Banda Los Sebastianes De Saúl Plata Earns Seventh No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “Voy a Levantarme”

It’s Lucky No. 7 for Banda Los Sebastianes De Saúl Plata. 

The Regional Mexican band has achieved its seventh No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart dated February 22, as “Voy a Levantarme” climbs 4-1 for its first week atop the ranking following a 10-week run in the top 10.

Banda Los Sebastianes De Saúl Plata,

“My people, we are very happy to be No. 1 on Billboard with ‘Voy a Levantarme,’ how cool, honestly!” Armando “Choco” Celis, one of Los Sebastianes vocalists, tells Billboard. “Excited and happy, really, thank you for sharing our music, because this entire song is symbolic, about personal improvement.”

“Voy a Levantarme” advances to the summit on Regional Mexican Airplay despite a 5% dip in airplay in the U.S. — that’s 5.8 million audience impressions logged in the tracking week of February 7-13, according to Luminate.

The song unseats Gerardo Coronel’s “CHSM El Hígado” from the lead. The latter manages to remain in the top 10 despite a 37% decline in plays. It drops to No. 9 with 4.1 million impressions across Regional Mexican stations.

“Voy a Levantarme,” released on September 13, 2024, on Fonovisa/UMLE, gives Fonovisa its first win of 2025.

So far, Universal Music Latin’s sublabel has reached a No. 9 high through Banda El Recodo de Cruz de Lizárrga’s “Coqueto Tazo Dorado” (chart dated February 8). Fonovisa last secured a No. 1 when Los Tigres del Norte’s “Aquí Mando Yo” ruled Regional Mexican Airplay for one week last August.

Banda Los Sebastianes achieves its seventh No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay. Before the latest coronation, the Sinaloans placed one champ in 2024.

The collaboration with Edgardo Nuñez, “El Humo de Mi Gallo,” held at No. 1 for one week in 2024. The reigning champ became the group’s only win through a co-lead billing.

“We love you very much and all this work is for you,” adds Javier Larrañaga, the group’s second vocalist. “Thank you very much for everything. We’re on!”

Sebastián Yatra Teams Up with J Quiles & L-Gante for New Single “Regresé”

Sebastián Yatra is returning with new music…

The 27-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter has joined voices with J Quiles and L-Gante to release the new single “Regresé” via Universal Music Latin.

Sebastian YatraWith this evocative track, Yatra elevates the urban/rap collaboration format that begins simply with his voice over a guitar, then incorporates Quiles’ chanteo over still atmospheric accompaniment before finally giving way to a reggaetón beat.

The addition of L-Gante’s deep vocals in the last quarter of the song adds a final flourish and highlights three distinct musical styles from three different countries: Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Argentina.

Mariah Angeliq Releases New Female Empowerment Anthem “La Tóxica”

Mariah Angeliq is bringing the toxicity…

The 22-year-old Puerto Rican singer has releases her latest single “La Tóxica” via Universal Music Latin.

Mariah Angeliq Perez,In what could be called the one of the first Latin female anthems of 2022, Mariah Angeliq isn’t letting anyone dictate the type of woman she should be.

In the liberating track, she confesses, “I am the toxic one, problematic … always natural, never plastic.”

Powered by a hypnotic reggaeton drum beat, the cheeky track was released alongside a music video that finds Mariah Angeliq having the ultimate sleepover with her girl squad.

Alejandro Fernandez Announces 19-Date U.S. Leg of “Hecho en México” Tour

Alejandro Fernandez is rarin’ to get back on the road…

After a more than 12-month hiatus that saw him interrupt his tour mid-start, the 49-year-old Mexican superstar has announced a 19-date U.S. tour.

Alejandro Fernandez

It’ll see him performing with 25 people onstage, including his full band, his Mexican mariachi, special guests Christian Nodal and his son, Alex Fernández, as well as a handful of guests in different cities.

The “Hecho en México” tour, so named after Fernández’s Grammy-nominated album (out on Universal Music Latin), kicks off on September 10 in Reno, and ends October 24 in Phoenix.

The tour is presented by Live Nation, and tickets go on sale on April 16 at 10:00 am on Ticketmaster.

The tour will play to full capacity venues, says Luana Pagani, a partner in Seitrack, Fernandez’s management team. For these venues, it translates to 5,800 people at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden to nearly 15,000 at The Forum in Los Angeles.

“Nothing is ‘normal’ yet in terms of venues, but we understand all venues will follow their protocols, and we will as well,” says Pagani.

All visa and work requirements for Fernández and his musicians have already been cleared, and Fernandez will also perform at the Latin American Music Awards April 15.

For Fernandez, the import of his tour announcement is not lost, especially as one of Latin music’s biggest stars, as the scion of one of Mexico’s most prominent musical families (his father is Vicente Fernández), and as the spokesperson of Families Belong Together. The campaign of the National Domestic Workers Alliance works to end family separation, and will receive a portion of the tours’ proceeds.

“We lost a lot of people in this pandemic — fiends, family,” Fernández tells Billboard. “So the most important thing is we’re coming back properly, doing things right and with a very important message after all that’s happened, which is thanking God that we’re alive.”

Fernández, a prolific touring act, is known — like his father — for his bravura performances that are long on time and high on quality.

For “Hecho en México,” he is upping the ante by touring for the first time ever with his son, Alex Fernández, who is 25 and signed to Sony. The prospect recalls Fernández’s own stage debut alongside his father, when he was only six years old.

However, says Fernández, “I only started to tour when I was 18, so we’re not that far apart. Alex is a good kid. He’s dedicated and professional. He’s seen how my father works, and he’s seen how I work, and he’s responsible. He’s hungry to do things right.”

Fernández will also invite rising ranchero/norteño star Christian Nodal as a special guest on at least three tour stops. The two became close after recording the hit “Duele” together. It was the kind of cross-generational collaboration Fernández had not done before in Mexican music.

Fernández, that rare artist who’s able to navigate easily between traditional pop and traditional regional Mexican music, had most often collaborated with pop acts, and in his concerts he tends to mix styles and outfits to represent his two styles of music.

Partnering with Nodal, and also with Edén Muñoz of Calibre 50, who will be a guest in at least one show, highlights a new generation of Mexican music starts that are propelling the music forward.

“There’s a resurging interest for Mexican music,” agrees Fernández. “In fact, I’ll be singing some of my pop material, but in more Mexican arrangements.”

Fernández will also perform the entire tour dressed in the traditional formal charro garb that includes the broad-rimmed hat, tight decorated pants and a short fitted jacket.

That’s good news for Mexican fans, who are expected to fly in from Mexico to see Fernández’s shows, particularly on the West Coast. The month of September, which has traditionally drawn Mexican tourists to Las Vegas for the many Latin music performances that take place there as part of Mexican Independence, is expected to see a surge in travel, as concerts have not restarted in Mexico.

“Last year I had played Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City and a couple of dates in Guadalajara and then we had to put everything on hold,” says Fernández. “This will be an epic return.”

Here are the dates and venues for the “Hecho En Mexico” tour:

*with Alex Fernandez
+with Christian Nodal

Fri, Sept. 10 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Theatre^
Sat, Sept. 11 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center*
Sun, Sept. 12 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center*
Wed, Sept. 15 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena*
Fri, Sept. 17 – Albuquerque, NM – Rio Rancho Events Center*
Sat, Sept. 18 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center*
Fri, Sept. 24 – Houston, TX – Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land*
Sun, Sept. 26 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena*
Thurs, Sept. 30 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
Fri, Oct. 1 – New York, NY – Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Sun, Oct. 3 – Miami, FL – AmericanAirlines Arena
Tues, Oct. 5 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
Fri, Oct. 8 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory*
Sat, Oct. 9 – Hidalgo, TX – Payne Arena*
Sun, Oct. 10 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center*
Fri, Oct. 15 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose+
Sat, Oct. 16 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena+
Fri, Oct. 22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Forum+
Sun, Oct. 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre*

Carla Morrison to Take Part in Special Panel at This Year’s Latin Alternative Music Conference

Carla Morrison is opening up about being creative while in quarantime…

The Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) has announced the panelists and performers for their 2021 virtual event, including the 34-year-old Mexican singer and composer.

Carla Morrison

Morrison is scheduled to appear in a panel entitled “The Creative Process in Pandemic Times.” She’ll appear alongside Guaynaa, Eduardo Cabra, Alizzz, Aureo Baqueiro and Universal Music Latin‘s Aldo González.

 

For the second edition of its “Wonder Women of Latin Music” event, this year’s honorees and panelists include Sony Music‘s Maria Fernández, ASCAP‘s Gabriela González, Universal Music Spain‘s Alicia Arauzo, YouTube‘s Sandra Jimenez, Warner Music Latin‘s Gabriela Martinez and The Orchard‘s Laura Tesoriero.

Other panels include “Afro-Latino!” The panel includes producer Sergio George and artists Mabiland, Fidel Nadal, Carlos Alomar, La Dame Blanche and Akapellah.

The touring panel will focus on the topic of “Post Pandemic Touring” with CMN‘s Henry Cardenas, OCESA‘s Andrés Sánchez, WME‘s Richard Lom, Seitrack‘s Javier Montemayor, PopArt Music‘s Diego Sáenz and Electric Feel Entertainment‘s Austin Barmak. Other panels set to take place are “Publishing and Opportunities,” “Rompan Todo Y Ahora Qué?,” “Streaming Strategies,” “Digital Marketing and Promotions” and “Exploring Alternative Revenue Sources.”

Showcasing performers for this year include Vanessa Zamora, Silvana Estrada, Los Master Plus, KHEA, YENDRY, Niña Dioz, among many others.

Like last year, the 22nd annual LAMC will offer free registration for panels, workshops and showcases. For the latest on the LAMC’s schedule and to register, click here.

Cash Money Records Signs Luis Armando as First Artist in New Latin Division

Luis Armando is makin’ (cash) money moves…

Cash Money Records has officially announced the creation of a Latin music division with the launch of the Puerto Rican emerging artist.

Luis Armando

Cash Money was founded by brothers Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams in 1992. The new Latin division is a joint venture with Taste Music Group and major label support from Republic Records and Universal Music Latin.

“Urban Latin music is taking a similar course as we saw with Hip Hop during the 80s and 90s as it grew, evolved and fought to be accepted in the mainstream,” says Slim.

“It’s not just reggaeton anymore, it’s now evolving its subgenres (such as Latin Trap) and making them popular culture. At Cash Money we saw all that from the start in Hip Hop and we’re excited to adapt our lessons in helping develop Latin talent that also stands grounded in the Hip Hop world from day 1. With the guidance of various long-time Latin music experts such as Carlos Rivas, who is Cash Money’s Latin A&R, as well as our counterparts at Republic and Universal Latin we’re excited to venture into this new space as a label.”

As one of Hip-Hop’s reputable record labels, Cash Money has been home to some of the industry’s biggest names including DrakeLil’ Wayne, and Nicki Minaj. Now, the label believes it can transfer its know-how to the Latin market.

“Slim and Baby have the ability to spot talent like no other, they’ve proven that for many years,” Vernon Brown, Cash Money’s long-time attorney, and business manager, tells Billboard. “There’s a big confidence and commitment behind anything they touch. I think the ability to now bring Latin artists and see the merge is only going to be a positive result for any artist.”

Luis Armando, who was raised in Ohio, is the label’s first-ever recording Latin artist, making his debut with “Chica Mala” in collaboration with reggaeton veteran Ñengo Flow.

“We want our artists to be consistent, talented, and ready to work,” Slim says. “Someone who has that passion and drive and a vision of how great they want to be. If they’ve got that attitude, we’ll give it a shot. We believe in the new talents. Luis Armando is our first, but we’re excited to discover and help develop more talent as we move forward.”

The melodic urban fusions with tropical rhythms heard in “Chica Mala” puts Armando’s fresh musical proposal in the forefront.

Pitizion Named a Latin Artist on the Rise by Billboard

Pitizion isn’t letting the coronavirus pandemic slow her momentum…

The 28-year-old Colombian singer, whose real name is María del Pilar Pérez, started 2020 with a lot of promise, including a music video with Greeicy and touring with Alejandro Sanz as his opening act. 

Pitizion

Despite the pause caused by the global pandemic, Pitizion has kept creating music and getting her name out there, recently being named a Latin Artist of the Rise by Billboard.

Born in the Llanos Region, Pitizion got on the radar with her acting career, making her debut on the popular Nickelodeon Latinoamérica show Grachi. About three years ago, she decided to share her musical talent on social media because her “music never left her room.”

“My passion for music derives from my father’s passing when I was a child,” the now Miami-based artist tells Billboard. “I didn’t know how to express my feelings and my way of doing so was writing lyrics and singing for him.”

Pitizion was ultimately discovered by record producer Andres Saavedra, who not only believed in her project, but also took her music to Universal Music Latin, where she officially signed in early 2019.

“I’ll be honest: I never saw this dream come true. I never imagined myself signing with a record label. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but I didn’t have a lot of vision back then,” she admits. “It’s incredibly and completely changed my life. The most beautiful part is saying that Universal and Andres have taught me to dream and believe in myself.”

Since joining the Universal family, Pitizion has released her debut single “Ella” on July 5, 2019, dropped an eight-track EP dubbed La Piti, and nabbed collaborations with artists like Greeicy (“No Pasa Nada”) and Rafa Pabon and Big Soto for the remix of “Ella.”

Though she does not like to be boxed in a genre, Piti describes herself as a modern singer-songwriter with pop-urban melodies and hints of rap. Her empowering, witty lyrics and bohemian, global fusions are primarily influenced by artists like Cuban rappers Los Aldeanos, Puerto Rican rapper Rene “Residente” Perez, Spanish artist Bebe and Colombian vallenato stars. 

“I grabbed a little bit of what I heard in life and created my own version,” she concludes.

She’s currently making the rounds with her single “,” which sends a powerful message about self-love and diversity. 

Sanz’s Latest Album Certified Gold…

He only released his latest album less than two months ago, but Alejandro Sanz is already celebrating its success…

The 43-year-old Spanish singer received a gold disc from Universal Music Latin this weekend during a concert at Hollywood’s House of Blues for La musica no se toca, which only came out six weeks ago.

Alejandro Sanz
“This disc makes me really happy because it’s so tough now to get gold or platinum discs since sales have gotten so complicated,” said  Sanz after receiving the honor.

Universal Music Latin chief Victor Gonzalez, general manager Luis Estrada and executive Jesus Lopez presented Sanz with his gold disc.

The album “was going to pay homage to music, especially the great icons that women, music itself and the sentiments conveyed in little stories signify for me within poetry,” said Sanz, the winner of 15 Latin Grammys and three Grammys.

La musica no se toca, which features 13 songs, was released on September 25 for download on websites like Amazon and iTunes.