Banda Los Recoditos Earns Seventh No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “Fuerte No Soy”

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s Lucky No. 7 for Banda Los Recoditos.

The Mexican Banda group has claimed its seventh No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as their single “Fuerte No Soy” leads the list dated October 15.

The track, a norteño cover of Intocable’s 1999 release, advances from No. 3 where it held for two weeks.

“Fuerte No Soy” pushes to No. 1 thanks to a 21% boost in audience impressions, to 7.1 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending October 9, according to Luminate.

“Fuerte No Soy” was written by Ricky Muñoz and Marco A. Pérez over two decades ago and released by Intocable as a norteño track via Capitol Latin. In addition to scoring a No. 13 high on Regional Mexican Airplay in 2000, the track was part of Intocable’s Contigo album, which crowned Regional Mexican Albums for two weeks in 1999.

Banda Los Recoditos’ cover of “Fuerte No Soy,” a ranchera, was released via El Recodo/ Fonovisa/UMLE on July 8. It lands at the summit in its ninth week and evicts Gerardo Ortiz’s “Modo Crudo” which falls to No. 13 after one week in charge (3.4 million in audience, down 52%).

“Fuerte No Soy” gives Los Recoditos their seventh champ within 29 chart appearances. The band’s second offering, “Ando Bien Pedo,” ruled for 12 weeks in 2010.

Further, “Fuerte No Soy” hits No. 1 just sixth months after the band’s last entry, “Me Siento a Todo Dar,” topped the chart for one week.

Elsewhere, the song makes progress on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart, advancing 12-8. It earns the band its 13th top 10 there.

Lupita Infante Releases Two Versions of New Single “Pa’ Dentro”

Posted on September 5, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Lupita Infante is the toast of the town…

The 35-year-old Mexican American singer has released the new single “Pa’ Dentro” via Sony Music Latin.

And, the new track comes in two different versions: mariachi and banda.

“Pa’ Dentro” expresses a single message — “tequila is your best friend” — with the banda version a true party starter.

“Pa’ Adentro” was penned by Infante and renowned Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Erika Vidrio.

“‘Pa’ Dentro’ is a song that was missing in my repertoire, a song that would allow me to toast with the public, and a jovial song that you can listen to with friends,” Infante says about the track. “It is a tribute to Mexican culture and our passion for tequila, things that always go hand in hand.”

The track is a preview of Infante’s upcoming EP.

Grupo Firme to Take Part in ‘Superstar Panel’ During Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Grupo Firme will be taking part in this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week.

The Regional Mexican band will take part in one of the various superstar panels during the event, which will take place on September 26-30 at Miami’s Faena Forum.

Founded by Eduin Caz in Tijuana, Mexico, in 2013, Grupo Firme — which straddles the genres of banda and norteño — is comprised of Eduin’s brother Jhonny Caz, Abraham Hernández, Joaquín Ruiz, Christian Gutiérrez, José Rubio and Dylan Camacho.

Touring titans, in 2021, the band secured a historic booking at Los Angeles’ 20,000-capacity Staples Center as the first Latin act to perform the most shows in a single calendar year at the venue with seven sold-out concerts this summer. (The only other artist who has done more in one year is Adele, with eight performances in 2016.)

Grupo Firme joins the already announced star-studded lineup that includes Romeo Santos, Camilo, Chayanne, Ivy Queen, Nicky Jam, Eslabon Armado, Bizarrap, Blessd, Yahritza Y Su Esencia, Luis R. Conriquez, Ovy on the Drums, Kunno, and The Rivera Family.

More participants will be announced in the weeks leading up to the 2022 Latin Music Week. Registration is now open at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

For 30 years, Billboard Latin Music Week has been the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world. After a sold-out 2021 edition that featured Q&As with Daddy Yankee and Karol G, as well as show-stopping performances by Anitta, Rauw Alejandro, and Natti Natasha, the event returns, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.

Billboard Latin Music Week will also coincide with the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards on Thursday, Sept. 29, in Miami. The Billboard Latin Music Awards will broadcast live on Telemundo, and will also broadcast simultaneously on the Spanish entertainment cable network, Universo, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.

Gigi Saul Guerrero to Direct Biopic About the Late Jenni Rivera

Posted on August 3, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Gigi Saul Guerrero is bringing a Mexican American icon’s life story to the big screen…

The 32-year-old Mexican Canadian filmmaker and actress will direct “Jenni,” a film about the life of the late Jenni Rivera.

The biopic, which is authorized by the late artist’s estate, will be produced by Los Angeles-based multimedia company Mucho Mas Media and De Line Pictures.

Developed by Guerrero and screenwriter Shane McKenzie, the movie follows Rivera’s rise as a Spanish singer who successfully crossed over to U.S. and global audiences, as well as her work as a women’s rights activist. She died in a plane crash in 2012 at age 43.

Rivera’s variety of banda, mariachi and norteño music made her one of the best-selling regional Mexican artists ever, with 15 gold and platinum records and top-drawing tours.

She produced multiple television series like “Chiquis & Raq-C” and “I Love Jenni,” and in 2012 she was named one of the top 25 most powerful women by People en Español. She also established charities like the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation, which supports single mothers and children who have been victims of domestic abuse.

Jenni will premiere on TelevisaUnivision’s premium streaming tier VIX+ and in select theaters throughout the U.S. and Mexico. A release date has not been announced yet.

Saul Guerrero was named by Variety in 2019 as a Latinx talent to watch. Since then, she signed a first-look deal with Blumhouse Productions after the debut of her first movie, Culture Shock.

On the acting front, she has voiced characters in “Supernatural Academy” and “Angry Birds: Summer Madness.”

Gurrero also created and directed the 2017 web horror series La Quinceañera and short film El Gigante, and she co-founded the Latin genre-focused company LuchaGore Productions.

McKenzie, a frequent collaborator of Saul Guerrero’s at LuchaGore Productions, wrote the screenplays for “El Gigante,” “La Quinceanera” and “Bingo Hell.”

Jenni Rivera Enterprises will executive produce.

“Gigi is so confident in her voice and storytelling and has an innate understanding of Jenni’s life.

Grupo Firme Signs with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Posted on July 14, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Grupo Firme is hoping to take Regional Mexican music to the global stage…

The Mexican band has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for worldwide representation in all areas.

The L.A.-based agency also signed the regional Mexican group’s indie label, Music VIP.

News of the signing comes on the heels of Grupo Firme’s stadium tour across the U.S. with stops at L.A.’s Sofi Stadium, Metlife Stadium in New York, Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium and a final stop at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for Mexican Independence Day weekend in September.

Grupo Firme — founded in Tijuana, Mexico, in 2013 — straddles the genres of banda and norteño and comprises brothers Eduin and Jhonny Caz, Abraham Hernández, Joaquín Ruiz, Christian Gutiérrez, José Rubio and Dylan Camacho.

Initially known for performing corridos, the group was catapulted into the mainstream in 2017 after signing a label and management deal with Music VIP.

Since then, the band — who won their first Latin Grammy last year with their album Nos Divertimos Logrando Lo Imposible — has achieved unprecedented success with many firsts under their belt, including making history by becoming the first banda ensemble to ever play at Coachella.

Additionally, on Billboard’s 2021 year-end Boxscore Charts, Grupo Firme landed at No. 23 in the Top 40 Tours chart after grossing $18 million from 19 shows thanks to their historic run at the Crypto.com Arena last year, when they helped relaunch the venue (then Staples Center) by playing its first concert in 513 days.

It also marked the beginning of the supergroup’s historic run at the arena with their first (of seven) full-capacity, sold-out show — making history as the Latin act to perform the most shows in a single calendar year at Staples (the only other artist who has done more is Adele, with eight in one calendar year).

Grupo Firme is managed by Isael Gutiérrez, founder of Music VIP. Management will continue to broker certain tour deals directly on their own.

Chiquis Releases New Album “Abeja Reina”

Posted on May 13, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Chiquis is ready to rule the charts…

The 36-year-old Mexican American singer has released Abeja Reina.

Chiquis’ new album, not for the faint of heart, discusses topics of love, heartbreak and female empowerment, with lyrics that (warning) can and will sting.

She opens her ultra-personal 18-track set — which includes five interludes — with a bilingual attitude-heavy intro. “There were many that didn’t believe and maybe they’ll never believe. But the difference is that today, I don’t give a f—. And today, I believe in myself. Welcome to the Abeja Reina experience.” That experience she refers to is a roller coaster of emotions as the regional singer narrates her own journey that’s filled with ups and downs. Chiquis is vulnerable yet gutsy. She’s heartbroken but optimistic.

A mostly banda album, her core sound, Chiquis also steps outside her comfort zone experimenting with cumbia, R&B and rap, which showcases her versatility.

Virlan García Earns First No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “Híbrido”

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a special first for Virlan García…

The 24-year-old Mexican singer has earned his first No. 1 on a Billboard airplay chart with “Híbrido,” as the banda-sierreño track rises 2-1 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart dated May 14.

“Híbrido” became the artist’s highest-charting hit on the list two weeks ago, when it jumped 8-3 (April 30 chart), surpassing the No. 4 peak of “Quiero Intentarlo” (February 2019). “Híbrido” is Garcia’s third top 10.

“I’m beyond happy and grateful with my team and label,” García tells Billboard. “We’ve reached the top 10, but never did I score a No. 1, so this is a great satisfaction after so many years. It’s also the result of the support of the people and I hope it’s the first of many No. 1s. I feel blessed and enthusiastic.”

García’s maiden entry on Regional Mexican Airplay arrived in June 2017 with “Cambió Mi Suerte” (No. 24 peak). His first leader lands almost five years later thanks to “Híbrido’s” 10% gain in audience impressions, to 6.6 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending May 8, according to Luminate.

“Híbrido,” released on Sony Music Latin, arrives at the summit in its 13th week, tying for the third-longest climb to No. 1 in 2022. It matches matching La Adictiva’s “Ya Sólo Eres Mi Ex” and Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga’s “Esta Vida Es Muy Bonita’s” 13-week trek.

Only two other tracks have taken longer to the hit the top this year: Calibre 50’s “Si Te Pudiera Mentir” (24 weeks) and Angela Aguilar’s “Ahí Donde Me Ven” (19 weeks). On the current chart, García evicts Aguilar’s “Ahí” which falls to No. 9 after a one-week lead.

Notably, García joins just two other acts who scored their first Regional Mexican Airplay champ in 2022: Banda Rancho Viejo de Julio Aramaburú with “Me Vale Perderte” (chart dated April 16-dated) and Maluma with “Cada Quién,” with Grupo Firme (Feb. 5-dated survey).

The norteño singer-songwriter concurrently scores his best ranking on Latin Airplay chart, dating back to his first entry in 2018 (“Mi Vida Eres Tú,” No. 24-peak), as “Híbrido” cracks the top 10 mark on all-Latin genre at No. 9.

Meanwhile, the song rises steadily on the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart (a blend of airplay, streams, and digital sales), where “Híbrido” reaches a No. 27 high mainly on the strength on its radio push.

Adriel Favela Releases Sixth Studio Album “Cosas Del Diablo”

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a devilish time for Adriel Favela.

The 29-year-old Mexican American Regional Mexican artist has released his sixth studio album Cosas Del Diablo.

It’s Favela’s first album under his recording and production deal with Fonovisa Records, owned by Universal Music Latino.

“El Bo,” an infectious corrido-meets-norteño fusion with Sonora-based artist El Bala, was the first single off the album, his first LP release in four years.

On “Oveja Negra,” Favela pens honest and raw lyrics, attesting “I’m no Saint, I don’t like to play, and even though I’m not a bad person, I’m the Devil’s son.”

Corridos and melodious requintos have characterized Favela’s career throughout the years, but in Cosas del Diablo, he also includes catchy Banda tunes “Ray02” and “Bayo 17” with Luis R. Conriquez, and flaunts his vulnerability in heartfelt songs “Lagrimas de Miel” and “Lunes.”

“Corridos do not necessarily talk about negative things, on the contrary,” Favela previously said to Billboard. “My songs are corridos that talk about people’s battles and who have grown as a person.”

Prior to releasing his 15-track set, Favela dropped his Carin Leon-assisted single “Con Un Botecito A Pecho,” a country-tinged mariachi anthem for those who are finally getting over a breakup.

In the track, both artists sing about going out and drinking because they are happy and convinced that they will not get back with their ex.

El Fantasma Releases New Single “Fuera De Servicio”

Posted on February 26, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

El Fantasma is out of service…

The 32-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has released his new banda anthem “Fuera De Servicio.”

Penned by Luciano Luna and Tony Montoya, the attitude-heavy corrido narrates El Fantasma’s return to the forefront after a few obstacles challenged him along the way.

“I struggled, but don’t worry, I know you’ll be there for me just how you had said back when I lend you a helping hand,” he sings. “My good luck has returned in case you want to come say hello again.”

The track is powered by traditional Sinaloan band brass instruments that provide a canvas to El Fantasma’s emboldened lyrics.

Bad Bunny Wins Six Premio Lo Nuestro Awards, Including Artist of the Year

Posted on February 25, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is celebrating a big night…

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican Grammy-winning rapper proved to be the big winner at this year’s Premio Lo Nuestro.

Bad Bunny, who wasn’t present at the awards show, won six trophies, including artist of the year, album of the year for El Último Tour Del Mundo, and The Perfect Mix of the Year for “Volví,” his collaboration with Aventura.

The “Yo Perreo Sola” singer was followed by Calibre 50, Camilo, CNCO, Grupo Firme, Karol G, and J Balvin with three wins each.

Winners for Premio Lo Nuestro, which aired live on Univision, are selected by fans, who choose from a list of finalists provided by the network.

Special awards were given to Paulina Rubio (“Premio a la Trayectoria”), Maluma (“Ídolo Global”) and Farruko (“Premio Lo Nuestro a la Excelencia Urbana”).

Maluma made an appearance with a message of optimism for Colombia, delivered alongside buddies Blssd, and Kapla y Miky, who all wore t-shirts that said “Medallo en el mapa. +Música, – violencia”

But the evening’s show-stopper was Farruko, who recently announced his embracement of Christianity and performed an emotional medley with fellow believers Pedro Capó and O’Neill, backed by a string orchestra and gospel choir and with motivational speaker Daniel Habif augmenting the message.

It was Habif who introduced Farruko’s four children onstage to give their dad his award. Tears flowed from everyone onstage as Farruko said: “The glory I give to God. Love your fellow man, love your enemy, forgive, be forgiven and have compassion others.”

Calibre 50 won Regional Mexican norteña and Mariachi song of the year, while Camilo won artist of the year, pop and pop/ballad and tropical song of the year. CNCO won pop song, album and group of the year while Grupo Firme took home Regional Mexican group of the year, Banda song of the year and Regional Mexican album of the year. J Balvin won crossover collaboration of the year, urban collaboration of the year and pop/urban song of the year.

And Karol G won song of the year, urban song of the year and urban female artist of the year.

Here’s a look at all the winners:

General

Lo Nuestro Award Artist of the Year: Bad Bunny
Album of the Year: “El Último Tour Del Mundo”, Bad Bunny
Song of the Year: “Bichota”, Karol G
Female Revelation Artist: Ángela Aguilar
Male Revelation Artist: El Alfa
Remix of the Year: “Ayer Me Llamó Mi Ex (Remix)”, Khea, Natti Natasha and Prince Royce with Lenny Santos
Crossover Collaboration of the Year: “In Da Getto”, J Balvin and Skrillex
The Perfect Mix of the Year: “Volví”, Aventura and Bad Bunny
DJ of the Year: DJ Adoni

Pop

Solo Artist of the Year – Pop: Camilo
Song of the Year – Pop: “Tan Enamorados”, CNCO
Collaboration of the Year – Pop: “Pareja del Año”, Sebastián Yatra and Myke Towers
Song of the Year – Pop/Urban: “Qué Más Pues?, J Balvin and María Becerra
Song of the Year – Pop-Urban/Dance: “Pepas”, Farruko.
Song of the Year – Pop/Ballad: “Amén”, Ricardo Montaner, Mau y Ricky, Camilo and Evaluna Montaner
Group or Duo of the Year – Pop: CNCO
Album of the Year – Pop: “Déjà vu”, CNCO

Urban

Male Artist of the Year – Urban: Bad Bunny
Female Artist of the Year – Urban: Karol G
Song of the Year – Urban: “Bichota”, Karol G
Collaboration of the Year – Urban: “AM Remix”, Nio García, J Balvin and Bad Bunny
Album of the Year – Urban: “El Último Tour Del Mundo”, Bad Bunny

Regional Mexican

Artist of the Year – Regional Mexican: Christian Nodal
Song of the Year – Regional Mexican: “A la antigüita”, Calibre 50
Collaboration of the Year – Regional Mexican: “Botella Tras Botella”, Gera MX and Christian Nodal
Group or Duo of the Year – Mexican Regional: Grupo Firme.
Norteño Song of the Year – Regional Mexican: “Te Volvería A Elegir”, Calibre 50
Band Song of the Year – Regional Mexican: “El Toxico”, Grupo Firme and Carin León
Mariachi/Ranchera Song of the Year – Regional Mexican: “100 Años”, Carlos Rivera, Maluma and Caliber 50
Sierreña Song of the Year – Regional Mexican: “Ya Me Enteré”, Chayín Rubio
Cumbia Song of the Year – Regional Mexican: “Cumbia a la gente”, Guaynaa and Los Ángeles Azules
Album of the Year – Regional Mexican: “Nos Divertimos Logrando Lo Imposible”, Grupo Firme

Tropical

Artist of the Year – Tropical: Romeo Santos
Song of the Year – Tropical: “Bebé”, Camilo and El Alfa
Collaboration of the Year – Tropical: “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta”, Daddy Yankee and Marc Anthony.

Misc.

Lo Nuestro Award for Lifetime Achievement: Paulina Rubio
Global Idol Award: Maluma
Urban Excellence Award: Farruko

The winners were chosen by fan voting on the website.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

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