Alejandro Sanz Receives All-Star Welcome to His New Label, Sony Music Latin-Iberia

Posted on November 16, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Sanz is getting an all-star welcome at Sony Music Latin-Iberia.

The 54-year-old Spanish award-winning singer-songwriter was serenaded by Kany García, Camilo and Evaluna, among other artists, serenaded at an event hosted by Sony Music during Latin Grammy Week in Sevilla, Spain, officially welcoming Sanz to his new label.

Producer Javier Limón, a close friend of Sanz’s, hosted the event along with Afo Verde, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Latin-Iberia, and José María Barbat, president of Sony Music Iberia.

“We’re here on an unforgettable night because we have the opportunity to celebrate the arrival of Alejandro Sanz to our great Sony Music family,” said Verde, who signed Sanz to Sony this past June.

”We know the extraordinary artist that’s inside you. We know of your drive and passion for your work, your curiosity for new artists, the support you give those who are starting off, your generosity with your colleagues, your commitment to causes of fairness and the value of your friendship,” added Barbat.

Camilo, Evaluna, Niña Pastori, Kany García, J·Noa, Darumas, Yerai Cortés and Montse Cortés performed some of Sanz’s emblematic songs, including “Amiga Mía” (J Noa), “Cuando nadie me ve” (Kany García) and “Desde cuando” (Camilo y Evaluna). The honoree enjoyed the evening from a table set in a semi private area, from which he could see the performances.

Other artists, including Malú, Ana Mena, Arde Bogotá, Omar Montes, Reik, Nicki Nicole, Kenia OS and María José Llergo, were also at the event ,which took place in Hacienda Azahares.

This year, Sanz is nominated for a Latin Grammy for song of the year for “Nasa” alongside Camilo, and record of the year for “Correcaminos” with Danny Ocean.

Sanz thanked his “Dear Sony family” for the warm welcome. “It’s been a beautiful night to get together again and begin this new stage, in addition to a prelude to a week where we’ll celebrate music. Let’s enjoy and celebrate!” he said.

Gloria Trevi Among Headlining Acts for This Year’s Bésame Mucho Festival

Posted on February 21, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Trevi will be performing at Dodger Stadium in December…

Following the inaugural edition of Bésame Mucho in Los Angeles last December, the music festival announced on Tuesday (Feb. 21) the lineup for its second edition, which includes the 55-year-old Mexican singer/songwriter.

Trevi, known as The Supreme Diva of Mexican Pop, will be one of the headlining acts.

Other headliners include Maná and Los Bukis.

Bésame will return to Dodger Stadium as a one-day event on December 2. Like last year, it will consist of stages representing different genres. Rock, classics and pop will get their own stage again.

The “Rockero Stage” will feature sets by artists such as Natalia Lafourcade, La Ley, Ska-P, Aterciopelados and Maldita Vecindad.

The “Las Clásicas Stage” roster includes Alejandro Fernández, Pepe Aguilar, Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Conjunto Primavera.

Meanwhile, the “Te Gusta El Pop?” stage’s lineup includes Reik, Camila, Belinda, Emmanuel and Jesse & Joy.

Returning artists from last year include Café Tacvba, Hombres G, Enanitos Verdes, Ramon Ayala and Banda El Recodo.

Last year, the inaugural Bésame Mucho festival edition sold out in 12 minutes, according to sources, when the 2000s-inspired lineup was announced. At the actual event, thousands of fans had to sprint across the stadium’s parking lot to catch whichever act was on their must-see list. The literal back-to-back sets were 35-50 minutes in length, which fans weren’t too crazy about, especially with technical difficulties that impacted the sound leaving artists to deal with the situation onstage and, ultimately, left them with a shorter set. This year’s lineup isn’t as packed as last year, which could lead to more efficient set transitions and overall production quality.

Tickets for Bésame Mucho 2023 will go on sale Friday, February 24 at 10:00 am PT.

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Ricky Martin Earns 18th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with Reik-Collab “A Veces Bien y A Veces Mal”

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin has made his triumphant return to the top of the charts…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and actor has returned to the No. 1 spot for the first time in over four years on a Billboard airplay chart as “A Veces Bien y A Veces Mal” with Reik rises from No. 7 to lead the Latin Airplay ranking dated August 27.

Martin & Reik’s first collaboration lands at the summit in its 17th week boosted by a 43% gain in audience impressions to 9.1 million earned in the U.S. in the week ending August 21, according to Luminate.

With the biggest percentage gain of the week in terms of audience, it ejects Bad Bunny and Chencho Corleone’s “Me Porto Bonito” from its one week in charge. It falls to No. 2 on the current chart.

“A Veces Bien y A Veces Mal” marks the 18th ruler for Martin and first since his one-week champ “Fiebre,” featuring Wisin & Yandel, in May 2018. With the new champ, the pop star enters a tie with Bad Bunny for the eighth-most among all acts, both with 18 wins.

Plus, he continues to hold the second-most victories among Latin pop acts, trailing only Enrique Iglesias (32 leaders). Overall, J Balvin continues at the helm with 35 No. 1s.

Here’s a look at the male-dominated scoreboard:

35, J Balvin
32, Enrique Iglesias
28, Ozuna
26, Daddy Yankee
22, Wisin
21, Maluma
19, Romeo Santos
18, Bad Bunny
18, Ricky Martin
16, Carlos Vives
16, Nicky Jam
16, Shakira

For Reik, “A Veces Bien y A Veces Mal” provides the Mexican trio their fourth No. 1 and first since “Si Me Dices Que Sí,” with Farruko and Camilo, reigned for one week in June 2020.

In addition to the song’s Latin Airplay domination, Martin and Reik celebrate their Latin Pop Airplay coronation, as the track climbs 4-1 with the Greatest Gainer honors of the week.

Further, the track debuts at No. 50 on the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart.

Dimelo Flow Teams Up with Reik, Jay Wheeler & Boza for Heartbreak Anthem “Winnie Pooh”

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Dimelo Flow is pulling the heartstrings with his latest single…

While the catalog of the 33-year-old Panamanian deejay and producer, whose real name is Jorge Valdés Vázquez, includes saucy perreo bangers, his new track “Winnie Pooh” is a certified heartbreak anthem.

And Dimelo Flow called in reinforcements: Reik, Jay Wheeler, and Boza.

“Winnie Pooh” unites the renowned Mexican trio, Puerto Rico’s romantic voice, and the Latin Grammy-nominated Panamanian act in a mid-tempo pop-reggaeton produced by Flow and presented by Rich Music.

Making reference to the lovable and beloved bear, the lyrics tell the story of a person who gave it their all in a relationship and was underappreciated. “I filled you with so many details that you couldn’t even see yourself/ I watered the rose every day until it drowned/ I did everything to have you, but it was the other way around/ Take off your makeup because that’s not who I fell in love with,” Reik sings to kick off the track.

The chorus later announces, “This Winnie Pooh has no honey left.”

Each artist adds a unique flow to the lyrics. Boza, for example, states how he’s “Gucci” and his ex-girlfriend left him for “Old Navy.” “I’m not with you and it feels great/ Even Cristiano [Rolando] loses the ball,” chants Wheeler over a chill reggae beat.

“Winnie Pooh” follows Dimelo Flow’s star-studded collaboration “Suelta” featuring Rauw Alejandro, Farruko, Maria Becerra, Mr. Vegas, and Fatman Scoop.

Both tracks will form part of his upcoming album, Always Dream.

The music video was directed by Joel DeLeon “JD.”

Ricky Martin Teams Up with Reik for New Pop Ballad “A Veces Bien y A Veces Mal”

Posted on April 15, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is celebrating the good and the bad…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar has joined voices with Mexican band Reik to release the single “A Veces Bien y A Veces Mal.”

Martin and Reik deliver a beautiful pop ballad that marries Martin and Jesús Navarro’s (Reik’s frontman) dramatic-but-soothing vocals, effortlessly evoking pain and sorrow.

“Sometimes I’m well, Sometimes I’m not,” they sing in the heartbreak song, produced by Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo.

“For us, Ricky is one of the most complete artists and huge in terms of talent and range,” Reik wrote on social media ahead of the song’s release. “We’ve been his fans for many years.”

It’s the first collaboration between Martin and the Mexican trio.

Morat Signs Worldwide Publishing Deal with Warner Chappell Music

Posted on April 3, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Morat has a new global publishing deal…

The Colombian band, comprised of lead singers and main songwriters Juan Pablo Isaza and Juan Pablo Villamil, has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

According to the publishing company, the deal covers future works as well as the pair’s entire back catalog.

“We’re delighted to partner with Warner Chappell Music and are proud to have them represent our catalogue,” Isaza and Villamil said in a statement. “They have an incredible global roster and we’re looking forward to getting the opportunity to collaborate with some of them in the future.”

The deal with Isaza and Villamil was led by Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, president of Warner Chappell Music South Europe; Gustavo Menéndez, president of Warner Chappell Music Latin; Javier Dean and Carmen Picado, A&R director and A&R manager for Warner Chappell Music Spain, respectively; and Daniel Mora, managing director of Warner Chappell Music Colombia.

Menéndez added, “At Warner Chappell Music we are big believers in cross-territory collaboration. By regularly working closely with Santi, Javier, Carmen and Daniel, we have been able to build a relationship with Juan Pablo Isaza and Juan Pablo Villamil. They are exceptional songwriters, and our Warner Chappell territories around the world will be looking forward to working with them going forward.”

Isaza and Villamil have not only penned songs for their Colombian folk-pop band, which also includes brothers Martín Vargas and Simón Vargas, but have also written tracks for artists such as Danna Paola, Juanes, Paulina Rubio, Reik and Sebastián Yatra.

“They’ve already had incredible success and have great experience writing for huge international artists so it’s going to be exciting watching them tap into our global network and work with writers from all over the world,” Menéndez-Pidal said in a statement. “I’d like to thank Gustavo for all his work in helping us get this deal over the line.”

With more than 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Morat, who most recently renewed their recording contract with Universal Music Spain, is currently on tour while also working on a new album, which will follow last year’s A Dónde Vamos? as well as their Latin Grammy-nominated 2018 LP Balas Perdidas.

CNCO to Perform at This Year’s Latin American Music Awards

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

CNCO is preparing to take the global stage…

The Latin boy band is among the latest acts appearing on the performance roster for this year’s Latin American Music Awards, which will take place at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas

In addition to CNCO, the latest list of confirmed artists includes Emilia, Farruko, Gera MX, Luis Fonsi, Prince Royce, and Reik.

They join previous performers Black Eyed Peas, Boza, Calibre 50, Chiquis, Christian Nodal, Esteman, Gerardo Ortiz, Gloria Trevi, Jesse & Joy, Jhay Cortez, Lit Killah, Los Ángeles Azules, Lupita D’Alessio, María Becerra, Nicki Nicole, Ozuna, Sofía Reyes, and Tiago PZK.

The three-hour event will “pay tribute to today’s most influential and iconic Latin artists” in 26 categories, including favorite video and favorite social artist, selected by a committee of industry professionals who consider the quality, content, creativity, and fan engagement.

The 2022 Latin AMAs nominations are led by Bad Bunny with 10 nominations. He’s followed by the eight-time nominee Jhay Cortez, and Karol G, J Balvin, and Rauw Alejandro with seven nods each.

This year’s nominees, which are determined by fan voting via LatinAmas.com, are based on key fan interactions with music, including streaming, sales, airplay, and social activity tracked by Billboard through its data partners Luminate — formerly MRC Data — and Next Big Sound for data covering the periods of Feb. 6, 2021, through Jan. 29, 2022.

The 2022 Latin AMAs will take place on Thursday, April 21, live from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The seventh annual ceremony will be broadcast on Telemundo starting at 7 p.m. ET with the red-carpet pre-show followed at 8 p.m. ET by the awards show.

Bad Bunny: This Year’s Big Premio Lo Nuestro Winner

Posted on February 19, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a night to remember for Bad Bunny…

The 26-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer proved to be the big winner at Thursday night’s Premio Lo Nuestro awards show.

Bad Bunny took home seven awards, including Premio Lo Nuestro Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for YHLQMDLG, bringing his career total to 13.

Camilo picked up five awards, including New Artist Male and Pop – Artist of the Year.

They’re the first Premio Lo Nuestro wins of the 26-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter’s career.

Grupo Firme took home five awards…

The Mexican group’s wins include Regional Mexican – Song of the Year and Regional Mexican – Collaboration of the Year for their hit single “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo (En Vivo)”featuring Lenin Ramírez, who won three awards.

Karol G was the night’s top female winner…

In addition to winning Urban – Female Artist of the Year, the 30-year-old Colombian singer won in the Song of the Year and Urban – Collaboration of the Year categories for her hit single “Tusa,”featuring Nicki Minaj.

Other multiple award winners include Romeo Santos (3), Christian Nodal (2), Farruko (2), Reik (2) and Maluma (2).

The annual awards show was broadcast live from Miami’s AmericanAirlines Arena.

Here’s the full winners list:

Regional Mexican – Song of the Year
“Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo (En Vivo)” – Lenin Ramírez Ft. Grupo Firme

Pop- Song Of The Year
“ADMV” – Maluma

Premio Lo Nuestro Artist Of The Year
Bad Bunny

Album Of The Year
YHLQMDLG – Bad Bunny

Song Of The Year
TUSA – Karol G & Nicki Minaj

New Artist Female
Nicki Nicole

New Artist Male
Camilo

Remix Of The Year
La Jeepeta (Remix) – Nio Garcia, Anuel, Myke Towers, Brray & Juanka

“Crossover” Collaboration of the Year
Un Día (One Day) – J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny ft. Tainy

Video of the Year
Tkn – Rosalía & Travis Scott

Pop – Artist of the Year
Camilo

Pop – Collaboration of the Year
Si Me Dices Que Sí – Reik, Farruko & Camilo

Pop – Group or Duo of the Year
CNCO

Pop – Album of the Year
Por Primera Vez – Camilo

Pop/Ballad – Song of the Year
ADMV – Maluma

Urban – Female Artist of the Year
Karol G

Urban – Male Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny

Urban – Song of the Year
La Difícil – Bad Bunny

Urban – Collaboration of the Year
Tusa – Karol G & Nicki Minaj

Urban – Album of the Year
YHLQMDLG – Bad Bunny

Urban/Pop – Song of the Year
Si Me Dices Que Sí – Reik, Farruko & Camilo

Urban/Trap – Song of the Year
Vete – Bad Bunny

Tropical – Artist of the Year
Romeo Santos

Tropical – Song of the Year
La Mejor Versión De Mi – Natti Natasha & Romeo Santos

Tropical – Collaboration of the Year
Nuestro Amor – Alex Bueno & Romeo Santos

Regional Mexican – Artist of the Year
Christian Nodal

Regional Mexican – Collaboration of the Year
Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo (En Vivo) – Lenin Ramírez Ft. Grupo Firme

Regional Mexican – Group or Duo Of The Year
Grupo Firme

Regional Mexican – Sierreña Song of the Year
El Güero – Marca MP

Regional Mexican – Banda Song of the Year
Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo (En Vivo) – Lenin Ramírez Ft. Grupo Firme

Regional Mexican – Norteño Song of the Year
El Envidioso – Los Dos Carnales

Regional Mexican – Mariachi/Ranchera Song of the Year
Se Me Olvidó – Christian Nodal

Regional Mexican – Cumbia Song of the Year
Tú Y Yo – Raymix & Paulina Rubio

Regional Mexican – Album of the Year
En Vivo Desde Anaheim, Ca – Grupo Firme

Beatriz Luengo’s “Havana Street Party Presents” Concert Special Streaming on HBO Max

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Beatriz Luengo has bared it all…

The 38-year-old Spanish singer, songwriter and actress appeared in an intimate concert special filmed in Havana, Cuba, that premiered on HBO Latino on Friday, February 12.

The second installment of the HBO concert series “Havana Street Party Presents” — filmed before the global pandemic — not only includes live performances of Luengo’s Cuerpo y Alma album, but also taps into personal stories and empowering anecdotes as told by Luengo.

“Prior to the tour that was expected to start in 2020, I started making this documentary as a way to show my fans what my show would be like and as a presentation for those who don’t know me,” Luengo tells Billboard.

Of her 2018 album, she explains “cuerpo” are the songs she composes on top of beats, for artists like Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, Wisin, Yandel. “Alma” are the songs she pens for organic instruments, for artists like Reik, Thalia, Ha*Ash, Alejandra Guzman, and Ricky Martin.

“This concert is an opportunity to show how a woman has managed to become a songwriter in such a difficult industry,” she says.

Filmed at the doors of an ancient castle in Habana for a select group of local fans, Luengo’s special guests include Manuel Medrano, Farina, Blas Cantó, and Orishas. She’s accompanied by a gospel choir, string quintet, and live DJ throughout the show.

For Luengo, it was important to bring her concept to life, fusing melancholy with modernity, the past with the future.

“We created a very special ambiance,” she says. “I feel that it is a way of projecting and giving hope, showing the Cuban youth all the advanced technology, such as mapping. The entire production has a very strong message for me. Cuba deserves the best.”

Meanwhile, Luengo is making the rounds with the Yotuel and Omar Montes-assisted “Rebelde,” which has become a viral sensation on TikTok with its vogue-meets-flamenco dance. “It exploded!” she expresses. “The TikTok videos are giving me life, all the outfits, and concepts. I love to see how your music can generate a person’s creativity or simply have fun.”

“Havana Street Party presents Beatriz Luengo” is currently streaming on HBO Max.

Camilo Earns Third No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “Vida de Rico”

Posted on January 28, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Camilo is livin’ la vida rica…

The 26-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter, and producer continues his dominance on the Billboard charts with “Vida de Rico,” as the song hits No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart dated January 30.

The song surpasses its previous No. 4 peak.

It reigns in its 16th week, the longest hike to the top of the chart since the Black Eyed Peas’ 18-week trek with “Feel the Beat” in November 2020.

“Vida de Rico” surges ahead with 13.74 million in audience impressions, up 34% earned in the week ending January 24, according to MRC Data.

Camilo secures his third chart-topper, after “Tattoo,” with Rauw Alejandro (September, 2020, one week) and “Si Me Dices Que Si,” with Reik and Farruko (June 2020, one week).

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