Carlos Rivera Teams Up with Carlos Vives for New Vallenato Single “Te Soñé”

Carlos Rivera is calling on his tocayo on his latest single…

The 36-year-old Mexican singer has penned a heartwarming love letter to his hometown Tlaxcala, Mexico, and he’s recruited the ever-so poetic Carlos Vives to join him on “Te Soñé.”

Carlos RiveraA charming vallenato, Rivera co-wrote this track with Julio Reyes Copello, who also produces the track.

“‘Te Soñé’ is a love song to my homeland; It is the best way to tell people who I am, what my roots are,” Rivera shares in a statement.

The music video to the prideful song is as colorful as its lyrics showcasing traditional and symbolic costumes and dances that give life to the Carnival of Tlaxcala.

It’s the first single off Rivera’s forthcoming album.

Camilo Earns 10 Premio Lo Nuestro Nominations

Camilo continues making waves in the Latin Music world…

Univision has announced the nominees for the 2022 Premio Lo Nuestro awards ceremony, with the 27-year-old Colombian singer, musician and songwriter tying for the most nods with 10.

CamiloCamilo, the top winner at last year’s Latin Grammys with four wins, is tied with regional Mexican artist Christian Nodal and Colombian urban sensation J Balvin  with 10 nods each.

They are followed by Bad Bunny and Karol G with nine each, and Calibre 50Carlos RiveraFarruko, Jhay Cortez, MalumaMyke Towers, and Rauw Alejandro with eight each.

The ten artists up for the coveted Premio Lo Nuestro Artist of the Year are Ángela Aguilar, Bad Bunny, Camilo, Christian Nodal, Grupo Firme, J Balvin, Karol G, Maluma, Rauw Alejandro, and Sebastián Yatra.

Other exciting categories include album of the year, song of the year, new female artist of the year, and new male artist of the year.

Under the theme “Vive El Momento,” meant to celebrate the presence of music, Premio Lo Nuestro has added four new categories: DJ of the Year, Pop – Solo Artist of the Year, Pop-Urban/Dance Song of the Year, and The Perfect Mix of the Year.

Overall, 166 artists are honored in 35 award categories ranging from pop, urban, tropical, and regional Mexican. According to a press release, the nominees are based on “airplay on Uforia radio during the eligibility period (October 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021), as well as on streaming and the assessment of a television committee consisting of Music and Entertainment experts.”

The 34th edition of Premio Lo Nuestro will air live from Miami’s FTX Arena on Thursday, February 24 with the “Noche de Estrellas” pre-show beginning at 7:00 pm ET/PT via Univision.

Fans can vote for their favorite artists until February 7 via PremioLoNuestro.com.

Here’s the complete list of nominees:

Premio Lo Nuestro Artist Of The Year
Ángela Aguilar
Bad Bunny
Camilo
Christian Nodal
Grupo Firme
J Balvin
Karol G
Maluma
Rauw Alejandro
Sebastián Yatra

Album Of The Year
El Último Tour Del Mundo – Bad Bunny
Entre Mar Y Palmeras (Live) – Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Esta Vida Es Muy Bonita – Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Jose – J Balvin
KG0516 – Karol G
Leyendas – Carlos Rivera
Mexicana Enamorada – Ángela Aguilar
Mis Manos – Camilo
Utopia Live From Metlife Stadium – Romeo Santos
Vamos Bien – Calibre 50

Song Of The Year
Bichota – Karol G
Dákiti – Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez
De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta – Daddy Yankee & Marc Anthony
Dime Cómo Quieres – Christian Nodal & Ángela Aguilar
Fiel – Los Legendarios, Wisin & Jhay Cortez
Pepas – Farruko
Telepatía – Kali Uchis
Todo De Ti – Rauw Alejandro
Vida De Rico – Camilo
Yo Todo Lo Doy – Alfredo Olivas

New Artist Female
Ángela Aguilar
Elena Rose
Evaluna Montaner
Kali Uchis
La Ross Maria
Majo Aguilar
María Becerra
The Change
VF7
Yendry

New Artist Male
Blessd
Boza
Duki
El Alfa
El Fantasma
Feid
Khea
Los Dos Carnales
Santa Fe Klan
Tiago Pzk

Remix Of The Year
911 (Remix) – Sech & Jhay Cortez
Ayer Me Llamó Mi Ex (Remix) – Khea, Natti Natasha, Prince Royce Ft. Lenny Santos
Fiel (Remix) – Wisin, Jhay Cortez, Anuel Aa Ft. Los Legendarios & Myke Towers
La Tóxica (Remix) – Farruko, Sech, Myke Towers Ft. Jay Wheeler & Tempo
Travesuras (Remix) – Nio García, Casper Mágico, Ozuna, Myke Towers, Wisin Y Yandel & Flow La Movie

“Crossover” Collaboration Of The Year
Del Mar – Ozuna, Doja Cat & Sia
Don’t Be Shy – Tiësto & Karol G
Girl Like Me (Remix) – Black Eyed Peas, Shakira & Twocolors
In Da Getto – J Balvin & Skrillex
Kesi (Remix) – Camilo & Shawn Mendes

The Perfect Mix Of The Year
100 Años – Carlos Rivera, Maluma & Calibre 50
Antes Que Salga El Sol – Natti Natasha & Prince Royce
Botella Tras Botella – Gera Mx & Christian Nodal
Canción Bonita – Carlos Vives & Ricky Martin
Con La Falta Que Me Haces – Reik & Grupo Firme
Cumbia A La Gente – Guaynaa & Los Ángeles Azules
De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta – Daddy Yankee & Marc Anthony
Me Pasé – Enrique Iglesias Ft. Farruko
Pareja Del Año – Sebastián Yatra & Myke Towers
Volví – Aventura & Bad Bunny Category

DJ Of The Year
Agudelo 888
Deorro
DJ Adoni
DJ Cornetto
DJ Luian
DJ Nelson
Iamchino
Mariana Bo
Toy Selectah
Victor Cardenas

Pop – Solo Artist Of The Year
Camilo
Carlos Rivera
Luis Fonsi
Maluma
Mon Laferte
Ricardo Montaner
Ricky Martin
Rosalía
Sebastián Yatra
Selena Gomez

Pop – Song Of The Year
Amén – Ricardo Montaner, Mau Y Ricky, Camilo & Evaluna Montaner
Eres Mi Religión – Maná & Joy
Estar Enamorado – Carlos Rivera & Raphael
Lo Intenté Todo – Reik & Jessie Reyez
Se Nos Fue La Mano – Ednita Nazario & Luis Fonsi
Siempre He Estado Aquí – Rbd (Anahí, Christopher Von Uckermann, Maite Perroni, Christian Chávez)
Tan Enamorados – Cnco
Telepatía – Kali Uchis
Un Beso En Madrid – Tini & Alejandro Sanz
Vida De Rico – Camilo

Pop – Collaboration Of The Year
Baila Conmigo – Selena Gomez & Rauw Alejandro
Fan De Tus Fotos – Nicky Jam & Romeo Santos
Pareja Del Año – Sebastián Yatra & Myke Towers
Perfecta – Reik & Maluma
Vacío – Luis Fonsi & Rauw Alejandro

Urbano Pop-Urban – Song Of The Year
Antes Que Salga El Sol – Natti Natasha & Prince Royce
La Tóxica – Farruko
Qué Más Pues? – J Balvin & María Becerra
Sobrio – Maluma
Todo De Ti – Rauw Alejandro

Dance Pop-Urban/Dance – Song Of The Year
Don’t Be Shy – Tiësto & Karol G
In Da Getto – J Balvin & Skrillex
La Mamá De La Mamá (Remix) – El Alfa, Busta Rhymes, Anitta Ft. Wisin, Cj & El Cherry Scom
Mambo – Steve Aoki, Willy William Ft. Sean Paul, El Alfa, Sfera Ebbasta & Play-N-Skillz
Pepas – Farruko

Pop/Ballad – Song Of The Year
Amén – Ricardo Montaner, Mau Y Ricky, Camilo & Evaluna Montaner
Estar Enamorado – Carlos Rivera & Raphael
Se Nos Fue La Mano – Ednita Nazario & Luis Fonsi
Te Hubieras Ido Antes – Reik
Volaré – Nella & Pedro Capo

Pop – Group Or Duo Of The Year
Cnco
Mau Y Ricky
Morat
Piso 21
Reik

Pop – Album Of The Year
Déjà Vu – Cnco
Desamorfosis – Thalía
El Amor En Los Tiempos Del Perreo – Piso 21
El Playlist De Anoche – Tommy Torres
La Más Bella – Ednita Nazario
Leyendas – Carlos Rivera
Mis Manos – Camilo
Revelación – Selena Gomez
Rifresh – Mau Y Ricky
Sin Miedo (Del Amor Y Otros Demonios) – Kali Uchis

Urban – Male Artist Of The Year
Bad Bunny
Daddy Yankee
Farruko
J Balvin
Jhay Cortez
Justin Quiles
Myke Towers
Ozuna
Rauw Alejandro
Wisin

Urban – Female Artist Of The Year
Anitta
Becky G
Cazzu
Emilia
Farina
Karol G
María Becerra
Mariah Angeliq
Natti Natasha
Nicki Nicole

Urban – Song Of The Year
Antes – Anuel Aa & Ozuna
Ayer Me Llamó Mi Ex (Remix) – Khea, Natti Natasha, Prince Royce Ft. Lenny Santos
Bichota – Karol G
Dákiti – Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez
Fiel – Los Legendarios, Wisin & Jhay Cortez
La Nota – Manuel Turizo, Rauw Alejandro & Myke Towers
Loco – Justin Quiles, Chimbala & Zion Y Lennox
Pepas – Farruko
Problema – Daddy Yankee
Tu Veneno – J Balvin

Urban – Collaboration Of The Year
Am Remix – Nio García, J Balvin & Bad Bunny
Amor En Coma – Manuel Turizo & Maluma
Ayer Me Llamó Mi Ex (Remix) – Khea, Natti Natasha, Prince Royce Ft. Lenny Santos
Dime Dónde – Cazzu & Justin Quiles
Fulanito – Becky G & El Alfa
Antes – Anuel Aa & Ozuna
La Noche De Anoche – Bad Bunny & Rosalía
Location – Karol G, Anuel Aa & J Balvin
Mi Niña – Wisin, Los Legendarios & Myke Towers
Patria Y Vida – Yotuel, Gente De Zona, Descemer Bueno, Maykel Osorbo & El Funky

Urban – Album Of The Year
El Último Tour Del Mundo – Bad Bunny
Jose – J Balvin
KG0516 – Karol G
La 167 – Farruko
La Última Promesa – Justin Quiles
Los Favoritos 2.5 – Arcángel
Los Legendarios 001 – Los Legendarios
Nattividad – Natti Natasha
Timelezz – Jhay Cortez
Vice Versa – Rauw Alejandro

Regional Mexican – Artist Of The Year
Adrián Chaparro
Alejandro Fernández
Alfredo Olivas
Ángela Aguilar
Carin León
Christian Nodal
El Fantasma
Gerardo Ortiz
Joss Favela
Lenin Ramírez

Regional Mexican – Song Of The Year
A La Antigüita – Calibre 50
C***N Y Vago – El Fantasma & Los Dos Carnales
Como Si Yo Fuera Pastel – La Arrolladora Banda El Limón De Rene Camacho
Con Ese Corazón – La Maquinaria Norteña
Dime Cómo Quieres – Christian Nodal & Ángela Aguilar
Duele – Alejandro Fernández & Christian Nodal
Gracias – Adrián Chaparro
La Casita – Banda Ms De Sergio Lizárraga
Voy Pa’ Arriba Y Con Viada – Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Yo Todo Lo Doy – Alfredo Olivas

Regional Mexican – Collaboration Of The Year
100 Años – Carlos Rivera, Maluma & Calibre 50
Botella Tras Botella – Gera Mx & Christian Nodal
C***N Y Vago – El Fantasma & Los Dos Carnales
Duele – Alejandro Fernández & Christian Nodal
El Alumno – Joss Favela & Jessi Uribe

Regional Mexican – Group Or Duo Of The Year
Calibre 50
Banda Ms De Sergio Lizárraga
Grupo Firme
Los Dos Carnales
Banda Los Sebastianes

Norteño Song Of The Year
C***N Y Vago – El Fantasma & Los Dos Carnales
Con Ese Corazón – La Maquinaria Norteña
Nunca Supe Amarte – Intocable
Te Volvería A Elegir – Calibre 50
Yo Todo Lo Doy – Alfredo Olivas

Regional Mexican – Banda Song Of The Year
Como Si Yo Fuera Pastel – La Arrolladora Banda El Limón De Rene Camacho
El Tóxico – Grupo Firme & Carin León
Gracias – Adrián Chaparro
La Casita – Banda Ms De Sergio Lizárraga
Voy Pa’ Arriba Y Con Viada – Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga

Regional Mexican – Mariachi/Ranchera Song Of The Year
Aquí Abajo – Christian Nodal
Duele – Alejandro Fernández & Christian Nodal
Ya No Insistas Corazón – Vicente Fernández
100 Años – Carlos Rivera, Maluma & Calibre 50
Tu Amante – Yeison Jiménez

Regional Mexican – Sierreña Song Of The Year
Arrieros Somos – Grupo Los De Chiwas
Denver Ruleteamos – Javier Rosas Y Su Artillería Pesada & Los Minis De Caborca
El Buho – Luis R. Conriquez
Te Encontré – Ulices Chaidez & Eslabón Armado
Ya Me Enteré – Chayín Rubio

Regional Mexican – Cumbia Song Of The Year
Contigo – Edwin Luna Y La Trakalosa De Monterrey & Johana Rodríguez
Cumbia A La Gente – Guaynaa & Los Ángeles Azules
Llámame – Raymix
Mi Trokita Cumbia – Obzesion
Soledad – Santa Fe Klan

Regional Mexicano Regional Mexican – Album Of The Year
A Mis 80’s – Vicente Fernández
Carteles – El Fantasma
Desde Casa, En Concierto, Y Canciones Desempolvadas – Intocable
El Borracho – Los Dos Carnales
Esta Vida Es Muy Bonita – Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Hoy Que Te Pierdo – Kikin Y Los Astros
Llegando Al Rancho – Joss Favela
Mexicana Enamorada – Ángela Aguilar
Nos Divertimos Logrando Lo Imposible – Grupo Firme
Vamos Bien – Calibre 50

Tropical – Artist Of The Year
Carlos Vives
Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
La India
Luis Figueroa
Marc Anthony
Milly Quezada
Olga Tañón
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos
Víctor Manuelle

Tropical – Song Of The Year
Bebé – Camilo & El Alfa
Canción Bonita – Carlos Vives & Ricky Martin
Cómo Olvidar – Olga Tañón & Jay Wheeler
De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta – Daddy Yankee & Marc Anthony
Dios Así Lo Quiso – Ricardo Montaner & Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Hasta El Sol De Hoy – Luis Figueroa
Lotería – Prince Royce
Tengo Un Dios – Silvestre Dangond
Un Amor Eterno – Marc Anthony
Víctimas Las Dos – Víctor Manuelle & La India

Tropical – Collaboration Of The Year
Búscame – Kany García & Carlos Vives
De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta – Daddy Yankee & Marc Anthony
Lo Veo Y No Lo Creo – Willy García & Gilberto Santa Rosa
Señor Juez – Ozuna & Anthony Santos
Víctimas Las Dos – Víctor Manuelle & La India

Edén Muñoz Leaving Calibre 50 to Launch Solo Career

Edén Muñoz is re-Calibre-ating his career…

The Mexican singer and accordionist is leaving Calibre 50 after 12 years to launch his solo career.

Edén Muñoz

Lizos Music announced the move in a statement this week the frontman of the norteño band has also signed a record and management deal with the indie label and management company spearheaded by Sergio Lizárraga.

Lizos Music is also home to artists like Banda MS and Natalia Jiménez.

Muñoz founded Calibre 50 in 2010, and the group quickly become known for its norteño sound via anthems like “El Inmigrante” and “A La Antiguita,” placing seven No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart. Their most recent album, Vamos Bien, peaked at No. 8 on the tally dated September 11.

Earlier in January, the group scored its 21st No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart (dated January 22) with their Marco Antonio Solís cover “Si Te Puediera Mentir.”

With 21 leaders on the group’s account, the band from Sinaloa extends its record for the most No. 1 since Regional Mexican Airplay launched in 1994.

As a songwriter, Muñoz has penned most of Calibre 50’s repertoire, and has also written chart-topping hits for Alejandro Fernández, Pepe Aguilar, Yuridia, Banda MS and Carlos Rivera, among many others.

Last year, Muñoz was named songwriter of the year at the annual 2021 SESAC Latin Music Awards. He won songwriter of the year in the regional Mexican category for the second time for songs penned both for Calibre 50 (“Barquillero,” “Solo Tú”) and for other groups, including Banda MS (“Cerrando Ciclos”) and Banda Carnaval (“Esta Vez Soy Yo”). Muñoz’s publisher, Dulce María Music, won publisher of the year, Regional Mexican.

According to the press release, 2022 will be a “year that will mark the beginning of a very productive era for both Muñoz and Lizos.”

“I feel alive again. I feel like I’ve escaped monotony. I’m motivated now that I have creative freedom,” says Muñoz of his decision to go solo.

His upcoming new solo single “Chale” is due out on February 18.

Carlos Rivera Releases New Album “Leyendas,” Featuring Duets with Iconic Singers

Carlos Rivera is celebrating for a legendary moment…

The 35-year-old Mexican singer has released his new album Leyendas, in which he shows off his young spirit and classic heart.

Carlos Rivera

On the album, Rivera duets with older, iconic singers on some of their best-known tracks.

From Roberto Carlos’ “Un Millón de Amigos” to José Luis Rodríguez’s “Agárrense de Las Manos,” Rivera traverses the Latin American songbook with the care of someone who grew up admiring, and finally emulating, the voices and personalities that defined Latin pop in the ’70s and ’80s.

These are big arrangements, big strings, big voices, big productions, and it’s a reminder of another face of Latin music.

Rivera took great care to curate the songs by artists who’ve passed: The set includes Rocío Dúrcal’s  “Amor Eterno” and José José’s “Amor, Amor,” both recorded from existing tracks.

The most poignant inclusion is Armando Manzanero’s “Todavía,” which Rivera was actually able to record live with Manzanero during the pandemic, just a few months before his death.

It’s a reminder that there’s no reason to wait to celebrate greatness.

Anitta to Perform at This Year’s Latin American Music Awards

Anitta will be bringing the heat to the Latin AMAs

Telemundo has announced the second wave of performers to take center stage at the 2021 Latin American Music Awards next month, with the 27-year-old Brazilian singer/songwriter making the list.

Anitta

Anitta joins a roster of new additions to the lineup that includes Carrie Underwood, Juanes, Manuel Turizo, Pitbull, Ricky Martin, Wisin, Yandel, Ziggy Marley, Alaina Castillo, Cami, Carlos Rivera, Juhn, Mariah Angeliq, Natanael Cano, Sofía Reyes and Yendry.

Underwood will join David Bisbal for their first-ever television performance of “Tears of Gold,” Ricky and Carlos Vives, as well as Ziggy and Maluma, will present their upcoming collaborations, Juanes will serenade fans with a new song from his soon-to-be-released album, and Karol G will take the stage with Mariah Angeliq for an exclusive TV premiere, to name a few.

They join the first wave of performers, which included Ana Bárbara, Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga, Camilo, Carlos Vives, Bisbal, Eslabon Armado, Gerardo Ortiz, Joss Favela, Karol G, Los Dos Carnales, Maluma, Myke Towers, Nicky Jam, Piso 21 and a special tribute to the late Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Joan “El Poeta del Pueblo” Sebastian.

Following safety protocols to protect the health and safety of all involved, the 2021 awards show will honor some of the most influential Latin artists of today, as voted by fans in 25 categories including pop, urban, tropical, regional Mexican, and the newly added favorite virtual concert.

The 2021 Latin AMAs, hosted by actress Jacqueline Bracamontes, will air at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, April 15, from the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, via Telemundo and will broadcast simultaneously on Universo and throughout the Americas on Telemundo Internacional.

Paulina Rubio to Appear in Season Two of HBO Max/HBO Latino’s “A Tiny Audience” Concert Series

Paulina Rubio is preparing for a tiny moment…

HBO’s second season of A Tiny Audience is set to debut on Friday, March 19 on HBO Max and HBO Latino, with the 49-year-old singer/songwriter among the artists featured.

Paulina Rubio

In addition to Rubio, known as the Queen of Latin Pop, the 16-episode run will include sets by chart-topping Latin artists like Carlos VivesLauren Jauregui, Pedro Capó and Kany García, among others.

A Tiny Audience‘s second season will kick off with rising Puerto Rican reggaeton and trap artist Lunay who will perform acoustic versions of his hit tracks “Soltera,” ‘Relaciones,” and “Aventuras.”

The concert series will wrap with a special tribute in honor of iconic Mexican singer and songwriter Juan Gabriel featuring Justin QuilesNatalia JiménezCarlos Rivera and Cabas performing their favorite JuanGa songs.

The second season was “filmed inside an NBA-style bubble in Miami with a COVID-safe live audience.” The bubble included roughly 150 people composed of select audience members, crew and artists who “underwent extensive quarantining and rigorous testing prior to entering the bubble and throughout the two-week production.” The team executed 17, half-hour specials, and “did not report a single case of COVID-19,” the release added.

New episodes will premiere every Friday on HBO Max and HBO Latino. Season one of HBO Presents: A Tiny Audience is available for streaming now on HBO Max.

Carlos Rivera Releases “100 Años” Remix Featuring Maluma & Calibre 50

Carlos Rivera is (re)mixing things up…

After surprising fans with his Maluma-assisted “100 Años” last fall, the 34-year-old Mexican singer has recruited Regional Mexican group Calibre 50 for an epic remix.

Carlos Rivera

The remix dropped last weekend, just about three months after the original’s premiere on November 19, 2020.

Ay doloooor!! Bring out the tequilas!!!!” Rivera expressed on social media.

The original song showcases Rivera and Maluma pouring their hearts out to the mariachi melodies.

On the remix, Calibre 50, led by frontman and accordionist Edén Muñoz, gives the track a norteño-banda twist.

The lyrics to the song — co-written by Rivera, Maluma, Muñoz, Édgar Barrera, and Vicente Barco — express a relationship worth salvaging: “Though it’s said that nothing bad lasts 100 years, I wouldn’t want to be the first idiot to be the exception / A love like ours doesn’t come along every day, a love like ours is worth saving.”

The original music video, which features Rivera and the Colombian star, currently has over 48 million views. The remix was released with a lyric video representing the colors of the Mexican flag: green, white, and red.

Maluma to Perform at This Year’s Premio Lo Nuestro Awards Show

Maluma is bringing a taste of Jamaica to this year’s Premio Lo Nuestro

The 27-year-old Colombian superstar is set to premiere hits from his surprise new album 7 Días en Jamaica during the awards show on February 18.

Maluma

Meanwhile, Marc Anthony and Daddy Yankee will perform their new hit, “De Vuelta Pa La Vuelta.”

The three stars are the latest performers announced for the first Latin music award show of the year, which will air on Univision.

Other performers announced include Mexican star Carlos Rivera, who will perform “100 Años” alongside Maluma. And in a first, the entire Montaner family – Evaluna, Mau y Ricky and dad Ricardo Montaner — will be joined by Camilo (who is married to Evaluna Montaner) to perform “Amén,” which was released during the holidays.

Regional Mexican rising star Lenin Ramírez will also perform alongside Grupo Firme, as will Chesca; with Prince Royce taking the stage alongside Natti Natasha. The latter will sing their hit “Antes que salga el sol” together on television for the first time.

They join previously announced performers Los Ángeles Azules, Anuel AA, CNCO, Ozuna and Gloria Trevi.

Premios Lo Nuestro will air on Univision on February 18, live from the AmericanAirlines Arena.

Natalia Jiménez Signs with Sergio Lizárraga’s Management & Booking Company LM Events

Natalia Jiménez has new representation…

The 39-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter, who is beloved in Mexico, has signed a management and booking deal with LM Events, the management and booking company headed by Banda MS manager and founder Sergio Lizárraga, according to Billboard.

Natalia Jiménez

The move marks the first time in recent memory that such a prominent pop act enters a management agreement with a company that specializes in the Regional Mexican market. The deal underscores how fluid and collaborative genres have become in Latin music, with the former demarcated lines between sounds and formats, and now business, increasingly fading.

“He [Lizárraga] has been a pioneer of the genre with Banda MS, taking them to international success, and he’s proven his mettle by remaining relevant in a very difficult industry,” Jiménez tells Billboard. “I think it’s a fascinating challenge and I’m 100% vested in this pairing.”

Jiménez rose to prominence as the lead singer of hit Spanish pop group La Quinta Estación. Since launching her solo career in 2011, she’s placed three albums on the top 10 of Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart and six songs on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including No. 1 “Lo mejor de mi vida eres tú” with Ricky Martin.

And for the past decade, Lizárraga’s Banda MS has been one of the top groups in Latin music, in any genre, with 19 top-10 hits on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart.  They are also Mexico’s top-touring banda act and ended 2018 as the country’s most streamed act on Spotify. Last year, the band made history by pairing up with Snoop Dogg in the hit track “Que Maldición.” The fusion track marked the first time a major Mexican banda collaborated with a major American rap act, and landed both acts their first top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs track.

However, signing Jiménez or bridging pop and Mexican music, wasn’t something that Lizárraga was actively looking for. He and Jiménez met in 2019 when the singer and the group recorded a new version of “El Color de Tus Ojos,” a Banda MS hit, as part of Jiménez’s album México de mi Corazón, an homage to Mexican music that featured prominent acts from different genres.

Jiménez wanted to record the track with the full band, so Lizárraga invited her to their home base of Mazatlán to record in his studio. There was a feeling of mutual respect, and last year, Jiménez called Lizárraga and asked if he’d be interested in handling her. “I was surprised at first; I wasn’t sure whether to take her seriously,” says Lizárraga. “Then, we met and I took it very seriously indeed. I know it’s a different genre, but in the end, it’s the music business and a lot of things overlap.”

Lizárraga is widely seen as one of Mexican music’s most successful executives. He helms Banda MS’s label, Lizos Music, launched in 2013, and also opened up LM Events as a management and booking subsidiary for the band and other groups.

“We have a lot of plans [with Natalia],” he says. “I have great songwriters in my team, and she can sing rancheras, mariachis, ballads, which is our expertise. I’m giving her a huge team to work with, in every department, and I’m bringing my honesty, which is flag. Finally, I plan to devote myself entirely to her new music.” Jiménez’s upcoming album is México de Mi Corazón 2, which will be produced by Armando Ávila, who worked on the first set.

She continues to be signed to Sony Music Latin, which also has a close relationship with Banda MS; the label was in charge of distributing and marketing the Snoop Dogg collaboration.

“This is a new and fascinating direction for me, particularly because regional Mexican music is the genre I’m most enjoying right now,” said Jiménez. “This is a woman who, musically speaking can sing anything, in any genre. I definitely feel the pressure,” laughs Lizárraga. “But I like a good challenge.”

Jiménez was previously signed to Westwood Entertainment, the company that manages Carlos Rivera and Reik, among others.

Maluma & Carlos Rivera Pair Up for the Mariachi Ballad “100 Años”

Maluma is switchin’ genres…

The 26-year-old Colombian singer has joined voices with Carlos Rivera for a stripped-down mariachi ballad titled “100 Años,” produced by Edgar Barrera.

Carlos Rivera & Maluma

Maluma and the Mexican singer-songwriter’s unprecedented and emotional collaboration promises to be the next breakup anthem.

While it may bear a similar title to Mexican icon Pedro Infante’s “100 Años, ” Maluma and Rivera’s collaboration is a completely new song that they wrote with hitmaker Barrera and Vicente Barco.

“This song is an encounter between two friends who called a mariachi, and after a pair of tequila shots wanted to sing ranchera music, ” Rivera said in a statement.

“100 Años” may appear to be Maluma’s first stab at regional Mexican music, but he took on the genre in 2014 on “La Invitación” with his compatriot Pipe Bueno.

While “La Invitación” was a fusion of regional Mexican music and reggaeton, Maluma goes full mariachi singer on his take on “100 Años” and digs deep to capture the emotion of their heartfelt lyrics.