Ovy on the Drums Renews Global Publishing Deal with Kobalt Music Group

Ovy on the Drums isn’t going anywhere…

The Colombian artist, producer and songwriter, whose real name is Daniel Echavarria Oviedo, has renewed his global publishing deal with Kobalt Music Group.

Ovy on the Drums“They’ve always believed in me,” Ovy, who first signed with Kobalt in December of 2017, tells Billboard. “The first time Kobalt got me many opportunities and was on top of my project. They are an incredible publisher and that’s why I keep firm with them.”

The renewal deal includes a full range of creative, sync, and administration services for his catalog and future works.

“Kobalt is very transparent in the way they look at revenue and that gives me a lot of security,” he notes, saying he’s excited to continue growing his brand. “I feel that my sound has a lot to offer and with Kobalt, I will be able to work with big artists on the anglo side.”

Nestor Casonu, president of Kobalt Music Latin America, says he’s thrilled to be extending his relationship with the Colombian hitmaker.

“I personally feel very proud to have had the opportunity to witness Ovy’s impressive talent and trajectory not only as a producer but also as a songwriter and artist whose success continues to unfold,” he expressed in a press statement. “It brings us great joy to believe in an artist from the beginning and that feeling multiplies when admiring their continued success, of which we are very proud. We look forward to continuing to support Ovy as his star continues to rise.”

The artist-producer is behind some of Latin’s biggest titles including Paulo Londra’s breakthrough hit “Adan y Eva,” Piso 21 and Micro TDH’s viral track “Te Vi,” and Karol G’s “Tusa” in collaboration with Nicki Minaj.

“Tusa,” which won Song Of The Year at the 2021 ASCAP Latin Awards, also became the first song to debut at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart in 2019, and the first song by a female act in a lead role to bow at No. 1 since 2016, when Shakira‘s “Chantaje,” featuring Maluma, bowed atop the list.

“He is able to produce with new and developing artists and turn them into megastars with his trademark sound heard all over the world,” Leslie Ahrens, svp creative, Kobalt Music, noted. “We believed in Ovy from the very beginning of his career and are proud to be part of his successful journey along with his manager Stephanie Chopurian for many more years to come.”

Up next, Ovy revealed that he’s beginning to work on Karol G’s fourth studio album, finalizing Micro TDH’s sophomore set, producing for Myke Towers, collaborating with Becky G on the artist side, and thanks to connections at Kobalt, he’s also working with Enrique Iglesias.

“Incredible things are coming,” he assures.

Kany Garcia to Be Honored at This Year’s La Musa Awards

Kany Garcia is seriously A-Muse-d!

The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced its honorees for the 2019 La Musa Awards, with the 26-year-oldPuerto Rican singer and songwriter making the list.

Kany Garcia

Garcia, a three-time Latin Grammy winner, will be awarded the Elena Casals La Musa Award.

Garcia has penned all the songs for her albums. And she’s also written songs for other artists like Ha*AshEdnita NazarioPedro CapóFabiola and Chayanne.

José José, referred to as El Príncipe de la Canción, will receive the Living Legend Award, The 71-year-old Mexican crooner, who began his musical career in his early teens, has released more than 30 albums, his last Tenampa in 2001. 

Jesús López, chairman & CEO for Universal Music Latin Americaand the Iberian Peninsula, will receive the Desi Arnaz Pioneer Award, while music executive Nestor Casonuwill be honored with the Ralph S. Peer Publisher Award

Additional honorees will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

In addition to unveiling the first wave of honorees, LSHOF has also announced that Spotify is returning as the official title sponsor of the awards ceremony. According to an official statement, the “continuing partnership aligns with Spotify’s unparalleled commitment to supporting and highlighting Latin music and songwriters on its global platform.”

In May, Ivy QueenWillie ColónMichael SullivanChico Novarro, and Armando Larrinaga were announced as the five songwriters who will be inducted at the prestigious hall this year. 

The 2019 group of inductees, which were selected by the general public from a previously announced list of 24 nominated songwriters and composers, is comprised of some of the greatest performers, lyricists, and musicians in Latin music today.

The 2019 honorees will be officially inducted at the seventh annual La Musa Awards ceremony and gala, taking place October 24 at the James L. Knight Centerin Miami.

Tickets for the 7th annual La Musa Awards are now on sale via Ticketmaster.com.

Vives Agrees to Global Deal with Kobalt Music Publishing & Kobalt Neighbouring Rights

Carlos Vives has a new publishing partner…

The 55-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter has agreed to a global deal with both Kobalt Music Publishing and Kobalt Neighbouring Rights.

Carlos Vives

The deal, effective immediately, includes Vives’ past hits, as well as future songs.

Vives’ latest hit “La Bicicleta,” with Shakira, is at No. 2 on this week’s Hot Latin Songs chart. It is also nominated for a Latin Grammy for Song and Record of the year.

The Kobalt deal, with its neighbouring rights services, is practical for an international artist like Vives, whose music tops many international charts.

Vives has had five No. 1s on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, dating back to 2000’s “Fruta Fresca” and up until 2012’s “Volví a Nacer,” which marked Vives’ return to recording after a nearly decade-long hiatus.

“I’ve always admired Carlos Vives’ extraordinary creative talent,” said Nestor Casonú, managing director for Latin America at Kobalt. “I value the authenticity he brings to the music of his country and the other native cultures, daringly incorporating contemporary instruments to his songs.”

When Casonú ran EMI’s Latin publishing operation, he signed Vives and worked closely with him on his 2001 album, Dejame Entrar, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart. Vives also topped the chart with his two most recent albums, his 2013 comeback, Corazón Profundo, and 2015’s Mas + Corazon Profundo: Tour.

Vives’ credits the friendship as one of the reasons he decided to go with Kobalt when his contract with Sony/ATV ended.

“One of course comes to a company for the advantages and possibilities they offer to us as artists, but fundamentally one joins a company for the people, for the admiration they awaken in us and for the passion and mysticism with which they do their job,” he said in a statement. “It was with Nestor Casonu, a long time industry friend, that I found the motivation, the joy and the enthusiasm to continuously write new, quality songs. We are very happy to form part of the Kobalt family and we are fully committed with them.”

Vives was most recently signed to Sony/ATV as a songwriter. He is signed to Sony Music Latin as a recording artist.