Sebastián Yatra to Sponsor Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation’s Next Four-Year Prodigy Scholarship to Berklee School of Music

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Sebastián Yatra is helping educate the next generation of musical talent…

The 29-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter will sponsor the next four-year Prodigy Scholarship that will fully fund a student’s bachelor’s degree in music at Berklee School of Music starting in the fall 2024, per the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation.

Joining the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation for their annual Prodigy Scholarship is beautiful because I’m part of something that I would’ve wished for as a young kid. One of my big dreams was to study music at Berklee and although my career took a different path which I’m super grateful for, I would’ve loved to have that kind of preparation and knowledge,” said Sebastián Yatra in a statement. “I hope that the person who gets this opportunity takes full advantage of the scholarship and enjoys it to the max. I’ll be looking out for applicants that share a lot of heart and sincerity in their art.”

The foundation’s scholarship, created nine years ago, holds a maximum value of $200,000 in financial aid for music students in need. The scholarship is traditionally awarded to “exceptionally talented music students, with financial needs, to support their educational and musical aspirations,” according to the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation.

The news of the scholarship follows Yatra’s stint as a host at the 24th Annual Latin Grammys, during which he performed and expressed his passion for the Foundation on-air, encouraging global support for Latin music education. He initially partnered with the Foundation in 2019 for the Latin Grammy In The Schools program in Miami.

“Our scholarships provide more than just funds for college tuition,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, executive director of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation.

“The ongoing support we receive from artists such as Sebastián Yatra and our generous sponsors allows us to take it a step further and create meaningful educational and mentoring opportunities for the next generation of Latin music creators.”

In addition, Gibson Gives, the charitable division of Gibson, will provide sponsorship for three Tuition Assistance Scholarships. Each scholarship could be worth up to $10,000 and is intended for students who aim to study music, with the electric or acoustic guitar as their main instrument.

Applications for all 44 scholarships available in 2024 are now open and available to music students between the ages of 17 and 25.

For more details and/or to apply, visit www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

In previous years, the Prodigy Scholarship has been co-sponsored by Latin stars including Nicky Jam (2023), Sofia Carson (2022), Juanes (2021), Julio Iglesias (2020), Emilio and Gloria Estefan (2019), Carlos Vives (2018), Miguel Bosé (2017), Juan Luis Guerra (2016), and Enrique Iglesias (2015).

Maluma to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma will be feelin’ the FIBES…

The 29-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter will perform at this year’s Latin Grammy Awards.

The “Felices Los 4” singer joins a roster of recently added performers that includes Milo J, Rosalia, Shakira, Sebastian Yatra, Andrea Bocelli and DJ Premier.

They’ll perform at the upcoming ceremony, which will broadcast from FIBES in Seville, Spain, on Thursday, November 16.

The newly announced artists join previously unveiled performers, including Maria Becerra, Bizarrap, Feid, Kany García, Carin León, Christian Nodal, Rauw Alejandro, Alejandro Sanz, Pablo Alborán, Edgar Barrera, Camilo, Manuel Carrasco, Iza, Juanes, Ozuna, Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma.

Additionally, Majo Aguilar, Anitta, Pedro Capó, Jorge Drexler, Luis Figueroa, Fonseca, Tiago Iorc, Mon Laferte, Natalia Lafourcade, John Leguizamo, Nicki Nicole, Carlos Ponce, Carlos Vives and Yandel join as presenters throughout the ceremony.

For the first time held outside the United States, the annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain. It will air November 16 on Univision starting at 8:00 pm ET, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 pm CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.

Danna Paola, Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.

This year, Mexican hitmaker Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with 13 nods, including songwriter of the year, producer of the year and song of the year. Barrera is followed by Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations.

Roselyn Sánchez to Return as Co-Host of This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on October 21, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Roselyn Sánchez is reporting for Latin Grammy duty…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, dancer, model, actress, producer and writer will serve as a co-host of this year’s Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, which will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville, Spain, on Thursday, November 16, at 8:00 pm ET via Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.

Sanchez, best known for her work on Devious Maids and Without a Trace, will host the awards show alongside Mexican singer Danna Paola, Colombian superstar Sebastián Yatra and Spanish actress Paz Vega.

A host staple for the awards show, Sánchez returns for the sixth time after presenting the 16th, 17th, 18th, 20th and 22nd annual Latin Grammys.

Racking up a total of 15 Latin Grammy nominations throughout his career, Yatra is nominated for best pop song for “Contigo,” featuring Pablo Alborán.

Previously nominated for a Latin Grammy, Danna Paola joins the lineup of hosts for the first time.

Last but not least, award-winning actress Paz Vega returns for a second time after hosting the 20th annual ceremony.

The first round of performers were announced earlier this week, which includes Maria Becerra, Bizarrap, Feid, Kany García, Carin León, Christian Nodal, Rauw Alejandro and Alejandro Sanz.

This year, Mexican-American super producer Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with 13 nods, including songwriter of the year, producer of the year and song of the year. Barrera is followed by Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations.

Prior to the Latin Grammys, the Latin Recording Academy will bestow the Person of the Year title to Italian icon Laura Pausini. Marco Antonio Solís received this prestigious honor last year.

Sebastián Yatra to Take Part in Star-on-Star Interview with Lasso During Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on September 28, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Sebastián Yatra is preparing for a special star moment…

The 28-year-old Colombian hitmaker will take part in a star-on-star interview at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week.

Yatra, who has been pushing the boundaries of Latin pop, will be interviewed by by Lasso. The live Q&A will take place on Tuesday, October 3 at the Faena Forum Main Stage at 11:45 am ET.

In his upcoming interview with the Venezuelan singer/songwriter, the two South American artists will discuss Yatra’s creative process, his foray into the film industry, and how a multi-hyphenate artist manages success in a highly demanding Latin pop world. Topics will range from what inspires him and sparks curiosity, planning vs. flowing, mental health, tennis, and the power of one’s voice. The “Tacones Rojos” singer will also reveal what’s next for him.

Yatra continues his skyward ascent this year. Amid releasing a string of viral singles like “Vagabundo” with Manuel Turizo and Beéle and his latest solo hit “Energía Bacana,” Yatra was selected as the official musical opener for the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament.

He also received 2023 RIAA Honors for “driving the rise across American music, culture and society,” alongside global icon Gloria Estefan.

Currently, the Medellín artist is in the running for two 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards: Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Solo and Latin Pop Song of the Year for “Una Noche Sin Pensar.” Last year, Yatra achieved a No. 36 slot on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 for “Dos Oruguitas” from Disney’s Encanto and has positioned himself multiple times on Billboard’s Global charts.

In 2022, the moderator and Yatra collaborated on the pop-rock ballad “Ojos Marrones.” Lasso’s “Ojos Marrones” is nominated for three Latin Grammys: record of the year, song of the year, and best pop/rock song. The song also became the Venezuelan artist’s first entry into the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. US charts.

Beéle Earns First No. 1 on Billboard Charts with “Vagabundo” with Sebastian Yatra & Manuel Turizo

Posted on September 4, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Beéle is celebrating a special first…

The 20-year-old Colombian singer checks off a career milestone this week as he earns his first No. 1 on a Billboard chart with “Vagabundo,” his collaboration with Sebastian Yatra and Manuel Turizo.

The song rises 7-1 to crown the Latin Airplay chart dated September 2.

“Vagabundo” climbs with a 34% gain in audience impressions, to 9.2 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending August 24, according to Luminate.

The song, released via Universal Latino/UMLE on May 12, also arrives at the summit on Latin Pop Airplay (hopping 2-1).

“Vagabundo” earns Beele his first champ on his third appearance on Latin Airplay.

He reached a No. 36 high previously with another Turizo team-up, “+Linda,” which also credited Dalex, Arcangel and De La Ghetto in 2021.

Yatra, meanwhile, picks up his 11th ruler on Latin Airplay. The new champ arrives after “Tacones Rojos” ruled for one week in February 2022.

Turizo captures his seventh No. 1, and third of the year, following “La Bachata,” and “Merengue” with Marshmello, both with one week in charge.

Sebastián Yatra to Receive Recording Industry Association of America’s Artist of the Year Award

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Sebastián Yatra is the Recording Industry’s all-star this year…

In honor of Latin music’s explosive growth in the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) will recognize artists, label executives and policymakers, including the 28-year-old Colombian artist, who are “driving this rise across American music, culture and society.”

Yatra, a Latin Grammy-winner and Grammy-nominee, will be recognized as the RIAA’s Artist of the Year.

Meanwhile, global superstar Gloria Estefan with the icon award; her husband, visionary producer Emilio Estefan, as industry trailblazer; Maria Fernandez, executive vp/COO of Latin Iberia at Sony Music Entertainment, as executive of the year; and U.S. Reps. Veronica Escobar and María Elvira Salazar as policymakers of the year.

“As advocates for the music community and fans ourselves, the RIAA is so grateful to acknowledge superstars and leaders who have used their voices and platforms to change the culture and break the creative mold,” said RIAA chairman/CEO Mitch Glazier in a statement. “RIAA Honors is a special moment to stop and acknowledge those forging ahead for future generations and making waves in their own right. Latin music has lit up the charts and filled playlists across the U.S. this year and we are thrilled to celebrate Gloria Estefan, Sebastián Yatra, Emilio Estefan, Maria Fernandez and Representatives Veronica Escobar and María Elvira Salazar.”

In April, it was announced that Latin music revenues in the United States exceeded $1 billion for the first time, with the RIAA reporting that the Latin market grew to $1.1 billion in 2022 — a 24% jump over the previous year’s $881 million and lifting Latin music’s overall share of the total music market from 5.9% in 2021 to 6.9%.

“This sustained expansion speaks to an openness to new artists, music and ways of listening,” said RIAA senior vp of state public policy & industry relations Rafael Fernandez Jr. “It’s also perfect timing to salute Latin Music champions during the first week of National Hispanic Heritage Month. RIAA Honors’ epic music-filled celebration adds to the excitement as other festivities and recognitions continue throughout the coming weeks.”

The RIAA Honors, will take place on September 19 in Washington, D.C.

Christian Chávez to Make Special Appearance During This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on August 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Christian Chávez will be making a special appearance at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week…

The 40-year-old Mexican singer, songwriter and actor and his recently reunited RBD group mates Maite Perroni and Christopher von Uckermann have been confirmed for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week, set to take place on October 2-6 at the Faena Forum in Miami.

Following their reunion tour announcement after a 14-year hiatus, the three RBD members will take center stage at Latin Music Week to share how their reunion tour came to fruition. This RBD marquee appearance follows another first as this month, all five members — Anahí, Dulce María, Perroni, Chávez and von Uckermann — will sit down with Billboard and Billboard Español for their first interview as a group.

Additionally, Chencho Corleone, Feid, Manuel Turizo and Myke Towers are also set to be part of the five-day legacy event.

Colombian superstar Feid, will bring together his creative and management team for a blow-by-blow panel on how his passion translated to success.

Hitmaker Myke Towers will participate in the “Deja tu Huella” panel presented by Cheetos. During the panel, the “LALA” singer will share the stage with fellow creatives from different fields who have also brought together success in conjunction with social responsibility.

Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and producer Corleone will be part of a panel conversation with Vico C. And, Manuel Turizo will grace the stage for a one-on-one conversation.

The aforementioned artists join a star-studded Billboard Latin Music Week that will feature exclusive panels and conversations with hitmakers throughout the week.

Previously announced participants include Shakira, Arcángel, Edgar Barrera, Maria Becerra, Eladio Carrión, Fonseca, GALE, Grupo Frontera, Natanael Cano, Nathy Peluso, Nicki Nicole, Peso Pluma, Santa Fe Klan, Sebastián Yatra, Vico C, Yng Lvcas, and Young Miko, with more to be revealed.

With 30 years of events, Billboard Latin Music Week is the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world. After a sold-out 2022 edition that featured star Q&As with Maluma, Ivy Queen, Chayanne, Romeo Santos andChristina Aguilera, to name a few, the event returns, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.

Billboard Latin Music Week will also coincide with the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards on Thursday, October 5, at the Watsco Center in Miami, and will broadcast live on Telemundo. The awards show will broadcast simultaneously on Spanish entertainment cable network Universo, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.

Registration for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week is now open at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Myke Towers’ “Lala” Rises to No. 1 on Billboard Argentina Hot 100

Posted on August 13, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Myke Towers’ latest single is a hit in Argentina…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and songwriter captures his third No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart as his latest single, “Lala,” rises 2-1 to lead the August 5-dated ranking.

It’s his first champ since “Bandido” ruled for seven weeks in 2021. Since then, the Puerto Rican artist has placed two other No. 2-peaking songs: “Ella No Es Tuya,” with Rochy RD and Nicki Nicole, and “Pareja del Año,” with Sebastián Yatra, during the same year.

“Lala” ejects “Los Del Espacio” by LIT Killah, Tiago Pzk, Duki, Emilia, Rusherking, Big One and FMK from the lead, with a 1-3 dip, after its seven-week command.

Meanwhile, Maria Becerra’s “Corazón vacío” rebounds 3-2 after its one week in charge (July 22-dated list).

A new top 10 arrives this week: Big One, Ulises Bueno and Rusherking’s “Mentiras | CROSSOVER #3” rallies 71-7 in its second week. With a 64-place climb, the song scores the Greatest Gainer honors and concurrently earns Bueno his first top 10 on his second try.

The Hot Shot Debut of the week goes to El Jordan 23 and Ugly Duck who both score their first entry with “Cabaña” at No. 58.

Sebastian Yatra to Perform at This Year’s U.S. Open

Posted on August 12, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Sebastian Yatra is headed to Flushing Meadows…

The 28-year-old Colombian singer will be making a special appearance at this year’s U.S. Open.

Yatra received a personal call from tennis star Carlos Alcaráz inviting him to join him at the Grand Slam tennis tournament.

Yatra will perform “Vagabundo” at the Sound of the Open show on August 25 in New York.

“Let’s go,” responded Yatra to the invitation. “But you’ll have to sing the song with me. Thanks for the invite. I’m excited to see you again.”

Tickets to show can be purchased here.

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Myke Towers Earns First No. 1 on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Chart with “LaLa”

Posted on July 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Myke Towers is LaLa-loving life right now…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican rapper’s latest single “LaLa” surges from No. 13 to No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart dated July 22, becoming his first leader on the list.

Towers’ track rockets to the top of the chart after logging 70.4 million streams outside the U.S. July 7-13, a 101% increase.

The profile of the reggaetón-powered Spanish-language song has recently swelled on TikTok, after the track was released in March.

The single becomes Towers’ first Global Excl. U.S. No. 1, following three top 10s: “Pareja Del Año,” with Sebastián Yatra (No. 9 peak, May 2021); “Bandido,” with Juhn (No. 6, February 2021); and “Caramelo,” with Ozuna and Karol G (No. 10, September 2020).

The Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, which started in September 2020, ranks songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories around the world, as compiled by Luminate. The Global Excl. U.S. chart comprises data from territories excluding the United States.

Chart ranks are based on a weighted formula incorporating official-only streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as download sales, the latter of which reflect purchases from full-service digital music retailers from around the world, with sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites excluded from the charts’ calculations.

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