eOne Sells Spanish Language Series “Operación Marea Negra,” Starring Álex González, to 60+ Territories

Álex González’s latest project is going global…

Entertainment One (eOne) has sold its first Spanish language series Operación Marea Negra, starring the 42-year-old Spanish actor, to more than 60 territories including the U.S. and Mexico (Roku), Australia (SBS), Latin American (AMC Networks Intl), Canada (TELEUS) and Spain (Disney-owned FOX channel).

Álex González, Operación Marea Negra, The four-part series is based on the true story of Europe’s first intercepted narco-submarine in November 2019, when three smugglers crossed the Atlantic in a homemade sub-aquatic vessel carrying more than 3,000 kilos of cocaine. After boarding in the middle of the Amazon, they sailed to Europe while enduring terrible conditions including hunger, engine problems and storms before finally being captured on the Galician coast by the Civil Guard.

González stars as “Nando, the ex-boxer and leader of the pack who turns to trafficking when his other financial options dry up.”

Joining him are Nerea Barros, Nuno Lopes, Miquel Insua, Luis Zahera, Xosé Barato, Carles Francino, Manuel Manquiña, Lúcia Moniz, Luís Esparteiro, David Trejos, Leandro Firmino and Bruno Galiasso.

Daniel Calparsoro, Oskar Santos and João Maia directed the series.

The series is produced by Ficción Producciones. Mamen Quintas and Julio Casal executive produce alongside Ukbar Filmes. FORTA, led by TVG, and the Portuguese RTP co-produce.

A second season has already wrapped production and a companion, four-part docu-series, Operación Marea Negra: The Suicidal Mission is also available to license. It has already been licensed to The Roku Channel (U.S.), SBS (Australia), Ziggo (Netherlands) and Telus (Canada).

Ozuna to Headline Calibash in January 2022

Ozuna is headed to a massive bash

After being sidelined in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Calibash will return to Los Angeles’ Staples Center in January 2022 to celebrate its quinceañera, with the Puerto Rican singer serving as one of the headlining acts.

Ozuna

For the first time ever, this year’s Calibash will be a three-day show (January 14-16), headlined by Ozuna (January 14), Daddy Yankee (January 15) and J Balvin (January 16) along with a roster of superstars.

Also performing are Wisin & Yandel, Myke Towers, Becky G, Sech and Natanael Cano (on Day 1); Natti Natasha, Manuel Turizo, Rauw Alejandro, Lunay and Kali Uchis (Day 2); and Nicky Jam, Black Eyed Peas, Jhay Cortez, Justin Quiles and Nío García (Day 3).

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. June 1 on asx.com.

The multi-artist show, produced and presented by SBS Entertainment, is the best-known urban Latin festival in the United States, and perhaps, the best-known Latin fest in the country.

Staged every year at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and for the past three years also in Las Vegas, Calibash has since its inception reflected and set trends, hosting acts like Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez and Justin Bieber alongside Latin names like J Balvin, Enrique Iglesias and Nicky Jam.

“There’s nothing like it,” says Alessandra Alarcón, president of SBS Entertainment, the live event arm of SBS, which also owns the SBS radio network and TV station La Mega. “We’re activating the entirety of LA Live. We’ll have an outdoor stage with performances by local and up and coming artists, and inside, for the first time, we’ll have three completely different talent lineups.”

Prices will range from $45 for the cheapest seat to $1,000 for a top VIP seat (which grants access averaging $150 per night and $600 for a three-day pass). Aside from ticket sales, SBS also sells merchandise and of course sponsorships, both for the indoor and outdoor portions of the fest.

Ivy Queen to Take Part in First-Ever Series of Drive-In Latin Concerts from 360WE

Ivy Queen is ready to drivefans wild in a new way…

As the idea of drive in concerts gains traction around the world, 360 Worldwide Entertainment (360WE) is launching the first-ever series of drive-in Latin shows, with the 48-year-old Puerto Rican singer/rapper part of the line up.

Ivy Queen

Live Drive-In Safe & Sound Concert” will launch with shows by Ivy Queen, who was in the midst of her U.S. tour when in early Spring when the COVID-19 pandemic escalated.

“Our goal is make a reality of a project where the audience feels safe and protected in a comfortable environment,” says Lucas Piña, founder of 360WE.

Piña, who previously headed SBS Entertainment, the live entertainment arm of SBS, launched 360WE last year and is partnering with different companies to execute the drive-in shows. They include SBS4 Sound Technical Production for sounds and effect, Florida Investigation for security, Enviro Pro USA for disinfection of public areas, Online Wise for digital connectivity and The Dirty Rabbit, which specializes in food trucks.

360WE’s events would also include surround sound and, most notably, drone technology to take the temperature of concert-goers as they enter in their cars.

An app will let ticket buyers order food and drinks and reserve their locations. Events are being designed for up to 1,000 cars. A first venue and date will be announced soon.

Jennifer Lopez to Perform at Calibash 2018

Jennifer Lopez will be bashful next year…

The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will perform at the 11th annual mega concert Calibash when it returns to the Staples Center on January 20, 2018, as announced by Los Angeles party station Mega 96.3FM.

Jennifer Lopez

Touted as the largest Latin concert in LA, Calibash celebrates the best in hip-hop, urban, tropical, pop and R&B with some of the industry’s top performers and recording artists.

Previous showstoppers include Chris BrownDon OmarDaddy YankeeJustin Bieber and Pitbull. This year’s star-studded lineup promises to continue a tradition of bringing down the house, combining a bevy of veteran entertainers and freshmen heavy hitters.

In addition to Lopez, the 2018 Calibash lineup includes J Balvin, Wisin y YandelBad BunnyOzunaBecky GNatti Natasha and French Montana.

“The 2018 Calibash is a one-of-a-kind celebration that showcases the wide variety of Latin Urban music we play every day on our top Hispanic millennial station in Los Angeles Mega 96.3FM,” Alessandra Alarcón SBS West Coast said in a statement. “In 11 years, the festival has exceeded even our own expectations. We’re thrilled to be returning to the Staples Center for the 2018 Calibash. It promises to be a can’t-miss night.”

Tickets are officially on sale. For more information, visit here.

 

La Mega 97.9’s Alex Sensation Signs with Magnus Talent Agency

Alex Sensation has new representation…

The Colombian DJ, who hosts two programs on SBSLa Mega 97.9 FM, the most-listened-to station in New York City, has signed with Magnus Talent Agency for exclusive booking.

Alex Sensation

Alex Sensation’s performances as a recording artist and DJ (as well as other public appearances) will now be handled by Magnus in the national and international markets.

He’s the latest addition to MTA, which was launched in January as a division of Magnus Media, the entertainment company founded by Marc Anthony.

He joins a roster that already includes Gente de Zona, Motiff, Nacho, Il Volo for Latin America and, Anthony, among other acts.

“I’m very grateful to Marc and his team for making me feel at home and for being part of an exciting new chapter in my career,” said Sensation in a statement.

The Colombian-born DJ is also signed as a recording artist with In-Tu-Linea, the indie label distributed by UMLE, and is slated to release a solo album soon.

Magnus was launched in early 2015 and aside from its talent agency, also includes a label, management, publishing, merchandising and distribution divisions. MTA is run directly by Michel Vega, Magnus’ CEO, who as the longtime former head of Latin music at WME booked some of Latin music’s premiere acts for years.

“Opening an agency made complete sense to us as part of our overall portfolio,” Vega told Billboard. “And we absolutely want to grow. This is a big focus of ours.”

Dangond to Perform at SBS’ LaMúsica’s First-Ever Aplauso Concert Series

Silvestre Dangond is ready for a big applause

The 36-year-old Colombian Vallenato singer is set to headline SBSLaMúsica‘s first edition of their concert series, titled Aplauso.

Silvestre Dangond

Dangond joins an all-star lineup that includes Reik, Juanes, Marco Antonio Solís, Ricardo Montaner and Jencarlos.

The event will take place at Miami’s iconic American Airlines Arena on December 9, and will be presented by LaMúsica, Zeta 92.3 and Felix Cabrera Productions.

“For SBS Miami, it is an honor to present ‘Aplauso 2016’ with your favorite artists of our time,” Jesús Salas, EVP of Programming and Multi Platform Coordinator at SBS Radio, said in a statement. “SBS Miami is very clear in its objective, we always provide the most innovative entertainment for the enjoyment of our Latino community. Our exquisiteness always accompanies us at our top events, always relevant in South Florida. It is our way to thank our listeners for the infinite support they have given us during 2016.”

News of the launch comes a week after LaMúsica and Mega 97.9 announced the star-studded lineup for their upcoming Mega Bash concert taking place in New Jersey on Dec. 2.

Juanes, Dangond and Jencarlos will also be performing at the Mega Bash, along with Latin stars like Ricky Martin, Wisin and Enrique Iglesias.

Tickets for Aplauso are already available for purchase.

Martin to Perform at This Year’s Mega Bash Concert

Ricky Martin is ready for a Mega December…

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican singer is among the Latin superstars confirmed to perform at this year’s Mega Bash concert in New Jersey.

Ricky Martin

Martin joins a lineup that includes JuanesEnrique Iglesias, WisinJencarlos CanelaSilvestre Dangond and Ozuna.

The show, produced by the Felix Cabrera Concert Series and SBS — home to New York’s top-rated Spanish language station Mega 97.9 and bilingual streaming app La Música — is set to take place on December 2, at the Prudential Center in Newark.

“Our goal has always been to produce events without precedents, and on December 2 we will be reuniting these big figures for the first time ever at the Prudential Center,” said Felix Cabrera in a statement.

“It’s our pleasure to bring the Mega Bash production to New Jersey with the best music and technology for concerts. That way, our loyal Mega 97.9 listeners can enjoy a good quality concert,” added Eric Garcia, SBS’ Radio Revenue Chief & New York General Manager.

Pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase as of today.

J.Lo Bringing a Little Pop to SBS’ Megaton Mundial Concert

Jennifer Lopez is bracing for a mega(ton) performance….

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actress has joined the roster of acts performing at the SBS network’s annual Megaton Mundial de Polito Vega, taking place on October 28 at Madison Square Garden.

Jennifer Lopez

Lopez is the only pop act so far on a roster that, as is traditionally the case with Megatón, features predominantly tropical and urban music.

The Megatón will also feature performances by Pitbull, veteran rappers Tego Calderon and Vico C, Cuban duo Gente de Zona and Ivy Queen.

Salsa performers include Luis Enrique, Pirulo y la Tribu, Tony Vega, Hector Tricoche and Nino Segarra, while merengue will be represented by Elvis Crespo, Grupo Manía and La Dinastía Rosario. Bachata will be present courtesy of El Torito, Bachata Heightz and Jay Ruiz.

SBS’ annual Megatón, produced by SBS Entertainment, bears the name of popular radio personality Polito Vega, who’s been on the air more than 50 years.

Vega is one of the iconic voices of Mega 97.9 FM, the top-rated Spanish-language station in the country.

Jesse & Joy Among the Headline Acts for This Year’s ‘Amor a Nuestra Música’ Event

Jesse & Joy are ready for a little amor

The Latin Grammy-winning Mexican pop duo, comprised of siblings Jesse Huerta and Joy Huerta, will be among the headliners at Spanish Broadcasting Systems‘ annual Amor a Nuestra Música multi-act show, taking place December 5 at Nassau Coliseum.

Jesse & Joy

Jesse & Joy, big winners at the 2012 Latin Grammys, join a roster that includes Luis Fonsi, Ricardo Montaner, Gloria Trevi, Pablo Alborán and Natalia Jiménez, along with Dominican bachatero Frank Reyes.

The show, which brings together top pop acts every year, is produced by SBS Entertainment — the event promotion arm of SBS — with support from SBS New York radio station 93.1 FM, Amor.

“We’re always looking to present the most innovative shows possible for the Latin community,” said Lucas Piña, SVP of SBS Entertainment. “Amor a Nuestra Música will feature a fantastic stage and cutting edge production. It’s out way of thanking our listeners for their support throughout the year.”

SBS has a long tradition of putting together massive, multi-act shows in major Latin markets in tandem with their local stations, which includes Mega 97.9 FM (La Mega) in New York, the most-listened to Spanish-language station in the country. The station’s annual “Megaton” took place in September, and featured performances by Juanes, Carlos Vives and Juan Luis Guerra, among others.

Amor, SBS’ pop station, is behind the annual “Amor a Nuestra Música” show, which features mostly pop acts and last year had performances by Ricky Martin and Vives, among others. SBS Entertainment also produces the annual Calibash in Los Angeles and El Día Nacional de la Salsa (National Salsa Day) in Puerto Rico, in addition to concert tours by multiple acts.

Tickets to Amor a Nuestra Música are available on Ticketmaster starting at $21, but listeners can also vie for free seats by tuning into Amor or registering at the station’s website.

Rodriguez Lands Three Albums in the Top 30 on Australia’s ARIA Albums Chart

They’re really searching for Sixto Rodriguez in the Land Down Under…

The 72-year-old Mexican American folk musician, who returned to the spotlight after being the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man, has landed three albums in the top 30 of this week’s Australian sales chart.

Sixto Rodriguez

Rodriguez’s chart surge has been fuelled by the announcement of his upcoming national tour and the recent free-to-air television broadcast of his award-winning documentary.

The first Rodriguez album Cold Fact (Inertia) from 1969 is currently at No. 11, outpacing its previous chart peak of No. 23. Also on this week’s ARIA Albums chart, the Searching for Sugar Man (Legacy/Sony) soundtrack is at No. 22 and his second and final studio set Coming From Reality from 1971 (Light in the Attic/Inertia) is at No. 25. The chart is led this week by Ariana Grande’s My Everything.

Searching For Sugar Man tells the story of how the protest singer from Detroit was all but forgotten in his homeland, but an unlikely legend in South Africa, where his political and personal themes resonated with the blossoming anti-apartheid movement (he cut two albums of soulful folk rock for Sussex, label home to Bill Withers). The film tracks the search for Rodriguez, a journey undertaken by a few fans and journalists in South Africa who cherished his music. It won the Oscar in 2013 for best documentary, and Rodriguez is now enjoying the international attention that eluded him in his prime.

The film aired August 24 on the SBS channel as a warm-up for Rodriguez’ Australian tour. He’ll visit Australia to play Brisbane (Convention Centre, Oct. 19), Sydney (Sydney Opera House, Oct. 21 and 23), Melbourne (Palais Theatre, Oct. 25 and 26), Adelaide (AEC Theatre, Oct. 29) and Perth (Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Nov. 7).

The singer-songwriter’s cult status has been assured in Australia since the mid-1970s, when his music gained airplay on Sydney AM radio station 2JJ (the precursor to Triple J) and he toured here finding limited success. He first performed Down Under in 1979, returning in 1981 when Midnight Oil joined him for some shows. He was last in Australia for 2013’s Bluesfest.