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Magnus Talent Agency, the agency division of Marc Anthony and Michel Vega’s company Magnus, has acquired the booking and management division of Tomas Cookman’s Industria Works.
Moving forward, Spain-based Industria Works’ staff and global roster will join MTA’s Miami-based team at Magnus, with five new staff members joining MTA, and for a total of 25 artists on its roster.
MTA’s original roster includes Marc Anthony, Fonseca, Gente de Zona, Il Volo, Micro TDH, Mau y Ricky and Bacilos, among others. Now, it will incorporate artists such as Trueno, Love of Lesbian, Paula Cendejas, Villano Antillano, YSY A, Maikel Delacalle, Nicola Cruz and YADAM, which Industria Works currently books for shows and tours in Europe and Latin America.
Industria Works founder Tomas Cookman, who also owns Nacional Records and founded the Latin Alternative Music Conference, will continue to play a leadership role within the new partnership.
“I’ve known and admired Tomas for over twenty years and we share the same passion for excellence in talent representation,” said Michel Vega, CEO of Magnus, and who originally founded the company with Marc Anthony. “This new partnership is an important step in our international expansion and will provide a crucial local presence and expertise in the European market and beyond, all in the name of continuing to provide top of class service to the careers of iconic and soon-to-be iconic artists.”
Cookman says he opted not to have a title in the new venture, “but I am involved in building this with Michel on a day-to-day basis (along with my other ventures) as always. I have always considered Michel Vega a friend – and am now proud to call him a partner. We are excited for the opportunity to join forces with a solid team to maximize opportunities and bring a truly global booking and management experience to our combined artist roster. I am a believer in the power of teamwork and Michel and Marc have created a solid foundation to continue building upon.”
Industria Works’ current head of Spain, Agustin Lopez, will lead the Madrid-based office and overall Spain team. Other Spain-based team members, Ulia Moreno, Patricia Zavala and Alicia Toboso, have also joined MTA and will continue to work out of Madrid and Barcelona.
The acquisition will give MTA added presence in Europe and it will also diversify its roster. At the same time, Industria Works will benefit from MTA’s infrastructure and its presence in Miami, the epicenter of Latin music.
“Tomas is coming on board to help us grow the agency in the future by leveraging his extensive network of contacts, vast experience in artist representation, independent thinking and entrepreneurial spirit,” added Vega.
Cookman will continue to oversee both Nacional Records and the LAMC, which are not part of the deal.
Bad Bunny does a Mexican accent in Cassandro, a biopic starring Gael García Bernal as the queer wrestling icon and the Puerto Rican music superstar as a drug dealer and his love interest. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news In a clip from the biopic shared exclusively with […]
Amid Mexican Independence Day celebrations and Hispanic Heritage Month, Becky G lit up the United Palace in Washington Heights, N.Y., on Saturday (Sept. 16).
It was her second of two nights at the 3,330-capacity venue as part of the artist’s first headlining national tour, Mi Casa, Tu Casa, which launched Sept. 14 in Boston. Upcoming dates include Atlanta (Sept. 21), Hollywood (Sept. 23), El Paso (Oct. 3), and concludes in Phoenix (Oct. 14).
“Mi nombre es Becky G y bienvenidos to the Mi Casa, Tu Casa tour,” she said in Spanglish. “New York, I’m not even going to sugar coat it, okay? Soy muy dulce a veces, pero otras veces un poquito picosa (“I’m sweet, at times, but other times, I’m a little spicy”), she said shortly after opening her show with her hit song “Mayores,” which features Bad Bunny.
Donning baggy Mexican pink cargo pants, with a long silver chain, a matching sparkly bikini top and a cowboy hat, the Inglewood native’s alluring performance included an invigorating live band, a crew of dancers, an exciting DJ set and beautiful home videos of the artist (born Rebecca Marie Gomez) played on the screen behind the stage.
“There was so much inspiration of the 200% for me — I knew that I wanted to make a statement representing two cultures, two flags, two languages,” Becky G told Billboard Español in August in preparation for her tour. “From the color scheme to the way that we played out the setlist, and having the whole middle set of the show be dedicated to música regional was the essence of the tour. We are bringing Casa Gomez to everybody on Mi Casa, Tu Casa and it’s going to be really awesome.”
And Becky G truly delivered — her charming stage presence, her combination of “sweet and spicy” energy, her vulnerability, her connection with her fans, and deep appreciation for her foundations made this entire night very special one.
Here are five highlights from Becky G’s first headlining tour at United Palace in the Heights on Sept. 16.
Her Genre Versatility
Shakira is set to release a new song in collaboration with Fuerza Regida.
The Colombian superstar took to social media on Friday (Sept. 15) to announce “El Jefe,” which is set to drop Wednesday (Sept. 20). When talking about her upcoming new track during an interview with ET, Shakira didn’t reveal much and only teased, “I”m not the boss in this song, but wait and see.”
Then, she posted a snippet of “El Jefe,” Shakira’s first venture into música mexicana, that’s about someone who has the mentality of a millionaire but doesn’t actually have money. “You’re dreaming of leaving the barrio, you have everything it takes to be a millionaire, expensive taste, the mentality, you’re just missing a salary,” she sings over a fast-paced beat.
Shakira’s collab with Fuerza Regida is a reflection of Mexican music’s dominance and influence on Latin music today. With acts like Fuerza at the forefront, the genre is having a record year growing in popularity in the United States and beyond. In May, Billboard reported that regional Mexican music consumption in the U.S. jumped 42.1% year to date through May 25, outpacing gains in the Latin genre overall, as well as country, dance/electronic, rock and pop, according to Luminate.
The new song announcement arrives just days after Shakira’s show-stopping performance at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12, where she sang a medley of her hits, including “She Wolf,” “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Objection” and newer ones such as “Te Felicito” and “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53.”
The singer-songwriter also made history at the VMAs, becoming the first South American artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award. She is the second Latin artist to receive the award; Jennifer Lopez, the first performer of Latin descent, received the honor in 2018.
Check out a teaser of “El Jefe” below:
Exactly one year ago, on Sept. 15, 2022, we launched Billboard Español. Our first cover artist was Colombian star Camilo, who, when we interviewed him, was in the midst of finalizing the top-selling tour in Spain that year, a milestone for a Latin act.
We literally began from zero. We launched a brand new website that didn’t exist. By the end of September 2022, we had more than 70,000 page views and nearly 30,000 unique users.
Today, 12 months later, Billboard Español has nearly 900,000 unique monthly users and in August alone, we had more than 14 million page views. We went from zero to 14 million in a year.
This is a story of total success, and in our eyes, a story of inescapable success. We saw and we understood what it’s taken others years to comprehend: Music in Spanish is consumed everywhere in the world.
Billboard Español started as a personal dream. For the past two decades — with passion, dedication and consistency — we built Billboard as the essential destination for Latin music.
There wasn’t, and there still isn’t, any other global brand where music in Spanish is covered, celebrated and promoted to such a degree. No media brand in English covered, or covers music in Spanish daily as we do in Billboard. Our growth was slow, constant, and always at the forefront. We never flagged, not even in the worst moments for our music. We always understood that there was a present and a brilliant future for Latin music that others would eventually comprehend.
And that’s what happened. In 2021, when we proposed Billboard Español, music in Spanish was already consumed universally. Even though Billboard is a U.S. brand that works predominantly in English, leadership understood the importance of music in Spanish and gave us the necessary resources to launch a brand entirely in our language, with content made for Spanish speaking fans.
Before launch, we hired the best possible editorial team. Renowned Venezuelan journalist Sigal Ratner-Arias came on as deputy editor of Billboard Español, bringing with her two decades of extraordinary and highly respected trajectory as the entertainment editor of AP in Spanish. She’s a brilliant leader.
Mexican-American Isabela Raygoza came on as associate editor. Together with our existing Billboard Latin editors — Griselda Flores, Jessica Roiz and Ingrid Fajard — and Luisa Calle as our SEO specialist, we have a formidable team.
We like to say we’re small but mighty. Our commitment to the music, the artists and the industry is unwavering and it’s taken us to extraordinary heights. In addition to covering music daily — via interviews, exclusives, news, social media and video — we also launched a suite of new and extraordinary properties.
In May, we celebrated our first edition of Latin Women In Music, where, in addition to recognizing the accomplishments of 50 female executives in Latin music, we honored Thalia, Evaluna Montaner, María Becerra, Ana Gabriel, Goyo and Shakira as Woman of the Year. The gala aired on Telemundo, our broadcasting partner.
We had cover stories with Bad Bunny, Fuerza Regida, Lele Pons and Guaynaa and RBD, in their first interview as a group in 15 years. We launched new franchises: On The Radar, The Stars Behind the Stars and of course, our very read and commented lists.
We are a team of women committed to excellence and success. And above all, committed to music. We invite you to continue walking alongside us in this successful path. Our future, and the future of our music, is bright.
From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and those little, important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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Christian Nodal & Cazzu are parents
Christian Nodal and Cazzu have welcomed their first child together. The couple took to social media on Thursday (Sept. 14) to share a sweet photo of Nodal and Cazzu holding their baby’s tiny hand and captioned it with the date “14.09.23.” Cazzu, who started dating Nodal last year, revealed she was pregnant in April during a concert at the Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires, Argentina when she dropped her white coat unveiling her baby bump.
See the baby’s adorable first picture on social media here.
Eslabon Armado makes history on Good Morning America
To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month festivities, Eslabon Armado performed on ABC’s Good Morning America on Friday, Sept. 15 — making history as the first regional Mexican band ever to sing on the show. The Mexican-American band from Patterson, Calif., performed their blockbuster hit “Ella Baila Sola.” The sierreño song with Peso Pluma peaked at No. 4 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart.
“I think it’s a blessing for us,” Eslabon’s lead singer said minutes before performing on GMA. “It’s totally another feeling for us … we’ve been on other shows but this is one of the most important one for us. I remember going to school and my teachers putting on the Good Morning America show.” Watch their performance below:
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Ricky Martin gets special award
Chicago’s National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture hosted its 10th annual Raíces Gala on Thursday (Sept. 14), where Ricky Martin received the National Ceiba Award bestowed by fellow Puerto Rican icon, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The gala celebrates the heritage and contributions of the Puerto Rican community in the U.S.
“My mission is to get out, travel and share, through my music or anecdotes, a little bit of what we are made of in our island. That’s all. I am so grateful to be here after many years, to feel all these emotions,” Ricky said in his acceptance speech. “Get ready because there’s ton of new music coming. Puerto Rico, Chicago always united for music. I love you.”
Ricky Martin joins a star-studded roster of fellow Puerto Ricans who’ve received the National Ceiba Award including Rita Moreno, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Lin-Manuel Miranda himself.
Ricky Martin and Lin-Manuel Miranda during the National Museum Of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture 10th Annual Raices Gala at the Galleria Marchetti on Sept. 14, 2023 in Chicago.
Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images
Jay Wheeler gets three songs RIAA certified
Puerto Rican artist Jay Wheeler received three new Platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for “Lugar Seguro” featuring Noreh, “Eazt” and “Dícelo,” his latest collaboration with his wife, Zhamira Zambrano. He now holds a total of 14 Platinum records.
“I’m very grateful to receive these certifications with these three songs that are more than special,” Wheeler said in a statement. “Seeing that my music continues to reach new heights within the industry always fills me with pride and gratitude towards my fans, who are the ones who make it possible by supporting, feeling, and listening to every song I release. We have new music coming soon, and I hope you continue to enjoy and support every project that I work on with the same love and affection that you have always given me.”
Spirit of Hope honoree
Colombian superstar Karol G will be honored with the Spirit of Hope award at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards on Thursday, Oct. 5. The special award — which was established in 1996 in honor of the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla — will recognize Karol for her exceptional commitment to civic, community and humanitarian causes beyond their artistic success.
“I am grateful for this special recognition,” Karol G said in a statement. “My commitment with Con Cora Foundation is a fundamental part of my life and I am proud to be able to help the women who need it most.”
A 13-time finalist at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards, earlier this year Karol made history with Mañana Será Bonito, becoming the first woman to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with an all Spanish-language album. Currently, she’s on her U.S. stadium tour, which wraps up Sept. 28 in Boston.
Billboard Español turns 1
Happy 1st birthday to Billboard Español! One year ago, Billboard launched the Spanish-language platform with Colombian star Camilo, as the first digital cover. A website that started from scratch, by the end of September 2022, Español had surpassed 70,000 visits with almost 30,000 unique users. Today, only 12 months later, Billboard Español has more than 850,000 users per month, and for the month of August it had over 14 million visits to the page. In other words, it went from zero to 14 million in one year.
Bad Bunny and Gael García Bernal are bringing the heat in Cassandro. A clip from the new film was released by Entertainment Weekly on Friday (Sept. 15) in which Bad Bunny’s Felipe and García Bernal’s Saúl give in to their curiosities and share a kiss. Felipe eventually pushes him away, before Saúl assures, “It’s okay, don’t worry. […]
This week, our New Music Latin roundup — a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — is powered by new music from Becky G, Nathy Peluso and Sebastian Yatra, to name a few. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, […]
Anitta is shedding light on a scary experience she had at the end of 2022. The Brazilian superstar revealed to InStyle this week that she had been visiting the hospital for “months” with a cancer scare, with fear being fueled by doctors struggling to figure out what was wrong. “I had problems in my lungs, […]
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Becky G, “Querido Abuelo” (Kemosabe Records/RCA Records)
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It’s impossible to not get emotional when you hear Becky G’s tribute to her abuelo. The latest single from her upcoming música mexicana album, “Querido Abuelo” is a tear-jerking track that can be described as an open letter to Becky’s late abuelito as she honors his existence and the influence he had on her ever since she was little. “Querido abuelo,” she sings emotionally, “Your memory in my soul is always present/ I would give anything to hug you once more.”
The song is powered by an equally nostalgic requinto that amplifies the song’s pathos and Becky’s raw and powerful vocals. “Querido Abuelo” — produced by Edgar Barrera — comes with a beautiful music video featuring childhood footage of Becky and her grandpa at their ranch in Mexico. Becky, who is currently on tour, is set to drop her new album, Esquinas, Sept. 28. — GRISELDA FLORES
Sebastián Yatra, “Energía Bacana” (Universal Music Latino)
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Similar to his achingly sincere and ear-candy catchy “Tacones Rojos,” Yatra’s “Energía bacana” (Cool Energy) is a letter to the girl he loves with a laundry list of attributes that evokes Cole Porter’s classic “You’re the top.” Yatra rattles off reasons to love (“You have an energy that’s cool/You make my week feel like a Saturday/ You don’t have friends, you have sisters/ And before I was your boyfriend, I was your buddy”) in terms that manage to be contemporary, yet sweet and clean without falling into the cheesy or trite. The same can be said of the music: Global pop built on strong melodies and hooks, but with hand claps. The cherry on the cake is the video, Yatra’s directorial debut, which features Georgina Rodríguez and a brief cameo from her significant other, Cristiano Ronaldo. Look for it. — LEILA COBO
Christian Nodal, México en Mi Voz (Christian Nodal/Sony Music Mexico)
Many have tried to interpret the great, timeless songs of the undisputed King of Ranchera Music, Vicente Fernández, but a majority have failed. However, Christian Nodal’s intoxicating voice soars high; and his latest EP, México en Mi Voz, is a lachrymose affair. In typical mariacheño fashion — the mariachi and norteño fusion he invented — he seamlessly weaves accordion riffs with swirling brass metals, continuing to innovate within the confines of traditional música mexicana. But perhaps the biggest accomplishment is the manner in which the rugged cowboy delivers his heart to honor Chente’s most beloved songs: “Acá Entre Nos,” “Mujeres Divinas,” “La Media Vuelta,” and more — with spine-chilling effects and an utmost respect.
“This EP means too much for me. I am from Sonora and on September 16, traditional Mexican music is heard in every house. I had been wanting to redo some precious pieces left by our great interpreters for a long time,” explains Nodal in a statement, just in time for Mexican Independence Day. “We chose five songs, and it was very difficult and, at the same time, a very precious process. We poured some very good tequilas, and what I can tell you is that you are going to love [this EP] if you have Mexico in your heart. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t Mexican, this album is for you, and if you are Mexican, all the more reason.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Nathy Peluso & Tiago PZK, “Ella Tiene” (5020 Records/Sony Music España)
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Argentina stars Nathy Peluso and Tiago PZK join their voices in a delicious bachata “dedicated to romance… that tells a turbulent love story,” as Peluso says in a press release. In this passionate song narrated in third person, she complains that he didn’t know how to love a woman and he gives her his side of the story. “I saw her pass by, she cried while she deleted the photographs she had of you from her cell phone,” Peluso sings in Spanish, to which Tiago later replies: “I see someone empty, who gave this heart betrayal in cold blood.”
Their voices blend in beautiful harmony in the chorus, part of which says: “She has a tattoo of great disappointment, you said you loved her but in love there are no conditions.” The respective music video, directed by Rocío Gastaldi, shows Peluso dancing in a captivating manner while both artists reminisce about the pain inflicted by a lost love. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Laura Pausini, “Durar” (Warner Music Italy/Gente Edizioni Musicali SRL)
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“Durar” (“To last”) is the new single by Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini, and the first track of her upcoming album ALMAS PARALELAS, which will be released on October 27. Produced by Michelangelo and Paolo Carta, the singer’s husband, the emotional ballad is a love letter about a relationship that has gone through different stages to maturity and remains firm over time. “I feel like smiling/ See; we ended up getting it” reads part of the lyrics. “This song is about how I can still believe in love stories that want to build a life path to think together. To know each other, desire each other, invent each other, and understand each other. And even to go crazy together. To discover how good, it is to share a destiny. Durare. It is possible.” comments the Italian in a statement. Pausini is preparing to go out with her Laura Pausini World Tour 2023/2024 which includes cities in Europe, Latin America, and the United States. — LUISA CALLE
Ozuna, Saiko & Ovy on the Drums, “Te Mentí” (Aura Music/Sony Music Latin)
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In a new collaborative effort, following “Chao Bebe” (2022), Ozuna and Ovy on the Drums join forces in “Te Mentí” — this time, reeling in Spanish newcomer Saiko. The three-minute song kicks off with a simple synth beat backing up Ozuna’s sugary vocals before transitioning into a hard-hitting reggaetón track. In “Te Mentí,” which translates to “I lied to you,” both the Puerto Rican act and rising artist are sad and regretful. “I lied to you/ I haven’t deleted you, I’m still looking out for you/ I stopped drinking alcohol but I went back/ Losing you hurt,” they sing. On the beats, the Colombian hitmaker navigates a futuristic reggaetón fusion with trap flair. — JESSICA ROIZ
Listen to more editor’s picks in the New Music Latin playlist below:
Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.