Ana Bárbara Becomes First Regional Mexican Songwriter to Receive BMI Icon Award

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ana Bárbara is celebrating a history-making win…

The 52-year-old Mexican singer, actress, television personality and model became the first regional Mexican songwriter to ever receive a BMI Icon Award.

Ana Barbara received the award at the BMI Latin Awards, which took place on March 21 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles.

“As an iconic female Regional Mexican artist, whose body of work continues to be an indomitable inspiration for the creative community, we’re thrilled to name Ana Bárbara a BMI Icon,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “Dubbed as La Reina Grupera, she has forged a career that spans decades. Her artistic achievements have paved the way for the next generation of female songwriters in the genre and earned the respect of the industry at large as one of the most groundbreaking songwriters of all time. For that, we salute Ana as a true icon and look forward to celebrating all our top music creators behind some of today’s most-performed Latin songs.”

The “Bandido” singer joins an elite group of artists who have received BMI’s highest honor including Carlos Santana, Gloria Estefan, Juan Luis Guerra, Los Tigres Del Norte and Los Lobos, among others. Throughout her 30-year career — which she kicked off in the early ’90s with her self-titled debut album in 1994 — Ana Bárbara has a total of 16 entries on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs, four of those are top 10 hits including “La Trampa” and “Me Asusta Pero Me Gusta.” On the Regional Mexican Airplay tally, she’s entered 21 songs, five of which hit the top 10.

Edgar Barrera, the prolific songwriter who seamlessly navigates between genres, was given the first ever Impact award for his remarkable presence and influence across the charts of many genres.

The evening — hosted by BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Latin Jesus Gonzalez — was also evening of encores. Tainy won the contemporary songwriter of the year award for the second year in a row, and Horacio Palencia also repeated his regional Mexican songwriter of the year award, this time tying with Barrera.

Sony Music Publishing, home to Tainy and Barrera, took home the contemporary Latin publisher of the year award, marking the seventh time in 10 years that it does so.

Universal Music Publishing Group won Regional Mexican publisher of the year, and the smash “Pepas” — performed by Farruko and written by Víctor Cardenas VIIC, IAMCHINO, Axel Quezada “Ghetto” and Keriel K4G Quiróz — was named contemporary Latin song of the year. “Jugaste y Sufrí” by Daniel Balderrama Espinoza won the Regional Mexican song of the year.

But the belle of the ball was undoubtedly Aba Bárbara. The Mexican singer, resplendent in a shimmering dress with a pink feathered skirt, delivered a set of her own compositions, backed by a her band and ending with “Lo Busqué,” during which she accompanied herself on guitar. The performance was a reminder of just how prolific Ana Bárbara has been in her 30-year career, placing 16 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart and 14 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart.

“Songwriting was something I didn’t always speak about,” Bárbara told Billboard earlier. “I was always shy about my songwriting, from the time I wrote [her first major hit] ‘Quise Olvidar,’ because composing wasn’t common among women. Now, I believe in all my songs, and I believe they’re all for me.”

Her inspirations, said Ana Bárbara, were the greats of Mexican music, including José Alfredo Jiménez; Joan Sebastian and Marco Antonio Solís, who both mentored her; and Ana Gabriel, also a singer and composer.

Now, Gabriel is also inspiring a new generation, as evidenced by the opening number of the night, a tribute to her music performed by young Mexican singers Adriana Ríos, Alisun Solís, Angélica Gallegos and Lupita Infante.

Tainy Named Latin Songwriter of the Year at BMI Latin Awards

Posted on March 18, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Tainy has put his write foot forward, and it’s paid off…

The winners of this year’s BMI Latin Awards have been announced, with the 32-year-old Puerto Rican record producer, songwriter and singer taking home one of the coveted prizes.

Tainy was named the Latin Songwriter of the Year for his work on nine of BMI’s most-performed Latin songs of 2021, including the chart-topping hits “Caramelo,” “Dákiti,” “La Noche de Anoche,” “La Nota,” “La Santa,” “Safaera,” “telepatía,” “Un Dia (One Day)” and “Yo Perreo Sola.”

The Regional Mexican Songwriter of the Year award went to Mexican songwriter Jesus Omar Tarazón, who penned four of BMI’s most-performed Mexican music tracks of the past year, including “Altamente Probable,” “La Casita,” “Qué Maldición” and “Somos Los Que Somos.”

Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez‘s chart-topping single “Dákiti,” penned by Tainy, Egbert Rosa “Haze” and La Paciencia, won Contemporary Latin Song of the Year.

Eslabon Armado’s “Con Tus Besos” nabbed Regional Mexican Song of the Year.

For the second year in a row, Universal Music Publishing Group secured BMI’s Latin Publisher of the Year award, with 19 of the most-performed songs — including “Bichota,” “Ignorantes,” “La Toxcica” and “Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” — among their repertoire.

During the ceremony, the legendary reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel were honored with the special BMI President’s Award for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Latin music community, which span over 20 years and continue to influence the next generation of songwriters, according to the music rights organization.

In their speech, the duo explained that “before being successful, touching the sky, we had a dream of being great in the art. Many, many times strange moments, moments we don’t understand brought us here.” Wisin continued, “I want to congratulate everyone who, one way or another, gets up every day intending to contribute to music and art because everyone of you is an important part of allowing thousands of people to live and support their families through art.”

Click here for the complete list of winners.

Wisin & Yandel to Receive BMI President’s Award

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Wisin & Yandel are getting the presidential treatment…

The iconic Puerto Rican reggaeton duo will be honored with the BMI President’s Award at the 29th Annual BMI Latin Awards, which will be held on March 15 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Wisin & Yandel will receive the honor in recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Latin music community that span over 20 years and continue to influence the next generation of songwriters, according to the music rights organization.

“Wisin & Yandel are true innovators of reggaeton and urban Latin music” Jesus Gonzalez, BMI vice president, creative, Latin, said in a statement. “Their music transcends generations and has influenced many artists across all genres, helping to propel Latin music forward. We’re thrilled to finally come together and present this distinct honor to ‘el duo de la historia,’ whose undeniable chemistry and talents have earned them legions of fans around the world.”

Since the late ’90s, Wisin & Yandel has scored a number of hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, including “Rakata,” “Ahora Es,” “Llame Pa’ Verte” and “Algo Me Gusta de Ti.”

Wisin y Yandel also brought reggaetón from an underground genre to the mainstream in collaborations with different artists, including Chris Brown, T- Pain, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Luis Fonsi and Enrique Iglesias.

The special award presented to a songwriter, composer, producer or executive who has “profoundly influenced the entertainment industry,” Wisin & Yandel join previous BMI President’s Award recipients including Carlos Vives, Gloria Trevi, Juanes, Luis Fonsi, Mario Quintero, Pitbull and Sergio George, among others.

Songwriters, publishers and administrators of the past year’s most-performed Latin songs in the United States will also be honored during the ceremony hosted by BMI president & CEO Mike O’Neill and Gonzalez. The BMI Regional Mexican Song, Songwriter, BMI Contemporary Latin Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year will also be named.

Ozuna Wins BMI Latin Awards’ Contemporary Latin Song of the Year for “Taki Taki”

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Ozuna’s Taki Taki-ing the crown…

BMI has announced the winners of its 27th annual BMI Latin Awards, including the 28-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap singer’s “Taki Taki.”

Ozuna’s smash hit collaboration with DJ Snake, Selena Gomez and Cardi B, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, was named contemporary Latin Song of the Year.

The winners were announced online after BMI canceled its March 31 awards ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other top winners include songwriter/producer Gaby Music, aka Juan Rivera Vazquez, who won contemporary Latin songwriter of the year for “Taki Taki,” sharing the honor with Ozuna, Dimelo Vi‘s Vicente Saavedra and Jorden “Pardison Fontaine” Thorpe.

Christian Nodal‘s “No Te Contaron Mal,” penned by Edgar Barrera, was named regional Mexican song of the year. The track spent 38 weeks atop Billboard’s Regional Mexican Songs chart.

The regional Mexican songwriter of the year award went to Geovani Cabrera for “A Través Del Vaso,” “El Lujo De Tenerte,” “Segunda Opción” and “Te Darán Ganas De Verme,” bringing his career total to 12 BMI Latin Awards.

The BMI Latin publisher of the year award, for the fifth year in a row, went to Sony/ATV Music Publishing with 16 of the most-performed songs, including “Taki Taki,” “Ambiente,” “Amigos Con Derechos,” among others.

“Music is more important than ever in times like these, and we are extremely proud to honor the Latin songwriters behind the year’s most-performed songs,” said Mike O’Neill, president and CEO of BMI. “From Regional Mexican to Contemporary Latin, the diversity and creativity of this genre are limitless, and we are thrilled to celebrate the artistry that goes into creating the best in Latin music today. We look forward to celebrating with everyone in person at next year’s ceremony.”

Wisin & Yandel, who were slated to receive BMI’s president’s award this year, will now be honored at the 2021 BMI Latin Awards.

Click here to see the complete list of winners.

Ozuna Named Contemporary Latin Songwriter of the Year at BMI Latin Awards with a Record Nine 2018 Hits

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Ozunais on Cloud Nine…

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap singer/songwriter was named the Contemporary Latin Songwriter of the Year at the 26th annual BMI Latin Awards.

Ozuna was recognizedfor writing a record-breaking nine of the most-performed Latin songs of 2018, including “Ahora Dice,” “Criminal,” “El Farsante,” “Escápate Conmigo,” “La Modelo,” “La Rompe Corazones,” “Se Preparó,” “Te Boté (Remix)” and “Tu Foto.”

Ozuna attended the night’s festivities and took the stage to accept each one of his nine awards.

Legendary Mexican singer/songwriter Mario Quinteroof Los Tucanes de Tijuana received the BMI President’s Award.

Quintero, who has seen the fortunes of his Tucanes de Tijuana ebb and rise through the years, is in the midst of a major resurgence that includes an appearance at Coachella next month. On Tuesday night, his words of appreciation were mostly to his wife.

“I have few opportunities to recognize her,” he said, admitting he was nervous. “My wife. I call her mi cielo (my heaven). Thank you, mi cielo, for giving me the freedom I need. It’s important to say that when your partner gives you too much freedom, you can make mistakes. But when you give your partner the liberty they need to grow, it’s amazing. And it’s reciprocal.”

Producer Sebastian Krys was honored with the BMI Champion Award. Krys was not only honored for his work as a producer (Elvis Costello, Alejandro Sanz, Carlos Vives, La Santa Cecilia, Luis Fonsi and Enrique Iglesias, among many others), but also for his work as a philanthropist through his Los Producersinitiative — which raises money for multiple music education initiatives — asked songwriters to “dig deeper” in a time of short attention spans.

“You create the raw material on which our culture is based,” he said. “Most of our music does not reflect our truth. I challenge each of you to speak from your truth. We cannot allow popular music to become a version of Instagram. Some people say ‘this is what the labels want’ or ‘this is what the platforms want.’ But as Henry Fordsaid, if I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses. Be bold, be brave, be real influencers.”

Other winners of the evening included J Balvin, who won Contemporary Latin Song of the Year for “Mi Gente,” and Espinoza Paz, named Regional Mexican Songwriter of the Year for his hits “Ésta Es Tu Canción,” “Las Cosas No Se Hacen Así” and “Ojalá Que Me Olvides.” Omar Robles won Regional Mexican Song of the Year for “El Color de Tus Ojos.”

Luis Fonsi Extends Worldwide Deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Posted on May 22, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Fonsi is getting an extension…

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican singer, who picked up five trophies at the Billboard Music Awards over the weekend, has extended his worldwide deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

The new agreement with Fonsi includes his global hit “Despacito,” which is now the Latin song with most wins ever at the BBMAs.

The new agreement with Fonsi, who first signed to Sony/ATV in 2005, includes recent hits “Despacito” and “Echame la Culpa.” But it also encompasses his past catalog of Spanish language hits, including “Aqui Estoy Yo,” “No Me Doy Por Vencido” and “Nada Es Para Siempre.” The deal also includes future works.

“I’m happy to continue to work with the amazing Sony/ATV family led by my longtime friend Jorge Mejia,” said Fonsi in a statement, referring to Sony/ATV’s president for Latin America and U.S. Latin. “We’ve shared some amazing moments together and I can’t wait to celebrate more.”

Added Mejia: “In my career and perhaps in the annals of Latin music, there is certainly a ‘before Despacito’ and an ‘after Despacito’. I am honored to extend our long-standing relationship with Luis Fonsi, a history-making artist, songwriter and friend.”

In addition to his most recent wins at the BBMAs, Fonsi was presented with the President’s Award at the BMI Latin Awards in Los Angeles in March.

Rivera Launches Online Mini-Series “Chiquis Confidential”

Posted on April 3, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Chiquis Rivera is so confidential…

The Mexican American daughter of the late Jenni Rivera launched an online mini-series that crashed moments after going live.

The debut of Chiquis Confidential was so strong that chiquisonline.com went down moments before the start of the four-minute premiere at 3:00 pm PT on Tuesday.

“It’s a good thing,” said Richard Bull of The Sixth House, who manages Rivera. “That’s what happens when a server gets hit that very second. Everything becomes affected.”

But Rivera’s fans didn’t need to worry because they were eventually able watch the premiere episode online.

Chiquis Confidential can be seen on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for 16 weeks. A total of 48 episodes will air and can also be seen via Twitter, Facebook and, once the series is completed, it will also live on YouTube.

Earlier this year, Rivera released “Paloma Blanca,” a banda-themed song dedicated to her mother, who died in December 2012 when her small plane crashed after a performance in Northern Mexico.

The song was also posted on the ChiquisOnline channel. Two official videos of the song combined have received about 4 million views.

At the recent BMI Latin Awards show in Las Vegas, Rivera told Billboard that she was definitely going to pursue a recording career and is actively working on a new album. The new online mini-series will chronicle the entertainer as she makes music, Bull said.

Rivera is no stranger to the spotlight as she’s had her own reality show on cable network Mun2 and in recent years has expressed interest in fashion, beauty and entertainment. In 2013, she was a guest host on ABC‘s The View, where she sat with Barbara Walters and talked about her mother, career and life.

Rivera also wrote the song for her new series, which will be heard on each episode. During the premiere episode, which is produced by Bull as well, the singer talks about why she launched the series.

“I’ve come to realize that sharing my feelings with others is helping me heal the wound that I don’t think I’ll ever completely get over, but I do want to start that process,” Rivera said.

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