Rubén Blades Signs Global Partnership Deal with Virgin Music Group

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Rubén Blades has a new deal…

The 76-year-old Panamanian musician, singer, composer, actor, activist and politician has signed a global partnership with Virgin Music Group.

The indie artist, who releases music under his own label Rubén Blades Production, was previously with AWAL.

This new deal with Virgin sets him up for the “next chapter in his legendary career,” states a press release.

One of the most influential and revered Latin artists of all time, Blades – whose career spans over five decades – is known for music that is both poetic and socially conscious and rooted in storytelling.

A key figure in the New York salsa revolution during the 1970s, Blades has dedicated his career to propelling Afro-Cuban music.

The “Pedro Navaja” singer was honored with the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year award in 2021, he also won album of the year award for SALSWING! at the Latin Grammys that year.

“Rubén Blades has built an incredible legacy in Latin music as a trailblazer, pushing artistic boundaries and cultural change. We look forward to working with him on the next phase of his illustrious career and furthering his legacy with new audiences around the world,” Víctor González, president of Latin America and Iberia for Virgin Music Music Group, said in a statement.

Overall, Blades – also an actor who played the role of Daniel Salazar on Fear the Walking Dead – has won 12 Grammy Awards and 11 Latin Grammys. This year, he’s a two-time nominee at the 25th annual Latin Grammys where “Aún Me Sigo Encontrando,” his collab with Gian Marco, is up for song of the year and his latest album, Siembra: 45° Aniversario (En Vivo en el Coliseo de Puerto Rico, 14 de Mayo 2022), is up for best salsa album. The ceremony takes place Thursday (Nov. 14) in Miami.

Carlos Vives Unveils His Wax Figure at Mexico City’s Wax Museum

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Vives is waxin’ nostalgic.

The 63-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and actor now has his double at the Wax Museum of Mexico City.

Vives helped unveil his figure on Thursday night at the institution, where it will share space with Mexican cultural figures, like painter Frida Kahlo and wrestler El Santo.

“I’m happy with this recognition that the Mexican people give me, that’s how I feel,” Vives said during the ceremony, evidently moved. “We have come to Mexico so much, our hearts have been touched by its music, by its art, by its cinema, its television.”

He added: “Being here in the museum, next to so many figures from the world, but above all next to the Mexican stars, who from my childhood and my youth had been a great example and inspiration — being here with them is the greatest honor I’ve received from the Mexican people.”

The new wax figure shows Vives looking a bit younger and taller than the real artist.

It carries a guitar and wears fitted leather pants and a black t-shirt emblazoned with his name and the title of his sixteenth album, Cumbiana (2020). It’s located in the main hall of the museum, close to those of Vicente Fernández and Marco Antonio Solís.

Vives — who is performing this Saturday, September 7 before 10,000 people for a sold-out show at the National Auditorium in Mexico City — shared the honor with the Colombian musicians who inspired him in his youth and who are part of his history.

“They are here with me and represent what I wanted to show the world: a beautiful and diverse oral tradition like our country,” he said.

His addition to the museum comes two months ahead of his honoring as the Latin Recording Academy 2024 Person of the Year in November, during the 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammys in Miami.

Born in Santa Marta, Colombia, Vives is one of the most respected artists in Spanish-language music and a pioneer of a new Latin American sound, redefining traditional Colombian vallenato by incorporating to it pop and rock sounds. With No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts such as “Volví a Nacer,” “Fruta Fresca” and “La Bicicleta” with Shakira, among others, he has become an ambassador of Colombian and Latin American culture around the world.

“He has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of people and today he will be immortalized at the Wax Museum of Mexico City,” said the museum in a press release prior to Thursday’s ceremony.

Located in the central neighborhood of Colonia Juárez, in an old Art Nouveau style mansion, the Wax Museum of Mexico City celebrates this year its 45^th anniversary.

In its 14 thematic rooms, visitors can appreciate some 260 wax figures of characters from history, art, politics, and sports, from Diego Rivera and Salvador Dalí, to Bill Gates, Ronaldinho, Hugo Sánchez, ‘Canelo’ Álvarez; Gene Simmons, Michael Jackson, Chaplin, Alex Lora, Chabelo, and more.

According to the museum, the wax figures are made by its team of sculptors and many wear clothes that belonged to the real character. The creation of each figure takes approximately four to eight months.

Carlos Vives Named Latin Recording Academy’s 2024 Person of the Year

Posted on May 26, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Vives is set to receive the highest honor from the Latin Recording Academy.

Twenty-five years after leading the list of nominees for the first edition of the Latin Grammys, the 62-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and actor has been named the 2024 Person of the Year.

Vives — winner of 18 Latin Grammy Awards, two Grammy Awards and a Billboard Latin Music Awards Hall of Fame inductee — “will be honored for his more than three-decade career as a multifaceted singer and composer, as well as for his continued commitment to environmental and social initiatives,” per the Latin Recording Academy.

“Carlos Vives is one of the most prolific and beloved artists of our time, whose commitment to Latin music and support for the new generations truly personifies the values of our Academy,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We honor him as our Person of the Year for his vast contributions to our musical heritage and for his many philanthropic initiatives.”

“It’s still surprising to me,” Vives told Billboard Español this week in an exclusive interview. “It’s like a message that the Academy gives at the end, because 32 years ago I chose a path [that was unconventional]. To be successful, to be commercial, there was one way. This other path that’s cultural or has to do with your identity, that doesn’t work, [they would say].”

In Wednesday’s press release, he added: “I am honored and moved to have been chosen as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. It is the reward for an authentic journey, for a wonderful team and, above all, it is the recognition of the musical spirits of our Latin American diversity. These spirits taught us to love and enrich our language, to take care of it and to respect it in order to exalt humanity with it.”

Born in Santa Marta, Colombia, Vives is one of the most respected artists in Spanish-language music and a pioneer of a new Latin American sound, redefining traditional Colombian vallenato by incorporating to it pop and rock sounds. With No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts such as “Volví a Nacer,” “Fruta Fresca” and “La Bicicleta” with Shakira, among others, has become an ambassador of Colombian and Latin American culture around the world.

His commitment to good causes transcends the musical realm. In 2015, he created the Tras La Perla initiative to promote the sustainable development of Santa Marta and its ecosystem. In addition, he created the Escuela de Música Río Grande to offer artistic experiences to children and young people, and founded the record label Gaira Música Local to promote new Colombian talent. He’s also been a strong advocate and generous supporter of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation since its inception, the Latin Recording Academy highlights, and sponsored its annual Prodigy Scholarship in 2018.

His latest album, Escalona: Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, earned him his 18th Latin Grammy when it was crowned best cumbia/vallenato album in 2023. This year he was also recognized with the ASCAP Founders Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

Vives will be feted as Person of the Year at a special star-studded gala and tribute concert where an array of artist and friends will perform renditions of his renowned repertoire. Details of the event, to be presented in November during the 2024 Latin Grammy week in Miami, will be announced at a later date.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts.

Past honorees are Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).

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.

Rosalía to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys Awards Show

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Rosalía is readying to take Latin music’s biggest stage…

The 30-year-old Spanish Grammy– and Latin Grammy-winning singer and songwriter has been added to the roster of artists set to take center stage at the 23rd annual Latin Grammys on November 17.

Rosalia is among a new wave of confirmed performers that includes Silvana Estrada, Gente de Zona, Goyo, Los Bukis, Aymée Nuviola, Julio Reyes Copello, Carlos Vives and Nicole Zignago.

Copello, a seven-time nominee, joins the event as musical director of the show’s house band.

At this year’s ceremony, eight-time nominee Rosalía is up for record of the year and album of the year; Vives, a five-time nominee, is up for record of the year and song of the year; Gente de Zona and Nuviola are nominated in the tropical categories; and both Estrada and Zignago, are up for the coveted best new artist.

The newly announced artists set to take the stage join previously announced performers such as Ángela Aguilar, Christina Aguilera, Rauw Alejandro, Marc Anthony, Banda Los Recoditos, Camilo, Elvis Costello, Chiquis, Jorge Drexler, Nicky Jam, Jesse & Joy, John Legend, Carin León, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández, Christian Nodal, Sin Bandera, Sebastián Yatra, and the 2022 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, Marco Antonio Solís.

The Latin Grammy Awards — which “promise to honor the legacy, celebrate the present and embrace the future of Latin music, with deliberate consciousness, paying-it-forward to the next generations of music creators,” according to a press statement — will be held on November 17 at the Michelob Ultra Arena at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, and will air live on Univision beginning at 8:00 pm ET.

The Latin Grammy Premiere, a non-televised ceremony in which the winners in most categories are announced, will take place before the broadcast.

Christina Aguilera to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys Awards Show

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Christina Aguilera has a date with the Latin Grammys…

The 41-year-old half-Ecuadorian American singer, actress and television personality has been added to the performers list for this year’s Latin Grammys awards show.

In addition to Aguilera, the celebration of the best in Latin music will also feature appearances by new lineup additions Camilo, Elvis Costello, Jorge Drexler, John Legend, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández and Christian Nodal.

They have all been confirmed by the Latin Recording Academy to take the stage at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Thursday, November 17.

The musical acts joined previously announced stars like Ángela Aguilar, Rauw Alejandro, Marc Anthony, Banda Los Recoditos, Chiquis, Nicky Jam, Jesse & Joy, Carin León, Sin Bandera, Sebastián Yatra and the 2022 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, Marco Antonio Solís.

The 23rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards promise to honor the legacy, celebrate the present and embrace the future of Latin music, with deliberate consciousness, paying it forward to the next generations of music creators.

Univision will air the ceremony on Thursday, November 17 starting at 8:00 pm ET with the red carpet coverage starting an hour earlier.

Bad Bunny leads the nominations list for the 2022 Latin Grammys scoring 10 mentions including Album of the Year for his chart-topping Un Verano Sin Ti. Edgar Barrera was the second most mentioned artist with 9 nods and Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro tied in third with eight nominations.

Rauw Alejandro to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards

Posted on October 17, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Rauw Alejandro will be taking the Latin Grammys stage…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter will perform as part of this year’s Latin Grammy Awards show, the Latin Recording Academy.

He’s among the first batch of confirmed artists that includes Chiquis, Jesse & Joy and Sebastián Yatra.

In addition, the 2022 Person of the Year, Marco Antonio Solís, will also perform.

All are nominated for the 23rd annual Latin Grammy Awards, which will be held on November 17 at the Michelob Ultra Arena at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Alejandro, who was a 2020 best new artist nominee and won his first golden gramophone last year, has eight nominations this year that include recording of the year and song of the year for “Te Felicito” with Shakira, and “Agua” with Daddy Yankee and Nile Rodgers, respectively.

Yatra, previously nominated for a Grammy and nine Latin Grammys, is a four-time nominee this year, including album of the year for Dharma and song of the year for “Tacones Rojos.”

Jesse & Joy, winners of the Grammy and six Latin Grammys, are nominated this time for best pop vocal album for Clichés; and Latin Grammy winner Chiquis is nominated for best banda music album for Abeja Reina.

Solís, meanwhile, has been honored with five Latin Grammys and nominated for six Grammys, and this year is recognized as Person of the Year 2022 by the Latin Recording Academy.

The 23rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards will air live on Univision on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, beginning at 8:00 pm ET.

The Latin Grammy Premiere, a non-televised ceremony in which the winners in most categories are announced, will take place before the broadcast. Additional details about this ceremony will be announced soon.

Alejandro Sanz Agrees to New Unorthodox Management Deal

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Sanz has a new unconventional management agreement…

The 53-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, one of the most iconic and influential artists in Latin music, is starting a new phase in his career with an unorthodox management agreement.

Sanz, who hasn’t had formal management in place since 2016, will now work with two separate executives, each of them focused on a different area of his career.

On the one hand, Alex Mizrahi, who heads management and promotion company OCESA-Seitrack, will now oversee Sanz’s international management and business. And Iñigo Zabala, the former president of Warner Music Iberia and Latin America, will oversee his recording career and creative output.

“There is strength in numbers,” said Sanz, explaining his decision to work with two separate entities. “I’m excited about this partnership with Álex Mizrahi and Íñigo Zabala. The three of us believe artists should develop in an ideal environment for creation, and I feel this connection between us will result in an evolved management model, where each of us brings his knowledge and experience to reach our common goals.”

With a 25-year trajectory under his belt that includes Spain’s two top-selling albums of all time, Sanz, signed to Universal Music, continues to be a touring and recording powerhouse.

“It’s hard to imagine anyone who hasn’t fallen in love, laughed or cried to an Alejandro Sanz song. The enormous power of his music goes beyond borders, ages and languages,” says Mizrahi, whose company – OCESA-Seitrack — is a subsidiary of Seitrack Management and live event giant OCESA.

On his end, Zabala’s ties to Sanz are tight; as a Warner executive, he signed Sanz to his first major record label deal over 20 years ago, and remained his friend even after Sanz moved to Universal.

“It’s an honor to collaborate again with Alejandro Sanz, whom I consider one of the best composers of all time. His influence on what is Latin music today can be felt everywhere,” said Zabala.

A four-time Grammy winner and 25-time Latin Grammy winner who was also the Latin Academy’s Person of the Year in 2017, Sanz is one of Latin music’s most celebrated and influential artists, both at a musical and political level.

Sanz was long-managed by Spanish manager Rosa Lagarrigue, but the two parted ways in 2016 in a split that ended up in a legal dispute.

Since then, Sanz has not had formal management, but had his own offices and management firm, MOW, which handles Spanish artists Nina Pastori and Pol Granch. Now, Seitrak will also have a hand in their management as well.

Jesse & Joy Performance Clip to Be Featured on “MusiCares: Music on a Mission” Special

Posted on March 21, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Jesse & Joy will be heading on a special mission…

Fans will be able to view a previously recorded performance clip of the Mexican duo, comprised of brother Jesse Huerta and sister Joy Huerta, will at “MusiCares: Music on a Mission” on Wednesday, March 30.

The virtual event will also feature a performance clip by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, taken from the MusiCares Person of the Year gala on February 10, 2017, where Petty was the honoree. Petty died less than eight months later, one week after the end of the band’s 40th anniversary tour.

Other performances include Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, k.d. lang, Shawn Colvin, Fantastic Negrito, Gian Marco, Dante Spinetta, Amythyst Kiah, morgxn, Zach Person, Emily Wolfe and Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums .

According to a statement, the event will celebrate the power of music and also Joni Mitchell as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree.

Every dollar from ticket purchases will be distributed to those in need in the music community.

The event will include testimonials from members of the music community who have been helped by MusiCares. MusiCares’ partner in the event is Gibson, the Nashville-based instrument brand.

Music on a Mission will air on Mandolin, the concert livestream platform, on March 30 at 5:00 pm PT/8:00 pm ET.

Music on a Mission was first held in March 2021 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 17,000 people bought tickets. The event raised more than $2 million.

“We were blown away by the support from the music community, industry professionals and of course music fans,” Laura Segura, executive director of MusiCares, said in a statement. “We’re so thankful that Gibson recognizes the importance of this event to both fans and professional musicians and that they’ve signed on to help us make Music on a Mission a reality again this year.”

Tickets are on sale now for $25 at https://bit.ly/MusiconaMission.

José Pastor to Portray Miguel Bosé in Upcoming Biopic Series “BOSÉ”

Posted on January 11, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

José Pastor is ready to embody a Spanish superstar…

The Spanish actor will take on the role Miguel Bosé alongside Iván Sánchez in the upcoming BOSÉ biopic series, which will stream on Paramount+.

The original six-episode series, currently filming in Miami and Spain, will be based on the life of the chart-topping Spanish singer-songwriter, and is produced by VIS in collaboration with Shine Iberia (Banijay Iberia), Elefantec Global and Legacy Rock.

Newcomer Pastor — who has worked in musicals like La Bella y la Bestia and Peter Pan — will portray the “Amante Bandido” singer in his younger years.

Spanish actor Sánchez, known for his breakout role in La Reina del Sur, will play Bosé in his older years.

According to the series’ official description, the biopic will be “a rare piece of art in and of itself, transporting viewers to different parts of the singer-songwriter’s career that began in the late 1970s, revealing the stories behind the inspiration, composition, and recording of some of his most iconic works and how this success affected his personal life.” The release also noted that the series will “reveal unknown secrets, give us an inside look at his circle of friends, demonstrate the extraordinary relationship between Miguel and his parents.”

A force in Latin pop, Bosé — who in 2013 was named Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy and boasts of a career that spans more than four decades — has placed five top 10 albums on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, including the star-studded duets album Papito, which peaked at No. 2 on the tally (dated April 7, 2007).

As an agent of change through his foundation Paz Sin Fronteras (Peace Without Borders), he fights for the right for all people to live in peace, and he’s also helped raise funds for the foundation Fight Against AIDS.

BOSÉ is slated to premiere later this year.

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