Prince Royce Replaces Himself at No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Prince Royce is his own replacement…

The 31-year-old Dominican American bachata singer has replaced himself at No. 1 on the Tropical Airplay chart.

On the October 24-dated survey, his latest single “Lotería” climbs 2-1, bumping his own “Carita de Inocente” down 1-2.

“Carita de Inocente” had earlier set the record for the most weeks at No. 1, and its total weeks atop the list now stand at 29.

“It feels great to have the top two Tropical Airplay songs in the country and I’m so thankful to everyone at radio and the fans who keep embracing my music and bachata,” Royce tells Billboard.

The last time an artist ranked first and second in the same chart week was Marc Anthony with “Lo Que Te Di” at No. 1 and “Parecen Viernes” at No. 2 (January 25-dated lists).

The last act, however, to replace himself at No. 1 was Nicky Jam in January 2018. Romeo Santos’ “Bella y Sensual,” which features Jam and Daddy Yankee, ceded its five-week reign to “Cásate Conmigo,” his collaboration with Silvestre Dangond (Jan. 27, 2018-dated list).

“Lotería” leads the list dated October 24, advancing from the runner-up position, thanks to a 34% gain in audience impressions, to 4 million, earned in the week ending October 18, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.

The tune helps the bachata singer-songwriter up his career No. 1 count to 19, extending his third-most record in the chart’s 26-year history. Royce stands just behind Marc Anthony with 32 No. 1s and Victor Manuelle with 28.)

“Lotería” is from Royce’s Alter Ego album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart (dated February 22). The tune was produced by Royce alongside D’lesly “Dice” Lora and written by Royce, Lora, Yonathan “Mickey” Then and Ronald “Dae” López.

Over on Latin Airplay, “Lotería” enters the top 25, hiking 34-24.

Anitta to Perform at This Year’s Premio Lo Nuestro Awards Show

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Anittais readying for a high-profile performance…

The 25-year-old Brazilian singer, a four-time nominee in 2019, is set to perform at this year’s Premio Lo Nuestro awards show.

The “Veneno” singer and New Artist of the Yearcontender joins a roster of new additions that includes JBalvin, Yandel, Juanes, Maná, Pepe Aguilar, Joss Favela, Nacho, and Zion y Lennox.

Anitta previously took the stage alongside J Balvin at least year’s how, giving a sizzling performance of their hit collaboration “Downtown.”

Marc Anthony, Daddy Yankee, Natti Natasha, Anuel AA and Ozuna, Thalia, Lele Pons, Fuego, Prince Royce, Farruko, Piso 21, Intocable, De La Ghetto, Pedro Capó, Reik, Christian Nodal, Lali and Silvestre Dangondare also confirmed to perform at the annual ceremony.

The awards will be hosted by Maite Perroni, Alejandra Espinoza and salsa singer, Victor Manuelle.

The 31st edition of Premio Lo Nuestro will air on Univisionon Thursday, February 21, live from American Airlines Arenain Miami starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Victor Manuelle Recognized with Five Guinness World Records Titles

Posted on December 11, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Victor Manuelle is breakin’ records…

After becoming the artist with most hits on any Billboard Latin airplay chart this past August, the 50-year-old Puerto Rican singer has received official recognition for this feat, and others, from Guinness World Records.

Guinness presented the salsa star with five titles: most charted titles on the Billboard Latin Airplay charts; most Top 10 hits on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart; most Top 10 hits on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart (male); most No. 1 singles on the Billboard Tropical Airplay Chart; and most charted titles on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart.

Manuelle received his honors during the live telecast of daily morning show Un Nuevo Día, on Telemundo.

One of the most successful and respected salsa stars of this generation, Manuelle won two Latin Grammys in November for his album 25/7, an eclectic set where he collaborated with both traditional salsa singers as well as new reggeaton and trap stars. This musical open-mindedness has contributed to Manuelle remaining a relevant chart topper, 25 years after he launched his recording career.

“I never thought that a phrase that I use jokingly –‘ Let’s get a Guinness World Records title’– came true,” said Manuelle in a statement. “Today, I receive the great news that I officially belong to the prestigious Guinness World Records family in several categories in 2018. I thank God and my extended family, my audience that never fails me. Let’s go for more,” he said.

In August, Manuelle notched his 71st entry on the Tropical Songs airplay chart. Only Daddy Yankee,with 68 entries on the Latin Rhythm airplay chart, comes close to his numbers.

“We are proud that incredible music stars such as Victor are part of the Guinness World Records family. His illustrious musical career is now Officially Amazing™,” said Manuelle, Guinness World Records adjudicator.

Manuelle joins an impressive list of Latin music artists who have set Guinness World Records, including “Despacito” singers Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi in 2018.

Jorge Drexler: The Big Winner at This Year’s Latin Grammys

Posted on November 16, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a moment to remember for Jorge Drexler…

The 54-year-old Uruguayan musician, who won an Oscar winner for composing the song “Al Otro Lado del Río” from The Motorcycle Diaries, proved to be the big winner at the 2018 Latin Grammys at Thursday’s awards show, which aired live from the MGM Grand Arena Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Univision.

Drexler, who’d previously won two Latin Grammys in 2015, took home the Song of the Year and Record of the Year awards for his single “Telefonía,” as well as the Best Singer/Songwriter Album for Salvavidas de hielo.

Drexler’s wins in the record and song categories came as a major surprise. He was up against favorites J Balvin — who had eight nominations — and Rosalía, whose captivating single “Malamente” was up for five awards.

The 25-year-old Spanish singer/songwriter, whose full name is Rosalía Vila Tobella, has gained global acclaim with her surprising fusion of flamenco and urban music. And she picked up the first two Latin Grammys of her career, winning Best Alternative Song and Best Urban/Fusion Performance for “Malamente.”

Also taking home two Latin Grammys was Victor Manuelle, who won Best Tropical Song and Best Salsa Album. It was, surprisingly, the first Latin Grammy wins for the 50-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer, a veteran who has often been nominated.

Mexican superstar Luis Miguel, who’s had an enormous resurgence following the successful mini-series based on his life, also won two awards for his album ¡MÉXICO Por Siempre! The set won Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album and, surprisingly, Album of the Year, a prize Luis Miguel hadn’t claimed since 2000’s Amarte es un placer.

Karol G is a first-time winner…

The 27-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer-songwriter, who skyrocketed to fame with her hit single “Mi Cama,” was named Best New Artist.

Meanwhile, J Balvin took home the award for Best Urban Music Album for Vibras, while Maluma won the Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album for F.A.M.E.

Here’s a look at this year’s Latin Grammy winners:

RECORD OF THE YEAR
“Telefonía,” Jorge Drexler

BEST URBAN SONG
“Dura,” Daddy Yankee

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
¡MÉXICO Por Siempre!, Luis Miguel

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Telefonía,” Jorge Drexler, songwriter (Jorge Drexler) .

BEST NEW ARTIST
Karol G

BEST CONTEMPORARY POP VOCAL ALBUM
F.A.M.E. – Maluma

BEST TRADITIONAL POP VOCAL ALBUM
Hazte Sentir, Laura Pausini

BEST URBAN FUSION/PERFORMANCE
“Malamente,” Rosalía

BEST URBAN MUSIC ALBUM
Vibras, J Balvin

BEST SALSA ALBUM
25/7, Víctor Manuelle

BEST NORTEÑO ALBUM
Guerra De Poder, Calibre 50
Los Ángeles Existen, Pesado

BEST CHRISTIAN ALBUM (PORTUGUESE)
Som Da Minha Vida, Fernanda Brum

BEST PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE CONTEMPORARY POP ALBUM
Noturno – Anaadi

BEST PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE ROCK OR ALTERNATIVE ALBUM
Lenine Em Trânsito, Lenine

BEST SAMBA/PAGODE ALBUM
Amor E Música, Maria Rita

BEST MPB (MUSICA POPULAR BRASILEIRA) ALBUM
Caravanas, Chico Buarque

BEST SERTANEJA MUSIC ALBUM
Elas Em Evidências, Chitãozinho & Xororó

BEST PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE SONG
“As Caravanas,” Chico Buarque, songwriter (Chico Buarque)

BEST INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM
Identidad, Miguel Siso

BEST FOLK ALBUM
Musas (Un Homenaje Al Folclore Latinoamericano En Manos De Los Macorinos), Vol. 2, Natalia Lafourcade

BEST TANGO ALBUM
Vigor Tanguero, Pedro Giraudo

BEST FLAMENCO ALBUM
Al Este Del Cante, Arcángel

BEST LATIN JAZZ/JAZZ ALBUM
Natureza Universal, Hermeto Pascoal & Big Band

BEST PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE ROOTS ALBUM
+AR, Almir Sater & Renato Teixeira

BEST CHRISTIAN ALBUM (SPANISH LANGUAGE)
Setenta Veces Siete, Alfareros

BEST LATIN CHILDREN’S ALBUM
Imaginare, Claraluna

BEST CLASSICAL ALBUM
Mágica y Misteriosa, Claudia Montero; José Manuel Domenech & Claudia Montero, album producers

BEST CLASSICAL CONTEMPORARY COMPOSITION
“Luces y Sombras. Concierto Para Guitarra y Orquesta De Cuerdas,” Claudia Montero

BEST ARRANGEMENT
“Se Le Ve,” Milton Salcedo, arranger (Milton Salcedo feat. Amaury Gutiérrez, Carlos Oliva y Michel Puche)

BEST RECORDING PACKAGE
“Diferentes Tipos De Luz,” Carlos Sadness, art director (Carlos Sadness)

BEST CUMBIA/VALLENATO ALBUM
Esto Es Vida, Silvestre Dangond

BEST CONTEMPORARY TROPICAL ALBUM
Vives, Carlos Vives

BEST TRADITIONAL TROPICAL ALBUM
A Mí Qué – Tributo A Los Clásicos Cubanos, José Alberto El Canario & El Septeto Santiaguero

BEST TROPICAL FUSION ALBUM
Como Anillo Al Dedo, Aymee Nuviola

BEST TROPICAL SONG
“Quiero Tiempo,” Juan Carlos Luces & Víctor Manuelle, songwriters (Víctor Manuelle feat. Juan Luis Guerra)

BEST SINGER-SONGWRITER ALBUM
Salvavidas De Hielo, Jorge Drexler

BEST RANCHERO/MARIACHI ALBUM
¡MÉXICO Por Siempre!, Luis Miguel

BEST BANDA ALBUM
Los Gustos Que Me Doy, Banda Los Recoditos

BEST TEJANO ALBUM
Tex Mex Funk, Roger Velásquez & The Latin Legends

BEST REGIONAL MEXICAN SONG
“Probablemente,” Christian Nodal, songwriter (Christian Nodal)

BEST ROCK ALBUM
Expectativas, Enrique Bunbury

BEST POP/ROCK ALBUM
Geometría del Rayo, Manolo García

BEST ROCK SONG
“Tu Vida Mi Vida,” Fito Páez, songwriter (Fito Páez)

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM
Claroscura, Aterciopelados

BEST ALTERNATIVE SONG
“Malamente,” Antón Alvarez Alfaro, Pablo Diaz-Reixa & Rosalía, songwriters (Rosalía)

BEST ENGINEERED ALBUM
50 Años Tocando Para Ti, Rafa Sardina, engineer; Rafa Sardina, mixer; Eric Boulanger, mastering engineer

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Linda Briceño

BEST SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO
“Pa Dentro,” Juanes

BEST LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO
“En Letra De Otro” (Documentarry), Pedro Capó Diego Álvarez, video director; Vicente Solís, video produce

Gilberto Santa Rosa Celebrating His Long Career in Music with HBO Latino Special “40…Y Contando”

Posted on September 12, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Gilberto Santa Rosa is celebrating his long musical career with a bang…

The 56-year-old Puerto Rican singer, known as “El Caballero de la Salsa,” has partnered with HBO Latino to celebrate 40 years in music with the premiere of his special 40…Y Contando, chronicling the last concert he performed in Puerto Rico.

Gilberto Santa Rosa: 40… Y Contando will premiere on Friday, September 15 at 8:00 pm ET across all the channel’s platforms, including HBO GO, HBO NOW and free On Demand channels.

“I’m extremely honored with this invitation,” Santa Rosa tells Billboard. “When I started my career it was in an orchestra, I spent 10 years with them and the other 30 years as soloist.”

During all these years, he says has not finished learning, but the most thing he has enjoyed is having collaborated with many of his idols.

The concert, taped live at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a few months after Hurricane Maria, will feature many of his greatest hits, like “Conciencia,” “Que Alguien Me Diga” and “Déjate Querer,” as well as many musical guests, including Luis Enrique, Victor Manuelle, Vico C, Tito Nieves and Pirulo Y La Tribu, among others.

In addition to the concert, HBO Latino will also air a 15-minute special during which Santa Rosa shares the greatest moments of his career from the biggest salsa landmark in New York City, the Copacabana.

Gilberto Santa Rosa’s HBO Latino special will also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts Friday. “The best thing about being Latino is that we have the ability to connect with various cultures and interpret art more easily,” said Santa Rosa.

Victor Manuelle to Receive Icon Award at This Year’s La Musa Awards

Posted on September 11, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

There’s an iconic honor headed Victor Manuelle’s way…

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer will be honored by Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (LSHOF) with the Icon Award during the 2018 La Musa Awards.

The announcement was made by LSHOF founders Desmond Child and Rudy Pérez on behalf of its Board of Directors.

The special award will recognize Manuelle’s career and musical contributionswhich include breaking chart records within the Latin and tropical music space for over two decades. Previous honorees include Alejandro Sanz and Carlos Vives.

“I have received many awards through the years, but being the recipient of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Icon Award has a very special significance for me,” said Manuelle in a press statement. “This award not only recognizes the depth and length of my career as a performer and songwriter but also honors all of the creativity that went into writing and producing my music with the world’s most brilliant collaborators, musicians and singers.”

The 6th annual LA Musa Awards, presented by Spotify, will be directed by Richard Jay-Alexander and will take place at the James L. Knight Center in Miami on October 18 and will be hosted by Puerto Rican actor/singer, Ektor Rivera.

The ceremony will honor this year’s class of Inductees: Gloria Trevi (Mexico), Chucho Valdés (Cuba), Carlos Rubira Infante (Ecuador), Fernando Osorio (Venezuela) and other special Honorees.

Victor Manuelle to Perform at the Los Dells Music, Art and Food Festival

Posted on August 19, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Victor Manuelle is headed to the Midwest…

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer is set to perform at the second annual Los Dells Music, Art and Food Festival.

Manuelle is among the new wave of artists confirmed for the two-day music event that’s known as the largest Latin multi-genre music fest in the Midwest.

Other additions include Flo Rida, El Tri, Zion & Lennox, El Haragan & CIA, Mau y Ricky, and Jesse Baez.

Organizers of the event also revealed that Farina, Descember Bueno, Jarina de Marco, Raquel Sofia, Gadiel,and Oscarcito will all perform at the Toyota Music Denat the festival.

They will be joining already-confirmed acts such as Karol G, Aterciopelados, Porter, Wisin & Yandel, Bad Bunny, Molotov, Chiquis Rivera and La Original Banda el Limon.

Los Dells Festival will take place over Labor Day Weekend on September 1-2 at Woodside Ranch in Madison, Wisconsin.

For additional festival details, visit LosDells.com.

Anuel AA’s Debut Album “Real Hasta La Muerte” Certified Gold by the RIAA…

Posted on August 14, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Anuel AA is golden…

The 25-year-old Puerto Rican trap artist’s Real Hasta La Muerte has been certified gold by the RIAA only three weeks after its release.

Anuel AA

“At the moment I have no words to say thank you for the support I have received from my fans,” said Anuel in a press statement. “I thank God more than anything for the blessing of so much good news in such a short time.” Anuel calls the album “my return to music, and I am back to stay.”

Back in July, Anuel AA earned his first No. 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart with his debut album, Real Hasta La Muerte.

The chart-topping album arrived on July 17 via Real Hasta La Muerte/ GLAD Empire— hours before he was released from prison after serving time for gun possession charges.

Real Hasta La Muerte opened in the penthouse with 11,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending July 19, according to Nielsen Music. Of its starting sum, 3,000 were in traditional album sales — a notable feat, since it only had two days of sales during the tracking week. It scored the fifth largest sales week for a Latin album in 2018, trailing only the debuts of CNCO’s self-titled album (13,000; chart dated April 21), J Balvin’s Vibras (10,000; chart dated June 9), Maluma’s F.A.M.E. (7,000; chart dated June 2), and Victor Manuelle’s 25/7 (4,000; chart dated Apr. 7).

Real Hasta La Muerte also debuted at No. 1 on the Latin Albums Sales chart.

The set, which was recorded while Anuel AA was serving his sentence, also logged 7,000 in streaming equivalent units (SEA).

Further, Anuel was the first artist to land at the summit with a debut album in a little less than a year. Ozuna bowed at No. 1 with his debut set, Odisea (Sept. 16, 2017). Real bumps Odisea down to No. 2, after 42 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1. (He continues to hold the record for the most weeks atop the list for a male artist, and the third overall; Gloria Estefan’s Mi Tierra leads with 58 weeks and Selena’s Dreaming of You follows with 44.)

Victor Manuelle Partners with Fanstereo on New Collection of Wireless Speakers & Headphones

Posted on March 25, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Victor Manuelle is speaker-ing out…

The 49-yar-old Puerto Rican salsa singer has partnered with Fanstereo to launch a new collection of wireless speakers and headphones branded with his name.

The Victor Manuelle Capsule Collection is the first to be branded with the name of a Latin music artist for Fanstereo, which has previously put out similar lines endorsed by dance duo Ayo & Teo, rapper Boosie Badaz and DJ Scream.

According to an announcement from the company — founded by Bad Boy Branding CEO Jay Leopardi — more new collections in collaboration “with a variety of notable performers and artists” will be announced in the coming weeks.

Victor Manuelle Partners with La Tribu de Abrante & PJ Sin Suela for Holiday Song “Mi Navidad No Se Apaga”

Posted on December 16, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Victor Manuelle is bringing holiday cheer to Puerto Rico…

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer has released a new holiday song, featuring the rootsy tropical dance outfit La Tribu de Abrante and artist PJ Sin Suela.

“I don’t have water or electricity but the bet things happen in the dark,” Sin Suela raps [in Spanish] in “Mi Navidad No Se Apaga” — one of the many lines in the song that, with sabor and a smile, make reference to the catastrophic conditions that residents have experienced since the island was hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria in September.

The song is one of a wave of post hurricane-referencing songs that Puerto Rican artists have recorded to keep spirits high in a country where the holidays are known for being exceptionally merry, and very musical.

They include Grupomania’s “Navidad Con Vela,” and “La Fila de la Gasolina” by the group Algareplena.

“Whatever happens there is always a party,” Puerto Rican pop star Olga Tañon said in this year’s Banco Popular Christmas television special, in which she sings a rousing version of “La Vida Es Un Carnival,” the uplifting song made famous by Celia Cruz.

La Tribu de Abrante and PJ Sin Suela also perform in the special.

The airing of the showland release of its soundtrack, an annual holiday event, has taken on special significance this year as sign that in Puerto Rico there will be Christmas this year in spite of the hurricane damage.

“Mi Navidad No Se Apaga” debuts at No. 22 on Billboard’s Tropical Songs chart this week.

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