Enrique Iglesias & Influence Media Partners Agree to Major Partnership Deal

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Iglesias has a new influence…

The 48-year-Spanish superstar and Influence Media Partners have agreed to a major partnership deal.

Influence and Iglesias have partnered on the rights management of his pre-2021 recorded music rights, according to a press release, including his independent masters and his Universal recorded music royalties, along with name, image and likeness (NIL) rights to expand future licensing opportunities for the singer.

This marks the first NIL deal for Influence Media, which last year partnered with Black Rock and Warner Music Group for funding and infrastructure.

“My songs hold immense significance for both my fans and me,” Iglesias said in a statement. “I’m excited to be working with the Influence Media team. I feel confident we will build an enduring partnership for my music and future projects.”

“Enrique is a global icon and having him as a part of our Influence Media family is a game-changing moment for us,” added Lylette Pizarro, Influence Media founder/co-managing partner. “For a quarter of a century, he has captivated fans globally with chart-topping and record-breaking hits. From ‘Experiencia Religiosa’ to ‘Hero’ and ‘Bailando’ to ‘I Like It’ and ‘Be With You,’ there are few artists who come close to accomplishing what Enrique has achieved commercially. He has played a pivotal role in introducing bilingual music to the masses. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with one of the most recognizable figures in modern music.”

“It has been an honor to be part of Enrique’s team for more than two decades,” said John Branca, partner/head of music at Ziffren Brittenham, who represented Iglesias in the deal. “As the most successful Latin artist of all time he is also one of the most accomplished and beloved artists of his generation. Enrique was highly selective in choosing a partner with whom he will enhance his already monumental legacy.”

With a career that spans over three decades, Iglesias is one of the first Spanish-language acts to successfully cross over into the English-language market. He has placed five top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including “I Like It,” “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You)” and “Hero.” He’s also placed three top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 (Escape, Euphoria and Sex And Love) and 27 No. 1 hits on the Hot Latin Songs chart.

Currently on the U.S. Trilogy Tour with Pitbull and Ricky Martin, Iglesias most recently scored his eighth No. 1 on the Tropical Airplay chart with his bachata collab “Así Es La Vida” with Maria Becerra. He is set to drop his new album, Final Vol. 2, next year.

Influence Media previously acquired the commercially-released master recording catalog of Blake Shelton for his 2001-2019 output, Future’s song publishing catalog and Puerto Rican songwriter-producer Tainy’s song publishing catalog from 2005-2021, among other investments.

Maluma to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma will be feelin’ the FIBES…

The 29-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter will perform at this year’s Latin Grammy Awards.

The “Felices Los 4” singer joins a roster of recently added performers that includes Milo J, Rosalia, Shakira, Sebastian Yatra, Andrea Bocelli and DJ Premier.

They’ll perform at the upcoming ceremony, which will broadcast from FIBES in Seville, Spain, on Thursday, November 16.

The newly announced artists join previously unveiled performers, including Maria Becerra, Bizarrap, Feid, Kany García, Carin León, Christian Nodal, Rauw Alejandro, Alejandro Sanz, Pablo Alborán, Edgar Barrera, Camilo, Manuel Carrasco, Iza, Juanes, Ozuna, Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma.

Additionally, Majo Aguilar, Anitta, Pedro Capó, Jorge Drexler, Luis Figueroa, Fonseca, Tiago Iorc, Mon Laferte, Natalia Lafourcade, John Leguizamo, Nicki Nicole, Carlos Ponce, Carlos Vives and Yandel join as presenters throughout the ceremony.

For the first time held outside the United States, the annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain. It will air November 16 on Univision starting at 8:00 pm ET, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 pm CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.

Danna Paola, Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.

This year, Mexican hitmaker Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with 13 nods, including songwriter of the year, producer of the year and song of the year. Barrera is followed by Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations.

Feid to Perform at Los Angeles’ Calibash Festival in January

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Feid is feelin’ (Cali)bashful…

The 31-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter is among an all-star lineup of Latin music luminaries set to take the stage at the Calibash festival.

Feid is part of a roster than includes Yandel, Farruko, Prince Royce, Young Miko, Maria Becerra and Darell.

The event will take place on Friday, January 12, at the Crypto.com Arena in the heart of Los Angeles, and is presented by SBS Entertainment, LaMusica and Mega 96.3 FM.

“Calibash is the iconic live concert event of the year for Latin music fans,” stated Alessandra Alarcón, president of SBS Entertainment, in a press release. “We could not be happier with the lineups and with creating a spinoff of Calibash that reflects the totality of where music stands today.”

SBS Entertainment is expanding its horizons with the launch of Calibash MX, a Mexican live music concert brand that promises to showcase the brightest stars in Mexican music.

This inaugural counterpart is scheduled for Saturday, January 13, and will feature a stellar lineup that includes Grupo Frontera, Edgardo Nuñez, Yng Lvcas, Yahritza y Su Esencia and Conexión Divina.

“Mexican music has taken global music charts by storm and our generation is breathing new life into some of the formats’ biggest subgenres,” continued Alarcón. “The corrido-boom, as we like to call it, inspired us to grow the Calibash franchise with Calibash MX, a live concert that will showcase some of the hottest artists who are adding a unique and special twist to the different kinds of Mexican music.”

Tickets for this event will go on sale Friday, October 27, at 7:00 am PT. Open the LaMusica app or tune in to KXOL-FM Mega 96.3 for more updates leading to Calibash 2024.

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Roselyn Sánchez to Return as Co-Host of This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on October 21, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Roselyn Sánchez is reporting for Latin Grammy duty…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, dancer, model, actress, producer and writer will serve as a co-host of this year’s Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, which will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville, Spain, on Thursday, November 16, at 8:00 pm ET via Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.

Sanchez, best known for her work on Devious Maids and Without a Trace, will host the awards show alongside Mexican singer Danna Paola, Colombian superstar Sebastián Yatra and Spanish actress Paz Vega.

A host staple for the awards show, Sánchez returns for the sixth time after presenting the 16th, 17th, 18th, 20th and 22nd annual Latin Grammys.

Racking up a total of 15 Latin Grammy nominations throughout his career, Yatra is nominated for best pop song for “Contigo,” featuring Pablo Alborán.

Previously nominated for a Latin Grammy, Danna Paola joins the lineup of hosts for the first time.

Last but not least, award-winning actress Paz Vega returns for a second time after hosting the 20th annual ceremony.

The first round of performers were announced earlier this week, which includes Maria Becerra, Bizarrap, Feid, Kany García, Carin León, Christian Nodal, Rauw Alejandro and Alejandro Sanz.

This year, Mexican-American super producer Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with 13 nods, including songwriter of the year, producer of the year and song of the year. Barrera is followed by Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations.

Prior to the Latin Grammys, the Latin Recording Academy will bestow the Person of the Year title to Italian icon Laura Pausini. Marco Antonio Solís received this prestigious honor last year.

Fuerza Regida Releases Eclectic New Album “Pa’ las Baby’s y Belikeada”

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Fuerza Regida is celebrating “las baby’s”…

The Mexican American Regional Mexican band has released its eighth studio album Pa’ las Baby’s y Belikeada.

The album opens with a dark and seductive tone, as a sultry female voice confidently professes her affection for corridos. Her high-heeled footsteps echo in the background as she appears to pick up a machine gun, effortlessly blending sensuality with outlaw imagery, creating an intriguing juxtaposition.

Across an expansive 30-track journey, the San Bernardino, California troupe embarks on a daring and audacious expedition, fearlessly delving into the realm of corridos bélicos with a distinctive drill influence.

The album serves as a testament to the group’s evolution as they immerse themselves in la belikeada movement, embracing the realm of excess in all forms: women, power, wealth.

They deliver the expected corridos alterados, this time complete with menacing accordion arrangements; and the inclusion of tracks like “Zona de Comfort” adds a touch of cumbia sabrosura to the mix.

Known for their chart-topping prowess, the group also features their previous hits like “TQM” and “Sabor Fresa.” The album’s lyrical themes stay true to their rags-to-riches narrative (“FVDP”), reminding us of the hard-fought journey to success. However, Pa’ las Baby’s also ventures into unexpected territories. “Harley Quinn” sees them collaborating with Marshmello, infusing EDM elements into música mexicana, while “Freaky Freaky” (featuring Calle 24 and Armenta) brings reggaetón rhythms. JOP even switches to English for the sinister drill number “Dafuk,” showcasing the group’s versatility.

Also featuring El Fantasma, Maria Becerra, Juanpa Salazar, Gabito Ballesteros, Manuel Turizo, Chino Pacas and more, Fuerza Regiga maintains its signature blinged-out corridos style, solidifying its place in the genre. Still, they also boldly experiment with new sounds and genres, expanding their sonic horizons.

Belikeada is a testament to their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their roots, ensuring that that the group remains a reckoning force in the world of Mexican and Mexican-American music.

Maria Becerra to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on October 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maria Becerra is preparing to hit the Latin Grammys stage…

The 23-year-old Argentine singer and former YouTube content creator will perform at the 24th annual Latin Grammy awards show.

Becerra is among a roster of A-list performers that includes Bizarrap, Feid, Kany García, Carin León, Christian Nodal, Rauw Alejandro and Alejandro Sanz.

The Latin Recording Academy announced the first round of performers on Tuesday, October 17 for the upcoming ceremony, which will broadcast from FIBES in Seville, Spain, on Thursday, November 16.

Four-time nominee Becerra is nominated in categories including song of the year and best reggaeton performance.

Meanwhile, Bizarrap is nominated in six categories, including producer of the year.

Feid is a five-time nominee with entries in best urban music album and best rap/hip-hop song.

García is nominated for best regional song.

León is in the running for best norteño album.

Nodal is up for best ranchero/mariachi album and best regional song.

Alejandro is a best urban music album nominee, and Sanz is nominated in record of the year and song of the year.

This year, Mexican hitmaker Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with 13 nods, including songwriter of the year, producer of the year and song of the year. Barrera is followed by Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations.

The Latin Grammy Week will include the person of the year gala — honoring Laura Pausini — and the special awards ceremony, the leading ladies of entertainment luncheon, the best new artist showcase and a reception for the nominees, among other events.

The 24th annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast on November 16 on Univision starting at 8:00 pm ET, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 pm CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Additional international broadcasting partners and local airings will be available soon.

Enrique Iglesias Teams Up with Maria Becerra for New Bachata-Fied Single “Así Es La Vida”

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

That’s life for Enrique Iglesias!

The 48-year-old Spanish superstar has joined voices with Maria Becerra to release the new single “Así Es La Vida.”

In less than three minutes, glesias and the 23-year-old Argentine singer and former YouTuber take us on an emotional journey in this sensual bachata about a tumultuous relationship that cannot go on.

“That’s life, divine treasure/ Like a game of poker where you bet everything/ That’s how our love was, with its ups and downs,” Iglesias sings with resignation, while Becerra replies: “That’s life, in the end what do we have left?/ You chose the road and I chose the path/ We still love each other in different ways.”

The first single from Iglesias’ upcoming album Final (Vol. 2) — a follow up to his Final (Vol. 1) from 2021 — the song was produced by Carlos Paucar.

It’s not the first bachata from the pop superstar, whose love affair with the Dominican genre includes hits like “Loco” and “El Perdedor.”

“Bachata is a rhythm that captured my heart from the moment I heard it,” Iglesias says in a press release. “I am delighted to return to this powerful genre, accompanied by the great talent of Maria, who is one of a kind.”

Christian Chávez to Make Special Appearance During This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on August 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Christian Chávez will be making a special appearance at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week…

The 40-year-old Mexican singer, songwriter and actor and his recently reunited RBD group mates Maite Perroni and Christopher von Uckermann have been confirmed for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week, set to take place on October 2-6 at the Faena Forum in Miami.

Following their reunion tour announcement after a 14-year hiatus, the three RBD members will take center stage at Latin Music Week to share how their reunion tour came to fruition. This RBD marquee appearance follows another first as this month, all five members — Anahí, Dulce María, Perroni, Chávez and von Uckermann — will sit down with Billboard and Billboard Español for their first interview as a group.

Additionally, Chencho Corleone, Feid, Manuel Turizo and Myke Towers are also set to be part of the five-day legacy event.

Colombian superstar Feid, will bring together his creative and management team for a blow-by-blow panel on how his passion translated to success.

Hitmaker Myke Towers will participate in the “Deja tu Huella” panel presented by Cheetos. During the panel, the “LALA” singer will share the stage with fellow creatives from different fields who have also brought together success in conjunction with social responsibility.

Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and producer Corleone will be part of a panel conversation with Vico C. And, Manuel Turizo will grace the stage for a one-on-one conversation.

The aforementioned artists join a star-studded Billboard Latin Music Week that will feature exclusive panels and conversations with hitmakers throughout the week.

Previously announced participants include Shakira, Arcángel, Edgar Barrera, Maria Becerra, Eladio Carrión, Fonseca, GALE, Grupo Frontera, Natanael Cano, Nathy Peluso, Nicki Nicole, Peso Pluma, Santa Fe Klan, Sebastián Yatra, Vico C, Yng Lvcas, and Young Miko, with more to be revealed.

With 30 years of events, Billboard Latin Music Week is the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world. After a sold-out 2022 edition that featured star Q&As with Maluma, Ivy Queen, Chayanne, Romeo Santos andChristina Aguilera, to name a few, the event returns, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.

Billboard Latin Music Week will also coincide with the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards on Thursday, October 5, at the Watsco Center in Miami, and will broadcast live on Telemundo. The awards show will broadcast simultaneously on Spanish entertainment cable network Universo, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.

Registration for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week is now open at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Shakira to Take Part in 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on August 12, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is ready to open up…

The 46-year-old Colombian superstar has been confirmed for 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week, which will take place October 2-6 at the Faena Forum in Miami.

Shakira — who in May was named Billboard’s first-ever Latin Woman of the Year — will participate in an exclusive superstar Q&A.

Shakira joins a star-studded roster for the five-day legacy event that will feature exclusive panels and conversations with hitmakers throughout the week.

Other confirmed artists for Latin Music Week include Peso Pluma, Nicki Nicole, Maria Becerra, Grupo Frontera, Natanael Cano, Arcángel, among many others.

Registration for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week is now open at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Juliana Velásquez Signs Distribution Deal with Warner Music México in Alliance with MUN Entertainment

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Juliana Velásquez has a new deal…

The 25-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter, a Best New Artist Latin Grammy winner, has signed a distribution deal with Warner Music México in alliance with MUN Entertainment.

The partnership is aimed at broadening Velásquez’s reach.

The Colombian singer-songwriter — one of Billboard’s Latin Artists to Watch in 2022 — will continue to have creative control over her project.

“I greatly admire Juliana. Her talent and creativity are impressive,” said Warner Music Andes MD Daniel Mora in a statement. “I have witnessed her incredible evolution as an artist and the connection she establishes with both her fans and with the general public. Her voice is simply captivating and has the power to win over everyone who listens to it. We are extremely excited to be a part of her journey and continue to witness how her art continues to flourish.”

Warner Music Mexico GM of artist strategy Alejandro Mejia added: “We are very happy that Juliana and her team have trusted Warner Music at this stage of their career. We are proud to be able to help them reap the successes they have been working on for years in Colombia and to be a fundamental part of those that will sow in other territories, where we are sure that he will continue to captivate with his enormous talent and charisma.”

Velásquez has released two studio albums: Juliana (2021) and Dos, Dos, Dos (2022). In 2021, she won the coveted best new artist award at the Latin Grammys, where she was one of 10 newcomers in the hard-to-predict category that also included Paloma Mami, Bizarrap, Boza and María Becerra.

“My acting and singing career began when I was very little. I was four years old when I entered a theater academy in Colombia […] That academy became my home,” Velásquez previously told Billboard. “Officially, I began singing and acting when I was seven years old and since then I haven’t stopped. I learned to write songs because when we were practicing for our musicals, I heard the lyrics and thought it was magical that you could tell stories via music. So, I’d go home after rehearsals and write my own version of the songs we had rehearsed.”

Velásquez is currently making the rounds with “Cuando Te Encuentre,” her debut single under the new signing which is part of her forthcoming studio album Mar Adentro.

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