Maria Becerra Signs with Wasserman Music for Worldwide Representation

Maria Becerra is expanding her world

The 23-year-old Argentine singer-songwriter has signed with Wasserman Music for representation worldwide (except Latin America).

Maria BecerraShe’ll be represented by agents Juan Toro and Ryan Soroka.

The deal caps off a significant 2023 for Becerra who in May signed a label deal with Warner Music Latina, in a joint venture with 300 Entertainment, followed by an exclusive administration deal with Warner Chappell Music in August.

In May, Becerra received the visionary award at the inaugural Billboard Latin Women in Music gala.

Becerra — known for fusing pop, cumbia villera, bachata and reggaeton — broke in 2019 with her EP 222.

Two years later, she released her debut album, Animal, featuring collaborations with artists such as Cazzu, Becky G and Tiago PZK. The set earned Becerra a Latin Grammy nomination for best urban music album.

Overall, Becerra has scored three entries on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including her J Balvin collaboration “Qué Más Pues?” She’s also claimed three top 10 spots on Latin Airplay, including two No. 1 hits: “Te Espero,” featuring Prince Royce and “Así Es La Vida” with Enrique Iglesias.

Notably, she holds the record for the most entries by a woman on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 with 43.

Most recently, Becerra sold out her upcoming March 23 show at the River Plate Stadium in her native Argentina in less than 90 minutes, making history in doing so.

Before her show at the fabled venue, which has a capacity of nearly 65,000, Becerra will perform at Viña del Mar in Chile on March 1.

Elena Rose Teams Up with Danny Ocean & Jerry Di to Release “Caracas en el 2000”

Elena Rose has written a special love letter to her hometown…

The 28-year-old Venezuelan singer and songwriter has joined voices with Danny Ocean and Jerry Di to release a project she started to work on three years ago, “Caracas en el 2000.”

Elena Rose, Danny Ocean, Jerry DiAs cheerful as it is nostalgic, the tropical song with an urban flavor is a love letter to the city where the three artists grew up, each in a different socioeconomic area, before the political situation led them, as so many others, to emigrate in search of better opportunities.

“What I would give for a thing like that/ You and me in Caracas like in 2000/ Skating around La Cota Mil/ With the macaws/ Such a flow, baby,” says part of the lyrics.

“We were children at that time,” Elena Rose explains to Billboard Español about the reason of the year 2000. “Beyond the fact that chronologically the country was in a better place, we wanted to show that innocence from three people who had very different lives even though they grew up in the same city.

“I feel that this is how the mind of a child who is enjoying too much on a day at the beach, on a day he went out skateboarding, would sound,” adds the singer-songwriter and only woman nominated for the 2023 Latin Grammy for songwriter of the year. “The feeling of what that soundtrack would sound like just when you go out to recess and are set free from all the classes. It’s pure joy.”

“Caracas en el 2000,” a Warner Music Latina release, was written by Elena Rose, Danny Ocean and Jerry Di and produced by Maff and DJ Tra. Elena Rose’s younger sister, Cristina “Pichu” Hernández, also contributed to the lyrics in its initial stages and now has a starring role in the music video, in which she plays Elena as a teenager. (The three singers, who are portrayed by young actors, also appear in different scenes but filmed their parts in the U.S.)

Directed by Beto Monte and Rodrigo Michelangeli and produced by Capitol, the clip shows emblematic places of Caracas such as the Ávila hill, the Humboldt Hotel, La Previsora ​​tower (with its iconic digital clock) and different squares, avenues and neighborhoods. In a little over four minutes, it condenses the energy of the city and the joy and strength of its people. It took over a year of work, carried out mostly by Monte (better known as Alberto “Beto” Montenegro of the Venezuelan rock/reggae band Rawayana), who was constantly traveling to Caracas to record visuals, Elena Rose points out, adding how meaningful and personal it’s been for her.

“They recorded the video at my school with the teachers who taught me. My grandmother is in the video. La Pichu, whom I wrote the song with, is the one who played me when I was little. It’s really remarkable for that reason,” she says with emotion. “They took photos from when I was a child, they even recreated the tattoos I used to make with markers, what my school bag was like, my little necklaces and things I wore. I mean, can you imagine, it is one of the most important productions and the one I feel most proud to be a part of.”

Now that it is out, she hopes to enjoy the result of the great teamwork involved in the making of the song and the video, and bring part of her culture to the world.

“I hope it serves as a message of hope and faith both for the Caracas native who stayed and for the one that left, and for the one who returns, and for the one who wants to leave,” she says. “It is a message of love everywhere you see it, where there is no mention of religion or politics or social class or sexual inclination or color or money; simply of what unites all of us from Caracas, and that is the love for that city. We are proud to come from where we come from.”

Yandel Signs with Warner Music Latina

Yandel has a new deal…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter, whose real name is Llandel Veguilla Malavé, has signed with Warner Music Latina, marking his first deal with a major label after releasing his latest albums (Quien Contra Mi 2 and Resistencia) via his own company, Y Entertainment.

YandelThe signing took place at the Empire State Building in New York City, where Yandel kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month festivities by leading the lighting ceremony and treating a group of attendees to an intimate concert at the Empire State Building Observatory.

“I am truly excited to join the Warner Music Latina family and look forward to bringing new music to fans worldwide, fostering this new adventure with the label, and continuing to write my musical story together,” said Yandel, who rose to fame more than 20 years ago as one half of the iconic reggaetón duo, Wisin & Yandel.

Yandel’s first release on the label was his Myke Towers collaboration “Borracho y Loco,” which came out on Thursday, September 21.

After scoring countless hits as part of Wisin & Yandel, including “Abusadora” and “Rakata,” Yandel launched a full-fledged solo career in 2013.

In addition to 2003’s Quien Contra Mí — a solo album released prior to Wisin & Yandel’s 2013 hiatus — he’s released a total of eight solo albums, including his 2013’s De Líder a Leyenda, which peaked at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart. In February, he scored his first solo Billboard Hot 100 entry with “Yandel 150” in collaboration with Feid.

“Yandel’s iconic career has resonated with audiences worldwide, and his influence in the music industry is undeniable,” said Warner Music Latina Alejandro Duque. “This collaboration signifies a new chapter of innovation and creativity. We are excited to work hand in hand with Yandel to bring his music to fans across the globe.”

“Yandel is an artist who embodies both iconic status and forward-thinking vision,” added Warner Music Latina MD Roberto Andrade. “We take immense pride in joining him on this new chapter of his career, contributing to its evolution alongside his dedicated and collaborative team.”

Belinda Signs Exclusive Record Deal with Warner Music México

It’s an exclusive for Belinda.

The 33-year-old Spanish-Mexican singer and actress has inked an exclusive record deal with Warner Music México that will represent a new stage in her career 10 years after her last album release.

BelindaThe official signing took place on Monday, August 7 at Warner Music Latina headquarters in Miami Beach, where Belinda was joined by Warner Music México MD Tomas Rodriguez and Warner Music Latina president Alejandro Duque.

“We are honored to welcome Belinda, one of the most important artists in Latin pop music, to our WML family,” Duque expressed in a press statement. “Her undeniable talent, versatility, and dedication to her art make her a unique and exceptional artist. We are excited to accompany her on this new stage of her career, confident that together, we will reach new horizons and make history in her return to music.”

The artist, born Belinda Peregrín Schüll, was only 10 years old when she was cast as the lead in the Mexican children’s telenovela Amigos x Siempre. In addition to her film and TV roles, Belinda has released four studio albums: Belinda (2004), Utopía (2006), Carpe Diem (2010) and Catarsis (2013) — all of which entered the top 10 of Billboard‘s Latin Pop Albums chart. Catarsis, her last set, peaked at No. 4 on the Top Latin Albums chart in 2013.

“Throughout my musical career I have been lucky enough to come across wonderful people but also difficult and unexpected situations that did not allow me to maximize my potential and stop believing,” said Belinda in an Instagram post. “I stopped believing in the industry and companies. Today, years later, I decided to believe again. Believing in myself, in my music, in my career and in a wonderful team, which at a time very different from the one I had to live in the past, is fully committed. Thank you for believing.”

Belinda will soon unveil her new music projects under the signing.

Maria Becerra Signs Exclusive Administration Deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM)

Maria Becerra is going to the Chappell

The Argentine singer has signed an exclusive administration deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM).

Maria BecerraThe agreement comes three months after Becerra signed with Warner Music Latina in a joint venture with 300 Entertainment, who she’s been signed to since 2020.

“Thanks to the entire Warner Chappell team for 100% trusting and empowering me and my team,” Becerra said in a statement. “I’m so thrilled and happy to officially be joining the family and continuing to grow! And a huge shoutout to my managers Jose Levy, Natanael Real, and Armando Lozano for believing in me; my creative director Julian Levy; my music producer Xross; and everyone, for always supporting my music vision and making me trust myself even more.”

Since her breakout year in 2019 — when she released her EP 222 — Becerra has so far scored three entries on the Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, including her hit “Qué Más Pues?” with J Balvin, as well as two top 10 entries on Latin Airplay (the No. 1 hit “Te Espero” with Prince Royce and “Éxtasis” with Manuel Turizo at No. 9), and five entries on Latin Rhythm Airplay.

In 2021, she released her debut album Animal featuring collaborations with Cazzu, Tiago PZK and Becky G, to name a few. The set earned her a Latin Grammy nomination for best urban music album. That same year, Becerra was nominated for best new artist at the Latin Grammys. In May, the 23-year-old artist received the visionary award at the inaugural Billboard Latin Women in Music gala. Becerra’s latest album La Nena de Argentina — her most multifaceted album to date — garnered more than 301 million plays on Spotify alone.

“I’ve been following Maria since she erupted onto the scene, and she continues to surprise me with her incredible and relentless artistic growth. We’re very happy to finally have her in our Warner Chappell Music family,” expressed Gustavo Menéndez, president, U.S. Latin & Latin America, WCM.

“Maria is an artist in every sense of the word. Her skill as a songwriter, unmistakable voice, and confidence to create art that is authentic to her is why she has quickly become a global superstar,” Lazaro Hernandez, vice president of A&R, U.S. Latin & Latin America, WCM, said. “It’s only the beginning for La Nena de Argentina, and we’re very excited to work together as she continues to challenge what’s possible in Latin music.”

“Maria has become one of the most outstanding and versatile artists and songwriters in the music scene, and it is a true honor to have a great ally like Warner Chappell to continue developing her career globally,” said her manager Jose Levy. “Thank you to the entire team for their commitment – we’re excited to face these challenges and reach new goals together, accompanying Maria in everything she sets out to do.”

Keityn Named Songwriter of the Year at ASCAP Latin Music Awards

(Te) Felicito-ciones are in order for Keityn

The Colombian songwriter and musical artist who co-wrote Karol G’s “Provenza” and Shakira and Rauw Alejandro’s “Te Felicito,” was named songwriter of the year at the 2023 ASCAP Latin Music Awards.

Keityn

Me Porto Bonito” — performed by Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone and co-written by ASCAP songwriter Master Joe — won song of the year, while Universal Music Publishing Music Group took the publisher of the year honor.

Winners at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers’ annual awards — which recognize the songwriters, producers and publishers behind Latin music’s biggest hits — where announced on May 3 at an invitation-only event in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A first-time ASCAP winner, Keityn (real name: Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno) has also been behind chart-topping hits such as “Tusa” by Karol G and Nicki Minaj, Maluma‘s “Hawái” and J Balvin and Tainy’s “Agua,” to name a few.

In October 2021, he signed an exclusive deal with Warner Music Latina, and since then, he has released songs as a performer like “El Egoísmo” with Mike Bahía and Dekko, “Anoche” and “Nueva Versión.”

Song of the year honoree “Me Porto Bonito” — a reggaetón track infused with Latin pop and sandungueo, in which two men promise to behave nicely if the woman they’re after asked them to — spent 20 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. It also reached No. 1 on Latin Airplay, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, and hit the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.

Universal Music Publishing Music Group was recognized as publisher of the year for hits including “Después de la Playa,” “Efecto,” “La Corriente,” “Me Porto Bonito,” “Moscow Mule,” “Neverita,” “Ojitos Lindos,” “Party,” “Tarot,” “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Un Ratito” — all part of Bad Bunny’s uber-successful Un Verano Sin Ti, the second album in Spanish to ever top the Billboard 200.

Other 2023 ASCAP Latin Music Award-winning songwriters include Daddy Yankee (“Remix”), Jhayco (“Sensual Bebé”), Marc Anthony (“Mala”), Marco Antonio Solís (“Si Te Pudiera Mentir”), GALE (her first ASCAP Latin Award for “Ley Seca”) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Dos Oruguitas”).

Tiago PZK Releases New Confessional Ballad “Bemaste”

Tiago PZK is making confessions..

The 21-year-old Argentine rapper and singer has released the confessional ballad “Bemaste” via Warner Music Latina and Grand Move Records.

Tiago PZKTiago PZK wears his heart on his sleeve on the track, which Billboard describes as “chilling.”

“Bemaste” reveals another side of trap star that feels extraordinarily intimate.

Its beautiful, stripped-down keys and lo-fi production set the stage for his honest lyricism as he candidly articulates what finding love and devotion can feel like, while navigating the all-consuming vortex of fame.

“I consider this song the first work of art of my career, conceptually and audio-visually, from the bottom of my heart,” Tiago PZK tells Billboard Español in an email. “I don’t have any expectations, because before I have one, I’m simply fulfilled to have created this song and what it means to me. Do not put barriers to love.”

The song will appear on his upcoming album Portales Deluxe.

Justin Quiles Teams Up with Myke Towers for New Single “Whiskey y Coco”

Justin Quiles is back with new music…

The 32-year-old Puerto Rican singer has joined voices with Myke Towers for the new single “Whiskey y Coco,” which could become this year’s anthem for ladies.

Justin QuilesReleased via Warner Music Latina, the track was produced by BK, Dimelo Flow and Slow Mike.

The new track merges classic reggaeton beats with synthetic sounds, in an anthem that is both vibrant and catchy. The song gets its title from one of Justin’s favorite drink combinations that’s extremely popular in Puerto Rico.

The track also celebrates the beauty of all women as depicted in the visuals.

“Whiskey y Coco” is anchored by Justin Quiles’ singular voice coupled with Myke Towers’ unparalleled flow.

“Last year was such an incredible year for me in many ways creatively and professionally. I can’t think of a better way to start the new year than to release this track that my good friend and collaborator Myke Towers and I have worked so hard on. I’m ready for everyone to see and hear what we have in store for 2023,” said Justin Quiles.

“For me, doing this track with Justin was an honor because he is one of the most respected songwriters in the game, as well as being an artist. We had never been able to collaborate on a song before, so I hope this song will be a classic and a crowd pleaser. It is the first time that El Young King and La Nueva Promesa get together and in the song you can feel the essence of Puerto Rico very strongly!” said Myke Towers.

Filmed in Puerto Rico, the official music video stars both reggaeton superstars in a dynamic visual story set against lush landscapes. The dreamy cinematography transports viewers to green open fields and whimsical beaches. The video features a diverse cast of women in a celebration of female beauty and empowerment. Known also for being a fashion trendsetter, Justin Quiles wears a variety of clothing that enhances the visual storytelling.

Whiskey y Coco” comes shortly after the release of his rendition of Juan Gabriel’s “Así Fue,” and his tropical Christmas hit “Alegría.”

Ozuna Releases New Ovy on the Drums-Collab “Chao Bebe”

It’s chao time for Ozuna.

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican singer has joined forces with Ovy on the Drums to release the new single “CHAO BEBE” via Warner Music Latina/King Ovy.

OzunaFor their first track together, Ovy on the Drums and Ozuna place all bets on an infectious reggaetón beat fused with electronic elements.

Showcasing both their strengths, Ozuna on vocals and Ovy in the producer seat, this new track marks the new phase of Ovy on the Drums as Dr. Drums, “a genius who has mastered the science of producing and has his own formula for creating the biggest urban hits in his lab,” according to a press statement.

“‘CHAO BEBE’ has all the makings of a global hit,” Ovy says about the song. “When I was in the studio working on the track, I immediately had the idea of calling Ozuna to jump on this song.”

Blessd Releases Virtual Reality Version His Hit Single “Quien TV”

Blessd is taking his recent hot a step further…

The 22-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter and rapper has released a virtual reality version of his 2021 hit “Quien TV,” marking Warner Music Latina’s first full VR video in Meta Horizon Worlds.

BlessdIn the more than three-minute video, Blessd is seen entering the recording studio and begins to chat with his love interest.

“Hi love, when can we see each other?” he asks. “Any time. I live in Horizon Worlds,” a character named Laura replies. After asking how he can get to her, a Meta Quest 2 system magically appears at the studio. Blessd wears the gear and is instantly transported to the virtual world, where he begins his journey to find Laura. Toward the end of the clip, a phone call interrupts Blessd and transports him back to his reality at the recording studio.

The video was brought together by Warner Music Latina, Blessd, Meta, NSpire Create Labs and Merc Holdings Inc. A two-dimensional version of the video will be available on Blessd’s Facebook page. “Quien TV” officially premiered December 6, 2021. A remix featuring Ryan Castro was released on January 27, 2022.

The virtual reality video comes on the heels of Blessd taking part in the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Week, where he joined Colombian hitmaker Ovy on the Drums in the “Making the Hit Live!” panel.

In a span of 30 minutes, the producer and the artist worked together to create a promising reggaeton track, on which Blessd improvised, singing lyrics about heartbreak. While the track — which they broke down as they were making it — was not completed due to the limited time, attendees encouraged the duo to release the song after hearing a teaser that left everyone in the room wanting more.

Click this link to watch the video on Facebook.