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.

Maria Becerra Signs Exclusive Administration Deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM)

Posted on August 3, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maria Becerra is going to the Chappell…

The Argentine singer has signed an exclusive administration deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM).

The agreement comes three months after Becerra signed with Warner Music Latina in a joint venture with 300 Entertainment, who she’s been signed to since 2020.

“Thanks to the entire Warner Chappell team for 100% trusting and empowering me and my team,” Becerra said in a statement. “I’m so thrilled and happy to officially be joining the family and continuing to grow! And a huge shoutout to my managers Jose Levy, Natanael Real, and Armando Lozano for believing in me; my creative director Julian Levy; my music producer Xross; and everyone, for always supporting my music vision and making me trust myself even more.”

Since her breakout year in 2019 — when she released her EP 222 — Becerra has so far scored three entries on the Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, including her hit “Qué Más Pues?” with J Balvin, as well as two top 10 entries on Latin Airplay (the No. 1 hit “Te Espero” with Prince Royce and “Éxtasis” with Manuel Turizo at No. 9), and five entries on Latin Rhythm Airplay.

In 2021, she released her debut album Animal featuring collaborations with Cazzu, Tiago PZK and Becky G, to name a few. The set earned her a Latin Grammy nomination for best urban music album. That same year, Becerra was nominated for best new artist at the Latin Grammys. In May, the 23-year-old artist received the visionary award at the inaugural Billboard Latin Women in Music gala. Becerra’s latest album La Nena de Argentina — her most multifaceted album to date — garnered more than 301 million plays on Spotify alone.

“I’ve been following Maria since she erupted onto the scene, and she continues to surprise me with her incredible and relentless artistic growth. We’re very happy to finally have her in our Warner Chappell Music family,” expressed Gustavo Menéndez, president, U.S. Latin & Latin America, WCM.

“Maria is an artist in every sense of the word. Her skill as a songwriter, unmistakable voice, and confidence to create art that is authentic to her is why she has quickly become a global superstar,” Lazaro Hernandez, vice president of A&R, U.S. Latin & Latin America, WCM, said. “It’s only the beginning for La Nena de Argentina, and we’re very excited to work together as she continues to challenge what’s possible in Latin music.”

“Maria has become one of the most outstanding and versatile artists and songwriters in the music scene, and it is a true honor to have a great ally like Warner Chappell to continue developing her career globally,” said her manager Jose Levy. “Thank you to the entire team for their commitment – we’re excited to face these challenges and reach new goals together, accompanying Maria in everything she sets out to do.”

J Balvin Releases Music Video for “Fast X” Film Soundtrack, “Toretto”

Posted on May 18, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is feelin’ the need for speed…

The 38-year-old Colombian superstar is going full speed in the music video for “Toretto,” which is part of the Fast X soundtrack.

The three-minute clip starts off with Balvin receiving a set of keys from a man who doesn’t appear on screen, but his deep and hoarse voice gives him away.

“Let me show you how I ride,” the hitmaker tells Vin Diesel. “Buckle up,” the action star responds. “Watch me,” Balvin says before taking off for a ride.

At the end of his drive, the artist boasts to Diesel, “Told you I’m good!” Responds the impressed actor, “Not bad!”

According to a press release, in “Toretto,” Diesel makes his first music video appearance in the 22-year-spanning Fast & Furious films. The video pays homage to the franchise’s history and affinity for cars, speed and family bonds. Balvin’s fast-paced track is part of the soundtrack for Fast X, the tenth film of the series, which is set to arrive in theaters Friday, May 19.

The Fast X soundtrack includes songs by other artists such as Maria Becerra, Myke Towers, Ludmilla, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Jimin of BTS, Kodak Black, NLE Choppa.

The soundtrack will also be available May 19 via Artist Partner Group.

Most recently, Balvin — who in total has 35 top 10 hits on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart — officially joined Roc Nation as a management client, where he will be overseen directly by Jay Brown and Chris Knight.

Over the summer, he’ll kick off a series of European tour dates, mostly festivals, beginning with a June 24 performance at the Solydays festival in Paris.

Maria Becerra to Receive Visionary Award at Billboard Latin Women in Music Gala

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maria Becerra is a vision(ary)…

The 23-year-old Argentine singer and former YouTuber will be honored with the Visionary Award at the inaugural Billboard Latin Women in Music gala.

Becerra will be recognized along with Thalia, Ana Gabriel, Evaluna and Goyo at the two-hour special event taking place at the Watsco Center in Miami on May 6, and airing on Telemundo and Universo on May 7.

The same evening, Shakira will be honored as Latin Woman of the Year.

Becerra, a pop/urban artist who began here career on YouTube in her teens and was nominated for a best new artist Latin Grammy in 2021, has had three entries on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, including her hit “Qué más pues?” alongside J Balvin, as well as two top 10 hits on Latin Airplay (“Te espero” with Prince Royce, which reached No. 1; and “Extasis” with Manuel Turizo at No. 9).

She’s also placed five tracks on Latin Rhythm Airplay, including three on the top 10 (“Suelta” with Dímelo Flow, Farruko, Rauw Alejandro, Mr. Vegas and Fatman Sccop; “Berlin” with Zion & Lennox; and “Extasis”).

“Maria Becerra is receiving the Visionary award for developing a sound and aesthetic that are intensely personal, are all her own, and cross genres and styles,” says Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer for Latin and Español. “Maria is a visionary who has defied convention with extraordinary quality and distinctiveness. We are proud to honor this rising star with an immense future.”

As announced previously, Mexican icon Ana Gabriel will be honored as Living Legend; urban pop Argentine star Emilia will receive the Rising Star award; singer, actress and director Evaluna will receive the Tradition and Future award; Colombian rapper and singer Goyo will be honored as Agent of Change; and Mexican superstar Thalia will receive the Global Powerhouse award.

Another icon, Ivy Queen, will host the event alongside actress and host Jacky Bracamontes.

Billboard’s inaugural Latin Women In Music celebrates artists, executives and Latin creatives who are working proactively to generate positive change, inclusion and gender parity in the music industry.

Tickets are on sale and can be purchased here.

María Becerra Releases New Single “Desafiando el destino”

Posted on January 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

María Becerra is expressing love to the parentals…

The 22-year-old Argentine singer has released the new single “Desafiando el destino,” a bonus track to her previously released album La Nena de Argentina.

Becerra displays a softer and more powerful side in the poignant track, which is described as a love letter to her parents.

The track begins with a slow, bluesy piano intro that gives way to Becerra’s vocals, tinged with melancholy as she sings to a video of old home movies that’s hard not get teary-eyed about.

Backup gospel-choir touches, tastefully placed over the sparse arrangement, lend even more pathos to this very beautiful track.

TINI Partners with La Joaqui & Steve Aoki for New Single “Muñecas”

Posted on January 13, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

TINI is all dolled up…

The 25-year-old Argentine singer, songwriter and actress has joined voices with emerging Argentine rapper La Joaqui and world renowned DJ Steve Aoki to release the new single “Muñecas” via Hollywood Records.

After releasing back-to-back cumbias with “Miénteme” alongside María Becerra and the L-Gante-assisted “Bar” last year, TINI kicks off the new year with an equally danceable track fused with electronic beats.

The irresistible electronic cumbia track is a breath of fresh air, perfectly combining TINI’s vocal talent, La Joaqui’s lyricism, and Steve Aoki’s signature sound and extraordinary creative touch.

Manuel Turizo’s “La Bachata” Holds at No. 1 for 11th Week on Billboard Argentina Hot 100 Chart

Posted on November 27, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Manuel Turizo continues his chart-topping ways in Argentina…

The 22-year-old Colombian singer’s hit single “La Bachata” is spending an 11th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart dated November 19).

It’s the longest reign for any song in 2022, and the fifth-most among all titles.

With Turizo adding another week at the summit, let’s look at the longest leads since the chart launched in 2018:

25 weeks, “Tusa,” Karol G & Nicki Minaj
16 weeks, “Entre Nosotros,” Tiago pzk, LIT Killa, Nicki Nicole & Maria Becerra
13, “Otro Trago,” Sech, Darell, Nicky Jam, Ozuna & Anuel AA
12, “Hawai,” Maluma & The Weeknd
12, “Calma,” Pedro Capo & Farruko
11, “La Bachata,” Manuel Turizo

Meanwhile, Rosalía’s “Despechá” holds strong at No. 2 for an 11th nonconsecutive week. Bizarrap and Quevedo’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52” rebounds to No. 3 for a fifth week after its eight-week atop the ranking, while María Becerra’s “Automático” dips 3-4.

Further, Argentinian Ysy A scores his 15th entry as every song from his latest album, Ysysmo, debuts on the tally. One song from the 12-track set, which released on November 11 through Sponsor Dios, scores the week’s Hot Shot Debut: “Cómo Chilla Ella,” with Sponsor Dios and Evlay, at No. 5.

Elsewhere, Bizarrap adds a 35th entry as his latest collab with Duki, “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 50,” debuts at No. 11. With the new arrival, he ties with Anuel AA, Ozuna and Rauw Alejandro for the third-most, trailing only Bad Bunny’s 53 entries and J Balvin’s 49. Duki, meanwhile, adds a 34th appearance to his account.

La K’onga takes the Greatest Gainer honors of the week thanks to “El Mismo Aire,” which ascends 97-81. Lali collects her 14th entry as “Motiveishon” starts at No. 83. Lastly, David Guetta and Bebe Rexha’s “I’m Good (Blue)” opens at No. 85.

Maria Becerra Releases New Single “Automático”

Posted on September 10, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s an automatic smash for Maria Becerra.

The 22-year-old Argentine singer and former YouTube star has released the new single “Automático.”

A conceptual track that focuses on getting freaky inside a car, and a state-of-the-art music video filmed in a mechanical shop, Becerra pays homage to old-school reggaetón in the new single.

Penned by Becerra and produced by Nico Cotton, the Argentine singer told Billboard she got inspired by the pioneers of reggaetón to bring this melody to life.

When asked which special guest she thinks would make for the dream remix, Becerra simply said Daddy Yankee.

“Hopefully it happens before he retires,” she expressed during this week’s Live with Billboard Latin.

“Automático” comes four months after Becerra’s single “Ojalá” and forms part of her sophomore album La Nena de Argentina, out later this year.

Manuel Turizo’s “La Bachata” Rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart

Posted on August 4, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Manuel Turizo has another tropical hit…

The 22-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer has logged his second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart — and first as a lead artist — with “La Bachata,” which rises from No. 4 to lead the August 6-dated ranking.

“La Bachata” sends Don Omar, Wisin and Gente de Zona’s “Soy Yo” to No. 3 after four consecutive weeks at the summit.

“La Bachata,” released May 26 via La Industria/Sony Music Latin, collected 5.6 million in audience impressions in the U.S. in the week ending July 31, according to Luminate, up 18% gain from the week prior.

The new champ is another achievement for La Industria imprint, which claims its first No. 1 on Tropical Airplay among four titles, dating back to its first placement in 2015 with the No. 17 high “Travesuras” by Nicky Jam. Since then, the label has placed two other top 10s, also by Nicky Jam: “El Perdón” with Enrique Iglesias (No. 5, 2015) and “Hasta El Amanecer” (No. 6, 2016).

With the single’s 4-1 move, Turizo glides to the top for a second time. He previously spent time at the summit as a featured act on Piso 21’s “Déjala Que Vuelva,” which dominated for two weeks in 2018, before Tropical Airplay changed from being station-based to strictly a genre-based chart.

“La Bachata” is the third bachata track by a non-traditional tropical artist to rule Tropical Airplay in 2022, after Rosalía’s “La Fama,” featuring The Weeknd, and Prince Royce and Maria Becerra’s “Te Espero” topped the list for two weeks each during the May 14 through June 4-dated recaps. In total, four bachata songs have landed at No. 1 this year: Romeo Santos joins the group with the 10-week champ “Sus Huellas” (starting the February 26-dated ranking).

Beyond Turizo’s new coronation, he claims his highest ranking on the all-genre Latin Airplay tally in more than a year: The song rallies 20-12, the same position he last held when “Amor en Coma,” with Maluma, peaked at No. 12 in July 2021.

In addition to its airplay gain, “La Bachata” also improves on the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, entering the top 25 (32-25), with a 22% increase in streams. The song generated 1.99 U.S. streams in the U.S. in the week ending July 28.

Gente de Zona Earns First No. 1 in Five Years on Billboard Tropical Airplay Chart with “Soy Yo,” Featuring Wisin & Don Omar

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Gente de Zona has made a triumphant return to the top of the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart…

“Soy Yo,” the first collaboration between the Cuban reggaeton duo comprised of musicians Alexander Delgado and Randy Malcom, Wisin and Don Omar, has reached the summit of the Tropical Airplay chart dated July 9.

“Soy Yo” tops the list with a 17% increase in audience impressions, to 8.03 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending July 3, according to Luminate (rising 2-1).

It trades places with Prince Royce and Maria Becerra’s “Te Espero” after its four-nonconsecutive-week reign (with 5.8 million impressions and a 24% dip).

“Soy Yo” becomes the first No. 1 for Gente de Zona in over five years, since “La Mala y La Buena,” with Alex Sensation, placed the Cubans in the penthouse in February 2017 for two weeks.

In between, the duo scored 20 entries — among those, a collection of 10 top 10s — including “A Mi Manera,” with Dale Pututi, Jacob Forever, featuring Baby Lores, Eddy K, Los 4, El Chacal, El Micha, El Chulo, which debuts at No. 24 on the current chart.

Don Omar and Wisin, meanwhile, clock their 10th and fifth champ, respectively.

For Don Omar, “Soy Yo” grants him a second No. 1 via his new label Saban Music after a more than eight-year hiatus on the chart. Prior to the nine-week champ “Se Menea,” with Nio García (December 2021), Don Omar scored eight chart-toppers, his last one in April 2021 (“Dutty Love,” with Natti Natasha).

Here’s a recap of Don Omar’s No. 1s on Tropical Airplay:

Peak Date, Title, Artists (if other than Don Omar)

Aug. 20, 2005, “Reggaetón Latino”
Sept. 10, 2005, “Ella y Yo,” Aventura featuring Don Omar (two weeks atop)
July 1, 2006, “Angelito VI” (two weeks)
Dec. 16, 2006, “Los Hombres Tienen La Culpa,” with Gilberto Santa Rosa (two weeks)
May 5, 2007, “Nunca Había Llorado Así,” with Victor Manuelle
Nov. 13, 2010, “Danza Kuduro,” Don Omar & Lucenzo (18 weeks at No. 1)
July 23, 2011, “Taboo” (three weeks)
April 7, 2012, “Dutty Love,” featuring Natti Natasha
Dec. 25, 2021, “Se Menea,” with Nio García (nine weeks)
July 9, “Soy Yo,” with Wisin & Gente de Zona

“Soy Yo’s” coronation returns Saban Music to the top of Tropical Airplay. As previously mentioned, the label’s first win through Don Omar, arrived with “Se Menea’s” nine-week reign starting Dec. 25, 2021. The tribute to the late Celia Cruz, “El Carnaval de Celia: A Tribute (La Vida Es Un Carnaval/ La Negra Tiene…)” by Kyen?Es? saw the label at the summit for the first time in September 2020.

Elsewhere, “Soy Yo” continues forward progress on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart through a 7-4 climb; the highest Gente de Zona has ranked since its featured role in Chyno Miranda’s “Quédate Conmigo,” which also features Wisin (No. 7 high, 2017).

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