Adriana Rios Releases Corrido-Ranchera Track Dedicated to Victims of Femicide

Adriana Rios is searching for answers… 

This Women’s History Month, the Mexican newcomer has poured her heart out in her latest single “¿Dónde Están?

Adriana RiosRios penned the corrido-ranchera fusion track in remembrance of the victims of femicide in Mexico and around the world.

Accompanied by a simple yet powerful music video, where she’s belting her strong, crisp vocals in front of newspapers with different suspects on the cover, Rios chants: “Where are you? They’re looking for you in the streets/ Where are you? They’re looking for you in hospitals/ Where are you? They’re looking for you in schools, in bars, and they can’t find you.”

On Instagram, Rios explained the reason behind her notable protest song: “Corridos of many things are written but this is a corrido of femicide. Many of you know why I wrote it […] May their names endure.”

Anitta Teams Up with Becky G & TINI for WhatsApp’s New Women’s Empowerment Campaign “Escúchanos. Míranos.”

Anitta is pleading for all women to be seen and heard

The 28-year-old Brazilian singer and songwriter has joined forces with Becky G and TINI for WhatsApp’s new campaign “Escúchanos. Míranos.

Anitta
Launched as part of Women’s History Month, the Latin stars appear in a nearly two-minute clip that was filmed in Las Vegas.

Anitta, Becky G and TINI are featured living their busy lifestyle but staying connected through a WhatsApp group and voice notes, where they share their thoughts, adventures and empower each other.

The spot features an all-female production team with original music by producers, Ali Stone and Tiffany Román Louk, video directing by Jess Colquhoun, and editing by María-Celeste.

The official campaign announcement came on the heels of an industry mentorship dinner, with special guest Becky G, that took place in Los Angeles, courtesy of Billboard and WhatsApp.

The intimate event, hosted by Billboard’s Leila Cobo, brought together more than 50 emerging Latin female talents and established artists.

In addition, WhatsApp created sticker packs with each of the artists, with will be available on the app as of March 8th.

Germaine Franco to Take Part in ASCAP Experience’s ““Worldly Women in Music” Panel Discussion

Germaine Franco is ready to inspire fellow worldly women

The Latina award-winning film composer, who was the first woman to score a Disney animated feature film with Encanto, will be among the panelists for “Worldly Women in Music,” a special discussion on March 8 as ASCAP Experience kicks off its 2022 program.

Germaine FrancoFranco will be among three of the industry’s leading composers and songwriters, part of the PRO’s celebration of Women’s History Month.

She’ll appear alongside Cuban-born Pulitzer Prize winning composer Tania León; and 2016 ASCAP London Songwriter of the Year Amy Wadge.

The celebrated panelists will explore what it takes to make music that crosses borders and cultural boundaries, with Billboard Executive Editor, West Coast and Nashville, Melinda Newman serving as moderator.

The session coincides with International Women’s Day, and kicks of ASCAP’s monthly virtual sessions, which are created to “inspire, educate and connect aspiring songwriters and composers everywhere.”

“We are so excited to launch ASCAP Experience with three phenomenal composers as part of our ‘Women Create Music’ campaign,” comments ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. “We believe that celebrating the achievements of our members through our “Women Create Music” campaign can help create change and ultimately, more opportunity for women in the music industry.”

Details of more ASCAP Experience sessions will be announced shortly, including sessions covering NFTs, exclusive conversations with chart-topping music creators, and more.

Due to the health crisis, ASCAP’s flagship event flipped for the first time to a virtual event in 2020, and again in 2021. Last year, ASCAP Experience’s virtual panels reached over 41,000 views across real-time and on-demand streaming. Those figures equate to a 39% increase in attendance and 53% increase in RSVPs vs. the previous year, reps say.

Franco received a Golden Globes nomination for Best Original Score, an SCL Award nomination for Outstanding Original Score, an Annie Awards nomination for Best Music in a Feature, and an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score for her work on Encanto.

She is the first Latina to join the music branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score.

Leon is an acclaimed composer of both large scale and chamber works. She is also renowned as a conductor, educator, and advisor to arts organizations. She won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Music for Stride.

Ivy Queen to Headline “Urban Divas United” Virtual Concert in April

Ivy Queen is bringing the diva spirit to Miami…

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican rapper has joined forces with Goyo of Chocquibtown, and newcomer Chesca for the upcoming “Urban Divas United” virtual concert in celebration of Women’s History Month.

Ivy Queen

The three powerhouses, along with an all-female lineup, are teaming up to honor the Latin women leading the urban genre in a male-dominated industry.

“I am extremely grateful to be part of this project that will bring us all together through music, and for me personally it is a great pride to be the one who started [this movement] with a microphone in hand,” reggaeton veteran Ivy Queen said in a statement.

“Urban Divas United,” presented by Neutrogena and Conciencia Collective, will also raise awareness about the current difficulties affecting women and our community, providing educational resources to viewers.

The all-female lineup includes Snow Tha Product, Natalia Jimenez, and Nesi, with more artists to be announced soon.

The free virtual concert will take place from Downtown Miami at 7:00 pm ET on Saturday, April 10.

In addition, fans can purchase a VIP pass for exclusive backstage access.

For more information, click here.

Rosario Dawson to Host Inaugural Confab W, a Celebration of Latinas During Women’s History Month

Rosario Dawson is helping celebrate Latinas…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actress, activist and Voto Latino co-founder will host the inaugural Confab W from content producer Ingeñuity and AARP.

Rosario Dawson

The free two-day virtual event will celebrate Latinas during Women’s History Month and will livestream on March 30 and 31 at 8:00 pm EST.

The first annual Confab W is designed as a series of shows and vignettes featuring dynamic conversation, music, spoken word, and comedy — all revealing inspiring secrets of life success, recognizing extraordinary Latina stories of achievement, and celebrating “herstory” milestones and significant moments in time.

The event will include appearances from pop culture queen Charo, American musical icon Vikki Carr, Latin Grammy winner Gaby Moreno, among others.

“Women play very important roles in the Hispanic community. From taking care of their families in multigenerational homes to serving our country, their contributions are invaluable, said Yvette Peña, VP of Hispanic/Latino Audience Strategy, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. “This Women’s History Month we are highlighting women who are not only shattering the preconceived notions that exist within our society’s gender roles, but also disrupting the stereotypes of aging. At AARP we proudly support initiatives that empower, engage, and inform Latina women. We are really honored to be part of Confab W’s first annual conference, and to be able to bring these inspiring stories to life.”

“Confab W was created to share universal stories that can inspire, transform, and motivate women of every age across America,” said Sarah Ruiz Chavez, Confab W Creator and President of Ingeñuity. “These two days are all about changemakers that are crushing it, confident compadres in motion, and ‘sheroes’ hidden in plain sight.”

Here’s a look at the two-day schedule:

MARCH 30

  • Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez: My Life, My Story, A day in the life of Cuban American author, musician, screenwriter, film producer and journalist Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, the best-selling author of The Dirty Girls Social Club.
  • Heart To Heart: A Timeless Conversation Between Mother and daughter, revealing the special bond between mother and daughter, with artist, designer, and activist Rosario Dawson & producer Isabel Celest Dawson and actress and comedian Angelica Vale & “la novia de Mexico” singer-songwriter and actress Angelica Maria.
  • A HerStory, Historic Moment in Time, featuring the late Celia Cruz and Patti LaBelle’s 1998 ALMA Awards performance accompanied by retrospective testimonials.
  • Comedian and actress Gina Brillon’s Real “Funny” Talk.
  • Queens of Mariachi: American Royaltysaluting all-female mariachi group founders across the U.S., with a special finale virtual performance, uniting two-time Grammy Award winners Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea, Mariachi Las Alteñas, and Mireya Ramos of the Latin Grammy winners, Flor de Toloache.
  • Charo! Pop culture queen + humanitarian and activist honors the legendary virtuoso guitarist, singer, composer, actress and comedienne who has entertained millions throughout her career.

MARCH 31

  • Vikki Carr, An American Musical icon recognizing one of the world’s foremost classic entertainers for over six decades.
  • Singer-songwriter, Latin Grammy Winner Gaby Moreno’s, “I Am Woman” rendition of the late Helen Reddy classic song as a tribute to Latinas.
  • Hear Us Roar: Latina “Firsts” Shattering Glass Ceilings profiles “firsts and pioneering achievement” with a spotlight on the first woman and first Hispanic, the 14th Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Antonia Novello, and on the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) Borinqueneers of Puerto Rico.
  • Elida Reyna: Musica Y Colores a retrospective of Tejano superstar and two-time Latin Grammy winner Elida Reyna.
  • All In La Familia hosted by comedian Erik Rivera, unites comedians Aisha Alfa, Vanessa Gonzalez, and Kira Soltanavich in a conversation of siblings, new mom experiences and other humorous stories.

Visit ConfabW.com for registration and details.