Marc Anthony Receives Humanitarian Award from Fashion Group International

Marc Anthony is Fashion Group International’s humanitarian of the year…

During the organization’s “Night of Stars” at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, the 55-year-old Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist received the Humanitarian Award from his friend of 30 years Narciso Rodriguez.

Marc AnthonyWearing his signature shades, Anthony was honored for his foundation Maestro Cares, which has helped more than 10,000 children in 13 countries with orphanages, counseling, scholarships and other education-driven programs.

He vowed that as of next year he and his foundation would entrust a scholarship program for the next generation of designers. That will be set up through a partnership with Fashion Group International (FGI).

Acknowledging how every person in the room has a team of people behind them, Anthony said, “They’re not nameless to us. They’re faceless to the world. We can stand up here and accept such an honor, but there are so many people behind us,” he said. “Appreciate those people who made us, who we are, right? On behalf of everyone who has made my life what it is today, I want to thank you. And I want to urge everybody here that is as privileged as I am to wake up and thank them.”

Meanwhile, fashion critic Cathy Horyn handed the Fashion Stars Award to Proenza Schouler’s Lazaro Hernandez, who praised her respected and educated opinion before mentioning the “simple, but brutal” New York Times headline for their second show: “Proenza Schouler Separates in Search of a Collection.”

Explaining that Horyn was right, Hernandez said, “You knew we were better than that even before we knew it ourselves.” Still going strong 20 years later with cofounder Jack McCollough, he thanked Horyn for her honesty and willingness to talk through big ideas season after season, “has made us better designers, more nuanced and mature.”

Other honorees included Whoopi Goldberg, who received the American Icon Award; Dennis Basso, the Lifetime Achievement Award winner; and Antoine Phillips, the Agent of Change Award.

Joss Favela Signs Worldwide Administration Agreement with Warner Chappell Music

Joss Favela has a new deal…

The 30-year-old Mexican award-winning singer-songwriter has signed a worldwide administration agreement with Warner Chappell Music.

Joss Favela

“His raw talent, creative instincts, and authenticity shine through in every performance,” said Gustavo Menéndez, WCM president, U.S. Latin & Latin America, who first saw Favela perform at the ASCAP Latin Music Awards a few years ago. “We’re glad Joss has chosen Warner Chappell as his partner in this journey and we look forward to working alongside him.”

Proud to be his publisher and excited to do “great things together,” Lazaro Hernandez, WMC vice president, A&R, U.S. Latin & Latin America, added: “Joss is a dynamic and genuine songwriter who at such a young age has already established himself as one of the greatest of his time.”

The Regional Mexican star, who has penned more than 100 songs for artists like Alejandro Fernandez, Banda MS, and Natti Natasha, made history at the 2016 Premio ASCAP as the youngest person ever to win songwriter of the year. He nabbed the title in 2017 and 2018.

On the Billboard charts, Favela has entered Hot Latin Songs, Latin Airplay, Top Latin Albums, Regional Mexican Albums, and Regional Mexican Airplay, where he has five top 10’s.

“When my love for music started I never thought that I’d get to spend my life writing songs,” he said. “I’m continuously surprised by the beautiful things that happen to me, and joining the Warner Chappell family is one of them. I’m grateful for the songs that life has given me, but I’m even more grateful for the ones that are still to come.”

Favela, who is represented by Simran A. Singh and Christopher Navarro of Singh, Singh & Trauben, LLP, is nominated for best banda album at the 2021 Latin Grammys with Llegando al Rancho.

Rita Indiana Releases New LGBTT Anthem “Miedo”

Rita Indiana isn’t scared…

The 43-year-old queer Dominican singer-songwriter is celebrating Pride Month with a new reggaeton track “Miedo,” which pays homage to the LGBTT community.

Rita Indiana

“For the LGBTT community, fear (miedo) is something to be conquered every day, fear of violence, rejection and injustice,” she says. “This song is for my community, for whom love has always been a heroic trait.“

Known for poignant lyrics that often tackle topics like queerness, non-conforming sexuality and class, the singer and author of the Spanish novels Papi and Tentacle, was recently signed by Warner Chappell Music.

“Rita is an artist that fearlessly speaks her mind and tackles critical issues impacting society head on through her writing,” says Lazaro HernandezWarner Chappell Music‘s vp, a&r, U.S. & Latin America. “All of us at Warner Chappell are not only fans of her music, but are also fierce supporters of what she stands for. We look forward to helping amplify Rita’s voice and message through her music.”

Rita Indiana is set to release her forthcoming album later this year, her first solo set in a decade. Titled Mandinga Times, the album was produced by fellow Warner Chappell Music writer Eduardo Cabra, a.k.a. Visitante of Calle 13.