Omar Apollo Signs Global Publishing Deal with Concord Music Publishing

Posted on October 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Omar Apollo is taking his music global…

The 25-year-old Mexican American bilingual singer has signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing.

The new partnership comes after Apollo’s major label debut album, Ivory (2022) via Warner Records, and a juggernaut soulful single “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All),” which recently landed at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The contract with Concord will cover his complete music catalog, which includes Ivory and future works.

“Omar has already proven himself to be one of the most exciting artists, pushing music forward,” Jeremy Yohai, senior vice president of A&R at Concord, said in a statement. “It’s been amazing working Omar together with Dylan [Shanks, management] and his current music success is only the beginning.”

“Working with Jeremy and the Concord Music Publishing team has been great,” adds Apollo.

The independent music publishing company also houses the works of acclaimed songwriters like The 1975, BIA, Daft Punk, and Duff McKagan, and represents the catalogs of legends such as Benny Blanco, Phil Collins, and Joan Sebastian among others.

Prior to Ivory, Apollo was already a force to be reckoned with. He carved out a space as a prolific, millions-streaming SoundCloud creator; entered the top 20 of Heatseekers Albums for both 2019’s EP Friends and 2020’s mixtape Apolonio releases; and earned two Latin Grammy nominations in 2021.

Plus, he’s been building a fervid, cult fan base that’s now ready for a mainstream breakthrough.

With a heady mix of pop-punk (“Talk”), delectable funk (“No Good Reason”), Spanglish trap (“Tamagochi”), and plenty of bluesy cuts in the new album, Apollo further testifies his genre-spanning prowess and song-crafting eminence and that’s equipped for global consumption. Proof? For starters, Ivory debuted at No. 1 of the Heatseekers Albums chart, and singles like “Evergreen” racked up about 66 million plays across streaming channels.

This year, the bilingual star made memorable appearances in major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and ALC Fest. He also guested on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and is preparing for another headlining tour Stateside that includes stops at Brooklyn’s King Theatre and Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre.

Nicky Jam to Receive Billboard Hall of Fame Award at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on September 13, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam is standing hall…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American artist will receive the Billboard Hall of Fame award at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

The special award will recognize the reggaetón artist, actor and entrepreneur for his prolific work that transcends musical genres and languages.

He is also set to perform at the awards show, which will take place on Thursday, September 29, at the Watsco Canter in Miami and will broadcast live on Telemundo beginning at 7:00 pm ET.

Nicky now joins past Billboard Hall of Fame recipients including Alejandro Fernández, Banda El Recodo, Carlos Vives, Daddy Yankee, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Franco de Vita, Joan Sebastian, José José, Marc Anthony, Marco Antonio Solís, Mongo Santamaria, Rocío Dúrcal and Vicente Fernández.

Born Nick Rivera Caminero, the half Puerto Rican, half Dominican star is considered one of the pioneers of reggaetón with more than three decades of music.

The 13-time Billboard Latin Music Award winner is known for his Hot Latin Songs No. 1 hits such as his Enrique Iglesias-assisted “El Perdón,” which topped the chart for 30 weeks in 2015, and “Hasta El Amanecer,” which ruled for 18 weeks.

Currently, he’s making the rounds with his singles “Sin Novia” and “Ojos Rojos,” which topped both the Latin Airplay and Latin Rhythm Airplay charts in April.

Selena Quintanilla’s “Moonchild Mixes” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Albums Chart

Posted on September 8, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Quintanilla has another No. 1 album to her credit…

Moonchild Mixes, the new posthumous album by the late Mexican American singer, known as la Reina de la Musica Tejana, has debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Albums chart dated September 10.

It also debuts at No. 2 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart and No. 8 on the all-Latin-encompassing Top Latin Albums chart with 5,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the August 26-September 1 tracking week, according to Luminate.

The album earns the late icon her seventh No. 1 on Latin Pop Albums, tying Shakira and Thalia for the most among women.

The album also helps Selena extend her record for the most total weeks spent atop the chart. All seven of her No. 1 albums have spent a combined 173 weeks at No. 1 — Enrique Iglesias trails with the second-most, at 130 weeks.

The set also earns Selena her 18th top 10 on Regional Mexican Albums, the third-most among soloists after Vicente Fernandez (49) and Joan Sebastian (31).

On Top Latin Albums, the LP earns Selena her 16th top 10 album, extending her record for the most among women. Marco Antonio Solis and Vicente Fernandez lead all acts with 25 top 10 albums apiece.

Moonchild Mixes includes 10 previously unreleased songs by the superstar, who died in 1995 at age 23. She recorded the tracks between the ages of 13 and 16. In a recent interview with Billboard, her father Abraham Quintanilla Jr. said releasing the album is a way to keep her memory and legacy alive.

“We as a family had discussed this amongst ourselves that in the future, after Selena’s passing, we were going to maintain her presence through her music and we’ve done that for 27 years. I’m more than sure that the fans are going to love it because if you listen to it, it’ll move you emotionally and take you back to as if Selena was recording it this morning.”

Daddy Yankee to Be Inducted Into Hall of Fame at 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on September 13, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is heading into the Hall (of Fame)…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and rapper, known as the “King of Reggaetón,” will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Billboard and Telemundo have announced.

Given to artists who have achieved worldwide recognition for their work, transcending musical genres and languages, the accolade will honor the “Con Calma” hitmaker for his fruitful career that spans over three decades as a pioneer and top exponent of reggaeton.

Daddy Yankee will receive the award during the ceremony set to take place Thursday, September 23, live from Miami where he will also perform his latest hit “Métele al Perreo” for the first time on television.

The chart-topping, global star — known for reggaeton anthems such as “Gasolina” and “Dura” — has sold more than 17 million albums and placed 84 entries on the Hot Latin Songs chart, with seven of those hitting No. 1 and 36 landing in the top 10.

On the Latin Airplay chart, he has logged a total of 73 titles, including 24 No. 1s and 42 top 10s.

On the social front, his philanthropic work through “Daddy’s House” has been recognized by Billboard with the spirit of hope award.

Past recipients of the Billboard hall of fame award include José José, Vicente Fernández, Rocío Durcal, Marco Antonio Solís, Joan Sebastian, Marc Anthony, Franco de Vita and Alejandro Fernández, among others.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards will be broadcast live on Telemundo, kicking off at 7:00 p.m. ET with the traditional red carpet special, followed by the awards show at 8:00 pm.

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

Posted on March 25, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Anitta will be bringing the heat to the Latin AMAs…

Telemundo has announced the second wave of performers to take center stage at the 2021 Latin American Music Awards next month, with the 27-year-old Brazilian singer/songwriter making the list.

Anitta joins a roster of new additions to the lineup that includes Carrie Underwood, Juanes, Manuel Turizo, Pitbull, Ricky Martin, Wisin, Yandel, Ziggy Marley, Alaina Castillo, Cami, Carlos Rivera, Juhn, Mariah Angeliq, Natanael Cano, Sofía Reyes and Yendry.

Underwood will join David Bisbal for their first-ever television performance of “Tears of Gold,” Ricky and Carlos Vives, as well as Ziggy and Maluma, will present their upcoming collaborations, Juanes will serenade fans with a new song from his soon-to-be-released album, and Karol G will take the stage with Mariah Angeliq for an exclusive TV premiere, to name a few.

They join the first wave of performers, which included Ana Bárbara, Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga, Camilo, Carlos Vives, Bisbal, Eslabon Armado, Gerardo Ortiz, Joss Favela, Karol G, Los Dos Carnales, Maluma, Myke Towers, Nicky Jam, Piso 21 and a special tribute to the late Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Joan “El Poeta del Pueblo” Sebastian.

Following safety protocols to protect the health and safety of all involved, the 2021 awards show will honor some of the most influential Latin artists of today, as voted by fans in 25 categories including pop, urban, tropical, regional Mexican, and the newly added favorite virtual concert.

The 2021 Latin AMAs, hosted by actress Jacqueline Bracamontes, will air at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, April 15, from the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, via Telemundo and will broadcast simultaneously on Universo and throughout the Americas on Telemundo Internacional.

Ozuna to Receive Extraordinary Evolution Award at the Latin American Music Awards

Posted on March 23, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s an extraordinary time for Ozuna…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican urban singer will receive the Extraordinary Evolution Award during the sixth edition of the Latin American Music Awards, according to Telemundo.

With seven Latin AMAs nominations this year — including artist of the year and collaboration of the year — the “Caramelo” singer will be honored for his achievements as an artist who has demonstrated change and accelerated growth to reach the pinnacle of success in a short period of time. Previous recipients of the award include Becky G (2019) and Maluma (2018).

The chart-topping artist, who most recently dropped the joint album Los Dioses with Anuel AA and is featured on the new animated film Tom and Jerry, will also perform at this year’s Latin AMAs, which will take place on April 15 and will be broadcast live from the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida.

Ozuna joins the previously announced star-studded lineup that includes Maluma, Banda MS, Camilo, Carlos Vives, Eslabon Armado, Karol G, Los Dos Carnales, José Luis “El Puma” Rodríguez and Piso 21. The ceremony will also include a special tribute to the late regional Mexican singer-songwriter Joan Sebastian.

This year’s top nominees include Karol G and J Balvin with nine noms each, followed by Bad Bunny with eight, Ozuna with seven, and Anuel AA and Camilo with six each.

The 2021 Latin AMAs, hosted by actress Jacqueline Bracamontes, will air at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, April 15, via Telemundo and will broadcast simultaneously on Universo and throughout the Americas on Telemundo Internacional.

José Luis Rodríguez, aka “El Puma,” To Receive Legend Award at Latin American Music Awards

Posted on March 17, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

José Luis Rodríguez is ready for a legendary experience…

Acclaimed singer The 78-year-old Venezuelan singer and actor, commonly known as “El Puma,” is set to receive the Legend Award during the sixth edition of the Latin American Music Awards, according to Telemundo.

Presented to artists who have endured the test of time, “El Puma” has serenaded fans for six decades with anthemic ballads like “Culpabloe Soy Yo,” “Dueño De Ti” and “Agárrense De Las Manos.”

The chart-topping artist has also recorded more than 60 albums and has participated in more than 34 soap operas, movies and international series.

Rodriguez will also perform at this year’s Latin AMAs, which will take place on April 15 and will be broadcast live from the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida.

Rodriguez joins the previously announced star-studded lineup that includes Maluma, Banda MS, Camilo, Carlos Vives, Eslabon Armado, Karol G, Los Dos Carnales and Piso 21.

The ceremony will also include a special tribute to the late regional Mexican singer-songwriter Joan Sebastian.

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

Posted on March 9, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma is heading to the Latin American Music Awards…

The 27-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter is set to perform at the Latin AMAs, according to Telemundo.

Maluma joins a roster of recently announced performers that includes Ana Bárbara, Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga, Camilo, Carlos Vives, David Bisbal, Eslabon Armado, Gerardo Ortiz, Joss Favela, Karol G, Los Dos Carnales, Myke Towers, Nicky Jam and Piso 21.

Artists like Banda MS, Maluma, Ortiz, and Karol G will all take the stage with exclusive television premieres.

The sixth annual ceremony will include a special star-studded tribute to the late Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Joan “El Poeta del Pueblo” Sebastian.

This year’s top nominees include Karol G and J Balvin with nine nominations each, followed by Bad Bunny with eight, Ozuna with seven, and Anuel AA and Camilo with six each.

Winners for all categories will be determined by fan voting via LatinAMAs.com/vota and on Twitter @LatinAMAS by using the hashtag #LatinAMAs.

The 2021 Latin AMAs, hosted by actress Jacqueline Bracamontes, will air at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 15, from the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, via Telemundo and will broadcast simultaneously on Universo and throughout the Americas on Telemundo Internacional.

Bad Bunny Breaks Record for Most Songs in the Top 10 at the Same Time on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunnyis ruling the singles charts…

The 25-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer has landed six songs concurrently in the top 10 of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, setting a new record for the most songs by an artist in the top 10 at the same time.

On the chart — which blends airplay, sales and streaming data to rank to the most popular Latin songs of the week — all eight of Bad Bunny’s Oasis’ songs, his No. 1 joint album with J Balvin, debut on the list dated July 13.

The Oasis parade is led by “Qué Pretendes,” which debuts at No. 2. Another Oasis track, “La Cancion,” bows within the top 10, at No. 10.

So, that’s two Bad Bunny cuts in the top 10, which joins four other Bad Bunny songs already in the region, at No. 3 (“Callaita,” with Tainy), No. 4 (“MIA,” featuring Drake), No. 5 (“Soltera,” with Lunayand Daddy Yankee) and No. 8 (“No Me Conoce,” with Jhay Cortezand J Balvin).

With that, Bad Bunny notches his six songs concurrently in the top 10. The previous record was four, held by six acts (Bad Bunny, Ozuna, Anuel AA, Joan Sebastian, Romeo Santosand Wisin & Yandel).

Further, Bad Bunny sets another record: He’s the first act with four songs in the top five at the same time, as he holds Nos. 2-5.

Gabriel’s Death Causes Spike in Sales & Streams of His Catalog

Posted on September 11, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Juan Gabriel’s death continues to impact the music charts…

The Mexican singer’s death on August 28 has caused a spike in sales and streams of the his repertoire.

JuanGa’s U.S. album sales jumped to 37,000 in the week ending September 1, up 846 percent from the previous week.

Five of his albums dot Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart (dated September 17), with four in the tally’s top 10. His Los Duo 2 ranks the highest, hopping 5-2 (up 1,412 percent to 9,000 copies). The last album he released in his lifetime (on Aug. 5), Vestido de Etiqueta: Por Eduardo Magallenes, slides 1-3 (despite a 192 percent jump in sales, to 5,000 copies) after crowning the September 3 and September 10-dated charts.

Gabriel becomes only the third act to have five simultaneous top 10s. He joins two other acts who achieved the distinction in death: Selena (who died in 1995) and Joan Sebastian (2015) each had five albums in the top 10 in the weeks following their deaths.

Gabriel, who began his career in the early 1970s, has placed a total of 32 albums on the chart (since it began in 1993).

He concurrently holds the top nine spots on the Latin Catalog Albums chart (led by his former Top Latin Albums No. 1, Mis Numero 1 … 40 Aniversario, 9,000 copies — up 1,370 percent). At No. 2, his 2014 set Los Duo, which finished as the top Latin album of the year on Billboard’s 2015 year-end charts.

Latin Catalog Albums Chart Rank (dated Sept. 17):
Rank, Title
No. 1, Mis Numero 1…40 Aniversario
No. 2, Los Duo
No. 3, Mis 40 En Bellas Artes (Parte 1)
No. 4, Mis 40 En Bellas Artes
No. 5, Los Gabriel…Cantan A Mexico (with Ana Gabriel)
No. 6, La Historia Del Divo
No. 7, Frente a Frente (with Ana Gabriel)
No. 8, Mis 40 En Bellas Artes (Parte 2)
No. 9, Los Gabriel…Para Ti (with Ana Gabriel)

On the Hot Latin Songs chart, which blends airplay, sales and streaming, 10 Gabriel tracks make the list. Only Sebastian has placed more songs on the chart at the same time, when he held 11 spots after his death (Aug. 1, 2015 chart).

Gabriel’s classic 1984 track “Querida” leads the entries at No. 4. It’s his highest charting song since 2001’s “Abrazame Muy Fuerte” reached No. 1. The Hot Latin Songs chart launched 30 years ago, and Gabriel’s “Yo No Se Que Me Paso” was the first No. 1 on the inaugural chart (Oct. 4, 1986). The posthumous entries give Gabriel a total of 36 career-charting songs on the list, with 20 having reached the top 10 (and seven No. 1s).

All of Gabriel’s tracks that debut or re-enter on Hot Latin Songs are powered primarily by streams. “Querida” leads with 2.4 million domestic plays during the week, while “Asi Fue” and “Hasta Que Te Conoci” follow with nearly 2 million streams each. Gabriel’s total on-demand audio and video streams increase 1,099 percent, to 52.9 million weekly U.S. plays.

Increased digital sales spur 21 Gabriel songs onto the 50-position Latin Digital Songs chart, the second-most simultaneous songs on the chart after Jenni Rivera placed 24 charting titles following her death in 2012.

“Querida” fronts the debuts, arriving at No. 4 (4,000 downloads). Overall digital song sales for Gabriel increased 3,045 percent, to 54,000 downloads, in the most recent week.

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