Anitta Releases Bad Gyal-Collaboration “Double Team,” Reveals Release Date for New Album “Funk Generation”

Anitta is bringing the funk…

The 30-year-old Brazilian singer, songwriter, dancer, actress and occasional television host is set to release Funk Generation, her first full-length studio album under Republic Records and Universal Music Latin Entertainment.

Anitta & Bad GyalThe album will be released on April 26.

Funk Generation is an album where I celebrate my roots,” Anitta said about the forthcoming record. “It’s where I express the power of Rio’s funk in every track its unique, danceable, and sensual beats. It’s a rhythm born in the favelas, where I grew up, and it exudes resistance and art in every community. I’m proud to work on a project about a genre that has been unfairly stigmatized in Brazil but is slowly gaining recognition worldwide.”

Funk Generation is the extended album counterpart to Funk Generation: a Favela Lovestory, the three-song bundle Anitta shared last August.

That set included the funk-imbued singles “Funk Rave,” “Casi Casi” and “Used To Be,” which gave fans an indication of where she was headed next sonically. “I dive into carioca funk,” Anitta said in a statement at the time. “The rhythm that raised me and is part of the culture from where I was born.”

Anitta also says this album includes “important collaborations” that have helped her tell the complete story of this album, including a just-released new single and music video “Double Team” featuring Bad Gyal and Puerto Rican rapper Brray.

Anitta and Bad Gyal, a Spanish singer also signed to Universal Music Latino, have also recently released “Bota Niña,” a collaboration for Bad Gyal’s debut album “La Joia.”

“Double Team” — a song that trades lines in Spanish, Portuguese and English — arrives with an accompanying music video starring Anitta, Bad Gyal and Brray and is set in a sweltering open-air baile funk party.

Morat Announces 20-Date Latin American Stadium Tour

Morat is preparing for a major trek…

Just as they Colombian Latin pop rock band is wrapping up its U.S. tour dates, Morat has announced plans for its upcoming stadium trek in Latin America.

Morat

After a performance in Madrid on June 21, Morat will begin the 20-date stint in cities like Bogotá, Lima, Buenos Aires and Quito before wrapping up with four shows in Mexico in December.

Dubbed Los Estadios: Antes de Que Amanezca Tour, Morat’s new trek comes on the heels of its touring success with more than 1 million tickets sold in 2023, according to Universal Music Latino, which led to the Colombian band’s upcoming first-ever stadium tour in Latin America.

“We have a wishlist of things we wanted to try to incorporate into the show,” Morat — composed of Juan Pablo Isaza, Juan Pablo Villamil, Martín Vargas and Simón Vargas — tells Billboard. “One thing we do a lot of is also think about the shows as moments so, that each song has something special, some moment, some little thing. And obviously our management team was hysterical because that obviously directly impacts the budget, but we were eager to have every one of the songs have something and at the end we did something that I think is very special. Our motto today is ‘We’re losing money, but let’s go down in history.’”

In 2016, the band, which got its start hand-delivering CDs in its native Bogotá, Colombia, and playing gigs in local bars, released its first album, Solo El Amor Y Sus Efectos Secundarios.

That same year, Morat received a Latin Grammy best new artist nomination.

Morat’s latest album, Si Ayer Fuera Hoy, scored the band its first entry on the Billboard Latin Pop Albums chart, where it peaked at No. 18 on the tally dated Nov. 19, 2022.

Tickets for Los Estadios Tour are set to go on sale soon.

Fans can find more information at moratoficial.com.

Morat Stadium Tour Dates

Gaby Music Signs Record Deal with Universal Music Latino

Gaby Music has a new deal…

The Puerto Rican producer, composer and hitmaker, who was born Juan Rivera, has signed a record deal with Universal Music Latino.

Gaby MusicGaby Music has produced and written hits for a variety of artists, including Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, Rosalía, Bad Bunny and Ozuna, among many others.

His association with Universal Music Latino marks his first recording contract as an artist-producer with a major label.

“When I started making music I saw my favorite producers and artists and how they grew up with Universal Latino. Belonging to this great team was one of my biggest goals,” Gaby Music said in a statement. “Very grateful to the Universal Latino team for this new alliance. I am a dreamer who wants to make history in music and I know that together we will achieve it!!!”

Gaby Music broke in as a producer and composer in 2015 and since then has worked on hits such as “Con calma” by Daddy Yankee and Snow, “La noche de anoche” by Bad Bunny and Rosalía, and “Soltera (Remix)” by Lunay with Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny.

He has won seven Latin Grammys, including Best Urban Song for Daddy Yankee’s “Dura,” which he co-wrote.

Gaby Music also launched his own label, La Familia, together with producer and collaborator Chris Jedi. The pair signed Puerto Rican artist Lunay in 2019, when he was an emerging reggaeton singer-songwriter. That same year, his song “Soltera (Remix),” produced by Gaby Music and Chris Jedi, peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. La Familia’s staff includes artists and producers Bryant Myers, Chanell, Juliito, Dímelo Ninow and Dulce as Candy.

Alejandro Fernández Earns 10th No. 1 on on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “No Es Que Me Quiera Ir”

It’s a perfect 10 for Alejandro Fernández.

The 52-year-old Mexican singer has collected his 10th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “No Es Que Me Quiera Ir” rises 13-1 to lead the August 5-dated survey.

Alejandro FernandezThe song follows the two-week champ “Caballero,” his first career No. 1 this decade (Feb. 2020).

“No Es Que Me Quiera Ir” conquers Latin Airplay after it gained 9.1 million in audience impressions, a 50% rise from the week prior, earned in the U.S. during the July 21-27 tracking week, according to Luminate.

The song’s main supporters include Univision stations, KSCA Los Angeles and WOJO Chicago, as monitored by Mediabase, which provides Luminate data for Billboard charts.)

The ranchera singer, released May 19 and written by Eden Muñoz, ejects Prince Royce’s “Me EnRD” from the lead after its one term at No. 1, as the bachata dips 1-5 with 17% drop in audience impressions, to 8.4 million.

Further, “No Es Que Me Quiera Ir” earns Universal Music Latino/UMLE its second No. 1 in 2023, after the label dominated the chart with Karol G and Shakira’s “TQG” for two weeks between May and July.

As mentioned, with “No Es Que Me Quiera Ir” capturing the crown on Latin Airplay, Fernández scores his 10th ruler, the second-most among regional Mexican acts, trailing Marco Antonio Solis who continues to lead with 11 champs on his Latin Airplay account.

Plus, “No Es Que Me Quiera Ir” becomes his first win since “Cabaellero” in 2020. In between he’s placed five top 10s, for a total of 23 top 10s since “A Pesar de Todo” reached No. 10 high in December 1994.

Here’s a full recap of Fernández’s 10 leaders dating back to his first in 1997:

Peak, Title, Artist, Weeks at No. 1
Oct. 18, 1997, “Si Tú Supieras,” six
Dec. 27, 1997, “En El Jardín,” featuring Gloria Estefan, six
March 14, 1998, “No Se Olvidar,” eight
July 18, 1998, “Yo Nací Para Amarte,” five
Aug. 21, 1999, “Loco,” one
Dec. 1, 201, “Tantita Pena,” six
Oct. 23, 2004, “Me Dedique A Perderte,” two
Feb. 06, 2010, “Se Me Va La Voz,” one
Jan. 04, 2020, “Caballero,” two
Aug. 05, 2023, “No Es Que Me Quiera Ir,” one

Notably, “Que Me Quiera Ir” marks a new milestone achievement for singer-songwriter Eden Muñoz, who captures his first No. 1 on Latin Airplay as a songwriter. Previously he scored a No. 2 high as a songwriter through Banda Carnaval’s “Esa Vez Soy Yo” (Jan. 2020).

Elsewhere, “No Es Que Me Quiera Ir” advances 7-1 on Regional Mexican Airplay as the week’s Greatest Gainer. Fernández wins his sixth champ, the fifth-most among regional Mexican soloists.

Juanes Renews Recording Contract with Longtime Music Partner Universal Music Latino

Juanes isn’t going anywhere…

The 50-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning superstar has renewed his recording contract with Universal Music Latino.

JuanesWith this deal, Juanes extends a 23-year-old partnership with the label.

The news comes just days after the release of Vida Cotidiana, his first album with original music in four years.

“Throughout the years Universal Music Latino has become a second home and I am excited to continue working with such a respected label,” Juanes said in a press release. “I believe that my musical career will continue to thrive and grow within this new creative cycle. I am eager to see and share what the future holds.”

Jesús López, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Latin America & Iberian Peninsula, added that the label “will continue to support and grow with Juanes,” whose “talent and professionalism have made him one of the most sought out acts for so many decades.”

No additional details of the deal renewal were announced. As for publishing, Juanes remains with Warner Chappell Music.

Juanes made his solo debut in 2000 with the Gustavo Santaolalla-produced Fíjate Bien, and rose to fame soon after with hits like “A Dios Le Pido” from his sophomore album Un Día Normal, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, and “La Camisa Negra” from Mi Sangre (2004), which spent eight weeks at No. 1. “Me Enamora”, “Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor” and “La Fotografía,” with Nelly Furtado, are some of his other chart-topping hits.

Among other achievements, Juanes has won three Grammy Awards and 24 Latin Grammys, and was named the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year of 2019 not only for his work as a musician, but also as an activist with his Fundación Mi Sangre.

In a recent interview with Billboard Español, the superstar spoke in depth about his most recent production, Vida Cotidiana, in which he reflects on his relationship with his wife and children and the problems that afflict his country. Juanes is currently preparing to announce his Vida Cotidiana Tour, with expected dates in Latin America, the U.S. and Europe.

Alejandro Fernández Releases New Single “Inexperto En Olvidarte”

Alejandro Fernández can’t forget

The 51-year-old Mexican singer has released his new single “Inexperto En Olvidarte” via Universal Music Latino.For his first song of the year, Fernández goes the traditional route with a heart-wrenching ranchera.

Alejandro FernándezIt’s a quintessential song for Fernández, who’s long mastered the mariachi ballad — and this one is no exception.

Penned by Amanda Coronel and Fernanda Díaz, the track thrives thanks to its delicate mariachi arrangement, accompanied by an accordion for the ultimate norteño touch.

“Inexperto En Olvidarte” is Fernandez’s first single from his upcoming album, due later this year.

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” Video Hits 8 Billion Views on YouTube

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee continue extending their reign…

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican singer and 45-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton star’s music video for global sensation “Despacito” has logged 8 billion views on YouTube.

Luis Fonsi & Daddy YankeeIn the process Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s video extends its reign as the most-viewed music video on YouTube — by a long shot.

The closest competitor to the nearly five-minute clip for the 2017 smash hit is Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” which has raked in 5.8 billion views.

“Who would of thought that a melody over my guitar that morning in my house would be listened to in so many places, by so many people,” Fonsi wrote on social media celebrating the song’s new milestone. “It’s been almost six years and I still can’t believe it. The words THANK YOU don’t cover it. 8 billion views, sounds so nice.”

Fonsi continued thanking those who made it all possible, including Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber who jumped on the remix, his co-writer Erika Ender, producers Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo and video director Carlos Pérez, to name a few, and his island of Puerto Rico, where they filmed the video, featuring former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera.

“Despacito,” released via Universal Music Latino in January 2017, is the gift that keeps on giving. Four months after the music video made its debut on YouTube, it hit the 1 billion mark back when it got a boost from a bilingual remix that featured Bieber.

Five years ago in May, the remix with Bieber reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made global history. Furthermore, “Despacito” topped the Hot Latin Songs chart for a record 56 (non-consecutive) weeks, spending the most weeks at No. 1 for any title since the chart’s inception in 1986.

Luis Fonsi Releases New Album “Ley De Gravedad”

It’s a grave new world for Luis Fonsi.

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican singer has released Ley De Gravedad, his latest album from Universal Music Latino.

Luis FonsiAlways the romantic, Fonsi taps into his core as a singer/songwriter who writes tracks armed first and foremost with his guitar, in this collection of songs about love won and lost and reclaimed.

There are several danceable songs on the album, like the airy “Vacaciones” alongside Manuel Turizo and “Bésame,” which highlights a lighter side of Myke Towers.

And Fonsi definitely has developed a penchant for cross-genre collaborations.

On Ley De Gravedad he joins forces with a veritable who’s who of the urban world, including Rauw Alejandro, Nicky Jam, and Dalex.

But the heart of the album is the soulful ballads, like “Iglú” and the final “Girasoles,” where Fonsi sings simply accompanied by just his guitar in a hopeful reflection of the power of love and life.

Luis Fonsi Teams Up with Manuel Turizo for New Single “Vacaciones”

Luis Fonsi is taking a vacation…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican singer has joined voices with Manuel Turizo to release “Vacaciones,” via Universal Music Latino.

Luis Fonsi, Manuel Turizo

Fonsi and Turizo transport listeners to summer with the new single, the first time they work together on a track.

“Baby, I have a plan, in case the routine tires you/ I invite you to the beach and you can take a break from life,” Fonsi sings at the top of the pop-reggaetón song.

Penned by hitmakers Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo — the duo behind Fonsi’s smash hit “Despacito” — “Vacaciones” will be part of Fonsi’s upcoming album, which is set to drop later this year.

Sebastián Yatra Releases New Single “Amor Pasajero”

Sebastián Yatra is traveling in style…

The 27-year-old Colombian singer has released his latest single “Amor Pasajero” via Universal Music Latino.

Sebastian YatraThe all new track has a fresh sound led by an Argentine cumbia beat.

“Amor Pasajero” is Yatra’s second single off his upcoming album Dharma.

The track, produced by hitmakers Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo, finds Yatra on a rollercoaster of emotions as he comes to terms with a failed relationship.

“I’ve returned to the same bar to drink my sorrows away and meet someone that will make me forget you at least for a moment,” a defeated Yatra sings.

Dharma, Yatra’s third studio LP, is set to be released on January 28.