Manuelle Releases Moving Video for His Latest Single, “Algo le pasa a mi héroe,”

It’s a bittersweet Father’s Day for Victor Manuelle

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer has released the official music video for “Algo le pasa a mi héroe,” which he wrote and recorded not only as an homage to his father, but also to raise awareness about the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease both on patients and caretakers.

Victor Manuelle

A few years ago, Manuelle’s dad, Victor Ruiz, was diagnosed with Alzheiemer’s. The hardship and brutal reality of the disease was beautifully personalized in the new song, “Algo le pasa a mi héroe.”

Manuelle filmed a moving video, starring Puerto Rican actor Jacobo Morales, that shows the day to day life and times of an Alzheimer’s patient. For maximum effect, he partnered with Puerto Rico’s Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Association for a campaign titled: “They forget, but you shouldn’t.”

For the single’s release last March, Manuelle stood at a street corner in San Juan and personally distributed 50,000 copies of the song to cars and passers-by.

“Everywhere I went, I found someone affected by this disease,” says Manuelle. “We wanted to take the message to the world. I really didn’t know what was going to happen, but the support has been overwhelming.”

J Balvin to Take Part in the “Billboard En Vivo” Concert Series

J Balvin is ready to go en vivo

The 29-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer will take center stage when Billboard launches the Billboard En Vivo tour.

J Balvin

The new concert series will visit intimate venues in five cities this April and feature live acoustic performances by rising the Latin rhythm artist, as well as Bachata sensation Prince Royce and Salsa singer-songwriter Victor Manuelle, all of whom are Billboard Latin Music Awards finalists.

The Billboard En Vivo tour will begin on April 3 in New York City, and visits Chicago (April 7), L.A. (April 15), Houston (April 22) before wrapping up April 29 in Miami.

The concerts are a warm-up for the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which take place April 30 from the BankUnited Center in Miami.

“The Billboard En Vivo concert series demonstrates Billboard’s continued commitment to the evolving Latin market,” comments Janice Min, co-president and chief creative officer of Guggenheim Media‘s Entertainment Group, which consists of Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter. “As Latin musicians continue to build mainstream momentum, Billboard is bringing together hundreds of passionate music fans for a series of special moments leading up to one of our biggest nights, the Billboard Latin Music Awards.”

Telemundo is the official broadcast and digital distribution partner for Billboard En Vivo and the network will air the Billboard Latin Music Awards live at 8:00 pm EST on the big night.

Here’s a look at the tour schedule.

Billboard En Vivo Tour schedule:

April 3 — New York City (Prince Royce)
April 7 — Chicago (Prince Royce)
April 15 — Los Angeles (J Balvin)
April 22 — Houston (Victor Manuelle)
April 29 — Miami (J Balvin)

Miranda Earns Second Career No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Songs Chart

It may have taken some time, but Ismael Miranda is back at the top of the charts…

The 64-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer crowns Billboard’s Tropical Songs chart with “Son 45,” earning him the second No. 1 on the airplay list of his career and his first in a decade.

Ismael Miranda

The track rises 5-1 in its 15th week with a 39 percent increase in plays in the week ending February 8, according to Nielsen Music. Miranda last capped the ranking in 2005 when “Se Fue Y Me Dejo,” featuring Cheka & Andy Montanez, spent a week at the helm.

The celebratory “Son 45,” written and produced by Victor Manuelle, is the title track from Miranda’s most recent album and recounts the salsa veteran’s 45-year career, proudly declaring his roots in the genre.

Miranda becomes only the second member of Fania All-Stars (the legendary musical ensemble formed by Fania Records in 1968) to have two No. 1s, matching Celia Cruz‘s tally. “I’m really proud and satisfied with the work done,” Miranda tells Billboard. “The message in this song represents what the salsa genre means for our culture, history and identity.”

On working with Victor Manuelle, who holds 24 No. 1s on the Tropical Songs chart of his own (the second-most in the chart’s history), Miranda says of Manuelle — who produced the “Son 45” album — “He never took me away from my traditional style of salsa or the social messages in my songs. Every single thing we did, we made sure to do it with quality. This is a big accomplishment for him as well because it is his first time producing an album for another artist and releasing it on his own label Kiyavi Records.”

Miranda humbly revels in the long-lasting success of salsa music, saying “The fact that this music is still played heavily on the airwaves worldwide is a testament to our message. I have been representing this genre for over forty-five years and salsa is here to stay,” leaving us with the hook of the single: “Yo llevo 45 y sigo con el mismo son!!

Bisbal to be Honored at the ASCAP Latin Music Awards

David Bisbal has is the voice

The 35-year-old Latin pop star will receive special honors during ASCAP‘s 23rd annual Latin Music Awards.

David Bisbal

Bisbal is receiving ASCAP’s Voice of Music Award, given to artists whose music represents the spirit of a generation. Past honorees include Mary J. Blige, Garth Brooks and Luis Fonsi.

Mexican singer/songwriter Mario Domm, the lead singer for Camila and also the author of many hits for other acts, will receive the Golden Note Award, given to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Past recipients include Jose Feliciano, Victor Manuelle and Pharrell Williams.

Regional Mexican group La Original Banda El Limon de Salvador Lizarraga will receive the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award, presented to music creators in recognition for their unique and enduring contributions to Latin music. Past recipients include Ricardo Arjona, Celia Cruz and Alejandro Sanz.

The awards will also honor top Latin publishers and songwriters of 2014, with awards given to the Songwriter of the year, Publisher of the year, Independent publisher of the year and Latin song of the year, as well as awards in pop, tropical, regional Mexican, urban and television categories.

The dinner ceremony will take place March 11 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

Manuelle’s “Que Suenen Los Tambores” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Make that three Latin chart-toppers for Victor Manuelle

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter’s latest track “Que Suenen Los Tambores” has moved up from 3-1 to crown Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart.

Victor Manuelle

Manuelle’s festive hit single climbs to 10.3 million audience impressions in its 11th week (a 14 percent hike in the frame ending Dece,ber 21, according to Nielsen Music).

This marks the salsa singer’s third No. 1 on the list in his 21-year chart history, and his first since “Si Tu Me Besas” spent a week at No. 1 in 2012.

The song’s ascent follows a five-week consecutive run at No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart (where it dips 2-1 this week), the longest concurrent run of 2014.

“Tambores” became his 24th chart-capping track, extending his record for second-most No. 1s to 24 (Marc Anthony leads with 25).

Ken-Y’s “Sentirte Mia” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart

The first time’s the charm for Ken-Y

The Puerto Rican reggaeton singer, whose real name is Kenny Vázquez, has reached the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart with his debut single as a solo artist.

Ken-Y

Ken-Y’s “Sentirte Mia” climbs 3-1 to displace Victor Manuelle’s No. 1 run on the Tropical Airplay chart.

A 42 percent increase in spins earns the track Greatest Gainer honors at the format.

With the rise marking his first unaccompanied No. 1, he adds to his tally of two chart-toppers as part of the duo RKM & Ken-Y.  The Grammy-nominated reggaeton duo reached the chart’s summit with “Down” in 2006 followed by “Te Regalo Amores” in 2009, where each spent a week at No. 1.

The duo split in 2013 to pursue solo endeavors. Ken-Y is currently prepping his debut solo set The King of Romanceexpected for release in the spring 2015.

 

Manuelle’s “Que Suenen Los Tambores” Rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Songs Chart

Victor Manuelle is nipping on Marc Anthony’s heels…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer’s latest song “Que Suenen Los Tambores” hops 4-1 to crown Billboard’s Tropical Songs chart.

Victor Manuelle

Manuelle’s 24th chart leader extends his mark for second-most No. 1s on the chart, only one No. 1 away from matching Marc Anthony’s 25 toppers. The record has juggled between both artists in the past.

“Que Suenen Los Tambores” grows by 30 percent in spins, to 643, during the tracking week ending November 16, according to Nielsen BDS.

In addition to the salsa cut, a pop-leaning version, “Que Suenen Los Tambores (Pa’l Mundo),” is also being worked at Latin pop outlets.

Sanchez Releasing Music Video for New Single “Pick Up Your Game”

Roselyn Sanchez is making sweet music again…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican actress/singer is returning to the music world with the release of the official video for “Pick Up Your Game,” a song that grew out of her role on Lifetime’s primetime sudser Devious Maids.

Roselyn Sanchez

Sanchez performed the track last December on last season’s finale of Mira Quien Baila.

For this version, Rapper Flo Rida collaborated with Sanchez on the production, which will have its world premiere on Friday.

Sanchez, known for her role as FBI agent Elena Delgado on Without a Trace, released the song “Pick Up Your Game” last November, as part of the show.

Her character on Devious Maids, Carmen Luna, is an aspiring singer.

Sanchez said she was excited about the debut of the “Pick Up Your Game” video, her first musical release since the 2003 album Borinqueña, which featured contributions from Puerto Rican stars like Tego Calderon and Victor Manuelle.

The first single from the album entitled “Amor Amor was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for Best Music Video.

Vives’ “Cuando Nos Volvamos a Encontrar” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart

Carlos Vives is back at the top of the tropical music charts…

The 52-year-old Colombian singer has earned his fifth No. 1 single on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart, as “Cuando Nos Volvamos a Encontrar” rises 2-1.

Carlos Vives

The track features Marc Anthony, who concurrently scores his record-extending 25th chart topper, moving him further ahead of Victor Manuelle with 23.

The song climbed three percent in airplay spins at the format (660 in the week ending July 27), according to Nielsen BDS.

Vives last topped the chart with “Volvi A Nacer” in 2012, which spent four weeks at No. 1, the most of any of his leaders.

Anthony’s “Flor Palida” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart

Marc Anthony is the top selling tropical salsa artist of all time for a reason…

Not only did the 45-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter sweep the Latin categories at the Billboard Music Awards, he’s also just moved ahead of Victor Manuelle to hold the record of No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart.

Marc Anthony

Anthony’s “Flor Palida,” the third single from his award-winning salsa album 3.0, reached the summit this week while earning Greatest Gainer honors on the chart.

Anthony, who had been tied with Manuelle for the record, now has 23 No. 1 songs on the chart.

His other chart-toppers include “Vivir Mi Vida, “Cambio de Piel,” “Dimelo,” “Si Te Vas” and “No Me Ames,” his duet with ex-wife Jennifer Lopez.