Tag Archives: Norteño

La Fiera de Ojinaga Earns First No. 1 on a Billboard Chart with “La Luna de Miel”

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La Fiera de Ojinaga is celebration a special first…

The Mexican group celebrates its first coronation on a Billboard chart with “La Luna de Miel” as the single ascends 2-1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay ranking dated August 27.

La Fiera de Ojinaga“La Luna de Miel,” released February 10 via Azteca Records, trades places with La Maquinaria Norteña’s “50 y Cincuenta” — after the latter’s one-week in charge — despite a 2% dip in audience impressions, to 5.9 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending August 21, according to Luminate. 

La Fiera de Ojinaga reigns in its 11th visit to the chart, dating back to the band’s first appearance in 2018.

It took two years for the Chihuahua natives to score its first top 10, through the No. 5-peaking “En Otro Canal” in October 2020.

Further, the band narrowly missed the No. 1 spot on Regional Mexican Airplay earlier this year when “No Paras de Hacerme Feliz” reached No. 2 in February 12-dated survey.

“La Luna de Miel” concurrently makes progress on the all-genre Latin Airplay tally with a No. 9 lift, after spending two weeks at No. 10.

La Fiera, the five-member ensemble fronted by Mauricio “Pikaro” Palma, is one of the leaders of the norteño-with-sax format within Regional Mexican music.

Grupo Firme to Take Part in ‘Superstar Panel’ During Billboard Latin Music Week

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Grupo Firme will be taking part in this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week.

The Regional Mexican band will take part in one of the various superstar panels during the event, which will take place on September 26-30 at Miami’s Faena Forum.

Grupo FirmeFounded by Eduin Caz in Tijuana, Mexico, in 2013, Grupo Firme — which straddles the genres of banda and norteño — is comprised of Eduin’s brother Jhonny Caz, Abraham Hernández, Joaquín Ruiz, Christian Gutiérrez, José Rubio and Dylan Camacho.

Touring titans, in 2021, the band secured a historic booking at Los Angeles’ 20,000-capacity Staples Center as the first Latin act to perform the most shows in a single calendar year at the venue with seven sold-out concerts this summer. (The only other artist who has done more in one year is Adele, with eight performances in 2016.)

Grupo Firme joins the already announced star-studded lineup that includes Romeo Santos, Camilo, Chayanne, Ivy Queen, Nicky Jam, Eslabon Armado, Bizarrap, Blessd, Yahritza Y Su Esencia, Luis R. Conriquez, Ovy on the Drums, Kunno, and The Rivera Family.

More participants will be announced in the weeks leading up to the 2022 Latin Music Week. Registration is now open at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

For 30 years, Billboard Latin Music Week has been the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world. After a sold-out 2021 edition that featured Q&As with Daddy Yankee and Karol G, as well as show-stopping performances by Anitta, Rauw Alejandro, and Natti Natasha, the event returns, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.

Billboard Latin Music Week will also coincide with the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards on Thursday, Sept. 29, in Miami. The Billboard Latin Music Awards will broadcast live on Telemundo, and will also broadcast simultaneously on the Spanish entertainment cable network, Universo, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.

Gigi Saul Guerrero to Direct Biopic About the Late Jenni Rivera

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Gigi Saul Guerrero is bringing a Mexican American icon’s life story to the big screen…

The 32-year-old Mexican Canadian filmmaker and actress will direct “Jenni,” a film about the life of the late Jenni Rivera.

Gigi Saul Guerrero The biopic, which is authorized by the late artist’s estate, will be produced by Los Angeles-based multimedia company Mucho Mas Media and De Line Pictures.

Developed by Guerrero and screenwriter Shane McKenzie, the movie follows Rivera’s rise as a Spanish singer who successfully crossed over to U.S. and global audiences, as well as her work as a women’s rights activist. She died in a plane crash in 2012 at age 43.

Rivera’s variety of banda, mariachi and norteño music made her one of the best-selling regional Mexican artists ever, with 15 gold and platinum records and top-drawing tours.

She produced multiple television series like “Chiquis & Raq-C” and “I Love Jenni,” and in 2012 she was named one of the top 25 most powerful women by People en Español. She also established charities like the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation, which supports single mothers and children who have been victims of domestic abuse.

Jenni will premiere on TelevisaUnivision’s premium streaming tier VIX+ and in select theaters throughout the U.S. and Mexico. A release date has not been announced yet.

Saul Guerrero was named by Variety in 2019 as a Latinx talent to watch. Since then, she signed a first-look deal with Blumhouse Productions after the debut of her first movie, Culture Shock.

On the acting front, she has voiced characters in “Supernatural Academy” and “Angry Birds: Summer Madness.”

Gurrero also created and directed the 2017 web horror series La Quinceañera and short film El Gigante, and she co-founded the Latin genre-focused company LuchaGore Productions.

McKenzie, a frequent collaborator of Saul Guerrero’s at LuchaGore Productions, wrote the screenplays for “El Gigante,” “La Quinceanera” and “Bingo Hell.”

Jenni Rivera Enterprises will executive produce.

“Gigi is so confident in her voice and storytelling and has an innate understanding of Jenni’s life.

Grupo Firme Signs with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

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Grupo Firme is hoping to take Regional Mexican music to the global stage…

The Mexican band has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for worldwide representation in all areas.

Grupo FirmeThe L.A.-based agency also signed the regional Mexican group’s indie label, Music VIP.

News of the signing comes on the heels of Grupo Firme’s stadium tour across the U.S. with stops at L.A.’s Sofi Stadium, Metlife Stadium in New York, Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium and a final stop at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for Mexican Independence Day weekend in September.

Grupo Firme — founded in Tijuana, Mexico, in 2013 — straddles the genres of banda and norteño and comprises brothers Eduin and Jhonny Caz, Abraham Hernández, Joaquín Ruiz, Christian Gutiérrez, José Rubio and Dylan Camacho.

Initially known for performing corridos, the group was catapulted into the mainstream in 2017 after signing a label and management deal with Music VIP.

Since then, the band — who won their first Latin Grammy last year with their album Nos Divertimos Logrando Lo Imposible — has achieved unprecedented success with many firsts under their belt, including making history by becoming the first banda ensemble to ever play at Coachella.

Additionally, on Billboard’s 2021 year-end Boxscore Charts, Grupo Firme landed at No. 23 in the Top 40 Tours chart after grossing $18 million from 19 shows thanks to their historic run at the Crypto.com Arena last year, when they helped relaunch the venue (then Staples Center) by playing its first concert in 513 days.

It also marked the beginning of the supergroup’s historic run at the arena with their first (of seven) full-capacity, sold-out show — making history as the Latin act to perform the most shows in a single calendar year at Staples (the only other artist who has done more is Adele, with eight in one calendar year).

Grupo Firme is managed by Isael Gutiérrez, founder of Music VIP. Management will continue to broker certain tour deals directly on their own.

Pesado Signs New Record Deal with Warner Music Latina

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Pesado has a new recording contract…

The Mexican norteño group has signed a record deal with Warner Music Latina.

PesadoThe new deal with Warner is a homecoming for the ensemble group, which was founded in 1993 by leading members Beto Zapata and Pepe Elizondo. They’re now returning to the label a decade later.

Most recently, Pesado had been releasing music via Disa, Universal Music Latin Entertainment’s regional Mexican label.

The signing comes ahead of the group’s 30-year anniversary and release of new music.

Pesado’s upcoming single under Warner Music Latina, titled “El Infierno,” is set for release on July 1.

“In this new era with Warner, Pesado comes as one of the best structured, most mature bands, and I think together we will again achieve great things. Pesado’s future is to continue making music, continue to sing, tell stories that people can identify with and keep doing things with a lot of passion,” Zapata, frontman and accordionist, said in a statement.

“This is important step for Pesado,” Elizondo echoed. “This was the label that made us international, that supported us in that moment and we’re back with many more dreams and encouragement to continue to grow and take our joy to all Latin American homes.”

Known for their norteño heartbreak anthems like “Loco”, “Ojalá Te Mueras”, “Dile” y “A Chillar a Otra Parte,” Pesado has placed nearly 50 songs on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, including 15 top hits and three No. 1 hits.

Additionally, the group from Monterrey, Nuevo León has scored four No. 1 albums on the Regional Mexican Albums tally: Mi Promesa, Directo 93-13, Vol. 1, Piensame Un Momento and Abrazame.

Added Delia Orjuela, general manager of Warner Music Latina’s new Música Mexicana division, “[Our] family is proud to welcome Pesado, an iconic group among Mexican music. I feel honored to be able to work with them in this new era.”

Natalia Lafourcade Receives International Folk Music Awards Nomination for Album of the Year

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Natalia Lafourcade latest homage to Mexico is earning a special honor…

The 38-year-old Mexican pop-rock and folk singer/songwriter, a two-time Grammy winner and 13-time Latin Grammy winner, is among the honorees at this year’s International Folk Music Awards.

Natalia Lafourcade

Lafourcade is nominated for Album of the Year for her latest project, Un Canto por México, Vol. 2, which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano).

Lafourcade’s first installment, Un Canto por México, Vol. 1, won the Grammy for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (including Tejano) and Latin Grammy for Album of the Year in 2021.

The recipients of the Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Awards, which are presented each year to honor the cultural impact of legendary folk music figures (in the categories of living, legacy, and business/academic) were also announced.

Accordionist Flaco Jiménez is honored in the living category.

The 83-year-old Mexican American accordionist, known for playing Norteño, Tex Mex, and Tejano music, has been a solo performer and session musician as well as a member of the Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven.

Throughout the course of his seven decade career, he has received numerous awards and honors, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Grammys, Americana Music Awards, Tejano Music Awards, and Billboard magazine.

He is featured in the film This Ain’t No Mouse Music, and Hohner has even released a Flaco Jiménez Signature series line of accordions. He has worked with Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, The Rolling Stones, and recorded on the number one Billboard Country song “Streets of Bakersfield” by Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens.

Meanwhile, Eugene Rodriguez will receive the Spirit of Folk award.

The acclaimed Mexican-American musician, educator and documentary producer founded Los Cenzontles, both as a band and as a non-profit music academy and community space for Latinx artists, youth, and families in the San Francisco Bay area.

He has produced over 30 recordings of Mexican roots music and cross-cultural projects and was nominated for a Grammy for the bilingual recording “Papa’s Dream”. He has produced three documentaries for the Cultures of Mexico in California series and conceived of the film project Linda and The Mockingbirds. He serves as a board member of the Arhoolie Foundation and has received numerous awards for his cultural and community service.

Amado Espinoza will also receive the Spirit of Folk award.

The Bolivian multi-instrumentalist, composer and instrument maker has called Kansas City home since 2014. Amado specializes in the Charango and Andean flutes, performs with multiple ensembles, and is the co-founder of Resonation Music and Arts, using educational programming to inspire curiosity and respect for world cultures through music, dance, and storytelling.

He’s a Charlotte Street Foundation Performing Arts Fellow, Lighton International Artist Exchange recipient, TedxKC presenter, and Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Student Theatre Department at UMKC.

The awards, produced by the Folk Alliance International, will be held during the opening evening of the Folk Alliance International’s annual conference on May 18 in Kansas City, Mo., and will also broadcast online.

Here’s the list of nominations:

Album of the Year:
They’re Calling Me Home (with Francesco Turrisi) by Rhiannon Giddens
Wary + Strange by Amythyst Kiah
Un Canto por México, Vol. 2 by Natalia Lafourcade
Outside Child by Allison Russell
The Fray by John Smith 

Song of the Year:
“On Solid Ground” by Reggie Harris
“Painted Blue” by Sarah Jarosz
“We Believe You” by Diana Jones
“Call Me A Fool” by Valerie June
“Changemakers” by Crys Matthews 

Artist of the Year:
The Longest Johns
Kalani Pe’a
Allison Russell
Arooj Aftab
John Francis Flynn

Adriel Favela Releases Sixth Studio Album “Cosas Del Diablo”

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It’s a devilish time for Adriel Favela.

The 29-year-old Mexican American Regional Mexican artist has released his sixth studio album Cosas Del Diablo.

Adriel Favela

It’s Favela’s first album under his recording and production deal with Fonovisa Records, owned by Universal Music Latino.

“El Bo,” an infectious corrido-meets-norteño fusion with Sonora-based artist El Bala, was the first single off the album, his first LP release in four years.

On “Oveja Negra,” Favela pens honest and raw lyrics, attesting “I’m no Saint, I don’t like to play, and even though I’m not a bad person, I’m the Devil’s son.”

Corridos and melodious requintos have characterized Favela’s career throughout the years, but in Cosas del Diablo, he also includes catchy Banda tunes “Ray02” and “Bayo 17” with Luis R. Conriquez, and flaunts his vulnerability in heartfelt songs “Lagrimas de Miel” and “Lunes.”

“Corridos do not necessarily talk about negative things, on the contrary,” Favela previously said to Billboard. “My songs are corridos that talk about people’s battles and who have grown as a person.”

Prior to releasing his 15-track set, Favela dropped his Carin Leon-assisted single “Con Un Botecito A Pecho,” a country-tinged mariachi anthem for those who are finally getting over a breakup.

In the track, both artists sing about going out and drinking because they are happy and convinced that they will not get back with their ex.

Tony Elizondo Named New Frontman of Calibre 50

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Tony Elizondo is officially frontin’…

The Mexican singer has been officially unveiled as the new frontman of norteño band Calibre 50.

Tony Elizondo, Calibre 50The announcement comes after a month of auditions searching for a new lead singer to replace Edén Muñoz.

“We begin a new era in our career as we welcome Tony Elizondo,” the group captioned the announcement on social media, which included a photo of the Nuevo León-born artist with his new band mates.

Elizondo joins the chart-topping Mexican band following former frontman Muñoz‘s departure back in January when he announced he was leaving the group he founded in 2010 and launching his solo career.

Following Muñoz’s announcement, Calibre 50 opened auditions to aspiring singers in search of the next member to join remaining members Armando Ramos, Alejandro Gaxiola and Erick García.

Before being named winner of the competition, Elizondo shared his audition on social media saying he was simply grateful for the experience. “

This was my audition for Calibre 50,” he wrote. “I’m so happy to have just been able to be part of this competition, I already feel like a winner.”

Now, the musician who started his career playing at local events is the frontman of a veteran group that’s a staple in Mexican music, and has placed 21 No. 1s on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart and seven No. 1 albums on the Regional Mexican Albums tally.

The audition and the beginning of a new era also coincide with the band’s 12th anniversary.

“We are celebrating 12 years of great success. A story is always written with different chapters so today we begin to write our next chapter,” Jesus Tirado, president of Andaluz Music (Calibre 50’s label), previously told Billboard. “We are grateful to God for so many blessings, and to the public for all their support and unconditional love. We are sure that the story continues because the union and respect in our company are what has led us to be what we are today.”

Edén Muñoz Leaving Calibre 50 to Launch Solo Career

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Edén Muñoz is re-Calibre-ating his career…

The Mexican singer and accordionist is leaving Calibre 50 after 12 years to launch his solo career.

Edén Muñoz

Lizos Music announced the move in a statement this week the frontman of the norteño band has also signed a record and management deal with the indie label and management company spearheaded by Sergio Lizárraga.

Lizos Music is also home to artists like Banda MS and Natalia Jiménez.

Muñoz founded Calibre 50 in 2010, and the group quickly become known for its norteño sound via anthems like “El Inmigrante” and “A La Antiguita,” placing seven No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart. Their most recent album, Vamos Bien, peaked at No. 8 on the tally dated September 11.

Earlier in January, the group scored its 21st No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart (dated January 22) with their Marco Antonio Solís cover “Si Te Puediera Mentir.”

With 21 leaders on the group’s account, the band from Sinaloa extends its record for the most No. 1 since Regional Mexican Airplay launched in 1994.

As a songwriter, Muñoz has penned most of Calibre 50’s repertoire, and has also written chart-topping hits for Alejandro Fernández, Pepe Aguilar, Yuridia, Banda MS and Carlos Rivera, among many others.

Last year, Muñoz was named songwriter of the year at the annual 2021 SESAC Latin Music Awards. He won songwriter of the year in the regional Mexican category for the second time for songs penned both for Calibre 50 (“Barquillero,” “Solo Tú”) and for other groups, including Banda MS (“Cerrando Ciclos”) and Banda Carnaval (“Esta Vez Soy Yo”). Muñoz’s publisher, Dulce María Music, won publisher of the year, Regional Mexican.

According to the press release, 2022 will be a “year that will mark the beginning of a very productive era for both Muñoz and Lizos.”

“I feel alive again. I feel like I’ve escaped monotony. I’m motivated now that I have creative freedom,” says Muñoz of his decision to go solo.

His upcoming new solo single “Chale” is due out on February 18.

Maluma Teams Up with Grupo Firme on New Single “Cada Quien”

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Maluma is firme-ing up his musical collaborations…

The 27-year-old Colombian singer and Grupo Firme have released the official music video for their unexpected collab single “Cada Quien.”

Maluma x Grupo Firme

The Regional Mexican supergroup released their latest single on Tuesday (Dec. 7) and joined voices with the Colombian star on the track, marking the first time the norteño/banda group collaborated with an urbano artist.

“Cada Quien” is an unapologetic track where each artist chants about living life on their own terms and sends a message to all of those people who like to criticize and judge others: “To each his or her own!”

In the music video, filmed in Medellín, Colombia and presented by Music VIP Entertainment, Maluma and Grupo Firme are seen in a ranch while they sing and take shots straight from the bottle.

“We got a video from Maluma saying hello and asking when we’d work together. I mean, how could we say no to Maluma. We were thrilled and started coordinating everything. It all came together in a matter of days,” he said.

“Yes, we are collaborating outside of our style. We also recorded songs with Reik and Río Roma, but I’m always scared to go into another genre,” the group’s frontman Eduin Caz added. “I’m scared of losing our core fan base. That’s why sometimes I go onstage wearing an urbano outfit with sneakers, and other times, I’m wearing boots and a tejana [cowboy hat] so I can make everyone happy and they don’t get caught off guard when we sing with an urban artist. We’ve been very careful with those types of collaborations, and I trust in Isael (Firme’s manager) that we’re doing the right thing.”