El Fantasma Earns Fifth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “La Vida Cara”

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Make that five chart-toppers for El Fantasma…

The 33-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has captured his fifth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “La Vida Cara” crowns the list dated September 9.

The single rises to the summit after a 13% gain in audience impressions, to 6.8 million, earned in the U.S. during the Aug. 25-31 tracking week, according to Luminate.

‘La Vida Cara” ascends 4-1 in its ninth week and unseats Carin León’s “Indispensable” from its three-week domination; the song dips 1-2.

El Fantasma scores his fifth No. 1 after coming short on his last appearance.

Previously, “El Selectivo” reached No. 2 in April, where it held for three weeks.

Prior, “Soldado Caído” lifted 3-1 in Oct. 2022.

With his fifth champ, El Fantasma becomes the sixth male artist with as many No. 1s on Regional Mexican Airplay since the list launched in 1994. Christian Nodal leads with 15. Here’s the recap:

15, Christian Nodal
12, Gerardo Ortiz
8, Marco Antonio Solis
7, Vicente Fernández
6, Alejandro Fernández
5, El Fantasma

Notably, as “La Vida Cara” lands at No. 1, collaborators Salvador Hurtado and Indalfer Ochoa, who share writing credits, achieve their first champ on any Latin radio list. H

urtado previously landed in the runner-up slot when La Fiera De Ojinaga’s “900 Cigarros” peaked at No. 2 on the Aug. 26-dated list.

Beyond its Regional Mexican Airplay coronation, “La Vida Cara” gifts El Fantasma his ninth top 10 on the overall Latin Airplay chart as the song climbs 15-5.

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

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

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.”

After 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.

El Fantasma Logs Fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “El Soldado Caído”

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

El Fantasma is soldiering forward…

The 32-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has earned his fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “El Soldado Caído” takes over atop the October 1-dated list.

“El Soldado Caído” jumps 3-1 and sends Los Rieleros del Norte’s “Cuéntame” to No. 2 after one week atop the list.

El Fantasma earns the Greatest Gainer honors of the week thanks to its 32% increase in audience impressions, to 6.5 million, in the U.S. in the week ending September 25, according to Luminate.

El Fantasma’s new No. 1, released July 1st via Afinarte, arrives a year after the Mexican scored his third leader through a collaboration with Pepe Aguilar: “Tus Desprecios” ruled for one week in September 2021.

Plus, with “El Soldado Caído’s” coronation on Regional Mexican Airplay, Afinarte adds a new No. 1 to its scoreboard on the 27-year-old list. It’s the label’s first champ in almost a year since it took over atop with Los Dos Carnales’ “Yo Soy Rico” for one week in November 2021.

Here’s a recap of Afinarte’s champs on Regional Mexican Airplay:

Dec. 27, 2014, “Levantando Polvadera,” Voz De Mando, (7 weeks At No.1)
June 1, 2019, “Encantadora,” El Fantasma, (4 weeks At No.1)
Sept. 5, 2020, “El Envidioso,” Los Dos Carnales
Aug. 14, 2021, “Soy Buen Amigo,” El Fantasma,
Nov. 20, 2021, “Yo Soy Rico,” Los Dos Carnales
Oct. 1, “Soldado Caído,” El Fantasma

Elsewhere. “El Soldado Caído” pushes to the top 10 on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart, with a 13-9 climb — El Fantasma’s seventh top 10 there.

El Fantasma to Help Kick Off Latin Recording Academy’s 2022 Latin Grammy Acoustic Sessions

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

El Fantasma is going acoustic…

The Latin Recording Academy has announced plans to kick off the 2022 Latin Grammy Acoustic Sessions later this month with a star-studded Regional Mexican lineup that includes the 32-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter.

This year’s series, presented in partnership with Meta, will showcase two digital concerts filmed in Mexico City and São Paulo, where the artists will perform renditions of their personal favorite songs with surprising collaborations and storytelling, at remarkable settings.

The first concert, recorded at the Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral in Mexico City, features performances by former Latin Grammy nominees El Fantasma and Lupita Infante, as well as Latin Grammy winners Los Dos Carnales. A digital concert from São Paulo will later premiere with more artists to be announced.

“Through our Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions, we aim to foster inclusive spaces where music creators can feature their craft, inspiring cultural appreciation, promotion, and preservation of their respective genres,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy in a press statement. “With so much new energy in

the Mexican Regional genre, I’m thrilled that we are able to start the series with some of the new generations of talented artists.”

El Fantasma added: “It is an honor for me to get the chance to perform in this first-ever acoustic session focused on Regional Mexican music and to bring my culture and my country’s musical traditions to a global audience. The Latin Academy represents so much—respect, excellence, and the preservation and continued advancement of Latin music—and this is an experience that I will never forget.”

Fans can watch the full acoustic performances of Fantasma, Carnales and Lupita at 9:00 am ET on July 22 via The Latin Recording Academy Facebook page, where it will be available for 48 hours. The performance videos will also be available on the artists’ Facebook pages for 90 days.

The Latin Grammy Acoustic Sessions began six years ago to promote the new generation of up-and-coming talent focusing on diversity and equity within each genre. In 2020, they added a digital franchise, providing access to Latin musical excellence globally.

Carla Morrison Among Artists Confirmed for Season 3 of HBO’s “HBO Latino Presents: A Tiny Audience”

Posted on April 3, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Carla Morrison is preparing for her Tiny moment…

A Tiny Audience is unveiling its season 3 lineup, with the 35-year-old Mexican indie-pop singer and composer among the participating artists.

Presented by HBO Latino, the series features intimate live specials with some of Latin music’s hottest acts, including Paulina Rubio in season 2, where the artist is filmed in a live and unfiltered way, revealing a personal secret to the small audience and performing songs that are meaningful to them.

In its new season, HBO Latino Presents: A Tiny Audience will present Morrison, Danna Paola, Jessie Reyez, Justin Quiles, La India, Mike Bahia, Ximena Sariñana, Jay Wheeler, Becky G, Zion y Lennox, Robin Thicke, Manuel Medrano, Leslie Grace, Guaynaa, El Fantasma, Aleks Syntek and a tribute to Celia Cruz.

Season 3 premieres on April 22 on HBO/HBO Max in the U.S. and DirecTV/DirecTV GO in Latin America.

Camilo Teaming Up with Grupo Firme for New Collaboration

Posted on February 27, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Camilo has firmed up his next collaboration…

The 27-year-old Colombian singer, musician and songwriter was spotted hanging out with Grupo Firme at a recording studio earlier this week.

Grupo Firme spilled some details to Billboard on the Premio Lo Nuestro red carpet.

“I don’t know if I can say much, but we made a really good collaboration,” vocalist Eduin Caz said, adding that Edgar Barrera composed the song. “The song came out great, but soon we’ll reveal more information and when it’s coming.”

Backstage at the media center, Camilo admitted to being a faithful Grupo Firme fan and always listening to their music at home.

“Them, and El Fantasma, is what I mostly listen to,” he said. “I had a lot of desire to work with them. The energy at the studio is mutual, and we always have a good time. I love what they represent.”

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.

Los Dos Carnales Top Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “Yo Soy Rico”

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a rich time for Los Dos Carnales…

The Mexican norteño group, founded by brothers Poncho Jr. and Imanol Quezada, take over the top spot on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “Yo Soy Rico” lifts 3-1 on the November 20-dated chart.

The Quezada brothers capture their second leader and take the Greatest Gainer honor of the week thanks to a 49% gain in audience impressions, to 9.6 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending November 14, according to MRC Data.

“’Yo Soy Rico’ has a special space in our repertoire; it’s a song that speaks about human prosperity, of how fortunate we are to have our family,” Imanol tells Billboard.

“Yo Soy Rico” follows Los Dos Carnales’ only other Regional Mexican Airplay leader: “El Envidioso” (September 5, 2020-dated list).

In between the brothers have placed two other top 10s: “Cabrón y Vago,” with El Fantasma (No. 7, ranking dated February 13) and “La Tóxica” (No. 3, July 17-dated survey).

“Yo Soy Rico’s” Regional Mexican Airplay success arrives a week after it vaulted at No. 10 on the overall Latin Airplay tally, where it rallies 10-2 on the current chart. It’s their first top 10 on the list.

It’s the week’s largest improvement among all of the 50-deep title chart.

Over on the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart (a blend of airplay, digital sales and streams), “Rico” pushes 35-26 thanks to its radio gains, despite a 1% dip in streams.

Grupo Firme Win Five Awards at Premios de la Radio

Posted on November 12, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Grupo Firme is celebrating their La Radio success…

The 2021 Premios de la Radio have been announced, with the Regional Mexican group topping the list of winners.

Taking place at Mexico City’s Foro Expo Santa Fe with a star-studded lineup of presenters, performers and nominees, the awards recognize the best of Regional Mexican music.

During the nearly four-hour ceremony, 16 awards — voted on by fans — were presented live, with Grupo Firme leading the winners list and taking home a total of five awards. The banda-norteño group won artist of the year, norteño group of the year, banda song of the year for “Ya Supérame,” Latin pride award and collaboration of the year thanks to “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo” with Lenin Ramírez.

Other big winners include Ángela Aguilar, who won three awards, including female artist of the year, and El Fantasma, who nabbed male artist of the year and norteña song of the year for “Cabrón y Vago” featuring Los Dos Carnales.

The ceremony featured performances by Grupo Firme, who was joined by Carin Leon and Ramírez onstage for a medley of their tracks “El Tóxico” and “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo.” Aguilar took the spotlight for showstopping performances of “Ahi Donde Me Ven” and “En Realidad.”

Additionally, various tributes took place, including a heartfelt homage honoring Vicente Fernández‘s legacy, which included performances by Grupo Firme’s Eduin Caz, Alan and Walo of Banda MS, Leon, Natalia Jimenez, Leonardo Aguilar and Aída Cuevas.

Here’s the complete winners list:

Artist of the Year:
Grupo Firme

Male Artist of the Year:
El Fantasma

Female Artist of the Year:
Ángela Aguilar

Banda of the Year:
Banda MS

Norteño Group of the Year:
Grupo Firme

Sierreño Group or Soloist of the Year:
Carin Leon

Banda Song of the Year:
“Ya Supérame” – Grupo Firme

Mariachi Song of the Year:
“Dime cómo quieres” – Ángela Aguilar ft Christian Nodal

Norteña Song of the Year:
“Cabrón y Vago” – El Fantasma ft Los Dos Carnales

Sierreña Song of the Year:
“Ya Acabó” – Marca MP

Regional Urban Song of the Year:
“Grandes Ligas” – Lupillo Rivera, Alemán, Santa Fe Klan, B-Real ft Snoop Dogg

Corrido of the Year:
“El Perro “ – Gerardo Ortiz

Collaboration of the Year:
“Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo” – Lenin Ramírez ft Grupo Firme

New Artist of the Year:
Junior H

Latin Pride Award:
Ángela Aguilar
Grupo Firme

Tribute to the Greatest of Mexico:
Vicente Fernández
Pepe Aguilar
Aída Cuevas

Manager of the Year (Promoters Association):
Isael Gutiérrez, Grupo Firme

El Fantasma Notches Second No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “Soy Buen Amigo”

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

El Fantasma is back on top…

The 31-year-old Mexican regional singer and songwriter, who’s real name is Alexander Garcia, returns to No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart dated August 14 for only the second time in his career, as his latest single, “Soy Buen Amigo,” rises 2-1.

The song reaches the summit on the strength of 7.7 million radio airplay audience impressions earned in the tracking week ending August 8, according to MRC Data.

El Fantasma first hit No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay in 2019 with “Encantadora” after previously sending five songs into the top 10.

“Soy Buen Amigo” concurrently rises 29-28 on the Hot Latin Songs chart (after reaching No. 27 five weeks ago).

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