Banda MS Announces Upcoming Collaboration with Ice Cube

Banda MS is breakin’ the ice

To celebrate their 20-year career, the Regional Mexican group’s has announced their next international collaboration will be with rapper Ice Cube.

Banda-MSBanda MS and manager Sergio Lizárraga made the announcement via a short video where they simply said “we want to do something special for our 20th anniversary” and then tapped Ice Cube on the shoulder saying “come join us, ready Cube?” to which the hip-hop star said “Listo! I’m ready!”

The upcoming track will follow the group’s second banda-meets-rap collaboration following their Snoop Dogg-assisted “Que Maldición,” which debuted at No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart in May 2020.

Jenni Rivera’s Family to Release New, Never-Released Music by the Late Banda Queen

There’s new music by Jenni Rivera headed your way…

As the 10-year anniversary of the late Mexican American singer’s death in a plane crash over Mexico (in December, 2012) approaches, her family is planning to share new music with the world.

Jenni RiveraNever-released music she left recorded before her death will see the light of day, according to daughter Jacqie Rivera, who in January took over from her aunt Rosie Rivera as head of the Jenni Rivera estate.

“It’s definitely music in Spanish, it’s more than one song, and it’s regional Mexican,” Jacqie Rivera tells Billboard in her first interview since she took over her mother’s estate. “I think it’s very important that we tie in how she started, what [music] put her up there, and share that.”

The new tracks will be part of a full-fledged album of brand-new Rivera songs set for release before the end of the year. The set will include at least some of the 11 other unreleased songs that the Rivera estate found after Jenni Rivera’s passing, and will be released by Sony Music U.S. Latin. Several of the tracks will be produced by Sergio Lizárraga, the head of Banda MS and owner of Lizos Music.

Music in English is also on the way, although plans for those releases have yet to be finalized.

The music releases are the core of a series of actions that the estate is spearheading this year. Among them is a concert commemorating Rivera’s death — which will feature performances by her children, and which Jacqie Rivera describes as “a la Coachella” — and a long-planned biopic, which has long been discussed but is now firmly in the planning stages.

The moves signal a change of direction in the management of Jenni Rivera’s estate, which had been helmed by her sister, Rosie, since her death. Now, the reins have amicably passed to Jacqie, the second of Rivera’s five children. (The five are recording star Chiquis Rivera, Jacqie Rivera and Michael Marín from Rivera’s first marriage, and Jenicka and Johnny Angel, from her second marriage.)

All five siblings are now part of the estate’s advisory board and are actively involved in major decision-making, says Jacqie.

“The little decisions, I make them. For the big decisions, we all get together and we all vote,” she explains. “My little brother Johnny is working alongside with me, especially for the music. He’s always been involved in producing, and we’re working closely together. But we definitely need each other, all of us together, to really do it. There’s always meetings, phone calls, zooms. We’re all busy but we make it happen.”

When Rivera died in 2012, at 43 years old, she was the single most successful woman in regional Mexican on the Billboard charts — with over 26 entries on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart — and at the pinnacle of her career. But she was also on the verge of much more.

She was on the verge of a major crossover, having become the first Latina ever to sign a production deal to star in her own TV series on a major U.S. network and about to have her own residency in Las Vegas. On the verge of a cinematic career, Rivera played her first role in a major film, Filly Brown. On the verge of fulfilling her dream of becoming the “Latina Oprah,” with the continued success of her weekly radio show, Contacto Directo con Jenni Rivera. And on the verge of massive stardom in Mexico, following her stint as the most popular coach on season 2 of La Voz.

Perhaps most importantly to her, after years of being the sole provider for her family, she was finally finding the time to truly enjoy her children and her grandchildren. But her death left her children reeling. Only now, says Jacqie, does she feel ready to take control of her mother’s estate.

“My mom was such a big part…she was our everything,” says Rivera. “I don’t think any of us kids would have been ready to do this job because it’s a lot of work. For sure, I’m ready now.”

As part of the changes implemented since she took over, Rivera tapped Izabel Nicholas as general manager for Jenni Rivera Enterprises and Oswaldo Rossi has remained as the estate’s lawyer. Entotal Agency, the management firm headed by Jorge Sánchez and Tom Muzquiz with Pitbull as a partner is handling artist management.

“Being part of the Jenni Rivera team is an honor and a privilege,” says Sánchez, whose company started working with the estate in March, at the recommendation of BMI CCO Alex Flores. “Working with Jacqie and Jenni Rivera Enterprises represents a great experience due to her vision, respect and the enthusiasm. Jenni Rivera died in the prime of her life, and the music she left behind reflects this vitality. We have a great task ahead, with many and amazing releases plus other projects from one of the most important names and legacies in Latin music.”

It all amounts to an outpouring of material that would have made Jenni Rivera proud, says Jacqie, whose eyes brighten when asked what she thinks her mother would tell her if she could see her now.

“I think she would remind me of what my name means: Jacqueline is a form of Jacob, and Jacob is a go-getter,” she responds. “She would always remind me of what my name meant. [So I think she would say] ‘You got this, you can do this.’ And as a mom, she’d also tell me I’m doing a good job — because sometimes, you really don’t know.”

Mario Bautista Earns First No. 1 on a Billboard Airplay Chart with “Brindo,” Featuring Banda El Recodo

It’s a special first for Mario Bautista.

The 26-year-old Mexican artist has claimed his first No. 1 on a Billboard airplay chart as his single “Brindo,” with Banda El Recodo de Cruz de Lizárraga, rises to No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart dated June 11.

Mario BautistaBanda El Recodo notches its 17th champ on the chart.

“Brindo” posted a 20% gain in audience impressions, to 7.8 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending June 5, according to Luminate.

It dethrones Eden Muñoz’s “Chale!” after three weeks at No. 1 — the first leader for the singer-songwriter and producer after becoming a solo act.

The original version of “Brindo,” billed solely to Bautista, was released on September 9, 2021.

The regional Mexican collaboration with Banda El Recodo was announced via Twitter in January. The anticipatory buildup likely fueled the remix to debut on Regional Mexican Airplay at No. 40 on the March 26-dated survey.

With the 3-1 lift in its 12th week, Banda El Recodo secures its 17th win and enters a tie with Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga for the second-most leaders, just behind Calibre 50’s 21 No. 1s.

Further, Bautista is the fifth soloist to capture his first No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay in 2022.

Here’s the scoreboard:

Artist, Title, Date
Maluma, “Cada Quién,” with Grupo Firme, Feb. 5
Banda Rancho Viejo de Julio Aramaburú, “Me Vale Perderte,” April 16
Virlan García, “Híbrido,” May 14
Eden Muñoz, “Chale!”, May 21
Mario Bautista, “Brindo,” with Banda El Recodo, June 11

Elsewhere, “Brindo” moves up the overall Latin Airplay chart with a 8-4 climb.

Bautista gained notoriety as YouTuber for his sketch comedy, also becoming popular in his native Mexico as a pop singer and R&B performer.

“Brindo” is his first regional Mexican release.

 

Edén Muñoz Leaving Calibre 50 to Launch Solo Career

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.

Natalia Jiménez Teams Up with Banda MS for Love Anthem “Qué Bueno Tenerte”

Natalia Jiménez is teaming up with Banda MS once again…

After previously recording a reimagined version of Banda MS’ “El Color de Tus Ojos” two years ago, the 39-year-old Spanish Grammy and Latin-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and the Mexican band have now gifted fans with “Qué Bueno Tenerte.”

Natalia Jiménez

The true love anthem was penned by Omar Angulo Robles and produced by Sergio Lizárraga, Banda MS and Jimenez’s manager.

“Singing again with Banda MS gives me immense pleasure,” Jimenez said about “Qué Bueno Tenerte.” “Meeting them again and presenting an unpublished song is a pleasure since they are the most international banda in Mexico.”

 

The track is the first single from her upcoming album México De Mi Corazón II, which is the sequel to her ranchera project from 2019.

Banda MS’ Sergio Lizárraga Launches New Record Label ‘Room 28’

Sergio Lizárraga is making room for new musical acts…

The Mexican Banda MS manager and founder has launched new record label, Room 28, which will focus solely on “developing, managing and promoting” pop and urban acts.

Sergio Lizárraga

An extension of his management and booking company LM Events, which specializes in the regional Mexican market, Lizárraga will run Room 28 alongside business partner Mario Barrón.

“It’s an unknown world for me,” Lizárraga, who launched Lizos Music in 2013 (the indie label home to Banda MS), tells Billboard. “But you meet people that know that world perfectly and well they’re the ones that will guide this project. I am continuing with Lizos Music but I wanted to create this alternate label that is exclusively for pop-urban music.”

The new company’s objective is to “give national and international visibility to recording artists that contribute variety and creativity,” according to an official statement. One of Room 28’s first signees includes Mexican influencer Mont Pantoja, whose lip-sync videos have made her a star on Tik Tok, where she boasts of more than 18 million followers. Pantoja is set to release her debut single “Maviri,” a pop-infused track, on March 18. Lizárraga’s daughter, Brianda, is also part of the label’s roster, which will be announced in the next few days.

News of Lizárraga’s Room 28 arrives two months after the announcement of a new booking and management deal between Spanish singer-songwriter Natalia Jiménez and LM Events. The move marked the first time in recent memory that a pop act entered a management agreement with a company that specializes in the regional Mexican market.

“What excites me the most about new ventures is the challenge,” adds Lizárraga. “[Room 28] goes hand-in-hand with what I already do but in a genre that has a different style of lyrics and rhythms. With Mario, who knows the ins and outs of that world, we’re not only going to do this but we’re going to do this well.”

Natalia Jiménez Signs with Sergio Lizárraga’s Management & Booking Company LM Events

Natalia Jiménez has new representation…

The 39-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter, who is beloved in Mexico, has signed a management and booking deal with LM Events, the management and booking company headed by Banda MS manager and founder Sergio Lizárraga, according to Billboard.

Natalia Jiménez

The move marks the first time in recent memory that such a prominent pop act enters a management agreement with a company that specializes in the Regional Mexican market. The deal underscores how fluid and collaborative genres have become in Latin music, with the former demarcated lines between sounds and formats, and now business, increasingly fading.

“He [Lizárraga] has been a pioneer of the genre with Banda MS, taking them to international success, and he’s proven his mettle by remaining relevant in a very difficult industry,” Jiménez tells Billboard. “I think it’s a fascinating challenge and I’m 100% vested in this pairing.”

Jiménez rose to prominence as the lead singer of hit Spanish pop group La Quinta Estación. Since launching her solo career in 2011, she’s placed three albums on the top 10 of Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart and six songs on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including No. 1 “Lo mejor de mi vida eres tú” with Ricky Martin.

And for the past decade, Lizárraga’s Banda MS has been one of the top groups in Latin music, in any genre, with 19 top-10 hits on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart.  They are also Mexico’s top-touring banda act and ended 2018 as the country’s most streamed act on Spotify. Last year, the band made history by pairing up with Snoop Dogg in the hit track “Que Maldición.” The fusion track marked the first time a major Mexican banda collaborated with a major American rap act, and landed both acts their first top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs track.

However, signing Jiménez or bridging pop and Mexican music, wasn’t something that Lizárraga was actively looking for. He and Jiménez met in 2019 when the singer and the group recorded a new version of “El Color de Tus Ojos,” a Banda MS hit, as part of Jiménez’s album México de mi Corazón, an homage to Mexican music that featured prominent acts from different genres.

Jiménez wanted to record the track with the full band, so Lizárraga invited her to their home base of Mazatlán to record in his studio. There was a feeling of mutual respect, and last year, Jiménez called Lizárraga and asked if he’d be interested in handling her. “I was surprised at first; I wasn’t sure whether to take her seriously,” says Lizárraga. “Then, we met and I took it very seriously indeed. I know it’s a different genre, but in the end, it’s the music business and a lot of things overlap.”

Lizárraga is widely seen as one of Mexican music’s most successful executives. He helms Banda MS’s label, Lizos Music, launched in 2013, and also opened up LM Events as a management and booking subsidiary for the band and other groups.

“We have a lot of plans [with Natalia],” he says. “I have great songwriters in my team, and she can sing rancheras, mariachis, ballads, which is our expertise. I’m giving her a huge team to work with, in every department, and I’m bringing my honesty, which is flag. Finally, I plan to devote myself entirely to her new music.” Jiménez’s upcoming album is México de Mi Corazón 2, which will be produced by Armando Ávila, who worked on the first set.

She continues to be signed to Sony Music Latin, which also has a close relationship with Banda MS; the label was in charge of distributing and marketing the Snoop Dogg collaboration.

“This is a new and fascinating direction for me, particularly because regional Mexican music is the genre I’m most enjoying right now,” said Jiménez. “This is a woman who, musically speaking can sing anything, in any genre. I definitely feel the pressure,” laughs Lizárraga. “But I like a good challenge.”

Jiménez was previously signed to Westwood Entertainment, the company that manages Carlos Rivera and Reik, among others.

Banda MS Becomes First Mexican Group/Artist Featured in YouTube Music’s Artist Spotlight Stories

Banda MS is making history on YouTube Music

As the year draws to a close, YouTube Music has announced that Banda MS will be part of it’s Artist Spotlight Stories, becoming the first Mexican artist or group to be featured in the series.

Banda-MS

“Banda MS has taken on the task of making banda music grow. I believe that music has no borders. Music is music,” kicks off the one-minute trailer.

The short documentary, titled “No Hay Limite,” captures the road to success of Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga, from their challenging beginnings to their sold-out stadium concerts to landing major collaborations, such as “Que Maldición” with Snoop Dogg, and beyond.

“From the moment we decided to start something new, creating Banda MS, uniting our dreams with innovative ideas, trying to open new horizons; the support of our fans has been a source of energy to continue trying things that have never been done, always making our beloved Mexico proud,” founder and director Sergio Lizárraga said in an official statement.

No Hay Límite: A YouTube Music Artist Spotlight Story launched on Tuesday via Lizos Music‘s official YouTube channel here.

Banda MS Teams Up with Snoop Dogg for Epic Single “Que Maldición”

Banda MS has let the Dogg out…

The Mexican musical group, whose full name is Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga, has joined voices with the one and only Snoop Dogg for the Mexican-folk-meets-G-funk single “Que Maldición.”

Banda MS & Snoop Dogg

The highly anticipated collaboration has been on the radar ever since the West Coast icon posted a Banda MS song on his Instagramback in 2016. 

The historical collaboration between the two powerhouses in their respective genres celebrates the union of two cultures. The melancholic song organically fuses banda with hip-hop, an unorthodox combination that works for the two. 

The Banda MS/Snoop collaboration was proposed by Sergio Lizárraga, founder of Banda MS, who sent the song to Snoop’s team and “they loved it,” Lizárraga says. “They said, ‘Don’t change anything and we’ll work our magic.’ In less than a month, his team sent the song back with his part recorded, and the end result is excellent.” 

“Que Maldición” was written by Pavel OcampoCalvin Broadus and Omar Tarazón

Banda MS and Snoop Dogg had previously announced a joint summer concert prior to the coronavirus pandemic. No word on whether the concert will still move forward.

Banda Sinaloense MS’s “Con Todas Las Fuerzas” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums Chart

It’s a lucky No. 13 for Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga

The Mexican band debuts at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Albums chart dated September 29 with its 13th album, Con Todas Las Fuerzas.

Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga

The set earned 4,000 equivalent album units in the week ending September 20, according to Nielsen Music. Of that sum, 1,000 were in traditional album sales, while the bulk of the remaining figure was driven by streaming activity.

Banda MSearns its fourth leader. It last crowned the tally over a year ago, when La Mejor Versión de Mi debuted at the summit, ruling for two weeks (May 6-13, 2017).

The new album’s lead single, “Mejor Me Alejo,” rises 6-4 on the Regional Mexican Songs airplay chart (up 7 percent in audience), earning the group its 15th top five hit.

Notably, the group currently has five entries on the current Regional Mexican Albums chart, four of which hit No. 1, tying its career-best count. (Joan Sebastian holds the record with seven concurrent titles on September 5, 2015.)

Current Rank, Title, Peak Date, Weeks at No. 1

No. 1, Con Todas Las Fuerzas, Sept. 29, 2018, one to-date
No. 3, La Mejor Versión de Mi, May 6, 2017, two
No. 4, Que Bendición, Feb. 27, 2016, four
No. 8, En Vivo: Guadalajara – Monterrey, Sept. 19, 2015, 15
No. 18, Solo Hits: 20 Éxitos, Aug. 11, 2018 (No. 13 peak)

Moreover, Con Todas debuts at No. 5 on the Top Latin Albums chart, where it’s Banda MS’ sixth top 10.