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.

Gente de Zona to Co-Headline Celia Cruz Tribute at the Hollywood Bowl

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Gente de Zona is preparing to pay tribute to a late compatriot…

The Cuban reggaeton group, comprised of Alexander Delgado and Randy Malcom Martinez, will perform at the the Hollywood Bowl’s special tribute honoring Celia Cruz.

Co-headlined by Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Angélique Kidjo and Gente de Zona, the tribute to the late Queen of Salsa will take place on August 9 as part of the Hollywood Bowl’s Jazz at the Bowl summer series.

In addition to the Latin Grammy-winning duo and Kidjo, Pedrito Martinez will also perform at the tribute.

The Pedrito Martinez Group, whose Habana Dreams album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Tropical Albums chart last June, will be the opening act.

It’ll be the first time Gente de Zona has performed at the iconic Hollywood Bowl.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Hollywood Bowl’s summer season this year. See you soon in California,” the “Traidora” singers tweeted.

The Celia Cruz tribute is part of the Hollywood Bowl’s summer 2017 lineup recently announced. Other Latin artists on the summer schedule include Café Tacvba, La Santa Cecilia and Mon Laferte, who will perform at the Bowl on Sepember 17 as part of the Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA series.

Alex Sensation Earns His Second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Songs Chart with “La Mala y La Buena”

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Alex Sensation is the leader of the pack…

The Colombian radio DJ, whose real name is Javier Alexander Salazar, has earned his second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Songs chart.

Alex Sensation

It’s Alex Sensation’s first chart-topper as a lead act, as “La Mala y La Buena,” with Gente de Zona, steps 2-1 in its 13th frame.

He hosts daily programs on New York City’s La Mega 97.9 FM

Notably, La Mega 97.9 FM (WSKQ) contributes 26 percent of the overall weekly audience points that push the song to No. 1, while sister-station WXDJ Miami (a fellow Spanish Broadcasting System station) championed the song with 79 spins.

In November 2012, the song Balada (Tche Tcherere Tche Tche) became the number one song on the Billboard’s Tropical Song list, a track by Gusttavo Lima that featured Alex Sensation, as well as Pitbull.

Over his career, Alex Sensation has received an ACE Award from the Association of Latin Entertainment Critics, the Global Spin Award, and the Latin Mix Award.

Shakira’s “Chantaje,” feat. Maluma, Matches the Run of “Hips Don’t Lie” on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is still blackmailing her way to the top of the charts…

The 39-year-old Colombian superstar rules the roost on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart (dated January 21) for an eighth (nonconsecutive) week with “Chantaje,” featuring Maluma, matching the amount of weeks she spent atop the chart with her 2006 smash “Hips Don’t Lie,” featuring Wyclef Jean.

Both tracks are now tied for her second-longest command of the chart; the Colombian star’s “La Tortura,” featuring Alejandro Sanz, spent 25 weeks at the top beginning in June 2005.

Meanwhile, “Chantaje,” which translates to blackmail in English, jumps 65-51 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, reaching a new peak in its eighth charting week. Apart from “Tortura,” which peaked at No. 23, “Chantaje” marks Shakira’s best Hot 100 showing for a Spanish-language song that doesn’t have an accompanying English version.

A gain in streaming for the song supports its rank on both charts. The track logged 6.1 million streams during the week ending January 5, according to Nielsen Music, an 18 percent increase. It concurrently debuts at No. 47 on the Streaming Songs chart, which ranks weekly U.S. streaming data across all genres, marking Shakira’s fourth time on the four-year-old chart, and the first with a Spanish-language song.

Of the song’s total domestic weekly streams, 62 percent stem from YouTube, where its official video has reached 395 million global views to date. Meanwhile, “Chantaje” spends a fourth week at No. 1 on the Latin Digital Song Sales chart, despite a 4 percent dip in sales (to 5,000 downloads; most titles dropped in sales in the tracking week, following Christmas-week shopping the week before).

For nine years (2005-14), “La Tortura” held the record for the most weeks at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs. It wasn’t until Enrique Iglesias‘ global hit “Bailando,” featuring Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona, ran up 41 frames at No. 1 (through February 2015), dethroning “Hips Don’t Lie.” Since then, Nicky Jam and Iglesias also surpassed the reign of “Hips,” when their collaborative “El Perdon” tallied 30 weeks at No. 1 in March-October 2015.

Shakira is currently working on her 11th studio album, her first full-length Spanish release since 2010’s Sale el Sol.

Martin to Perform at First-Ever Calibash Las Vegas

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is ready to kick some Bash…

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actor is set to perform at a special edition of Calibash in Las Vegas at the Hakkasan night club.

Calibash, the multi-artist show that’s become the signature event for urban Latin music in the U.S., will celebrate its 10th anniversary with the special edition in Sin City.

Ride like a rock star in one of our party bus of limousine rentals as we can take you right up to the front door without a single worry about traffic or parking. Whether it is a smaller venue or you are headed to The Palace at Auburn Hills or The Fillmore Detroit for a big show, you can check out Rockstarz Limousine is there for you.

Calibash Las Vegas will take place on January 26 at the T-Mobile Arena and will feature performances by Martin, Don Omar, Wisin, Nicky Jam and Residente.

The huge span of acts highlights just how diverse the genre has become. On the one hand is reggaeton icon Don Omar, who this year celebrated the 10th anniversary of his seminal album King of Kings; Residente, formerly of Calle 13, who espouses an alternative approach to rap with socially-minded lyrics; current chart-toppers Wisin and Nicky Jam, and pop act Ricky Martin, who most recently reached the top of the charts with “Vente Pa’Ca,” his collaboration with Maluma.

Other confirmed acts to date include Zion & Lennox, Pipe Bueno, Farruko, J Alvarez, Plan B, Nely “El Arma Secreta”, Osuna, De la Ghetto, Almightly, Arcangel, Gente de Zona, Chacal, Osmani Garcia, Divan and CNCO.

Calibash will once again be produced by SBS Entertainment and presented by LaMusica. This marks the first time the show will take place in Vegas, and will also be the first time a multi-artist concert will take place at the T-Mobile Arena, also the site of this year’s Latin Grammys. If you are finding for the wedding DJ then Wedding DJ Auckland is a best option for your wedding function.

“This is without doubt, a strong start to the future of Latin Entertainment in Las Vegas,” says Lucas Piña, SVP of SBS Entertainment. “It is a challenge, but we are confident with the quality performers that we will produce a successful January sold-out event, as we have done in New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and other cities.”

Recent editions of the fest have also included major mainstream acts.

Jesse & Joy to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Latin Grammy darlings Jesse & Joy have a special date in Las Vegas…

The Mexican duo, comprised of Jesse Huerta and his sister Joy Huerta, will take the stage at this year’s Latin Grammys.

Jesse & Joy, who received nominations in all three major categories, join a roster of performers that includes Fonseca, Mon Laferte, Manuel Medrano, Gente de Zona, Alexis y Fido, Joss Favela and Wisin.

To kick off the awards ceremony, Latin Grammy and Grammy-winning artist Juanes will team up with the cast of Cirque Du Soleil‘s Mystere and Pablo López for a special performance.

Other Latin superstars set to perform are J Balvin, Banda Los Recoditos, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Farruko featuring Ky-Mani Marley, Laura Pausini, Prince Royce ft. Gerardo Ortiz, Diego Torres ft. Rachel Platten, Carlos Vives and Yandel.

This year’s Latin Grammys, will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on November 17.

The show, to be hosted by Roselyn Sánchez and Sebastian Rulli, will air live on Univision at 8 p.m. ET, with a red carpet special, Noche de Estrellas, airing one hour before the awards show.

J Balvin’s “Ay Vamos” Video Surpasses the Billion-Views Mark on YouTube

Posted on October 29, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin has a billion reason to smile…

The 31-year-old Colombian singer’s music video “Ay vamos” surpassed the billion-views mark on YouTube earlier this week, making him the first Latin urban artist to reach ten digits with a video on the platform.

Balvin’s milestone on YouTube also makes him the third Latin act to reach a billion views. In 2014, Enrique Iglesias became the first Latin artist ever to hit 1 billion with “Bailando” ft. Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno. In July, Romeo Santos‘ “Propuesta indecente” surpassed the mark as well.

On the Billboard charts, “Ay vamos” was Balvin’s first No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs (dated March 7, 2015) chart. The reggaeton anthem spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart and has sold 212,000 downloads, according to Nielsen Music.

The YouTube achievement comes days after Balvin notched his fifth No. 1 on Latin Airplay chart, with his track “Safari,” featuring Pharrell and BIA.

Up next, the “Bobo” singer is set to perform at the 17th edition of the Latin Grammys on Nov. 17. Balvin’s Safari is nominated for Best Urban Music Album.

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

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Shaila Durcal is ready to sing for a massive television audience…

The 37-year-old Spanish Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter has been added to the long list of performers for the 2016 Latin American Music Awards.

Durcal, the daughter of Rocío Dúrcal, released her self-titled album in March 2015.

In addition to Durcal, the fourth and final announcement of performers includes Lila Downs, and Aida Cuevas, who along with Mariachi de Mi Tierra, will pay tribute and honor the late singer Juan Gabriel. The special homage will be produced by Gabriel’s longtime producer and orchestra director, Juan Magallanes.

The new list of performers join previously announced artists including Pitbull, Sofía Reyes, Franco de Vita, La Santa Cecilia, Becky G, Nicky Jam, ChocQuibTown, MiguelBosé, CNCO, Gente de Zona and Jesse & Joy.

Banda MS and Yandel lead this year’s nominees with six nods each. Other nominees include J Balvin, Enrique Iglesias and Los Plebes de Ariel Camacho.

The 2016 Latin AMAs are set to take place on October 6 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony, hosted by Mexican singer and actress Lucero, will broadcast live on Telemundo.

Gente de Zona Notches Its Fifth Billboard Tropical Songs No. 1 with “Algo Contigo”

Posted on September 24, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a high five for Gente de Zona…

The Cuban reggaeton duo has reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Songs chart with “Algo Contigo,” giving the group its fifth chart-topper.

The song rises 3-1 in its 15th week and reaches the summit due to a 32 percent increase in plays at the format.

Since the duo earned its first Tropical Songs chart-topper in July of 2014 (as a featured act on Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailando,” also featuring Descemer Bueno), only one other act has also earned five No. 1s on the chart in that time span: Prince Royce.

“Algo Contigo” marks the first non-assisted No. 1 for the duo, the other four were as a featured act or had a feature on it.

Most recently, Gente de Zona topped the list with “Traidora,” featuring Marc Anthony, spending four weeks at No. 1 (initially peaking on the March 26 chart).

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

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Sofía Reyes is ready for her internationally televised close-up…

The 20-year-old Mexican singer, who was discovered by way of YouTube, has been added to the list of performers for the second annual Latin American Music Awards.

Earlier this year, Reyes released her third single “Solo Yo“, a heartfelt ballad and her first singing collaboration with mentor Prince Royce. Both are featured in the official music video.

Along with Reyes, the new roster of performers includes Pitbull, Banda MS, Flo Rida, Miguel Bosé, Joey Montana, Alvaro Soler and Baby Rasta & Gringo.

They join previously announced performances by CNCO, Gente de Zona, Gerardo Ortiz, Jesse & Joy, Prince Royce, among others.

Yandel and Banda MS lead this year’s nominations with six nods each. Other top nominees include Nicky Jam, Enrique Iglesias, J Balvin and Los Plebes de Ariel Camacho.

The 2016 Latin AMAs are set to take place on October 6 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

The ceremony, hosted by Mexican singer and actress Lucero, will broadcast live on Telemundo, which will include a special tribute in honor of the late Mexican singer and songwriter Juan Gabriel, who died August 28.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Gente de Zona