El Fantasma Logs Fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “El Soldado Caído”

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

El Fantasma is soldiering forward…

The 32-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has earned his fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “El Soldado Caído” takes over atop the October 1-dated list.

“El Soldado Caído” jumps 3-1 and sends Los Rieleros del Norte’s “Cuéntame” to No. 2 after one week atop the list.

El Fantasma earns the Greatest Gainer honors of the week thanks to its 32% increase in audience impressions, to 6.5 million, in the U.S. in the week ending September 25, according to Luminate.

El Fantasma’s new No. 1, released July 1st via Afinarte, arrives a year after the Mexican scored his third leader through a collaboration with Pepe Aguilar: “Tus Desprecios” ruled for one week in September 2021.

Plus, with “El Soldado Caído’s” coronation on Regional Mexican Airplay, Afinarte adds a new No. 1 to its scoreboard on the 27-year-old list. It’s the label’s first champ in almost a year since it took over atop with Los Dos Carnales’ “Yo Soy Rico” for one week in November 2021.

Here’s a recap of Afinarte’s champs on Regional Mexican Airplay:

Dec. 27, 2014, “Levantando Polvadera,” Voz De Mando, (7 weeks At No.1)
June 1, 2019, “Encantadora,” El Fantasma, (4 weeks At No.1)
Sept. 5, 2020, “El Envidioso,” Los Dos Carnales
Aug. 14, 2021, “Soy Buen Amigo,” El Fantasma,
Nov. 20, 2021, “Yo Soy Rico,” Los Dos Carnales
Oct. 1, “Soldado Caído,” El Fantasma

Elsewhere. “El Soldado Caído” pushes to the top 10 on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart, with a 13-9 climb — El Fantasma’s seventh top 10 there.

Camilo Teams Up with Grupo Firme for Banda Heartbreak Song “Alaska”

Posted on August 19, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Camilo is banda-ing with Grupo Firme…

The Colombian singer, musician and songwriter has joined voices with Grupo Firme to release the new banda anthem “Alaska.”

Powered by traditional banda instruments like the tuba and accordion, the heartbreak song is Camilo and the Mexican group’s first joint effort.

The track — which really thrives on a play on words à la Camilo — arrived alongside a music video directed by singer-songwriter Evaluna (also Camilo’s wife).

In it, Evaluna becomes the designated driver to Camilo and the Firme crew as they sing their sorrows away while taking more than a few tequila shots.

Ahead of the track’s release, Camilo expressed gratitude and admiration for the chart-topping band.

“We met in a hotel hallway and, since then, told each other we wanted to make music together,” Camilo shared in an Instagram post. “I love beautiful and transparent people like them.” Firme’s frontman Eduin Caz commented, “This song will be a smash hit because it was totally organic and real. We love you and your family.”

“Alaska” — produced and penned by Camilo and Edgar Barrera — marks the sixth single off his highly anticipated third album, De Adentro Pa Afuera, slated for release in September.

This is not the first time Camilo has dabbled with regional Mexican music.

In 2021, he teamed up with norteño duo Los Dos Carnales for “Tuyo Y Mío,” which is part of his Latin Grammy-winning album Mis Manos.

About his love for the genre, Camilo told Billboard at the time, “Regional Mexican music is also very ours as Colombians. I remember my parents would have family gatherings and they’d drink aguardiente with green mango while listening to corridos, rancheras and boleros. So, that sonority has been with me since I was little — it’s not foreign, and it’s a part of my sound.”

Both Camilo and Grupo Firme are confirmed for Billboard’s 2022 Latin Music Week, set to take place September 26-30 in Miami at the Faena Forum.

El Fantasma to Help Kick Off Latin Recording Academy’s 2022 Latin Grammy Acoustic Sessions

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

El Fantasma is going acoustic…

The Latin Recording Academy has announced plans to kick off the 2022 Latin Grammy Acoustic Sessions later this month with a star-studded Regional Mexican lineup that includes the 32-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter.

This year’s series, presented in partnership with Meta, will showcase two digital concerts filmed in Mexico City and São Paulo, where the artists will perform renditions of their personal favorite songs with surprising collaborations and storytelling, at remarkable settings.

The first concert, recorded at the Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral in Mexico City, features performances by former Latin Grammy nominees El Fantasma and Lupita Infante, as well as Latin Grammy winners Los Dos Carnales. A digital concert from São Paulo will later premiere with more artists to be announced.

“Through our Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions, we aim to foster inclusive spaces where music creators can feature their craft, inspiring cultural appreciation, promotion, and preservation of their respective genres,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy in a press statement. “With so much new energy in

the Mexican Regional genre, I’m thrilled that we are able to start the series with some of the new generations of talented artists.”

El Fantasma added: “It is an honor for me to get the chance to perform in this first-ever acoustic session focused on Regional Mexican music and to bring my culture and my country’s musical traditions to a global audience. The Latin Academy represents so much—respect, excellence, and the preservation and continued advancement of Latin music—and this is an experience that I will never forget.”

Fans can watch the full acoustic performances of Fantasma, Carnales and Lupita at 9:00 am ET on July 22 via The Latin Recording Academy Facebook page, where it will be available for 48 hours. The performance videos will also be available on the artists’ Facebook pages for 90 days.

The Latin Grammy Acoustic Sessions began six years ago to promote the new generation of up-and-coming talent focusing on diversity and equity within each genre. In 2020, they added a digital franchise, providing access to Latin musical excellence globally.

J Balvin to Co-Headline New ‘Viva! L.A. Music Festival’ This Summer

Posted on March 30, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is ready to Viva Los Angeles…

The 36-year-old Colombian reggaetonero will co-headline Viva! L.A., a new, one-day festival set to take place at L.A.’s Dodger Stadium on June 25.

The new festival is being held to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Viva! Pomona, an annual festival launched 10 years ago.

Produced by Goldenvoice, the Viva! L.A. Music Festival will also be headlined by Daddy Yankee, Becky G and Kali Uchis.

The multi-genre fest will also feature performances by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Lenin Ramirez, Carin Leon, Tainy, Carla Morrison, Ivy Queen, Cuco, Los Dos Carnales, The Marías, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Chicano Batman, Ed Maverick, Cazzu, La Sonora Dinamita, Lido Piemienta, Eslabon Armado, among many others.

Additionally, the festival will donate $1 of every ticket sold to the Los Angeles-based nonprofit No Us Without You LA, which is committed to feeding L.A.’s undocumented immigrant communities.

Launched in the pandemic, the volunteer-run organization now provides support to “hundreds of food insecure hospitality, day laborers, street vendors and mariachi families.”

Viva! was originally created a decade ago by Rene Contreras who wanted to bring resources to his hometown in Southern California via backyard shows and gigs at local spots. “Viva! goes beyond just a music festival, it has a strong mission of building community and representation, which has led to its cult following that started in L.A. and has since gone global,” according to a press release. “The fest celebrates those often overshadowed immigrants, youth of color, the underserved, the working class in the suburbs, various marginalized communities and artists that have long been pushed out of the larger anglo music arena.”

The Viva! Pomona shows will still continue under the Viva! umbrella.

Ticket pre-sale starts Saturday at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets go on sale to the general public later that day at 2 p.m. For ticket and festival information, visit https://vivamusicfestival.com.

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Los Dos Carnales Top Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “Yo Soy Rico”

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a rich time for Los Dos Carnales…

The Mexican norteño group, founded by brothers Poncho Jr. and Imanol Quezada, take over the top spot on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “Yo Soy Rico” lifts 3-1 on the November 20-dated chart.

The Quezada brothers capture their second leader and take the Greatest Gainer honor of the week thanks to a 49% gain in audience impressions, to 9.6 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending November 14, according to MRC Data.

“’Yo Soy Rico’ has a special space in our repertoire; it’s a song that speaks about human prosperity, of how fortunate we are to have our family,” Imanol tells Billboard.

“Yo Soy Rico” follows Los Dos Carnales’ only other Regional Mexican Airplay leader: “El Envidioso” (September 5, 2020-dated list).

In between the brothers have placed two other top 10s: “Cabrón y Vago,” with El Fantasma (No. 7, ranking dated February 13) and “La Tóxica” (No. 3, July 17-dated survey).

“Yo Soy Rico’s” Regional Mexican Airplay success arrives a week after it vaulted at No. 10 on the overall Latin Airplay tally, where it rallies 10-2 on the current chart. It’s their first top 10 on the list.

It’s the week’s largest improvement among all of the 50-deep title chart.

Over on the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart (a blend of airplay, digital sales and streams), “Rico” pushes 35-26 thanks to its radio gains, despite a 1% dip in streams.

Gloria Estefan to Perform at the Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on November 15, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan is headed to the Latin Grammys stage…

The Latin Recording Academy has announced additional performers set to take the stage for the 22nd annual Latin Grammy Awards on November 18 in Las Vegas, with the 64-year-old Cuban singer and four-time Latin Grammy winner among those on the list.

Making her return to the Latin Grammys stage after more than a decade, Estefan — accompanied by Anitta, Carlinhos Brown, Laércio da Costa, Pedro Capó, Farina, Giulia Be and Diego Torres — will open the Latin Grammys with a three-song medley, including her iconic song “Abriendo Puertas,” along with “Cuando Hay Amor” and “Magalenha.”

Additionally, Ángela Aguilar, Pepe Aguilar, María Becerra, Eladio Carrión, Silvestre Dangond, Emmanuel, Joss Favela, Evaluna Montaner, Ricardo Montaner, Fito Páez, Residente, Sofía Reyes, among others, have joined the broadcast as presenters.

The new group of artists join previously announced performers Mon Laferte, Grupo Firme, Bad Bunny, Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga, Rubén Blades, C. Tangana, Calibre 50, Los Dos Carnales, Alejandro Fernández, Juanes, Maná, Ozuna, Danna Paola and Myke Towers, among others.

Five-time nominee C. Tangana is set to perform alongside Antonio Carmona, Diego del Morao, Jorge Drexler, Israel Fernández, La Húngara, Natalia Lafourcade and Omar Apollo. Meanwhile, Juanes will perform a new arrangement of Juan Gabriel’s iconic “No Tengo Dinero,” alongside Rubén Albarrán and Meme del Real of Café Tacvba.

With the theme “rediscovering life through music,” the three-hour show will air live on Univision at 8:00 p.m. ET, preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

The telecast, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, will “invite audiences to rediscover what’s important in life using music as a storyline,” according to a statement from the Latin Recording Academy.

Camilo leads the 2021 Latin Grammys nominees with 10 nods, including nominations in the album, record, and song of the year categories. He’s followed by tropical music icon Juan Luis Guerra with six, Spanish rapper Tangana with five nominations, and multiple artists, including Bad Bunny, with four.

Estefan is nominated this year for Best Contemporary Tropical Album for her samba-flavored album Brazil305.

Grupo Firme Win Five Awards at Premios de la Radio

Posted on November 12, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Grupo Firme is celebrating their La Radio success…

The 2021 Premios de la Radio have been announced, with the Regional Mexican group topping the list of winners.

Taking place at Mexico City’s Foro Expo Santa Fe with a star-studded lineup of presenters, performers and nominees, the awards recognize the best of Regional Mexican music.

During the nearly four-hour ceremony, 16 awards — voted on by fans — were presented live, with Grupo Firme leading the winners list and taking home a total of five awards. The banda-norteño group won artist of the year, norteño group of the year, banda song of the year for “Ya Supérame,” Latin pride award and collaboration of the year thanks to “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo” with Lenin Ramírez.

Other big winners include Ángela Aguilar, who won three awards, including female artist of the year, and El Fantasma, who nabbed male artist of the year and norteña song of the year for “Cabrón y Vago” featuring Los Dos Carnales.

The ceremony featured performances by Grupo Firme, who was joined by Carin Leon and Ramírez onstage for a medley of their tracks “El Tóxico” and “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo.” Aguilar took the spotlight for showstopping performances of “Ahi Donde Me Ven” and “En Realidad.”

Additionally, various tributes took place, including a heartfelt homage honoring Vicente Fernández‘s legacy, which included performances by Grupo Firme’s Eduin Caz, Alan and Walo of Banda MS, Leon, Natalia Jimenez, Leonardo Aguilar and Aída Cuevas.

Here’s the complete winners list:

Artist of the Year:
Grupo Firme

Male Artist of the Year:
El Fantasma

Female Artist of the Year:
Ángela Aguilar

Banda of the Year:
Banda MS

Norteño Group of the Year:
Grupo Firme

Sierreño Group or Soloist of the Year:
Carin Leon

Banda Song of the Year:
“Ya Supérame” – Grupo Firme

Mariachi Song of the Year:
“Dime cómo quieres” – Ángela Aguilar ft Christian Nodal

Norteña Song of the Year:
“Cabrón y Vago” – El Fantasma ft Los Dos Carnales

Sierreña Song of the Year:
“Ya Acabó” – Marca MP

Regional Urban Song of the Year:
“Grandes Ligas” – Lupillo Rivera, Alemán, Santa Fe Klan, B-Real ft Snoop Dogg

Corrido of the Year:
“El Perro “ – Gerardo Ortiz

Collaboration of the Year:
“Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo” – Lenin Ramírez ft Grupo Firme

New Artist of the Year:
Junior H

Latin Pride Award:
Ángela Aguilar
Grupo Firme

Tribute to the Greatest of Mexico:
Vicente Fernández
Pepe Aguilar
Aída Cuevas

Manager of the Year (Promoters Association):
Isael Gutiérrez, Grupo Firme

Gloria Trevi Among New Wave of Artists Added to Performance Roster at This Year’s Latin Grammys

Posted on November 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Trevi is preparing for her Latin Grammys close up…

The Latin Recording Academy has announced additional performers set to take the stage for the 22nd annual Latin Grammy Awards on November 18 in Las Vegas, with the 53-year-old Mexican singer making the list.

In addition to Trevi, who released the singles “Nos Volvimos Locos” featuring Guaynaa and “Mudanza de Hormiga” with María León this year, the new wave of artists includes current and past Latin Grammy nominees like Descemer Bueno, Camilo, Julio Reyes Copello, DJ Nelson, Sergio George, Gente de Zona, Grupo Firme, Mon Laferte, Jay Wheeler and Yotuel.

Laferte and Trevi will join La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho and a mariachi for a medley, including “La Mujer,” nominated for best pop song.

Descemer Bueno, Gente de Zona and Yotuel will take the stage for an acoustic rendition of “Patria y Vida,” which is up for both song of the year and best urban song.

The new group of artists join previously announced performers Bad Bunny, Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga, Rubén Blades, C. Tangana, Calibre 50, Los Dos Carnales, Alejandro Fernández, Juanes, Maná, Ozuna, Danna Paola and Myke Towers, among others.

Five-time nominee C. Tangana is set to perform alongside Antonio Carmona, Diego del Morao, Jorge Drexler, Israel Fernández, La Húngara, Natalia Lafourcade and Omar Apollo. Meanwhile, Juanes will perform a new arrangement of Juan Gabriel’s iconic “No Tengo Dinero,” alongside Rubén Albarrán and Meme del Real of Café Tacvba.

With the theme “rediscovering life through music,” the three-hour show will air live on Univision at 8:00 pm ET, preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7:00 pm ET. The telecast, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, will “invite audiences to rediscover what’s important in life using music as a storyline,” according to a statement from the Latin Recording Academy.

Colombian singer-songwriter Camilo leads the 2021 Latin Grammys nominees with 10 nods, including nominations in the album, record, and song of the year categories. He’s followed by tropical music icon Juan Luis Guerra with six, Spanish rapper Tangana with five nominations, and multiple artists, including Bad Bunny, with four.

Bad Bunny to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys Awards Show

Posted on November 1, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is preparing for his next Latin Grammy moment…

The Latin Recording Academy has announced a new wave of artists set to perform at the 2021 Latin Grammys on November 18, with the 27-year-old Puerto Rican superstar making the list.

Bad Bunny, a four-time nominee this year, joins a roster of performers that includes Pablo Alborán, Alejandro Fernández, Maná, Juanes, and Myke Towers.

They join the roster of previously announced performers including Ozuna, Paula Arenas, Nella, Danna Paola, Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga, Los Dos Carnales, Calibre 50, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho, and Rubén Blades, who will be honored as the Person of the Year.

Five-time nominee, C. Tangana, is set to perform alongside Antonio Carmona, Diego del Morao, Jorge Drexler, Israel Fernández, La Húngara, Natalia Lafourcade and Omar Apollo.

Additionally, Juanes will perform a new arrangement of Juan Gabriel’s iconic “No Tengo Dinero,” alongside Rubén Albarrán and Meme del Real of Café Tacvba.

Colombian singer-songwriter Camilo leads the 2021 Latin Grammys nominees with 10 nods, including nominations in the album, record, and song of the year categories. He’s followed by tropical music icon Juan Luis Guerra with six, Spanish rapper Tangana with five nominations, and multiple artists, including Bad Bunny, with four.

The 22nd annual Latin Grammys will air live on the Univision network on November 18 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

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

Posted on September 12, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

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.

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 Yankee, Karol 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 Rose, Myke Towers, Rauw Alejandro, Esteman, Raymix, 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.

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