Chiquis Announces 16-Date North American “Diamantes Tour”

Chiquis is ready to sparkle across North American…

The 38-year-old Mexican American Latin Grammy-winning singer and television will hit the road with her Diamantes Tour, produced by Live Nation.

ChiquisThe 16-date trek through North America will kick off on May 30 in El Cajon, Calif and make stops in Houston, Atlanta and Mexico City before wrapping up on December 7 in Fresno, Calif.

“I am so ecstatic, and cannot wait to kick off my DIAMANTES TOUR alongside my band, Banda Abeja Reina,” Chiquis said in a statement. “I am ready to share this new, fresh and one-of-a-kind concert experience, carefully developed with love for my U.S. and Mexican fans. I want to personally invite all my Boss Bees to join me with their flashiest outfits on at every show, so we can shine bright, together!”

According to the press release, the tour will be a “celebration of empowerment, self-expression and unity” as Chiquis aims to create an “inclusive and uplifting atmosphere where fans can come together, connect, and bask in the joy of live music.”

Throughout the tour, Chiquis will be accompanied by her lively 13-member band.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, March 15, at 10 a.m. local time.

The Diamantes Tour announcement comes on the heels of Chiquis’ fifth studio album, Bee Side, released in December, which is powered by her traditional banda sound, but also finds her dabbling in electro-cumbia, rap and electro-pop.

Here’s a look at Chiquis’ Diamantes Tour dates:

May 30 — El Cajon, Calif. — The Magnolia
June 1 — Albuquerque, N.M. — Revel Entertainment Center
June 7 — Hidalgo, Texas — Payne Arena
June 8 — Houston — 713 Music Hall
June 9 — Irving, Texas — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
June 14 — Atlanta — Coca Cola Roxy
June 15 — Greensboro, N.C. — Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
June 21 — Rosemont, Ill. — Rosemont Theatre
June 22 — Indianapolis — Murat Theatre @ Old National Centre
June 27 — Winterhaven, Calif. — Quechan Casino Resort
June 28  — Inglewood, Calif. — YouTube Theater
June 30  — Chandler, Ariz. — Wild Horse Pass Casino
July 12 — Wheatland, Calif. — Hard Rock Live
July 13  — Salinas, Calif. — Salinas Sports Complex
Nov. 3  — Mexico City —  Auditorio Nacional
Dec. 7 — Fresno, Calif. — William Saroyan Theatre

Grupo Firme Announces Plans to Take “La Última Peda” Tour Global

Grupo Firme is preparing for a global trek…

The Latin Grammy-winning Regional Mexican group, based in Tijuana, Mexico, has announced plans to hit the road in 2024 with their La Última Peda tour.

Grupo FirmeWhile the dates and venues are yet to be revealed, Grupo Firme confirmed they’ll be performing in Mexico, the U.S., Latin America and, for the first time, Europe, becoming one of the few Mexican banda groups to tour in European territory.

“You dictate where you want to see Grupo Firme. The most mentioned cities or countries [in the comments] will be where we will be present,” the group shared on Instagram.

Formed in 2014, they have received nominations for a variety of awards, including Premios Juventud and Premio Lo Nuestro, being the winner in 2021 of the latter in five categories.

Carin León Signs Exclusive Global Publishing Agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group

Carin León has a new worldwide publishing deal…

The 34-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter and Regional Mexican star has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

Carin LeonA leading force in the música mexicana genre, the Sonora-born artist has established himself as one of Mexican music’s most versatile and eclectic artists today recording in norteño, banda, R&B and pop.

“There is no doubt, Carin León is one of the most talented artists currently,” Yadira Moreno, UMPG managing director of Mexico and Central America & vp of new business development for Latin America, said in a statement. “He can blend R&B, Folk, Country and Mexican Music easily and gracefully. We are excited to collaborate with Carin and foster his composing career internationally.”

“I feel deeply honored to embark on this creative journey alongside Universal Music Publishing Group. This partnership marks a thrilling new chapter in my career, and I’m eagerly looking forward to expressing my passion and creativity through the art of music,” added Leon.

Since launching his solo career in 2018, León has helped usher a new era for regional Mexican music. With three career entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and 12 on the Hot Latin Songs tally, he scored his first top 10 on the Top Latin Albums chart with Colmillo de Leche, released in May. It was the first studio album released on the singer-songwriter’s own label, Socios Music, which he launched late last year.

Jody Gerson, UMPG chairman and CEO, said: “Carin León’s career is limitless and transcends Música Mexicana. His soulful voice, songwriting, live shows and ambition goes beyond language. I look forward to working with Jorge Juarez and our entire global team to support Carin as he opens doors creatively across musical genres and geographies.”

León joins UMPG’s roster, which includes other regional Mexican powerhouses such as Juan Gabriel, Espinosa Paz, Horacio Palencia, Grupo Firme, Yahritza Y Su Esencia and Ivan Cornejo, among others.

Universal Music Publishing Group to Administer Publishing Rights to Jenni Rivera’s Global Catalog

The late Jenni Rivera’s global catalog has a new administrator…

The Jenni Rivera Estate has signed a global deal with Universal Music Publishing Group to administer the publishing rights for the late banda singer’s global catalog.

Jenni Rivera“I’m so excited about this new partnership with Universal Music Publishing. It’ll bring great achievements for my mom’s legacy and for Jenni Rivera Enterprises,” said Jacqie Rivera, CEO of Jenni Rivera Enterprises, in a statement. “We’re confident that this amazing group of empowered women behind Universal Music Publishing will help expand the Jenni Rivera music catalog, something that our mother would have loved. Our mom had her hand in making this decision. While looking through her files, we found an email from years back showing that it was her plan all along to go with Universal Music Publishing.”

Jacqie — the second of Jenni’s five children — took over as head of the Jenni Rivera estate in January 2022, signaling a change of direction in the management of Jenni Rivera’s estate, which had been helmed by Jenni’s sister, Rosie Rivera, since the singer’s death in 2012.

After taking the reins, Jackie — along with her four siblings Chiquis, Mike, Jenicka and Johnny — released the posthumous album Misión Cumplida in June featuring original recordings they discovered after taking over the estate.

Jenni — at the pinnacle of her career — tragically died in 2012 at 43 years old. The most successful woman in Regional Mexican on the Billboard charts, she has a total of 19 entries on Top Latin Albums, 12 of which reached the top 10 and seven of which topped the chart.

She has earned a total of 12 entries on the Billboard 200 and has 14 top 10 hits on the Regional Mexican Airplay tally.

“We share the news of the signing of the Jenni Rivera Estate with much joy! Jenni was someone who inspired the fans of her music and empowered them,” added Alexandra Lioutikoff, president of Latin America & U.S. Latin, Universal Music Publishing Group. “She was a fighter and a woman with much success, and her music will always be remembered because it opened many doors for women in the regional Mexican genre.”

Gerardo Coronel Earns First No. 1 on Any Billboard Chart as “Que Onda Perdida” Tops Regional Mexican Airplay Chart

Gerardo Coronel has earned a special first… 

The 27-year-old Mexican corrido and alterna movimiento singer/songwriter has earned his first No. 1 on a Billboard chart as “Que Onda Perdida,” with Grupo Firme, rises from No. 2 to lead the Regional Mexican Airplay chart dated July 1.

Gerardo CoronelQue Onda Perdida” lands at the summit with 9 million in audience impressions — a 14% gain from the week prior — earned in the U.S. in the tracking week ending June 22, according to Luminate.

It’s a first win for Coronel on his fourth chart visit. The Michoacán, Mexico-born singer/songwriter has placed a total of four entries on the Regional Mexican Airplay list, dating back to the No. 20-peaking “Te Quiero a Morir” in 2015.

In between, “Te Deseo Lo Mejor,” with Pancho Barraza, reached No. 17 in 2021.

He broke the top 10 barrier, however, in 2023, when “Te Felicito,” his first entry unaccompanied by any other act, rose to No. 7 on the June 17-dated ranking. The song rebounds to No. 7 on the current chart after peaking at No. 5 last week.

Grupo Firme, meanwhile, captures its eighth Regional Mexican Airplay champ among 20 chart entries — 11 of which went top 10. The new No. 1 follows “Alaska,” with Camilo, which crowned the tally for one week last November.

“Que Onda Perdida” tops Regional Mexican Airplay after over two months.

The banda song entered the chart on the April 22-dated tally and arrived in the top 10 in its third week. It has remained in the upper region during a nine-week journey, and ousts Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma’s “Ella Baila Sola” from the lead, which drops 1-2 after a four-week domination (down 14% in audience, to 7 million).

Beyond its No. 1 success on Regional Mexican Airplay, “Que Onda Perdida” continues to advance on the Latin Airplay chart, which ranks all songs regardless of genre. There, the tune lifts from No. 6 to its No. 3 high, the highest ranking for both acts, and a first top 10 for Coronel who previously reached the top 20 with “Te Felicito” last week (chart dated June 24).

Karol G Performs “Mañana Será Bonito” Singles During Second “Tiny Desk Concert”

Karol G is back at the (tiny) desk 

The 32-year-old Colombian superstar returned to NPR’s headquarters for her second “Tiny Desk Concert,” which premiered on Monday, May 15.

Karol GThe 17-minute acoustic performance, where she was accompanied by an all-girl music ensemble, included new versions of four tracks from her Billboard history-making album Mañana Será Bonito. She kicked it off the mini-set with the ultra-personal “Carolina.”

“I have to say that I’m super proud of them because this show is special,” she said of the talented musicians. “It’s the first time after eight years that I never rehearse with my In-Ears. I forgot how cool it feels. I feel like I’m in my home, with my people, drinking wine […] but now, let’s bring some Mexican vibes to this place!” she added before performing her heartfelt Banda track “Gucci Los Paños.”

Rocking a trucker hat, a yellow jacket, and blue locks, the Colombian artist expressed “I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” she said. “The album is super new and this is the first time I’m singing some of the songs here, and they feel so good in this version.”

She then performed a sultry reggae version of her Quevedo-assisted “Pero Tú” and a heartfelt bossanova version of “Mercurio.”

“Tiny Desk, thanks for the opportunity, this is super great and it kind of takes us out of the routine of what we normally do,” she noted. “It was a pleasure for all those who are at home, to share this moment with you and to share it in this way that is so personal for many reasons.”

 

Karol made her NPR debut in 2021 for a “Tiny Desk Home Concert,” where she performed “Creeme,” “A Ella,” “200 Copas” with special guest Danny Felix, and “Contigo Voy a Muerte” with special guest Camilo.

Annie Gonzalez to Star as the Late Jenni Rivera in Family-Authorized Biopic “Jenni”

Annie Gonzalez will be portraying a late banda legend…

The Latina actress will star in an authorized biopic about the life of Jenni Rivera has been greenlit at ViX.

Annie GonzalezIn addition to starring, Gonzalez will also executive produce the film.

Filming of Jenni (wt) is underway in Bogota, Colombia, and will be completed in Los Angeles.

The project is set to premiere exclusively via ViX and in select movie theaters in the United States and Mexico later this year.

Jenni (wt) will follow Rivera’s journey from her humble beginnings in Long Beach, California, to her meteoric rise to the top of the charts, and her final days before her tragic and unexpected death. The film will also share a look at the struggles she endured in her personal life and how she became the artist fans all know and love today, and how she persevered and found strength from within.

The streamer notes, Jenni is a story of resilience and bravery that shows the building blocks of what made Jenni Rivera—also known affectionately as “La Diva De La Banda”— who she was and the remarkable legacy she left behind.

“My siblings and I are very excited about this biopic and we know our mother’s story will impact generations to come,” Jacqie Rivera, daughter of Jenni Rivera and CEO of Jenni Rivera Enterprises said in a statement. “It has been an uphill battle, but we are happy to see one of our mom’s dreams come to fruition. Although we still haven’t gotten used to seeing someone portray our mother, we have faith Annie will do a great job.”

As a multiple award-winning artist—including multiple Billboard Music Awards, 22 Billboard Latin Music Awards, 18 Lo Nuestro Awards, and four Latin Grammy nominations— Rivera is not only known as one of the best-selling Regional Mexican artists of all time but also for her role in disrupting cultural precedent by crossing into banda, a male-dominated music genre and eventually into pop music, where her presence posthumously continues to shine. Rivera died in a plane crash in 2012.

“I am beyond honored to portray the essence of this phenomenal survivor that is Jenni Rivera who despite adversity at every turn was never a victim and showed her daughters, her family, and her audience what grace, forgiveness, and true authenticity is— liberating us all,” Gonzalez shared. “Jenni’s messages of feminism, civil rights, and nonconformity within her music were well before her time and made space for all of us to feel empowered. With the support of the Rivera family, I cannot wait to help tell the beautiful story and the impactful legacy of what Jenni means to me personally and what it will mean to women and Latinas everywhere.”

Manuel Uriza will star opposite Gonzalez in the role of Pedro Rivera, Jenni’s father, and Regional Mexican entrepreneur. The cast also includes Cinthya Carmona (East Los High) as Jenni Rivera’s eldest daughter, Chiquis Rivera, Jero Medina (Narcos: Mexico) and Miguel Angel Garcia (The Long Game) who will dually portray Trino Marín, Rivera’s first husband and father of her three eldest children at later and earlier stages in his life, respectively.

Additionally, Gabriela Reynoso (Si Nos Dejan) will be portraying Jenni’s mother Rosa Saavedra, J.R. Villarreal (Ultra Violet) will play Juan “Cinco” Lopez, Jenni’s late second husband, and newcomer Tatiana Juarez will portray Rivera during her early years.

“ViX is thrilled to be the official home and distributor of this powerful story about Jenni Rivera. Our commitment to this project is paramount and, along with a fantastic production team and director, we know we will have a film that will captivate our audiences,” stated Augusto Rovegno, Senior Vice President of Content ViX at TelevisaUnivision.

Gigi Saul Guerrero (Culture Shock) directs from a screenplay by Shane McKenzie (Bingo Hell).

Gonzalez is gearing up to promote Flamin’ Hot, the Eva Longoria-directed Searchlight Pictures film about how Frito Lay janitor Ricardo Montañez climbs the ranks at work and creates the spicy Cheeto snack. Flamin’ Hot premieres at SXSW on March 11 followed by a wide release via Hulu in June. The Chicana actress portrays the character of Judy, Montañez’s wife, opposite Jesse Garcia.

She also recently starred in Illegally Brown alongside Jessica Marie Garcia from filmmaker, Gabby Revilla Lugo, which is currently playing on the film festival circuit. Additionally, Gonzalez can next be seen in the upcoming independent thriller Body Language and an untitled Ethan Coen project.

Gonzalez is best known for her portrayal of Lidia Solis in the Netflix comedy series Gentefied and her guest roles in Apple’s Mr. Corman, Starz’s Vida, NBC’s Good Girls, Showtime’s Shameless, and FX’s American Horror Story, among other credits.

Chiquis Releases Mariachi Version of “Paloma Blanca” to Honor Late Mom Jenni Rivera

Chiquis is celebrating her late mother with a new version of her debut single…

The 37-year-old Mexican American singer has released a mariachi version of debut single “Paloma Blanca” to commemorate Jenni Rivera’s death 10 years ago, on December 9, 2012.

ChiquisThe new interpretation comes eight years after the original banda track debuted in 2014.

Accompanied by the all-female Mariachi Divas, Chiquis belts out a heartfelt love letter to La Diva de la Banda, expressing how much she misses her, what she would’ve changed about their mother-daughter relationship, and her biggest life lessons learned.

The song was produced by Cindy Shea, Ulises Lozano El Licenciado and Janney “Chiquis” Marin, and co-written by Marin and Claudia Brant.

“When ‘Paloma Blanca’ was originally released, I wasn’t entirely happy with the way it was recorded. I have always wanted to re-release it,” Chiquis said in a press statement. “My vocals and delivery have greatly evolved over these last eight years and I feel better than ever about my music so I decided to record it alongside Mariachi Divas. It will always be dedicated to my mom who passed away ten years ago but I also wanted to re-record it for her fans as well as mine.”

Bringing the emotional lyrics to life, a music video helmed by director Oscar Eden shows Chiquis performing the song dressed as an angel as well as never-before-seen footage of her mother.

The sweet tribute comes a month after Chiquis received her first-ever Grammy nomination for best regional Mexican album and her second Latin Grammy win in the best banda album category with Abeja Reina.

El Fantasma Teams Up with Yeison Jiménez for New Single “Un Loco Enamorado”

El Fantasma is crazy in love

The 32-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has joined voices once again with Yeison Jiménez to release the single “Un Loco Enamorado.”

El FantasmaAfter teasing it on social media, the regional Mexican artist and the Colombian “Musica Popular” gift fans with a stellar new collaboration.

Penned by renowned singer-songwriter Eden Muñoz and El Fantasma, the main banda rhythm track tells the story of a “crazy lover” who could fall in love with a woman by simply seeing her smile.

The romanticism of both singers makes the song even more special. “A madman in love with her … just a quick smile excites him, and wants to give her his heart,” they sing.

Banda MS’s Corrido “141” to Become First Regional Song Featured in “Call of Duty” Video Game Series

Banda MS is making history while getting in the game…

The Mexican banda’s new corrido “141” will become the first Regional Mexican song to appear in a Call of Duty video game series.

Banda-MSThe track is set to be integrated into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, with “several” versions of the song heard throughout different parts of the game.

“141” is inspired by the members of the Task Force 141 and soldier Alejandro Vargas from the Mexican Special Forces, and ties in with the narrative of the newest installment of the first-person shooter game.

While Call of Duty has collaborated with Latin musicians in the past, most recently Ozuna, it’s the first time the video game franchise — developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision — taps a Regional Mexican act to collaborate on a new song for one of its series.

“It’s a huge step for the game and the community,” says Rodrigo Pérez, Call of Duty‘s senior franchise manager, Latin America. “We wanted to tell the story of Task Force 141 in a unique way, and we believe the song goes to the very essence of the characters and the story we are telling with Modern Warfare II.”

For the chart-topping supergroup, not only does “141” mark the first corrido they’ve released in 10 years, but it becomes an opportunity to showcase their traditional banda music on a global level, while also bringing in a new source of revenue.

“The franchise’s team in Latin America is mainly composed of Mexicans who love and respect our culture so, along with their team, we made sure that the song made sense for the game,” says Oswaldo Silvas, one of Banda MS’ vocalists. “We’re really proud to be part of the game’s DNA, and we would be honored to keep doing more of these collaborations because all eyes are on video games and for us, it’s a great opportunity to capture a new audience.”

The opportunity is for both sides with Call of Duty also strategically tapping and catering to the Hispanic market across Latin America. “Mexico and the Hispanic market have had a very strong passion towards the Call of Duty franchise for a long time, and with Modern Warfare II we had an amazing opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural legacy,” adds Pérez.

For a Mexican music song to be featured on Call of Duty, it only reinforces the genre’s newfound popularity across the U.S. and beyond. Once a niche genre, regional Mexican has gained an international following in recent years thanks to artists such as Banda MS, who have stayed true to their traditional Sinaloan banda roots but has also embraced the fusion of regional with genres from around the world.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will become available for purchase on October 28 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X | S, PC and Xbox One.