Maluma to Make Acting Debut Opposite Jennifer Lopez in “Marry Me”

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Malumais hitting the big screen…

The 25-year-old Colombian singer/rapper will make his acting debut in the Jennifer Lopez–Owen Wilson romantic comedy Marry Me.

Returning to Universal Picturesafter its initial set-up at STX, the film is being directed by Kat Coiro.

Described as Notting Hill meets The Proposal, Marry Me centers on a pop superstar (Lopez) who, moments before marrying her rock-star fiancé at Madison Square Garden, finds out he was cheating with her assistant and spontaneously melts down onstage and picks a random math teacher (Wilson) out of the crowd to marry instead. What starts as a goof ends up becoming an exploration of relationships, expectations and destiny.

Maluma will play Lopez’s cheating fiancé.

The film is based on a graphic novel by Bobby Crosby. John Rogersand Tami Sagheradapted the screenplay with a rewrite by Harper Dill.

Marry Me goes into production this October in New York.

Maluma is signed with Sony Music, and has a Latin Grammyand two Latin American Music Awards. He has collaborated with artists like Thalía, Shakira, Madonnaand Ricky Martin. His songs “Chantaje” with Shakira and “Medellín” with Madonnahave reached the top of the Hot Latin Songschart.

Antonio “Rayito” Rayo Signs with SESAC Latina

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a new deal for Antonio Rayo…

SESAC Latina has signed the Spanish composer and producer, known as Rayito.

His notable writing credits include Shakira’s “Me Enamoré” and Karol G’s “Mi Cama” and “Punto G.”

Originally from Madrid, Rayito was touring as a flamenco guitarist at the age of 8, and recorded his first album when he was 10.

At just 15, he moved to Miami and began collaborating with Latin pop stars. Rayito previously had a publishing deal with Sony Music.

Among Rayito’s other credits, he wrote and produced several tracks on Ricky Martin’s 2015 album A Quien Quiera Escuchar and co-wrote Diego Torres’ hit single “Hoy Es Domingo.“

Sony Music Latin Partners with Jenni Rivera’s Siblings to Develop Regional Mexican Stars

Posted on August 30, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Jenni Rivera’s family is keeping her legacy alive…

Juan and Rosie Rivera, siblings of the late Mexican American Banda and ranchera singer who passed away in December 2012, have joined Sony Music Latin in a new venture to develop the next generation of regional Mexican stars.

The announcement was made in Los Angeles earlier this week, where the Rivera family and Sony executives officially signed and agreed to commence a partnership between the Rivera’s Linea, LLC, and Sony.

“Juan and Rosie have been in the [music] game since they were born,” said Nir Seroussi, Sony Music Latin president, in an exclusive interview with Billboard. “Juan is very focused and chill. Rosie is very sharp and eloquent. We’re confident that Linea will soon become a major player in the market.”

It’s been nearly five years since Rivera died in a plane crash, while working in Mexico and since that time, numerous projects themed around the Long Beach, California, -born recording artist have been released, from albums to reality shows and merchandise.

Rosie, whose close-knit relationship with Jenni was undeniable, has spent the last five years helping to complete some of her sister’s dreams from releasing music to caring for her foundation and making sure she was there for her sibling’s children.

This new chapter, Rosie said, continues to honor her sister, but it’s different in that she will now have a more active role in the industry along with her brother, which is something that Jenni encouraged them to do years ago. While Jenni was signed to Fonovisa, under Universal Music Latin Entertainment, this new venture with Sony has nothing to do with Jenni music other than the fact that she always wanted to help launch the careers of others.

“I think Jenni would be very happy,” says Rosie. “I can see her smiling with tears of joy and her wide eyes. She invested so much love and discipline in her dreams. She told us she envisioned this for Juan and myself and she’s cheering us from heaven.”

In 2013, Rosie announced a similar venture, but it was in the form of a new label called JRE/Divina Music, which had already been in the works in 2010, two years before the singer died. That label was established to complete Jenni’s goals and that was met by supporting other artists. The new chapter begins with joining forces with Sony.

Rosie, an entrepreneur and motivational speaker, is the youngest of the Rivera family of singers. Since her sister’s death she has gone more public about her own struggles in the hopes of helping others. In 2015 she founded the movement Sister Somalia to support women who have been victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, drugs and domestic violence in Latin America. Additionally, Rivera is active in her family’s Christian outreach ministry, helping single mothers find affordable housing through the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation.

Besides overseeing the Jenni Rivera estate with his sister Rosie, Juan is a recording artist with nearly a dozen albums to his name and has appeared in several reality shows with his family of singers that includes Lupillo Rivera and Chiquis Rivera.

Seroussi said that more details will be unveiled soon and those aspiring artists hoping to break into the business through the regional Mexican genre will have a chance to participate. The Sony executive wouldn’t confirm or deny what types of projects will be unveiled, but he reassures that they will be part of a thrill ride.

“This is a very special venture,” Seroussi said. “Having Juan and Rosie makes it that more exciting. Many things are going to happen.”

Shakira Releases New Single “Chantaje,” Featuring Maluma

Posted on October 29, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a serious case of musical blackmail for Shakira…

The 39-year-old Colombian superstar has released her highly anticipated new single, “Chantaje,” featuring Maluma.

After revealing several details of her new single through guessing games on social media throughout the week, Shakira’s highly anticipated new single “Chantaje,” featuring Maluma, is finally here.

The pop/reggaeton-infused track, which Shakira promoted via guessing games on social media, is the first collaboration between the Colombian singers, although recently, Maluma premiered his remix to Shakira and Carlos Vives‘ summer hit “La bicicleta.”

After working on the remix, Maluma confessed to Billboard that he couldn’t miss the opportunity to work with the pop star again.

The “Chantaje” collaboration was made possible thanks to Sony Music, who proposed the idea after the “La bicicleta” remix.

“I was in Barcelona working with Shakira and it was an amazing experience,” Maluma says about the collaboration. “She’s a great artist and I learned a lot while working with her.”

Aterciopelados Working on First Studio Album in Seven Years

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Aterciopelados is readying for a comeback…

The Latin alternative rock band, led by Andrea Echeverri and Héctor Buitrago, is hard at work on their first studio album since 2008’s Rio, Buitrago tells Billboard.

“We have been playing some new songs on tour and are at work on more,” says Buitrago.

Aterciopelados plans to release the album at the end of 2016 or the beginning of 2017.

Meanwhile, a DVD by Buitrago and Echeverri will be out in February on Sony Music. It will feature versions of well known Aterciopelados songs recorded live in Bogota with guest artists including Zoé singer León Larregui and Spanish fusionist Macaco.

Echeverri and Buitrago reunited in 2014 to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of Aterciopelados after working respective solo projects; the band toured the U.S. in October.

Buitrago has also written the music for Another Word For Beauty, a play by Motorcycle Dairies screenwriter José Rivera.

The play, which will feature a live band, centers on the real-life story of contestants in an inmates’ beauty contest held at Bogota’s Buen Pastor women’s prison in Colombia.

Another Word for Beauty opens at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre on January 16.

Ortiz’s Concert Film “Como Un Sueño” to Debut in Nine AMC Theaters

Posted on September 19, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Gerardo Ortiz is headed to the big screen…

On October 9, AMC Theaters will debut the 25-year-old Mexican American singer-songwriter’s concert film in nine U.S. cities.

Como Un Sueño chronicles Ortiz’s life against the backdrop of his tour and the release of his album Hoy Más Fuerte.

The 90-minute film was produced by the directed by Jessy Terrero, who along with being a film director, is known for directing high concept, high production videos for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias and Daddy Yankee.

The film was produced by Big Vida Entertainment and Del Studios, an arm of Del Records, the indie label Ortiz is signed to (with distribution by Sony Music U.S. Latin).

According to Ortiz, “Film goers will see moments that have never been filmed.”

The Late Ferrer Among the Cuban Artists Going Global Following Sony-EGREM Licensing Agreement

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

The late Ibrahim Ferrer’s music is going global…

Sony Music Entertainment and the Havana-based EGREM (Empresa de Grabaciones y Ediciones Musicales) have reached a global licensing agreement to release more than 20,000 recorded tracks by the likes of Ferrer, the Afro-Cuban singer, musician and former member of the Buena Vista Social Club who passed away in 2005, Irakere, Los Van Van, Bola de Nieve and Omara Portuondo, among many others.

Egrem’s catalog, the most extensive catalog of Cuban music in the world, encompasses audio and audiovisual recordings produced since the 1960s.

Although some portions of the catalog have been licensed before by various labels throughout the world, this is the first time a multinational label has access to the entire stock of recordings for the entire world as part of a multi-year agreement.

“We are delighted to be partnering with EGREM to share for the first time one of the largest and most acclaimed catalogs of Cuban music with fans across the globe,” Sony Music Entertainment CEO Doug Morris said in a statement. “This landmark agreement will help expand international awareness and appreciation of Cuban culture, Cuba’s rich musical heritage and its many wonderful artists.”

Although the deal between EGREM and Sony had been in the works for more than two years, it was only signed September 15 in Havana by Afo Verde, Sony’s chairman and CEO for Latin America, Spain and Portugal, and EGREM managing director Mario Angel Escalona Serrano. Edgar Berger, Sony’s chairman and CEO, International, was on hand for the signing, which took place at Areíto Studio 101, the historic Havana studio where legendary Cuban and international artists have recorded since the 1940s.

“We see these agreements as an opportunity for the joint management of our catalog over the coming years,” said Escalona Serrano.

“We are working on the release of this treasure of Cuban music so it will be available on all possible music and video platforms for music lovers to enjoy as soon as possible,” said Verde.

“Sony Music is honored to bring this iconic music — representing over five decades of Cuban culture — to all corners of the world,” said Berger. “We are thrilled to introduce these extremely talented artists to the global audience they so richly deserve.”

Zaa to Release New Album “Mi Mejor Regalo,” a Tribute to the Late Joan Sebastian

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Charlie Zaa is offering up a special tribute to the late Joan Sebastian…

When the 41-year-old Colombian singer began working on his new album more than a year ago, he had no idea that the Mexican star would die within that time.

Now, Zaa’s new album, Mi Mejor Regalo, a tribute to Sebastian, will come out this Fall on Sony Music following Sebastian’s death in July.

The timing is bitter sweet, considering that the notion of covering Sebastian made perfect sense for Zaa, who back in 1996 catapulted to fame by covering the music of bolero singer Julio Jaramillo in the album Sentimientos.

For his first recording in several years, Zaa teamed up with producer Sergio George, and decided Sebastian’s repertoire would also suit him.

Mi mejor regalo was recorded between November and February 2015 and was always envisioned as a special homage to Sebastian’s life. It has now turned into a posthumous homage that includes songs like “Secreto de Amor” and “25 rosas,” recorded in a fusion-like bolero style that incorporates bachata percussion, Mexican horns and bolero strings.

A first single, “Un idiota,” went to radio last week.

Fanny Lu Returns with the Brand New Single “El Perfume”

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Fanny Lu is making a sweet-smelling return to the music world…

Following a three-year hiatus from recording new material, the 42-year-old Colombian singer has released a brand new single via Sony Music.

Written by Carlos Vives with his longtime producer and co-writer Andrés Castro, “El Perfume” marks a return to Fanny Lu’s original vallenato/pop sound, with prominent accordion riffs, a danceable beat and a catchy chorus.

“Colombia is my country, my heart and my inspiration, and this new single and album reflect that,” said Fanny Lu, who served as a coach on La Voz Colombia, her country’s version of the NBC singing competition The Voice.

With a mix of pop, vallenato accordion and a husky voice, Fanny Lu found success in 2006 with her catchy single “No te pido que me mandes flores” from her debut album Lágrimas Cálidas. Two subsequent singles, “Y si te digo” and “Tu no eres para mi” (with a video featuring Wilmer Vaderrama), reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay charts.

Fanny Lu was most recently a coach on La Voz Kids Colombia and also collaborated with Vives in his new version of “La tierra del olvido.”

Iglesias Leaving Universal for Sony Music

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Iglesias is switching teams…

The 40-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter has left his longtime home at Universal Music Group and signed with Sony Music, according to Billboard.

His albums will most likely be released by Sony Music Latin in Spanish and RCA Records in English.

Iglesias had a long and positive relationship with Universal, which released his albums in English and Spanish for more than a decade.

But Sony offered major international support and, according to inside sources, one of the biggest contracts offered to any artist in recent years in terms of advances and royalties.

Sex and Love, which was released in 2014 and includes the hit “Bailando,” was Iglesias’ last album under his Universal contract.

Earlier this year, as a free agent, he recorded the single “El Perdon” with Nicky Jam, who is signed to Sony. The track was released by Sony Music U.S. Latin in Spanish, and rose to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart (supplanting long-running “Bailando”). An English version was released in July as is being worked jointly with RCA.

There is no word of a new album yet.

Iglesias’ first record label was Mexican indie Fonovisa, where he launched his career as a Latin crooner. He then signed to Universal/Interscope and became a crossover star with equal success in both English and Spanish.

All told, Iglesias has sold over 10 million albums in the U.S. alone, according to Nielsen, making him one of the biggest acts in the market, in any language. Worldwide, he’s sold over 100 million albums.

His top-selling album is Escape, which has sold over 3.5 million copies in the U.S. alone.

To get a sense of Iglesias’ clout, one also has to look at his streaming numbers. “Bailando,” for example, was recorded in four versions. Two of those videos — in English and Spanish — have over 1 billion views on Vevo.

Neither Sony nor Iglesias’ management had comment.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Sony Music