Alejandro Sanz to Make Special Appearance at This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Sanz has achieved Icon status…

The 55-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning singer and songwriter will take part in this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week.

Sanz, a four-time Grammy and 22-time Latin Grammy winner, will sit down for an exclusive Icon Q&A.

Sanz joins a star-studded lineup for the five-day event, featuring exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars.

Previously announced participants include Bad Gyal, Belinda, Camila Fernández, Chiquis, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Dei V, Domelipa, Eslabon Armado, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, JOP, Keityn, Kunno, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Lupita Infante, Majo Aguilar, María Becerra, Marko, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Omar Courtz, Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Yeison Jiménez, Yeri Mua and Zhamira Zambrano, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

“It’s an honor to welcome Alejandro as he prepares to release new music,” says Leila Cobo, Billboard’s Chief Content Officer for Latin and Español, in a press release. “We pride ourselves in being a home for artists where they can speak creatively and openly, and we can’t wait to hear what Alejandro has to say.”

Sanz’s Icon Q&A marks his return to Latin Music Week after he sat for an exclusive conversation in 2003.

From his debut in 1991 with Viviendo Deprisa to his album of the year Latin Grammy-nominated latest studio album SANZ, released in December 2021, Sanz has established himself as one of the most well-known and influential artists around the world.

With more than 25 million records sold, all his albums have obtained multi-platinum status in Spain, Latin America and the United States.

Throughout his career, Sanz has collaborated with renowned artists from all over the world, from Alicia Keys to Shakira, Destiny’s Child, Laura Pausini, Ivete Sangalo, Juanes, Juan Luis Guerra, Marc Anthony and many more.

Among his latest releases are “NASA” with Camilo; “La Despedida,” included in the soundtrack of the movie Bullet Train; and “Yo Soy” with Eros Ramazzotti.

He recently obtained his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was honored by his hometown of Andalucía with the city’s highest distinction, a medal with the title of “Favorite Son.”

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Billboard Latin Music Week will take place October 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Farruko to Take Part in “Moving Our Music Pa’lante” Panel at Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on September 14, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Farruko is movin’ pa’lante…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter will take part in the “Moving Our Music Pa’lante” panel discussion, which is set to take place during Billboard Latin Music Week 2021.

The event will return to Miami with a weeklong (September 20-25) event that unites the top Latin hitmakers, influencers and industry leaders, and features live performances and conversations with superstars.

Presented by HBO Max and moderated by Billboard‘s Leila Cobo, the panel will explore how HBO Max creates and markets its slate of acquired Latin music films and documentaries, sharing their creative process and the strategies they use to deliver compelling content that resonates with fans across the U.S. and Latin America.

Panelists include Farruko; Edgar Martinez, svp entertainment, Loud and Live; Jessica Vargas, director of multicultural marketing, HBO Max/HBO; and Leslie Cohen, senior vp content acquisitions for WarnerMedia, HBO Max/HBO.

Other recently announced panels include “Mano a Mano” 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 Jhonny Caz of Grupo Firme for an insightful and heartfelt conversation on the challenges and rewards of coming out as a Latin music act.

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.

The 2021 Latin Music Week will take place from September 20 to 25 at the Faena Forum in Miami, and coincides with the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards broadcasting live via Telemundo on Sept. 23.

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

Rosalía to Take Part in This Year’s Virtual Latin Music Week, Moved to October Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Rosalía will help celebrate Latin music this fall…

The 26-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning singer-songwriterwill participate in this year’s Latin Music Week, a three-day immersive experience dedicated to Latin music, culture and entertainment.

Rosalia joins a roster of participating superstars that includes J Balvin, Taboo and the Black Eyed Peas, Maluma,Ozuna and Carlos Vives.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary as the longest-running and biggest Latin music industry, Latin Music Week2020 will take place on October 20-23.

This year’s festivities will be virtual, and will feature intimate artist conversations, industry panels, workshops and performances.

“Latin music has become a formidable and undeniable uniting force around the world, so it’s fitting that this year’s virtual Latin Music Week will be globally accessible at no cost to the industry and fans for the first time,” said Leila Cobo, vp, Latin industry lead, Billboard. “While we were disappointed to postpone our April conference, our virtual event will allow us to connect with fans and artists from all over the world no matter where they are. During these very difficult times, we are thrilled to extend an invitation to all who wish to celebrate Latin music and culture.”

This year’s Latin Music Week was originally scheduled to take place April 20-23 in Las Vegas, but was postponed due to COVID-19.

Additional participants and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

To reserve a spot and receive updates, RSVP here.

Mala Rodriguez to Perform During the Virtual Edition of the Latin Alternative Music Conference

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Mala Rodriguez is offering a special alternative for people stuck at home during this coronavirus pandemic.

The 41-year-old Spanish Latin Grammy-winning rapper will take this in this year’s Latin Alternative Music Conference, which will be held live online.

This year, the annual Latin Alternative Music Conference will officially kick off on Tuesday, June 9 withg a variety of virtual industry panels, workshops and showcases that will live.

Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic and as the nation begins to reopen gradually, the LAMC‘s five-day virtual conference includes timely panels like “The Future of Touring” with panelists Jordi Puig (OCESA), Phil Rodriguez (Move Concerts) and Sebastian De la Barra (Lotus Producciones).

And, “Mental Health and the Creative Community” presented by MusiCares and the Latin Grammys featuring Carla Morrison, Kany García, Ana Tijoux and Guaynaa.

LAMC’s Talks with Billboard Latin will feature Leila Cobo‘s fireside chats with Walter Kolm and ChocQuibTown‘s Gloria “Goyo” Martínez.’

Rodriguez will perform on June 9 as part of peermusic‘s showcase. Other participating artists include Thee Sinseers, Gaby Moreno and Lido Pimienta.

Francisca Valenzuela, Tatiana Hazel, Los Caligaris, among others will perform during the LAMC.

On closing night, LAMC will celebrate Pride Month with performances by Kany García, Mabiland, Circo and Javiera Mena.

“Providing a forum to discuss the issues we face and the potential solutions that lie ahead is key as we look towards the future,” LAMC founder Tomas Cookman said in a previous statement. “Although the days ahead may be slightly different for a time, we should always keep in mind there is very much a future as music is a human and global emotion. We are lending our hand by making the conference free for all and having a team of professionals join us in making sure the LAMC experience is as informative and technologically seamless as can be.”

Check out the full schedule on the LAMC website.

Leila Cobo to Release New Book Offering Inside Look into the Latin Music Industry

Posted on December 23, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Leila Cobo is doing some decoding…

The Colombian journalist/writer, a vice president at Billboard, will release a new book next year with Penguin Random House titled Decoding Latino: The Real Story of Latin Music.

The book will offer an insider’s view into the Latin music industry, tracking the stories behind 15 of the biggest hits of the past 50 years featuring some of the biggest names in music, including Emilioand Gloria Estefan, Enrique Iglesias, J Balvinand Luis Fonsi, among others.

“Bringing to life these stories and these songs is an honor and a pleasure,” said Cobo, who is also a classically trained pianist. “We’ve had so much fun reliving the making of these landmark songs.”

Decoding Latino will also explore areas such as the birth of Salsa, which was bred on the streets of Spanish Harlem, as well as Puerto Rican reggaetonand the bilingual chart-toppers making history.

It will be published in English and Spanish, and will also be available as an audio book.

Cobo, who has previously written four books in addition to co-writing the 2017 memoir Una Vida with recording artist Ednita Nazario, is Billboard‘s chief Latin music expert, writer and editor who has secured some of the magazine’s most iconic cover stories highlighting names like pop star Jennifer Lopez, urban king Ozuna and the recent cover story featuring Spain’s flamenco-inspired hip-hip artist Rosalía, who this month was celebrated at Billboard’s 14th annual Women in Music event for her contributions to female empowerment.

Previously, Cobo published two novels with Grand Central Publishing/Hatchette Book Group, which were translated to German, Italian and have won multiple awards. The Second Time We Met, Cobo’s 2012 novel, won the Latino Book Award for best popular fiction and was chosen as one of the top summer reads by MSN and Latina.

Cobo’s biography on the late Jenni Rivera (Penguin Random House) stayed on the U.S. top 10 list of most-sold books in Spanish for more than 25 consecutive weeks. The book on the Diva of Banda music was named a top-read by several publications, including People en Español.

Becky G to be Honored at the Latin Recording Academy’s Leading Ladies of Entertainment Luncheon

Posted on November 10, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Becky G is a (leading) lady who lunches…

For the second consecutive year, the Latin Recording Academy will host its Leading Ladies of Entertainment luncheon, honoring professional women within arts and entertainment who have made significant contributions to their fields, including the 21-year-old Mexican American singer/songwriter/actress.

In addition to Becky G, this year’s honorees include Univision journalist and anchor Pamela Silva Conde; BMI’s VP of Creative for Latin music, Delia Orjuela; and Cynthia Hudson EVP and GM of CNN en Español and Hispanic Strategy for CNN/US.

“With great pride and admiration we laud these honorees who throughout their careers have continually demonstrated grit, determination, an absolute sense of pride, and an indomitable spirit,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., president/CEO of the Latin Recording Academy.

The Leading Ladies of Entertainment program launched last year with a similar lunch in Las Vegas, honoring executives like Lionfish Entertainment founder Rebeca Leon (who manages Juanes, Rosalía and J Balvin), Warner Music Latina GM Gabriela Martinez and Billboard’s executive director of Latin content and programming Leila Cobo.

The event was a rare honor designed specifically for women involved in Latin music and entertainment.

Erika Ender Among the Latin Recording Academy’s Inaugural “Leading Ladies of Entertainment”

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Erika Ender is a leading lady…

The Latin Recording Academy will honor the accomplishments of women working in the Latin music industry, including the 42-year-old Panamanian and Brazilian singer, songwriter and actress, with a ceremony recognizing “The Leading Ladies of Entertainment.”

Considered one of the most prolific composers in the Latin music market today, Ender is the woman behind Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s global hit “Despacito,” having co-written the song with the Puerto Rican superstars.

Last month, Ender was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Billboard’s Leila Cobo, Executive Director of Content and Programming for Latin Music and Entertainment, will also be honored during the inaugural event, which will take place on Tuesday (November 14) at Mastro’s Ocean Club in Las Vegas.

Recording engineer Marcella Araica, Rebeca Leon, CEO and Founder of Lionfish Entertainment; Gabriela Martinez, General Manager Warner Music Latina and SVP Marketing Warner Music Latin America; and Univision’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jessica Rodriguez will also be honored as 2017’s “Leading Ladies.”

The new Latin Grammy week event will precede the 18th annual awards, which will be broadcast live on Univision from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday (November 16).

“It is my pleasure to welcome this new event to Latin Grammy Week, where we will have another opportunity to celebrate talented and inspiring individuals,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., Latin Recording Academy President/CEO, said in a statement. “Women face a myriad of difficulties in the entertainment industry, but despite those obstacles, the women we are honoring have continually demonstrated perseverance, fortitude, and grace under pressure.”

Davina Aryeh, Chief Marketing Officer of The Latin Recording Academy, pointed out that the gender gap in the music industry “is more pronounced for Latinas.”

“We want to empower and inspire women,” she added. “Not only through the symbolic importance of the event…but also through the tangible financial contribution it will have as we donate proceeds back to our Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation in the form of scholarships for young women interested in studying music.”

Nicky Jam to Speak at Songwriter Q&A During This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Conference

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam is ready to open up about his red-hot career…

The 34-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer-songwriter, boasting back-to-back singles on the Top 5 of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, has been confirmed for the Songwriter Q&A during this year’s Billboard Latin Music Conference in Miami.

Presented by Jorge Mejia’s Sony/ATV, the “Songwriter Q&A,” now in its third year, features hitmakers at the peak of their careers.

Nicky Jam, whose song “El Perdón” with Enrique Iglesias became the second-longest running track ever at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, will discuss his career, his hits and his songwriting strategy in a conversation with Leila Cobo, Bilboard’s executive director of Latin content and programming.

Nicky Jam is a finalist for eleven Billboard Latin Music Awards including Artist of the Year. His song “El Perdón” with Iglesias vies for five additional awards including Hot Latin Song of the Year, Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event and Airplay Song of the Year.

Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias’ “El Perdón” spent 30 weeks atop the Hot Latin Songs chart (it peaked on March 21, 2015), becoming the second-longest running No. 1 ever on the chart. His latest single “Hasta El Amanecer” is currently No. 3 on Hot Latin Songs.

The Billboard Latin Music Conference, which will be held April 25-28 at the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach Fla., will also feature key industry leaders and music stars. Registration to the conference is open at BillboardLatinConference.com with early bird, loyalty and group rates available.

The Billboard Latin Music Conference 2016 culminates with the annual Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air live on the Telemundo network April 28 from the BankUnited Center in Miami.

Jenni Rivera’s Sister, Rosie, to Release Book Entitled “Mis Pedazos Rotos”

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

There’s another Jenni Rivera-inspired book headed to a bookstore near you…

Rosie Rivera, the youngest sister of the late Mexican American singer, has written a book entitled Mis Pedazos Rotos.

The book will go on sale on February 2, 2016, on Celebra, the Penguin imprint that has published memoirs by major Latin names, including Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Emilio Estefan.

The bio’s tag line reads: “Healing scars from sexual abuse through faith, family and love.”

The youngest in the Rivera family, Rosie Rivera was thrust into the spotlight after the death in a plane crash of her famous older sister Jenni in 2012. Beloved by Jenni, Rosie was left in charge of her sister’s estate and her children.

But even prior to her older sister’s death, Rosie had spoken often of the sexual abuse she suffered as a child and of how she had survived and gone beyond the horrors.

Mis Pedazos Rotos marks the first time she tells the story in book form.

“Today, as I unveil the cover of my book, is the beginning of bringing a dream to life,” said Rivera in a statement “It’s a mission that began in my sister’s heart 18 years ago. When I told Jenni about being sexually abused, she planted a seed in my heart: ‘Sister, you have to write a book about your life to help other abused girls.’ At the time, I thought she was crazy….But she saw beyond the pain and the broken pieces. She saw Victory. Sister, the seed is bearing fruit. Thanks for motivating me to fight battles. It’s our victory. High freakin five sister!!!”

Rosie Rivera’s memoir will be the latest in a string of books attached to Jenni Rivera.

Following her death Billboard writer Leila Cobo published a biography titled Jenni Rivera: The Incredible Story of a Warrior Butterfly, on Penguin. Then came Rivera’s own memoir, Unbreakable, which she had written prior to her death and which became a New York Times bestseller.

Earlier this year, her daughter, Chiquis Rivera, published a memoir titled Forgiveness. And in October, Atria (which also published Unbreakable) put out Jenni Vive: Unforgettable, Baby!, a collection of never-before-seen photos and previously unpublished pages from Rivera’s journal.

Santana to Appear at This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Conference

Posted on March 31, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Santana is ready to talk about his supernatural career…

The 61-year-old Mexican musician has been added to the list of speakers at the 2015 Billboard Latin Music Conference.

Santana, a multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, will have a one-on-one conversation with Billboard’s Leila Cobo on Wednesday, April 29 as they discuss his 40-plus years in music.

The open Q&A session will give the audience a chance to get up close and personal with the legendary guitarist and relive his journey — from his humble beginnings in Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico, to his teenage years in the Mission District of San Francisco, to selling out arenas worldwide, reaching more than 100 millions fans.

“One of the great guitarists, Carlos’ style is so identifiable and relevant to pop culture; his influence is seen in varying music genres worldwide,” says Cobo. “There is no better way to end the Billboard Latin Music Conference and kick off the Awards than with this incomparable artist.”

The ‘Legends’ session is the culmination of the 26th annual Billboard Latin Music Conference and Awards, running from April 27 to 30 at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach in Miami.

CNN en Español host Ismael Cala will deliver the opening keynote of the three-day conference, while bachata king Romeo Santos will participate in an exclusive Q&A. Additional panels and sessions will feature some of Latin music’s biggest names, including J Balvin, Ivy Queen, Luis Coronel, Nicky Jam, Kevin Ortiz and Jorge Valenzuela.

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