Luis Fonsi’s “Vida” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums Chart

Luis Fonsiis celebrating his vida’s success…

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican singer is back at the top of Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart after nearly eight years. 

Luis Fonsi

He debuts at No. 1 on the list dated February 16 with his 10th studio album Vida, earning him his third No. 1 and first since Tierra Firmespent three consecutive weeks at No. 1 in July 2011.

Vida, which was released February 1 via Universal Music Latino/UMLE, opens with 22,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending February 7, according to Nielsen Music, with 16,000 of those comprising album sales. 

Vida earns the biggest week for a Latin pop album since Shakira‘s El Doradolaunched at No. 2 with 29,000 units on the June 24, 2017-dated tally. 

Vida also logs the biggest sales week for any Latin album since Romeo Santos’ Goldenbowed with 26,000 in its premiere frame (August 12, 2017).

Vidais the culmination of many achieved dreams and goals,” Luis Fonsi tells Billboard.“The celebration of being alive and breaking boundaries through music. I thank each and every one who collaborated in this project, and above all, I thank my audience deeply for being part of my life.”

Vida’s first week was boosted by sales at Fonsi’s shows in Dallas (February 4) and San Diego (February 5), where CDs were available to purchase at merch stands at the venue. Luis Fonsi also generated sales alongside a performance at The Mall of San Juanin Puerto Rico (February 2) and an appearance at the Mayagüez Mall(February 3) in Mayagüez, also in Puerto Rico.

Concurrently, Vidadebuts at No. 18 on the Billboard 200chart; his second-highest-charting album ever, behind only 2008’s Palabras de Silencio (which debuted and peaked at No. 15 on September 13, 2008). Vidaalso notches the highest debut by a Latin album since Ozuna’s Aura(No. 7, September 8, 2018).

Jenn Morel Signs Joint Venture with Aftercluv & Universal Latino

It’s a new deal for Jenn Morel

The 26-year-old Dominican singer and songwriter, who is starting to make a name for herself in the music industry, has signed a joint venture with Aftercluv and Universal Latino, according to Billboard.

Jenn Morel

The LA-based singer got her start in the music business as a professional dancer in videos for DrakeNicki Minaj and Trey Songz. In 2017, she kicked off her singing career with the catchy song “Ponteme,” which made her a hot new artist in Europe, especially in Italy, where she had several sold-out events.

Now, with the mission of taking her music to an international level, Morel has signed a joint venture with Aftercluv, the dance entertainment division of Universal Music Latin America that has artists like Raymix and Juan Magan.

Both labels firmly believe in a long-term career for Jenn and will work together to bring music lovers a multicultural project that will progressively develop in two worlds: Latin and Anglo.

“I am very happy to have the full support of UMLE,” she said in a press statement. “I feel safe with the unique vision and structure that this union brings between Aftercluv and Universal Latino and I am super excited for everything that is to come.”

Currently, Morel is working on a “Ponteme” remix and an EP with new music.

Enrique Iglesias Agrees to Publishing Deal with Kobalt Music

Enrique Iglesias is celebrating a new deal…

The 42-year-old Spanish superstar has signed a publishing deal with Kobalt Music that includes his existing catalog, as well as future works, according to Billboard.

Enrique Iglesias

The deal encompasses Iglesias’ massive global hits like “Bailando,” which he co-wrote, as well as hits from his early romantic ballad days on indie Fonovisa.

All told, Iglesias has notched 38 top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, a record surpassed only by Luis Miguel, who has 39. Iglesias has nabbed 18 top 10s since 2005.

“Enrique is one of the biggest global artists ever, so it is an honor that he has chosen Kobalt to support him in both creative and global admin services,” said Kobalt Music founder & CEO Willard Ahdritz in a statement. “He is an amazing singer, songwriter and producer with an extraordinary capacity to write in Spanish and English. The potential for his new music is massive and we’re excited to support him.”

Iglesis was previously signed to Sony ATV, but his contract there expired over a year ago, sources say. By signing to Kobalt, he follows in the footsteps of another major Latin star, Carlos Vives, who signed to Kobalt through its Latin division in October of 2016.

“It is a privilege to work with Enrique, a great human being and extraordinary artist whom I admire,” said Kobalt president of Latin America, Nestor Casonu. “Since the start of his career, he has consistently topped charts all over the world due to his great capacity to work, engage with his fans, as well as the respect and care he gives to the creative process of his songs.

Iglesias is currently signed as a recording artist to Sony Music Latin, where he went in 2015 after being a Universal Music Group (UMG) artist since 1999 (prior to Universal, Iglesias was signed to indie Fonovisa, which was later acquired by UMLE).

Last month, Iglesias accused UMG of “systematically underpaying” his streaming royalties in a lawsuit filed in a Miami federal court.

According to the suit, Iglesias has sought to inspect Universal’s bookkeeping after receiving what is described as a “small fraction” of his 50 percent royalty rate for streaming.

The artist and his legal team believe UMG’s “improper accounting” has resulted in a shortfall running in the millions of dollars, and is demanding the court enforce his streaming rate and force the label to pay lost royalties.

Rosé Makes Billboard History as “Niña de Mi Corazon” Reaches No. 1 on Tropical Songs Chart

He may be a teenager, but Karlos Rosé is already making music history…

At 18 years old, the Dominican Bachata singer becomes the youngest artist to log three No. 1s on Billboard’s Tropical Songs chart as “Niña de Mi Corazon” soars 12-1.

Karlos Rosé

Rosé beats Leslie Grace, who notched two chart-toppers before she was 19.

Rosé first topped the list in 2012 with “Just the Way You Are” and then in 2013 with “Infiel.

“Niña de Mi Corazon” tallied 594 spins at the format for the week, an 85 percent increase in detections, according to Nielsen BDS.

The track is Rosé’s first single to be released under Machete Music/UMLE, and will appear on his upcoming album, due early 2015.