Ozuna Releases New Album “Cosmo”

Ozuna is back with new music…

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican singer and rapper has released his sixth studio album Cosmo.

OzunaMuch like his previous projects Odisea, Aura and Nibiru, Ozuna’s new album is another out-of-this-world musical journey.

On the 15-track production, Ozuna delivers a new dimension of sounds, where Latin urban music meets innovative rhythms such as traditional Arabian music in “Made in Qatar” and infectious electronica in the David Guetta-assisted “Vocation.”

Ozuna and the renowned French DJ premiered the latter at the 2023 Latin Grammys on Thursday, November 16.

While Cosmo is also home to hard-hitting reggaeton tracks (“El Plan,” “Brabus,” “100 Squats”), it showcases Ozuna’s romantic side and admiration for women on songs such as “Mar de Lagrimas,” “La Chulita” and “Clase Azul.”

The set, which follows his 2023 EP Afro, “is the cosmic experience, where the vibrant essence of reggaeton prevails,” includes collaborations with De La Ghetto, Chencho Corleone, Anuel AA, Jhayco and Maldy among others.

Hayek’s “The Prophet” to Have Its Middle East Premiere at the Ajyal Film Festival

Salma Hayek is bringing her latest behind-the-scenes project to the Middle East.

The Doha Film Institute has revealed its lineup for the 2nd annual Ajyal Film Festival. The fest, which takes place December 1-6, will host 90 films from 43 countries including the Middle East premiere of Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet, produced by the 48-year-old Mexican actress and directed by Roger Allers.

Salma Hayek

The animated film, based on the Lebanese writer’s iconic long-form meditative poem, features the voices of Liam Neeson, John Krasinski and Hayek.  DFI co-financed and co-produced the film, which will close the festival. Hayek will attend the premiere.

Festival director and acting DFI chief exec Fatma Al-Remaihi has also placed a firm emphasis on local filmmaking talent with a Made In Qatar section that boasts 20 short films by Qatari filmmakers.

“This year, we were overwhelmed by the number of submissions by professionals and aspiring filmmakers. We are also delighted that we have been able to support their ambitions through our filmmaking challenges and look forward to sharing the results of these initiatives through the Made in Qatar programs,” said Al-Remaihi.

“The thematic diversity and quality of projects in the Made in Qatar section is a testament to the growth and vibrancy within the creative community of our nation.”

Also confirmed to attend is Jordanian director Naji Abu Nowar to present Theeb, which also received financing from DFI.  The film, a coming-of-age story of a Bedouin boy who embarks on a perilous journey across the desert as the Ottoman Empire crumbles, has already won the Orrizonti Award for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival this year; as well as best Arab Film and the FIPRESCI Prize for best narrative feature at the recent Abu Dhabi Film Festival.