Manuel Turizo Signs Multi-Year Worldwide Publishing Agreement with Sony Music Publishing’s Latin Division

Posted on March 6, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Manuel Turizo is widening his musical reach…

The 20-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer has entered into exclusive multi-year worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing’s Latin division.

Turizo’s brother Julian Turizo has also signed an agreement.

Manuel Turizo, signed to Sony US Latin, broke out with 2017’s “Una Lady Como Tu” and has released a string of hits since, co-written with brother Julián. Most recently, “La Nota,” featuring Myke Towers and Rauw Alejandro, peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, and “Mala Costumbre,” with Wisin and Yandel, peaked at No. 4 on the Global Ex US chart.

They’re the latest in a string of high-profile Latin signings for Sony since the beginning of the pandemic.

In the past nine months, the publisher also scooped up Myke Towers, who is dominating global charts; Argentine rising stars Nicki Nicole and Cazzu;

Spanish star C. Tangana; Colombian producer Sky; Puerto Rican rapper Jay Wheeler; and multi-Latin Grammy winner Kany García.

“It’s been a hugely prolific time,” says Jorge Mejía, president & CEO of Sony Music Publishing for Latin America and US Latin. “There are many possibilities to sign and discover.”

Those possibilities have considerable broadened since streaming has opened up the platforms available to Latin music. Acts that once would have been considered niche or regional, for example, are now finding broad audiences that translate into millions of views.

“It’s different in that what we consider Latin music today has evolved quite a bit,” says Mejía. “Manuel and his brother Julián have an urban bent, and Nicki and Bizarrap come from Argentina with a trap bent. But they’re not different in that we believe in them at the end of the day.”

Anitta Appears Alongside Maluma on Remix of Wisin, Los Legendarios & Myke Towers’ “Mi Niña”

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Anitta adds some real Girl Power to the remix of a popular song…

The 27-year-old Brazilian singer-songwriter appears on the remix of Wisin, Los Legendarios and Myke Towers‘ reggaetón track “Mi Niña,” alongside Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma.

As in the original one, Wisin and Towers, with the addition of Maluma, sing about their girl and why the world seems to stop every time they see her. Showstopper Anitta kicks off the new track reminding everyone that she can light up any party from Brazil to Ibiza.

“Mi Niña Remix,” released on March 2, comes out six months after the original one, along with a music video shot in Miami and directed by Charlie Nelson.

Produced by Los Legendarios, the production duo comprised of Marcos Ramírez and Víctor R. Torres, “Mi Niña” hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay Chart dated January 16. The track earned the producers their first No. 1 — and first entry — on any Billboard chart.

“As producers, this is our seventh No. 1 but as featured artists, this is our first,” Ramirez told Billboard. “We are very excited to see that validation from fans. To spend all those hours, all that work with so much passion and to see everybody enjoying your music is just a great feeling.”

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.

Manuel Turizo Teams Up with Wisin & Yandel for the Explosive Single “Mala Costumbre”

Posted on January 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Manuel Turizo is sharing his bad habits with some big name Latin music stars…

The 20-year-old old Colombian reggaeton singer has joined voices with Wisin & Yandel for the explosive reggaeton track “Mala Costumbre.”

Turizo’s track with the Puerto Rican reggaeton duo features catchy lyrics with an infectious beat, making the song an irresistible and standout single.

Produced by hitmakers Tainy, Lennin Palacios, Ily Wonder, Keytin and JotaRosa, the song kicks off with a slow intro featuring Turizo’s sultry deep voice, who prefaces the heartbreak song with “I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve promised myself to not open the door anymore.”

Then, as the song picks up, Yandel sings over a guitar tune, “Now I’m here again, letting you in again but as time goes by I realize that … eres una mala costumbre (you’re just a bad habit),”

Turizo finishes the sentence with the song’s hook.

Going for the trifecta, Wisin jumps in mid-song to deliver his slick, fast-paced rap.

Yandel Partners with Rapetón Founder Angel “El Guru” Vera to Launch Talent Search Venture ‘Rapetón Approved’

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Yandel is giving a hand up to the next generation…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton singer and record producer, whose real name is Llandel Veguilla Malavé, and Angel “El Guru” Vera, the founder of popular website and media brand Rapetón, have joined forces for a new venture called Rapetón Approved that will sign and promote up and coming acts.

Rapetón Approved will sign new artists through Yandel’s label, Y Entertainment Records, and will help promote them via Rapetón’s platforms, including its website and YouTube channel.

Yandel is the latest among several Latin acts to launch or expand their label ventures in recent months. His longtime recording partner, Wisin, recently launched his own label with his manager, Walter Kolm.

Yandel, however, is partnering with a journalist, albeit one whose specialty is reggaeton and who has become a brand name within the genre.

“I’ve been following Angel’s growth for several years,” says Yandel. “I think he’s a natural A&R who truly wants to help new artists. I’m 100% convinced that with my record label, I can contribute to grow this Rapeton Approved, an idea Angel has been working on since 2016.”

Y Entertainment already has producers and artists signed to its roster, including Catalyna, Nesty and Izzy Guerra. However, the new Rapetón Approved will start from scratch in its search for talent, says Yandel’s manager, Andy Martínez, who helped piece the deal together.

Likewise, Rapetón will continue to function as it normally does, focused on covering the world of Latin urban music in general and the reggaeton in particular, where Guru is a widely respected fixture with a YouTube channel with over 900k subscribers.

“We are ready to support those who want to be successful in this industry and we’re doing it hand in hand with professionals who know their jobs,” added Guru. “There are no barriers to making dreams come true.”

The Natti Natasha-Executive-Produced YouTube Originals’ Series “Bravas” Launching This Week

Posted on October 5, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Natti Natasha is expanding her creative realm…

The 33-year-old Dominican singer and songwriter is launching a new stage in her career as an executive producer for YouTube Originals’ upcoming series Bravas.

The eight-episode series, produced by Cinema Giants and directed and executive produced by Jessy Terrero, tells the story of three friends and aspiring artists –Mila (Audri Nix), Roja (Nohemy) and Ashley (Amanda Antonella) — who form a musical group called La Milagrosa and are on a mission to find their place in the world.

“Through music, they want to talk about the issues that are happening in their lives,” Natasha tells Billboard. “They are using their voices to vent as women. We’re going to see the things that girls and women go through in order to reach their goals, such as people not believing in you and the sacrifices.”

Bravas, which is written and produced by Kisha Burgos, is also a celebration of Latin music and culture.

“I immediately said ‘yes,’” Natasha said of her role as executive producer. “This is my first time ever and I’m very happy. I’m always going to try to serve as a platform and be a voice for all girls and women.”

The series, which began developing before the global pandemic, also counts the participation of artists like Wisin, Jon Z, De La Ghetto and more. “They’re all going to be acting. It’s going to be interesting to see them in this light,” Natasha says.

Bravas will premiere at 6:00 pm ET on Wednesday on Natti Natasha’s YouTube channel.

Anitta to Take Part in Special One-On-One Conversation with Ryan Tedder at This Year’s Virtual Latin Music Week

Posted on October 1, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Anitta is ready to open up about being a girl from Rio…

The 27-year-old Brazilian singer, who recently released the Cardi B & Myke Towers collaboration “Me Gusta,” will take part in this year’s virtual Latin Music Week (Oct. 20-23).

Anitta joins a list of new additions to the roster that includes Anuel AA, Becky G, Nicky Jam, Los Tigres del Norte and Wisin.

Anitta and producer and lead singer of OneRepublic, Ryan Tedder, will take part in a one-on-one conversation about working together on Anitta’s forthcoming album, Girl From Rio and much more.

Puerto Rican rapper and Billboard Latin Music Awards finalist Anuel AA will be joined by his close friend, Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx, to talk about their upcoming joint music and film projects, including a documentary on Anuel’s life, produced by Anuel, Foxx, and RD Whittington.

Mexican-American hitmaker Becky G will join Jorge and Hernán Hernández from the iconic norteño group Los Tigres del Norte to discuss the role artists currently play in engaging voters and the immigrant experience as seen by two generations of iconic Mexican American artists.

Reggaeton star Nicky Jam will discuss the process behind his songs with Billboard’s Latin industry lead Leila Cobo for the “Sony ATV Iconic Songwriter” panel.

And Latin urban superstar Wisin will be joined by Latin music executive Walter Kolm to chat about how the two are expanding into their own label operations, how they are discovering new talent and creating new and novel marketing and promotions strategies in the music business, in a panel moderated by Enrique Santos, chairman and chief creative officer of iHeart Latino.

The newly-announced panelists join a star-studded Latin Music Week that will also feature superstar speakers like J Balvin, Maluma, Jennifer Lopez, Rosalía, Ozuna, Carlos Vives, Sech and Camilo. This year’s Latin Music Week, which was originally scheduled to take place April 20-23 in Las Vegas, NV and was postponed due to COVID-19.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary as the longest-running and biggest Latin music industry, the three day immersive experience dedicated to Latin Music, culture and entertainment, will feature intimate artist conversations, industry panels, workshops and performances. Additional participants and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. To reserve a spot and receive updates, RSVP here.

Jessie Reyez to Perform at This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards,

Posted on September 28, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Jessie Reyez is celebrating her Latin roots…

The 29-year-old Colombian-Canadian singer and Grammy nominee will perform at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards, which are less than a month away.

Reyez joins a roster of newly confirmed A-list artists set to perform at the Billboard awards show.

Reyez joins a roster of new additions to the lineup that includes Anuel AA, Banda MS, Carlos Vives, Chesca, Daddy Yankee, Kendo Kaponi, Luis Fonsi, Manuel Turizo, Pablo Alborán, Paulina Rubio, Pitbull, Rauw Alejandro, Raymix, Reik, and Yandel.

They join the previously announced performers Armando Manzanero, Black Eyed Peas, Farruko, Gente de Zona, Gerardo Ortiz, Jesse & Joy, Maluma, Myke Towers, Ozuna, Sech, and Wisin.

The 2020 BLMAs, led by top finalists Bad Bunny and Ozuna, are the only awards show to honor the most popular albums, songs, and performers in Latin music, the awards are determined by the actual sales, streaming, radio airplay, and social data that informs Billboard‘s weekly charts during a one-year period from the rankings dated February 2, 2019, through this year’s January 25 charts.

The event is coinciding with Billboard’s Latin Music Week 30th anniversary, a three-day virtual experience dedicated to Latin music, culture, and entertainment, The Billboard Latin Music Awards 2020 will broadcast live from the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida on October 21 via Telemundo.

For more information and to RSVP for Latin Music Week, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Sammy Colon Named the Winner of Telemundo’s “La Voz”

Posted on August 17, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Sammy Colon is voicing his excitement…

The 32-year-old Puerto Rican singer has been crowned the winner of the second season of Telemundo’s La Voz.

Colon, a member of Carlos Vives’ team, not only won the highly coveted trophy. He also takes home a $200,000 cash prize and a recording contract with Universal Music Group.

After Telemundo paused production on the show due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the grand finale, which aired Sunday night, comes less than a month after the network resumed the show with coaches Alejandra Guzmán, Vives, Luis Fonsi and Wisin, and the remaining 28 contestants to kick-off “Los Enfrentamientos” or Cross Battles.

Ultimately nabbing the most audience votes, Colon takes the title, followed by finalists Jose Class (Team Fonsi), Sugeily Cardona (Team Guzman), and Andrea Serrano (Team Wisin).

“Thank you to everyone who voted at home,” Vives said during the show. “Sammy is very deserving of this title. Thank you for believing in this boricua.”

Colon dedicated his win to all the 80-plus contestants who formed part of the competition.

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Colon is the second winner of La Voz U.S., following the winning voice Jeidimar Rijos of Team Fonsi on the inaugural season in 2019. Colon also became the second Puerto Rican to win the competition.

Wisin Launches Own Record Label, La Base Music

Posted on June 23, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Wisin is set to help new Latin artists…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton rapper, singer and record producer, one half of the Wisin & Yandel, has launched his own record label, La Base Music, in an effort to support up-and-coming Latin talent.

Wisin says he was inspired to become a resource for young talent and help foster their careers following his stints as a coach on reality television shows La Voz and La Banda.

“There is so much talent out on the streets and there are artists who don’t have the tools to achieve great things or don’t have any direction in their career,” says Wisin. “It was just a matter of time for me to do something like this and I have been working on creating a top-level studio that can compete with any other studio around the world.”

Headquartered in Wisin’s native Puerto Rico, La Base Music launches with new signees Chris Andrew and Abdiel Larralde, who will soon release new music under the label.

“Our new artists have potential and the hunger to grow,” adds Wisin. “That’s the most important thing for us here at La Base. Attitude is everything. I’m looking for people who want to grow but also listen. We are here with the intention of making good music. And it’s not just new artists we are collaborating with. We actually just finished Ozuna‘salbum at La Base and we’re almost done with Wisin & Yandel’sforthcoming album.”

La Base Music’s resident engineer and award-winning producers include Hyde Quimico and Los Legendarios who have worked with Latin superstars like Daddy Yankee, Ozuna and Reik.

Although La Base Music will be distributed by The Orchard via WK Records, Walter Kolm‘s recently-launched imprint (Kolm’s WK Entertainment manages Wisin), all artistic decisions will be taken independently.

“All the decisions and everything that has to do with our artists, I will be in charge of that,” Wisin explains.

Wisin says he doesn’t take this new venture lightly as it comes with great responsibility. “I’m grateful that life has given me the opportunity to become a resource for artists who maybe in three or four years will be great musicians. It’s very fulfilling and it makes me proud that I can still contribute to music in that way.

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