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Colombian star J Balvin has officially joined Roc Nation as a management client, where he will be overseen directly by Jay Brown and Chris Knight.
Balvin was previously managed by Fabio Acosta and Scooter Braun’s SB projects. He parted ways with the latter on June 30, 2022, after nearly three years together. He continued working with Acosta and his company, Akela Family Music, through March. Acosta had managed or co-managed Balvin in some capacity for the past decade. Sources say the two parted on amicable terms.
Balvin, one of the biggest Latin stars in the world, has had a series of management shifts over the past five years. In 2019, he parted ways with manager Rebeca León, who had managed him since the onset of his career in the United States, and signed with Braun. Throughout both deals, Acosta remained part of his management team and worked in partnership with SB Project, helping bring in groundbreaking deals and partnerships. These included his celebrity menu collaboration with McDonald’s — a first for a Latin act. Balvin was also the first Latin artist to collaborate with Nike and Michael Jordan on an Air Jordan collaboration, and in November of 2020, he performed in Fortnite, marking the first performance ever by a Latin act for a gaming company.
Last year, Balvin also briefly split with his longtime agency, WME, and went to UTA, after postponing his 25-date José tour. But after four months, he returned to WME.
Balvin is currently featured on the Fast X soundtrack with the track “Toretto.” He’s also announced a series of European tour dates, mostly festivals, beginning with a June 24 performance at the Solydays festival in Paris.
Balvin’s full touring schedule is below.
6/24 – Paris – Solydays 25th Anniversary Festival6/26 – Ibiza – Pacha Nightclub6/30 – Seville – Puro Latino Fest7/1 – Madrid – Puro Latino Fest7/3 – Ibiza – Pacha Nightclub7/8 – Liege, Belgium – Les Ardentes Festival7/9 – Constanta, Romania – Neversea Festival7/11 – Milan – Milano Latin Festival7/12 – Bern, Switzerland – Gurten Park7/14 – Tenerife – Ritmo del Mundo7/15 – Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal – Meo Mares Vivas Festival7/21 – Byron Bay, Australia – Splendour in the Grass7/23 – Melbourne – Margaret Court7/25 – Sydney – Hordern Pavillion
Karol G stopped by NPR’s headquarters for her second “Tiny Desk Concert,” which premiered Monday (May 15). The 17-minute acoustic performance, where she was accompanied by an all-girl music ensemble, included new versions of four tracks from her Billboard history-making album Mañana Será Bonito. She kicked it off the mini-set with the ultra-personal “Carolina.” “I […]
Shakira‘s “Acróstico” music video, which dropped Monday (May 15) just days after the Colombian singer-songwriter released the sweet song on Friday (May 12), features her two children — Milan and Sasha — who sing and play the piano alongside their mother. “This year Milan has written songs that have made me tear up and Sasha […]
In 2005, Ednita Nazario sang for the first time at Coliseo de Puerto Rico. Beyond selling 15,000 tickets, the moment was memorable because Coliseo had only opened its doors the year before and Nazario –perhaps Puerto Rico’s most beloved female singer — had been instrumental in lobbying for its construction. That night, she became the first woman to sing at the venue, affectionately known as “El Choli.”
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Today, nearly 20 years later, Nazario holds the record as the woman with most shows at the fabled venue. After her sold-out performances of her “La Reina” (The Queen) shows on Saturday (May 13) and Sunday (May 14), she’ll also become the artist with most sold-out shows after Wisin & Yandel.
Billboard spoke with Nazario about what it means to return to Coliseo and what has happened there throughout her 21 shows.
How do you feel?
“I’m almost speechless, super excited and I can’t believe it. Who could imagine 21 shows was possible? It feels like the first time. It’s one of the things that’s most struck me about my job. The longer I do it, the nerves, the adrenaline, the fast-beating heart, the butterflies in my stomach, they’re a constant.”
What is your most requested song?
“The one that always has to be there, that they’ll request even if I’ve sung for three hours, is ‘Quiero que me hagas el amor (I want you to make love to me).’ It’s an iconic song in my repertoire that I’ll never be able to remove from my rundown. I tried it once and was very sorry. It’s the most expected song. Always.”
The song you most enjoy singing?
“That one. Without a doubt. It’s like an escape valve. It’s a license for free expression, passion, emotion, that takes me on my own trip. I love it, I lie down, I give it my all, I let go. And it’s such a beautiful moment because I see the faces of the audience, and they also go on their own trip, because it’s a very personal, very intimate song.”
I read once that chefs always include their favorite dishes in the menu, sometimes surreptitiously. Think lobster at a steakhouse. Which of your songs is like that?
“I always do that, even in my albums. There are songs I include because, independent of whether they fit or not, they are the lobsters in my steakhouse. In my shows, there’s several song s that are cathartic. Obviously, the show overall is meant to serve the audience, and give them what they want. But in this one, I added a couple of lobsters. There’s one moment that has a message that needs to be there. And the other is a super fun song called ‘Cansada de estar cansada (Tired of Being Tired).’ It’s a really fun rock ‘n’ roll I wrote several years ago, but is still relevant today.”
Tell me about your first Coliseo?
“It was the ‘Apasionada’ show in 2005 and I was so nervous because it was my first time there. Coliseo is very personal to me because I was part of a group of people who lobbied for its construction. At the time, Puerto Rico didn’t have a venue like that, and I lobbied hard with businessmen and other people to have it built. It was definitely a historic moment, as a woman, as a Puerto Rican artist. Selling out that venue three consecutive nights is something I don’t take for granted.”
Concierto de Ednita Nazario “Apasionada” En El Coliseo De Puerto Rico .
Tania Dumas
Memorable moments?
“When the bed comes down from the ceiling during ‘Quiero que me hagas el amor.’ That’s an iconic moment. So much so that we have a memorabilia exhibit at the entrance of this show, and the original bed is there. Another moment was when Ricky Martin showed up as a surprise guest. Or the first time I invited reggaetón artist, which wasn’t done at the time. I brought Héctor el Father and Ivy Queen in an amazing duet. Also, the time I had Luis Angel, the father of my daughter, and she also came onstage. He wrote some of my most iconic songs, and sang them with me. Those are unforgettable moments.”
Worst moment?
“There was a show where I had to fly over the audience while sitting on a swing. And for some reason, the swing started to spin around. It got tangled high above and formed a sort of braid. So I was spinning around like a crazy person over people’s heads, and I wasn’t tied to anything. I was terrified. But I think the adrenaline helped me and I just kept on singing.”
After so many shows, what will be different this time?
“We’re doing a kind of recap of iconic moments of those past 19 shows. And we’ve chosen specific songs from each of those shows, although obviously, I’ll include new material. The concept of ‘La Reina’ comes from having been called ‘The Queen of El Choli.’ But i gave it a twist, because I think we carry our kingdoms within. All human beings are monarchs of their own castles, and that castle is what you carry inside: Your mind and your spirit. And we can all reign over our own lives while we’re here. So, it will be like a reunion of monarchs where we all are kings and Queens. We built a central runway that takes me to the middle of the audience so I can see them up close. And obviously, the songs are those that have really resonated with them. And, yes, we’ll have special surprises.”
How will you celebrate?
“After the first show, I’ll go to sleep. After the second one, we have an after party with the team and my daughter will also be there. She flew in this week. I also told everyone on staff to bring their moms, because we’ll be working Mother’s Day. It will be a special night.”
From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Karol G & Alicia Keys’ Special Moment Onstage
Karol G surprised fans in Bogotá, Colombia when she showed up onstage to perform alongside Alicia Keys, who gave a show at the Movistar Arena on May 11. Following Goyo’s opening set, Keys took the stage and was later joined by the “Mañana Será Bonito” singer to duet “No One.” Fans were in for a treat when these two artists joined forces. Watch the special performance below:
A Poem by Shakira
Shakira released a new single, “Acróstico” (acrostic), and it’s a powerful open letter to her children, Milan and Sasha. The song is a poetic composition constructed so that the initial letter of each line of lyrics, taken consecutively, form words.
Released just in time for Mother’s Day, Shakira uses her iconic sultry voice to showcase her raw, vulnerable emotion in this stripped-down piano ballad, where she expresses a mother’s deep and pure love for her children. Acróstico” talks about how a mother can turn her pain into strength through the love of her kids, and how a caress from a son can uplift the soul. More info on the song here.
GALE’s New Career Milestone
This week, GALE sang the U.S. National Anthem to a crowd of nearly 300,000 people at the Formula One Miami Grand Prix that took place in Miami, Fla.—a first in her career. “I feel like I can do anything after this,” she expressed on her Instagram account. “I sang the National Anthem at the @f1 race. What a dream and an honor! Thank you for the love. I’ll never forget this moment. De Puerto Rico pa’l mundo enterooo.” The powerful performance by the Puerto Rican newcomer was aired live on TV in over 140 counties. GALE documented the exciting career highlight on social media. Watch it below:
Gibson Gives Back to Cuba
Gibson Gives has donated 52 guitars, in addition to strings, picks, and other musical equipment, to benefit students at the National School of the Arts in Cuba, where access to musical supplies is limited. “At Gibson Gives, we’ve extended our global growth over the past year, even reaching corners of the world we never thought possible,” said Dendy Jarrett, CEO of Gibson Gives in a press statement. “After two years of negotiations, we are excited to bring much-needed music and equipment for the first time to young people in music and art schools who have limited supplies. Cuban music and songwriting have a rich musical history and global impact; We are delighted to do our bit to ensure that this tradition continues to thrive with the next generation.” Gibson partnered with Derek Walker (Gibson Gives Goodwill Ambassador), who personally delivered the instruments and equipment. Gibson is also expected to donate 100 more Epiphone guitars to the school in the coming months.
First-Ever Latin Women in Music
The inaugural edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music is a wrap. Shakira, Thalia, Ana Gabriel, Evaluna Montaner, Goyo, Emilia and Maria Becerra were honored as the first class of the Billboard Latin Women in Music on Saturday (May 6) in Miami. From epic performances to emotional and poignant speeches, read all the highlights from the special night here.
With Latin Women in Music, Billboard and Telemundo aim to further elevate Latin music globally and celebrate the women who have made a concrete impact on Latin music through their artistic achievements, or through tangible, noteworthy actions that have brought measurable recognition and opportunity to women, affecting positive change to the industry as a whole.
Ke Personajes, Big One and FMK rule the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart for third week, as their first partnership, “Un Finde: Big One Crossover #2,” holds atop the ranking dated May 6. It’s the third song to rule the tally for at least three weeks in 2023, after Bizarrap and Shakira’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, […]
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14, and with the meaningful holiday just around the corner, we’re curious to know who’s your favorite Latin mom on social media. Honoring this special day, Billboard highlights 16 moms in the music industry who, like many admirable women in the biz, balance motherhood and a busy lifestyle under the […]
With Mother’s Day just around the corner on Sunday, May 14, Billboard‘s Latin team has put together the ultimate Día de las Madres playlist for you to stream on that special day.
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The 20-track list includes the classics such as Juan Gabriel‘s now anthem “Amor Eterno,” penned by the Mexican singer-songwriter after his mom’s death. “How I would love for you to be alive, that your eyes had never closed,” he passionately sings. The song became a huge hit for Gabriel, and it’s been covered by many acts, most famously by Rocío Dúrcal.
The playlist also includes Laura Pausini‘s “A Ella Le Debo Mi Amor.” The Italian artist penned lyrics about motherhood and unconditional love for her daughter. In this heartwarming lullaby, she sings about giving all her love to her baby girl.
Also included on the wide-ranging list is Andrea Echeverri’s (from Aterciopelados) uplifting “A Eme O.” The Colombian alt-rocker wrote this love song for her daughter, with the title spelling out the word love (amor) in Spanish. The lyrics are anything but trite ,though: “Since you were born, I’m a better lover, as if you had opened up my conduits.”
Stream the entire playlist to find other gems by Los Tigres del Norte (“Madrecita Querida”), Ricardo Arjona (“Mi Novia Se Me Está Poniendo Vieja”), Eslabon Armado (“Perdon Jefa”), La Tropa Vallenata (“Los Caminos de la Vida) and Victor Manuelle (“Amor de Madre”).
Below are 20 tracks that we’ll be playing for our mamás on Mother’s Day:
Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma’s “Ella Baila Sola” climbs to No. 1 on Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart dated May 13.
It’s the first regional Mexican song to top Streaming Songs in the tally’s 10-year history.
In the April 28-May 4 tracking week, “Ella Baila Sola” earned 34.6 million official U.S. streams, a 2% increase, according to Luminate.
The song is the first No. 1 on Streaming Songs for both acts. For Peso Pluma, it’s his first in his premiere appearance on the ranking, while Eslabon Armado had charted once before with the No. 43-peaking “Jugaste y Sufri,” featuring DannyLux, in October 2021.
“Ella Baila Sola” marks the first Streaming Songs ruler either predominantly or completely in Spanish since Bad Bunny and Chencho Corleone’s “Me Porto Bonito” crowned the survey for two weeks – July 30, 2022, and Aug. 6, 2022.
Pluma boasts two tunes in Streaming Songs’ top 10, with “Ella Baila Sola” joined by his Yng Lvcas collaboration “La Bebe” at No. 5 (21.6 million streams).
Concurrently, “Ella Baila Sola” reigns on Hot Latin Songs for a fifth week and remains at No. 4 on the all-format Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s parent album, Eslabon Armado’s Desvelado, also debuts at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 with 44,000 equivalent album units earned, as previously reported.
Maria Becerra has signed a deal with Warner Music Latina in a new joint venture with 300 Entertainment, Billboard can exclusively announce today (May 10).
“I am thrilled to be a part of the Warner Music Latina family,” Becerra said in a statement. “I know that together we will achieve incredible things and that this union will allow me to go even further in my career and solidify my global expansion. I’m honored to be part of their roster and look forward to working with such a skilled and talented team.”
For Alejandro Duque, president of Warner Music Latin America, having the Argentine singer-songwriter on the roster is an honor.
“She’s a standout artist with a strong team behind her, and her past successes are a testament to that. We’re excited to continue the path that was started by 300 Entertainment and Kevin’s team, and are very excited for our future together,” he added.
The news of the signing comes on the heels of Becerra receiving the Visionary Award at the inaugural Billboard Latin Women in Music gala.
Maria Becerra at Billboard Latin Women In Music held at the Watsco Center on May 6, 2023 in Coral Gables, Florida. The show airs on Sunday, May 7, 2023 on Telemundo.
Natalia Aguilera
To date, the YouTuber-turned-artist has achieved three entries on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, including her hit “Qué Más Pues?” with J Balvin, as well as two top 10 entries on Latin Airplay (the No. 1 hit “Te Espero” with Prince Royce, and “Éxtasis” with Manuel Turizo at No. 9), and five entries on Latin Rhythm Airplay.
In 2021, Becerra was nominated for best new artist at the Latin Grammys, and her latest album La Nena de Argentina (2022) has garnered more than 300 million plays on Spotify alone, to name a few career highlights. Additionally, she signed with 300 Entertainment in 2020, becoming the first Latin artist to join the label’s roster.
“We are very happy and deeply grateful to 300 Entertainment, Kevin Liles, and his entire team, for the support they have provided Maria since the beginning, because due to their dedication, efforts, and teamwork, Maria has been able to achieve the success she celebrates today, which leads us to this important next step with Warner Music Latina, spearheaded by Alejandro Duque, to continue growing with the next albums,” noted Jose Levy, Becerra’s manager.
Kevin Liles, chairman and CEO of 300 Elektra Entertainment, added: “It’s been amazing to see the growth of Maria as an artist, and I’m so proud of everything that we’ve been able to accomplish together so far. Tapping into the vast, global reach of our Warner Music Group family with the addition of Warner Music Latina to the team behind her, there is absolutely no limit on where she can go.”
Up next, Becerra is working on new music to be released under the Warner/300 venture and is expected to announce a tour.
Maria Becerra signs with Warner Music Latina.
Miguel Valencia/Warner Music Latina