Blessd Signs Worldwide Distribution & Licensing Deal with Warner Music Latina

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Blessd has an exciting new deal…

Warner Music Latina has signed an exclusive worldwide distribution and licensing agreement with the up-and-coming Colombian artist, who recently announced his first-ever international tour.

In addition, Blessd’s exclusive deal, which is an alliance with JM World Music and Cigol Music, will include a “crafty, all-party proposal that will bring the artist’s music globally.”

“Blessd is undoubtedly Colombia’s next musical urban star,” Gabriela Martinez, managing director at Warner Music Latina, said in a statement. “At Warner Latina we are very excited to be part of this project and take it to the next level.”

Dr. Velasquez, who signed Blessd to JM World Music in 2019, added: “JM World Music and Cigol Music see in Warner Mexico and Warner Music Latina an opportunity for team growth.”

“Everything that is happening in my career is very important to me,” the 21-year-old artist said in a statement. “I feel that the alliance with Warner Music Latina is a new beginning and I feel very confident to have the backing of a company like this. The idea is to project bigger and bigger goals and work as a team with the best.”

Part of Colombia’s new wave of hip-hop and reggaetón artists, the artist born Stiven Mesa Londoño in Antioquia, Medellín, broke out during the global pandemic, releasing viral hits like “Imposible” and “Hace Tiempo.” A promising singer-songwriter, who can gracefully go from freestyle to a chanteo to singing, he has already collaborated with artists such as Maluma, Piso 21, Ovy on the Drums, and The Black Eyed Peas. The former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise credits reggaetón veteran Arcangel and Venezuelan rapper Akapellah as his biggest source of inspiration.

He continued: “All my achievements are in the hands of God and in prayer, I always ask that my songs be heard in all corners of the world and that my team is always blessed. From today on, I have the Warner, JM, and Cigol shirt on, because working hand in hand with the Lord everything is possible.”

The signing announcement comes on the heels of his first-ever international fall tour, kicking off November 4 in Europe. Blessd’s upcoming studio album, Hecho en Medellín, is scheduled to launch on October 27 under Warner Music Latina and features collaborations with Arcangel, Justin Quiles, Myke Towers, and more.

Las Villa to Perform as Part of “The Rising Generation of Music” Showcase at Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on September 14, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Las Villa are on the rise…

The Colombian sister duo is among a new wave of artists set to take the stage during the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Week, which returns to Miami from September 20 to 25 with a weeklong event that unites the top Latin hitmakers, influencers, and executives, and features live performances and conversations with superstars.

Las Villa, along with indie Dominican newcomer The Change and the innovative Venezuelan rapper Micro TDH, have all been confirmed to perform as part of “The Rising Generation of Music” showcase presented by Warner Music Latina.

Las Villa will also form part of the “Women on the Rise” panel to discuss their music careers.

Registrants and attendees will be able to enjoy the event during Latin Music Week, taking place at 6:00 pm ET on Tuesday, September 21, at the Faena Forum main stage.

Under the slogan “The Beat of Latin Music,” making its mark as the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world, this year’s event will continue through the end of the week as Billboard launches its En Vivo concert series.

Latin Music Week coincides with the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will be broadcast live via Telemundo on September 23.

For more information, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Anitta Appears in This Year’s Edition of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It appears Anitta is doing swimmingly…

The 28-year-old Brazilian singer/songwriter appears on the pages of this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, which launched online on Monday, July 19.

Anitta is one of three musicians appearing in the issue. The other two? Megan Thee Stallion, who becomes only the second musician ever to star on the cover of the issue, and R&B singer Tinashe. This is the 58th edition of SI Swimsuit.

For Latin artists like Anitta, being featured in SI Swimsuit can not only make their reach more global, but it can also make their brand more relatable, says Isabel Paz, publicity and promotions associate director at Warner Music Latina. Paz works with artists including Anitta, Justin Quiles and Sofia Reyes.

Warner Records worked with the global Warner Music Latin team to sign the “Girl From Rio” singer last June ahead of her U.S. debut album due this year.

“I think Sports Illustrated is such a big brand that it definitely has a global reach. We don’t have Sports Illustrated in our market, like a Spanish version,” Paz tells Billboard, adding that print coverage exposes fans to a multidimensional view of their favorite singers. “It also shows another side of the artist that perhaps we wouldn’t see if they wouldn’t have been featured there. If you see them in a sports-related magazine, then you’re able to discover that this artist also has that interest. I think it just makes them more well-rounded and perhaps shows a side that is not just them on stage, but it also lets you know that the artist is capable of doing something else. It humanizes them a bit, because you can relate to them further.”

While SI Swimsuit works to “redefine the cultural conversation around beauty by celebrating a diverse group of women,” according to the publication’s statement during the annual Miami runway show earlier in July, Paz believes it has the power to celebrate “the whole variety” of Latina artists. The question remains if SI Swimsuit will continue to break grounds with whom the magazine wants to feature on the cover and in its pages in the coming years, and how many of those models will come from the music industry.

Megan Thee Stallion, Tinashe and Anitta will take the stage and perform at the official launch event for the 2021 issue on July 23 and 24 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. SI Swimsuit partnered with Hard Rock International for the two-day series of festivities, including interactive daytime events and a red carpet before the blowout concert at Hard Rock Live.

SI Swimsuit also worked with Roc Nation, where all three artists have direct and indirect management ties, to book the talent featured in its pages. Anitta signed a worldwide management deal with Brandon Silverstein’s S10 Entertainment, which is a partner of Roc Nation, in August 2019.

Anitta’s “Girl From Rio” single has been getting steady rotation at top 40 and rhythmic radio, further helping to ensure the Brazilian superstar’s long overdue breakout in the United States, with special thanks to DaBaby for his guest verse on the remix.

The 2021 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue will be on newsstands on Thursday, July 22.

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Micro TDH Signs Exclusive Record Deal with Warner Music Latina

Posted on June 29, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Micro TDH is ready to break out…

The 22-year-old Venezuelan singer has signed an exclusive record deal with Warner Music Latina.

The agreement between Warner and the Latin music newcomer will further develop the artist’s musical career, including the release of his upcoming studio album.

“Micro TDH is the new face of the Urban Latin music movement and I am sure that one day he will be recognized as one of the best Latin songwriters of all time,” said Iñigo Zabala, president of Warner Music Latin America & Iberia in a statement. “It is an incredible privilege to work with such a multifaceted and talented artist.”

Managing director Gabriela Martinez agrees, calling Micro one of the most sought-after young acts. “With his incomparable talent, charisma, unique sound, and our vision we will work hard to grow his music,” she adds.

With over two million followers on Instagram, Micro TDH is a singer-songwriter who has caught the attention of music lovers with his soulful hip-hop fusions and raw lyrics about love, heartbreak, and life lessons, overall.

He first got on the international radar with his collaboration on Piso 21’s feel-good track “Te Vi,” which peaked at No. 28 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart dated May 11, 2019. After collaborating with artists like Lenny Tavarez, Greeicy, Justin Quiles, and Colombian hitmaker Ovy on the Drums, Micro is currently making the rounds with his Myke Towers-assisted “El Tren,” which recently entered the Latin Pop Airplay chart.

“I hope this is the beginning of something very big. We are here to make history with our music and leave a mark in the industry,” Micro, who’s nominated for best artist Andean region at the 2021 Premios Heat, expressed.

Lenny Tavarez Releases Debut Solo Album “Krack”

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Lenny Tavarez is officially out with his first…

After blessing fans with new music for the last few months, the 34-year-old Puerto Rican singer has finally released his debut solo album Krack via Warner Music Latina.

Tavarez, who kicked off his solo career after leaving Puerto Rican duo Dylan and Lenny, calls the album his “first opportunity at life.” He’s also grateful for his new record label giving him total creative liberty with the album strategy.

“I decided to launch the album progressively, in four seasons, because I wanted fans to digest all the flavors, sounds, and lyrics that it brings,” he tells Billboard.

The album is home to 14 tracks, including “La Neta,” “A Cien” and focus track “Lo Tengo Todo.”

The set includes collaborations with Nicky Jam, Rauw Alejandro, Zion & Lennox and Natanael Cano, to name a few.

Though Tavarez has released the singles sporadically and in groups, the album has been nearly five years in the making.

“My intention is to do different music without changing the genre,” he says. “Krack was created with a lot of sacrifices and stories of perseverance.”

Becky G to be Honored at the Latin Recording Academy’s Leading Ladies of Entertainment Luncheon

Posted on November 10, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Becky G is a (leading) lady who lunches…

For the second consecutive year, the Latin Recording Academy will host its Leading Ladies of Entertainment luncheon, honoring professional women within arts and entertainment who have made significant contributions to their fields, including the 21-year-old Mexican American singer/songwriter/actress.

In addition to Becky G, this year’s honorees include Univision journalist and anchor Pamela Silva Conde; BMI’s VP of Creative for Latin music, Delia Orjuela; and Cynthia Hudson EVP and GM of CNN en Español and Hispanic Strategy for CNN/US.

“With great pride and admiration we laud these honorees who throughout their careers have continually demonstrated grit, determination, an absolute sense of pride, and an indomitable spirit,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., president/CEO of the Latin Recording Academy.

The Leading Ladies of Entertainment program launched last year with a similar lunch in Las Vegas, honoring executives like Lionfish Entertainment founder Rebeca Leon (who manages Juanes, Rosalía and J Balvin), Warner Music Latina GM Gabriela Martinez and Billboard’s executive director of Latin content and programming Leila Cobo.

The event was a rare honor designed specifically for women involved in Latin music and entertainment.

Erika Ender Among the Latin Recording Academy’s Inaugural “Leading Ladies of Entertainment”

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Erika Ender is a leading lady…

The Latin Recording Academy will honor the accomplishments of women working in the Latin music industry, including the 42-year-old Panamanian and Brazilian singer, songwriter and actress, with a ceremony recognizing “The Leading Ladies of Entertainment.”

Considered one of the most prolific composers in the Latin music market today, Ender is the woman behind Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s global hit “Despacito,” having co-written the song with the Puerto Rican superstars.

Last month, Ender was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Billboard’s Leila Cobo, Executive Director of Content and Programming for Latin Music and Entertainment, will also be honored during the inaugural event, which will take place on Tuesday (November 14) at Mastro’s Ocean Club in Las Vegas.

Recording engineer Marcella Araica, Rebeca Leon, CEO and Founder of Lionfish Entertainment; Gabriela Martinez, General Manager Warner Music Latina and SVP Marketing Warner Music Latin America; and Univision’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jessica Rodriguez will also be honored as 2017’s “Leading Ladies.”

The new Latin Grammy week event will precede the 18th annual awards, which will be broadcast live on Univision from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday (November 16).

“It is my pleasure to welcome this new event to Latin Grammy Week, where we will have another opportunity to celebrate talented and inspiring individuals,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., Latin Recording Academy President/CEO, said in a statement. “Women face a myriad of difficulties in the entertainment industry, but despite those obstacles, the women we are honoring have continually demonstrated perseverance, fortitude, and grace under pressure.”

Davina Aryeh, Chief Marketing Officer of The Latin Recording Academy, pointed out that the gender gap in the music industry “is more pronounced for Latinas.”

“We want to empower and inspire women,” she added. “Not only through the symbolic importance of the event…but also through the tangible financial contribution it will have as we donate proceeds back to our Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation in the form of scholarships for young women interested in studying music.”

Reykon Signs Major Recording Deal with Warner Music Latina

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Reykon will soon be taking the world by storm…

The 28-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer, one of his country’s rising urban music talents, has signed a major label deal with Warner Music Latina, according to Billboard.

Reykon, whose real name is Andres Felipe Robledo, will release two singles, as he looks toward an album release later this year.

The first track, titled “Imaginandote,” is slated to hit radio this month. It features Reykon’s pal Daddy Yankee, whom he recorded with in 2007. Reykon has also previously recorded with the likes of Yandel, Farruko and J Balvin.

Reykon, whose career to this point has been indie, has yet to score a major U.S. radio hit; his only charting single was last year’s “Secretos,” which reached No. 8 on Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay chart.

But he’s had major hits in Colombia and has huge social traction, with 5.5 million likes on Facebook, 1.1 million Twitter followers and 589,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel.

The official video for “Secretos” has notched 37 million views.

Despite being vocally different, like Balvin, Reykon’s reggaetón is more romantic-minded and highly melodic.

“For me, good music, a good attitude, strong character and excellent team work are the keys to success,” he said in a statement. “Only then can you achieve great things. This union with Warner Music Latina was the step that my career needed.”

Reykon is managed by Edgar Andino, who formerly handled Wisin & Yandel.

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