter Gera MX. The single serves as a preview of the Colombian artist’s new album.

With more than three million monthly listeners on Spotify, Nanpa is a singer-songwriter who is among the new generation of Latin hip-hop artists. His influences derive from genres such as rap and reggae and is known for his hard-hitting and poignant lyrics on street culture and social issues.

“It gives me enormous happiness to find such a great businessman and such an incredible human being,” Nanpa says. “I feel Jorge and I reached our own limits and it is part of growth to understand that we need other people who have the global presence and experience. And Guillermo is for me the perfect partner for this.”

Nanpa is set to release his new album in September and will hit the road this Fall with a tour set to visit the U.S., Mexico and other countries in Latin America.

CNCO to Perform at This Year’s Latin American Music Awards

CNCO is preparing to take the global stage…

The Latin boy band is among the latest acts appearing on the performance roster for this year’s Latin American Music Awards, which will take place at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas

CNCOIn addition to CNCO, the latest list of confirmed artists includes EmiliaFarruko, Gera MXLuis Fonsi, Prince Royce, and Reik.

They join previous performers Black Eyed Peas, Boza, Calibre 50, Chiquis, Christian Nodal, Esteman, Gerardo Ortiz, Gloria Trevi, Jesse & Joy, Jhay Cortez, Lit Killah, Los Ángeles Azules, Lupita D’Alessio, María Becerra, Nicki Nicole, Ozuna, Sofía Reyes, and Tiago PZK.

The three-hour event will “pay tribute to today’s most influential and iconic Latin artists” in 26 categories, including favorite video and favorite social artist, selected by a committee of industry professionals who consider the quality, content, creativity, and fan engagement.

The 2022 Latin AMAs nominations are led by Bad Bunny with 10 nominations. He’s followed by the eight-time nominee Jhay Cortez, and Karol G, J Balvin, and Rauw Alejandro with seven nods each.

This year’s nominees, which are determined by fan voting via LatinAmas.com, are based on key fan interactions with music, including streaming, sales, airplay, and social activity tracked by Billboard through its data partners Luminate — formerly MRC Data — and Next Big Sound for data covering the periods of Feb. 6, 2021, through Jan. 29, 2022.

The 2022 Latin AMAs will take place on Thursday, April 21, live from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The seventh annual ceremony will be broadcast on Telemundo starting at 7 p.m. ET with the red-carpet pre-show followed at 8 p.m. ET by the awards show.

Jesse & Joy to Perform at This Year’s Latin American Music Awards

Jesse & Joy are preparing for the Latin AMAs

The Latin American Music Awards have announced the first round of performers for its 2022 edition, with the Mexican sibling duo – comprised of brother Jesse Huerta and sister Joy Huerta – set to take the stage.

Jesse & JoyJesse & Joy are among a roster of performers that includes The Black Eyed Peas, BozaCalibre 50Chiquis, Esteman, Gerardo Ortiz and Gloria Trevi.

The Latin AMAs will be broadcast on Telemundo from Las Vegas starting at 7:00 p.m. ET with the red-carpet pre-show.

Other acts confirmed to grace the stage include Jhay Cortez, Lit KillahLos Ángeles Azules, María BecerraNicki Nicole, Sofia ReyesOzuna and Tiago PZK.

The awards show kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET live from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

According to a press release, the forthcoming three-hour event will “pay tribute to today’s most influential and iconic Latin artists” in 26 categories, including favorite video and favorite social artist, selected by a committee of industry professionals who consider the quality, content, creativity and fan engagement.

As it was previously announced, Mexican songstress Lupita D’Alessio will be honored with the Legend Award and Regional Mexican chart-topping artist Christian Nodal will receive the Extraordinary Evolution Award. Nodal is also a five-time nominee at this year’s Latin AMAs.

The 10-time-nominated Bad Bunny leads the list of nominees. The Puerto Rican hitmaker is followed by Jhay Cortez with eight nominations, and Karol G, J Balvin and Rauw Alejandro with seven nods each.

This year’s nominees are based on key fan interactions with music, including streaming, sales, airplay and social activity tracked by Billboard through its data partners MRC Data and Next Big Sound for data covering the periods of February 6, 2021, through January 29, 2022. All Latin AMA categories are determined by fan voting.

To vote for your favorite artists, visit LatinAMAs.com.

Nicky Jam to Bring “Rockstar Show” to Billboard Latin Music Week, with Jhay Cortez as Special Guest

Nicky Jam is bringing his (Rockstar) Show on the road…

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American will bring his talk show Rockstar Show live to Billboard Latin Music Week, and he’s booked Jhay Cortez as his special guest.

Nicky Jam

The intimate experience is set to take place on September 22 exclusively for Billboard Latin Music Week registrants, with capacity limited.

Nicky Jam’s talk show, his passion project, launched in January with Maluma as his first guest.

Daddy YankeeKarol G and Nicky Jam are also confirmed for Billboard’s 2021 Latin Music Week, returning to Miami in September with a weeklong event that unites the top Latin hitmakers, influencers and industry leaders, and features live performances and conversations with superstars.

Latin Music Week will feature one-of-a-kind performances, panels, conversations and more with the aforementioned artists. Karol G will take center stage in The Superstar Q&A on September 21 for an in-depth conversation about her career, music, love and upcoming projects.

On September 22, fans will get up close and personal with Yankee as he discusses his 25-year career that launched reggaetón around the world in the second installment of The Superstar Q&A. The Puerto Rican hitmaker is also set to perform for a Billboard En Vivo concert that night at the Faena Forum exclusive to Billboard Latin Music Week registrants.

Other recently announced panels include “My Cause, My Music: A Conversation on Social Justice” with Cuban artist/activist Yotuel Romero, Puerto Rican star Kany García and ChocQuibTown members (and husband and wife) Goyo and Tostao; “Making the Hit, Live” masterclass with Lunay and his longtime producers Chris Jedi and Gaby Music; and “Regional No More– Mexican Music Goes Global” with Eslabon Armado, Los Dos Carnales and Carin Leon, which is moderated by Rancho Humilde‘s Jimmy Humilde.

For the first time, Billboard will launch a virtual streaming experience in partnership with LIVENow, offering viewing opportunities to international audiences. Passes for the livestream can now be purchased here. The star-studded 2021 Latin Music Week lineup also includes participation by García, Anitta, Elena RoseMyke TowersRauw Alejandro, EstemanRaymix, and Tainy, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Under the slogan “The Beat of Latin Music,” making its mark as the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world, this year’s event will continue through the end of the week as Billboard launches its En Vivo concert series.

Natti Natasha to Take Part in Special Motherhood Talk During This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Natti Natasha is opening up about being a new mom…

The 34-year-old Dominican singer and songwriter will be taking part in a special talk entitled “There’s No Hood Like Motherhood” at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week.

Natti Natasha

Returning to Miami in September, the weeklong event unites the top Latin hitmakers, influencers and industry leaders, and features live performances and conversations with superstars.

Natti Natasha will appear alongside Telemundo’s Adamari López for a candid conversation on wellness, babies and superstardom.

The “Antes Que Salga El Sol” singer gave birth to her first child, a baby girl named Vida Isabelle, in May with longtime manager and fiancé Raphy Pina of Pina Records.

Recently announced panels include the “Mano a Mano” panel with Rauw Alejandro and Myke Towers, during which both chart-topping artists will discuss new projects, upcoming tours and the challenges and advantages for the new wave of reggaetón artists; “Making the Hit, Live” masterclass with Lunay and his longtime producers Chris Jedi and Gaby Music; and the “Coming Out Latin” panel with Raymix, Esteman, Erika Vidrio and Johnny Caz of Grupo Firme for an insightful and heartfelt conversation on the challenges and rewards of coming out as a Latin music act.

The star-studded 2021 Latin Music Week lineup — headlined by Daddy Yankee, Karol G and Nicky Jam — also includes participation by Anitta, Elena Rose, Myke Towers, Nicki Nicole, Rauw Alejandro, Esteman, Raymix, Kany García, Tainy and Tini, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2021 Latin Music Week will take place from September 20 to 24 at the Faena Forum in Miami and coincides with the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards broadcasting live via Telemundo on September 23.

To register and for more information, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Vanessa Zamora to Perform at the First-Ever Edition of OutMusik Festival on National Coming Out Day

Vanessa Zamora’s ready to express her Pride

The 29-year-old Mexican singer, songwriter and composer will celebrate National Coming Out Day by taking part in the first-ever edition of OutMusik Festival.

Vanessa Zamora

In addition to Zamora, the list of performers set to take the stage on October 11 include Georgel, Javiera Mena, Zemmoa, Mabiland and Christian Chavez, among others.

The virtual festival will feature artists who form part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as allies who’ll be sending motivational messages to the community.

Georgel, Raymix and Esteman will serve as hosts of the first OutMusik Fest.

“I didn’t grow up with openly and well represented LGBTQ+ icons to identify with in mainstream media, which a lot of times led me to feel like I didn’t exist or this life wasn’t  worth living,” Georgel tells Billboard. “OutMusik represents an evolved world as I perceive it, a platform where LGBTQ+ artists express their truth through performance and audiences feel represented.”

“Music is a powerful medium to tell stories and send messages that tell our reality,” adds Esteman. “The more visible our stories, we won’t have to put labels and instead celebrate who we are.”

Presenters and allies who will be of the celebration include Karol G, Chiquis, Maite Perroni, Lila Downs, Francisca Valenzuela and Gepe.

The festival will be streamed on the website OutMusik.Com, which will remain post-festival and will serve as a resource center for the LGBTQ+ community. Access to the live stream will be free but viewers will have the option of donating.

Proceeds will go toward to organizations It Gets Better and The Trevor Project.

Georgel & Esteman Release Updated Version of Juan Gabriel’s Classic “El Noa Noa”

Georgel and Esteman are breathing new life into an El Divo de Juarez classic…

The Mexican singer-songwriter and 35-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter have joined voices to pay tribute to the late Juan Gabriel’s legacy with the release of “El Noa Noa.” 

Georgel, Esteman

Just in time for El Divo de Juarez’s third-year death anniversary on August 28, Georgel and Esteman not only revamp a timeless ‘80s hit, but also mark the first time two openly gay Latin artists are collaborating together. 

“There was immediate chemistry, artistically speaking,” Esteman tells Billboard of when he met Georgel thanks to the producer (and friend in common) Juan Pablo Vega. “He told me he wanted to do the song with me, and I thought it was a great idea to bring this classic song to our generation.”  

As someone who admires Juan Gabriel, Georgel didn’t hesitate to do a new electro-cumbia version of “El Noa Noa.” “In my opinion, it’s the most fun, it’s the most uptempo, it’s the one that our Mexican and Latin culture remembers as a party song,” he says, adding that it’s a very personal tribute for him in different aspects.

“I wanted to celebrateJuangawith ‘Noa Noa,’ but at the same time, it sends a message of equality and liberty. With this song, we want to send the message that there’s a place for everyone in this world,” he adds. 

The retro-futuristic music video, produced by Autumn Leave Filmsin Ciudad de Juarez, does just that. 

“It looks like we’re on another planet but basically, it’s to show that when you go to ‘el noa noa,’ everyone is different,” Esteman says of the clip. “The best part is the message it sends of accepting each other in this diverse world, where everyone is welcomed and where we have freedom of speech.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gUFGfJb4FA

The Chamanas Release Official “Ramas” Music Video

The Chamanas are extending a music branch…

The Fronterizo Indie pop fusion ensemble, consisting of Manuel Calderon, Hector Carreon, Paulina Reza, Alejandro Bustillos and Fernando Fonseca, has released the music video for their single “Ramas.”

The Chamanas

The new video follows the release of their debut album’s Once Once deluxe version, which was released back in September.

The clip, filmed during a studio session, features the Latin Grammy nominated band’s new vocalist Paulina Reza — who joined the bordertown group after Once Once’s deluxe release.

Representing border cities El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, The Chamanas — known for their ’70’s-inspired ballads and contemporary beats — are among the 10 acts nominated for best new artist in this year’s Latin Grammys. The indie band is up against such artists as Chilean balladeer Mon Laferte, Colombian singer-songwriter Esteman, regional Mexican singer Joss Favela and Colombian artist Manuel Medrano.