Ozuna Teams Up with Afro B for Reggaeton-Infused “Drogba (Joanna)” Remix

Ozuna is feelin’ the (Afro)beat…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap singer has joined voices with Afrobeat sensation Afro B for a bilingual Latin-ifiedversion of “Drogba (Joanna),” Afro B’s smash hit.

Afro B & Ozuna

The new version of the track, along with a music video, will be released on Friday, July 24 and builds on Afro B’s already-successful formula. 

Last year, “Drogba” peaked at No. 23 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop Airplay chart.

Now, The reggaeton-infused remix infuses Afro B’s immediately-recognizable party track with reggaeton verses in Spanish, courtesy of Ozuna, and with additional production from DJ Lobo and J Traxx.

The video, shot in the Dominican Republic pre-COVID19 and directed by Ulysses Terrero, shows Ozuna and Afro B trading verses on the beach.

“We decided to call it a global release, so it’s not limited by language or genre or border,” says producer/record executive Boy Wonder (real name Manuel Alejandro Ortiz), who executive produced the new version. 

Boy Wonder’s Chosen Few Entertainment is handling the marketing for the track, which is being distributed by InGrooves.

“It would be interesting to see how people take it when they listen to this record they like and hear something different that’s refreshing,” adds Boy Wonder. “You hear the hook and then Ozuna comes in, and it all connects.”

Pairing Afrowave with reggaeton, of course, comes naturally.

“Afrowave is a combination of the sound coming out of the Africa mixed with dancehall,” says Afro B, who is London-raised of Ivorian heritage. “You might hear reggaeton you might hear some hip-hop influences and R&B all in one package,” he adds.

For Ozuna, who often incorporates Afrobeat into his music, it’s his first collaboration with an artist from the genre.

Bruno Mars to Headline This Year’s Essence Festival of Culture

Bruno Mars is sharing his essence in a big way…

The 34-year-old part-Puerto Rican Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has been named one of the main stage headliners for the Essence Festival of Culture.

Bruno Mars

Mars will co-headline the event with Janet Jacksonas Essence celebrates its 50th anniversary. 

Mars’ appearance will be his first time performing at the festival — and his only 2020 U.S. festival performance.

Essence Festival of Culture will expand for the first time from three to five days (July 1-5) in New Orleans, marking one day for each decade. This year’s theme is “Own Our Power.”

Jackson will be making her third appearance at the festival. Her appearance will take place during her newly announced Black Diamond World Tour, titled after her upcoming 12th studio album.

In addition to Jackson and Mars, the festival’s three-night concert series will include the following lineups at the Louisiana Superdome:

Main stage: Ari Lennox, Janelle MonaePatti LaBelleRaphael Saadiq (performing songs across his entire career from Tony! Toni! Tone! through his solo albums, including Jimmy Lee), Estelle Presents Reggae & Afrobeats Link Up featuring Afro BChronnixElephant ManKraniumMax GlazerMaxi PriestShenseeaand more, Summer Walker,  Swizz BeatzPresents In the Zone featuring guest artists. 

Hosted by Loni Love with music by D-Nice, the main stage lineup will salute music icons each night, including a special anniversary celebration on July 4. 

Superlounges: Casmé, D SmokeDemi GraceDoug E. Fresh Presents The Real Hip-Hop and R&B Party, Elah HaleGoldlinkJac RossJamesdavisJidennaJune’s DiaryKiana LedeKitty CashLeikeli47MasegoMr EaziOswin BenjaminRapsodySaweetieSiRSminoStokleyTamiaTank and the BangasTeaMarrrThe New Respects and Umi.

 “This is a milestone year for Essence and our community as we celebrate 50 years of creating opportunities for our culture to shine and the role of black women in making it possible for us to do what no other brand has done,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of Essence Communications, Inc.“To be able to say that at 50 years, we are black-owned, diversified across media, technology, commerce and live events, and impacting our culture in new and even deeper ways than ever before is a blessing – and one that comes with a tremendous responsibility to our community to continue to evolve, innovate and transform. That remains our focus and commitment as we work to ensure that we are here serving black women deeply and advancing black culture, economic ownership and inclusion globally for the next 50 years.”

Regarding Mars and Jackson, Ebanks added, “These two powerhouses, along with our robust slate of programming, performances and tributes, will continue our legacy of cultural excellence and dynamic, only-at-Essence experiences that excite, elevate and inspire.”

For more information, visit Essence.com/festival.

Cardi B to Perform at the VEWTOPIA Music Festival During Super Bowl Week

Cardi Bis headed to Miami for the Super Bowl festivities…

The 27-year-old half-Dominican American rap superstar will perform at the VEWTOPIA Music Festival during Super Bowl week in Miami, VEW Live! has confirmed.

Cardi B

Cardi B joins a lineup that includes Chris BrownMigosDaBabyNicky JamDJ KhaledGunnaMegan Thee StallionBurna BoyRemaAlex SensationJeremihTy Dolla $ignKoffeeDaniLeighSatoriShenseeaAfro BKid CapriSquashSafaree and Kali Cass.

VEW Live! announced in December that the acts will make up the inaugural VEWTOPIA Music Festival, which takes place January 31-February 1 at Marlins Park.

Vewtopia

Super Bowl 54 will take place on February 2 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Shakira and Jennifer Lopez will headline the halftime show.