signings

Signed: Peso Pluma Collaborator Jasiel Nuñez Inks With UTA, Charley Crockett Washes Up on Island

UTA signed Mexican singer-songwriter Jasiel Nuñez. Managed by George Prajin, founder/CEO of Prajin Parlay and co-founder of Double P Records along with global superstar Peso Pluma, with whom he has a longstanding creative partnership. The Guadalajara native contributed to Peso’s 2023 album Génesis on tracks like “Laguna” and “Rosa Pastel,” the latter of which reached No. 24 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart. In 2024, Nuñez also joined Peso on his Éxodo tour. Nuñez’s latest album, La Odisea — featuring collaborations with Luis R Conriquez, Tito Double P and Danny Lux — landed at No. 8 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart and at No. 6 on Regional Mexican Albums. “I’m excited and thankful to become part of the United Talent Agency family,” said Nuñez in a statement. “This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and I’m ready to push música Mexicana to new heights.” — Isabela Raygoza

Americana music luminary Charley Crockett signed with Island Records and will release his upcoming 15th album, The Lonesome Drifter, with the label in March. In 2024, Crockett released the indie albums $10 Cowboy and $10 Cowboy Chapter II: Visions of Dallas. He is nominated for best Americana album at this year’s Grammy Awards. — Jessica Nicholson

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Alternative rock trio The Hunna (“Bonfire,” “She’s Casual”) signed with FLG, the recently launched imprint of Frontiers Label Group. According to a press release, the band has racked up more than 750 million streams since hitting the scene in 2015.

EaJ (“Car Crash”), formerly a member of the Korean rock band Day6, signed a global label deal with Position Music. Born Jae Park, eaJ is managed by Coulter Reynolds and Jerren Devine of Reynolds Management.

Metal/alt-rock singer-songwriter Violent Vira signed with Mom+Pop Music, which released her latest single, “Saccharine,” on Friday (Jan. 24) and will put out her next album later this year. Booked by CAA, Vira recently got off a 34-city tour and also played last year’s Sick New World festival.

Peso Pluma’s Double P Records added Mexican singer-songwriter Julian Mercado and legacy group Reynaldos de la Sierra to its roster. Both artists, plus newcomer Saul Villareal, will be managed by George Prajin, whose roster includes superstar Peso Pluma as well as Tito Double P, Santa Fe Klan and Gabito Ballesteros. “Double P Records is a place where artists can come to grow their careers, but also a place where they can feel at home with their family, their mentor, their manager and their friends all at once,” Peso said in a statement. Prajin added, “We are excited to be welcoming Julian, Reynaldos de la Sierra and Saul to our family. As fans of their music, we have been witnessing their drive to propel their career and are confident that with our team onboard we can help them grow even further than they ever imagined.” — Griselda Flores

Provident Entertainment/Sony Music has signed former American Idol contestant Madison Watkins to the label’s roster. Watkins, who has been making music since 2019, just released a new song, “Spin,” and is readying a new project for release in 2025. — Jessica Nicholson

Monument Records, in a joint venture with Sony Music, inked a deal with six-piece, Denver-formed band Clay Street Unit. Fronted by lead singer/guitarist Sam Walker, the group recently released the EP Introducing Clay Street Unit. — Jessica Nicholson

North Carolina-based Ramseur Management signed Americana singer-songwriter Jack Blocker, who is prepping his upcoming debut LP. The firm is led by Dolph Ramseur, long-time manager for folk band The Avett Brothers, and its roster also includes Amythyst Kiah, Big Richard and Colby T. Helms. Blockers’s day-to-day managers will be Morgan Deese Locklear and Lisette Rodriguez. — Jessica Nicholson

Nashville-based label River House Artists signed twin-brother duo The Kentucky Gentlemen to its roster. The band, composed of Brandon and Derek Campbell, has previously toured with The War and Treaty and been featured on songs by Will Hoge and Fancy Hagood. The duo recently released the song “Country Hymn.” — Jessica Nicholson

Composer Mara Keen signed with ABKCO Music & Records. Keen has contributed to film and TV projects including Netflix’s Princess Power and Scrappack Production’s Just One More Thing.

BLACKPINK’s JISOO Signs With Warner Records for Solo Career

BLACKPINK member JISOO has signed a global label deal with Warner Records for her solo output, the company announced Tuesday (Jan. 28). Warner will release JISOO’s debut solo mini album, AMORTAGE, on Feb. 14.

“I’m excited about this new era and the continuation of my musical journey,” said JISOO in a statement. “I feel like I’m just getting started and I’d like to thank the BLINKs for all of their love and support. This is just the beginning and I’m thrilled to kick off this seismic moment with Warner Records.”

JISOO previously unveiled the title and other details about AMORTAGE to her 79 million Instagram followers on Sunday (Jan. 26). AMORTAGE will be her first full project outside BLACKPINK.

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“There is no question that JISOO is one of the biggest stars in the world, and we have no doubt that her solo career will be even more impactful,” said Aaron Bay-Schuck, CEO/co-chairman of Warner Records. “The energy, passion, and artistry JISOO brings to her music is on another level. Her music transcends cultures and Tom Corson and I along with the entire team are thrilled to join forces with JISOO as she continues to make history and inspire millions around the world.”

In 2023, JISOO released the singles “FLOWER” and “All Eyes on Me,” with the former track debuting at No. 2 on Billboard’s Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. tallies. As part of BLACKPINK, she’s notched nine songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including the group’s highest-charting single, “Ice Cream” with Selena Gomez, which peaked at No. 13. In 2022, BLACKPINK became the third South Korean act ever to top the Billboard 200 with its second studio album, Born Pink. The following year, the group became the first Korean act to headline Coachella.

JISOO is the last of the BLACKPINK members to sign a solo deal for her music. In December 2023, all four members split with their Korean label, YG Entertainment, for their solo output while simultaneously extending their contract with the company for group activities.

Gabito Ballesteros Signs With George Prajin’s Double P Management

Música mexicana hitmaker Gabito Ballesteros has signed with George Prajin‘s Double P Management, Billboard can announce. The 25-year-old artist and producer — known for co-writing corrido hits like “Lady Gaga” and “Presidente” — joins megastar Peso Pluma, Tito Double P and Santa Fe Klan on the company’s roster.

“This has been an amazing journey so far and I’m grateful to my record label Los CT for believing in me from day one,” Ballesteros said in a statement. “Now, adding George Prajin for management is an amazing combination and I know that together we are going to go even further.”

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Born in Sonora, Mexico, Ballesteros boasts of a handful of chart-topping hits, including “Lady Gaga” with Peso Pluma and Junior H and “AMG” with Peso and Natanael Cano — both of which entered the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023. With his signature take on corridos tumbados, Ballesteros is a leading force in the new generation of regional Mexican music artists. His first studio album, The GB — released in May — peaked at No. 3 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart and at No. 5 on Top Latin Albums, marking his first entry on any Billboard albums ranking. He was also a four-time finalist at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, where his and Prince Royce‘s “Cosas de la Peda” won tropical song of the year.

“Gabito is an amazing artist who is extremely well-rounded,” said Prajin, who was named Billboard‘s 2024 Latin Power Players executive of the year. “Not only does he compose, produce and sing, he also has incredible stage presence with energy that radiates and captivates audiences. He has accomplished a great deal already and we are looking forward to having him join Double P Management and helping him take his career to the next level.”

Signed: Pulp Inks Label Deal With Rough Trade; Maggie Rose Pacts With One Riot/Virgin

Britpop icons Pulp signed with Rough Trade Records. “Rough Trade have managed Pulp for over 30 years so it feels great to be finally on the label. We did it!” the band said in a statement. Pulp’s last release was the 2001 album We Love Life, released by Island Records, though the band has toured together in the intervening years. Pulp has released a total of seven studio albums, including 1995’s Different Class, which was certified four-times platinum by the BPI.

Maggie Rose, a 2025 Grammy nominee for best Americana album, signed with One Riot/Virgin. Her first release under the deal is a “stripped version” of “Under the Sun” with Charlotte Sands. Rose is managed by Austin Marshall and Narvel Blackstock at Starstruck and booked by Jonathan Levine and Matt Runner at Wasserman.

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Folk-country artist Evan Honer signed with Wasserman Music for booking representation ahead of his recently announced spring 2025 tour. Honer will play 36 dates across the U.S., starting on Feb. 23 in Little Rock, Ark.

Singer-songwriter Sam Ryder signed with mtheory for management. He will be represented by Lewis Allen and Derek Gridley. Ryder is gearing up to release his second album and will embark on a tour this year.

Grammy-nominated gospel artist William Murphy signed a distribution deal with Motown Gospel, which released his new single, “Double,” on Friday (Jan. 10).

Centricity Music signed singer-songwriter Rachel Purcell to an exclusive global recording and publishing deal. Under her maiden name, Wammack, Rachel previously pursued a country music career, with songs including “Damage”; her new deals with Centricity mark her foray into Contemporary Christian music. – Jessica Nicholson

Sony Music Nashville signed singer-songwriter and Georgia native Zach John King. King just released a new song, “Slow Down,” which he wrote with Thomas Archer, Kyle Fishman and Michael Tyler. Sony Music Nashville’s roster also features artists including Brooks & Dunn, Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Megan Moroney. – Jessica Nicholson

Guitarist/producer RJ Pasin launched his own record label, Isekai Records, and signed Baltimore-based artist Lindsay Chia to the imprint. The label, which was founded by Pasin alongside his managers Ewan McGregor and Jack Mangan, released Chia’s track “Ghost” on Jan. 1. On launch, Isekai released the track “Embrace It (Remix)” by Ndotz, Sexyy Red and Flo Milli, featuring Pasin on guitar.

Luke Dean, an emerging artist in the U.K. underground dance scene, signed with Enzo Siragusa‘s LOCUS imprint, which released his new EP Ready Set Go on Dec. 13.

Jeff Roberts Agency partnered with contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Claire Leslie for booking. Leslie is managed by Hyphen Media Group and signed with Capitol CMG. She released her debut single “Original” this summer and followed with songs including “Ceiling Fan” and “Passenger Seat.” – Jessica Nicholson

Nashville-based label Quartz Hill Records, led by Brown Sellers Brown partner Benny Brown, signed country-pop duo 2 Lane Summer to its roster. The duo, composed of Illinois native Joe Hanson and Mississippi-born Chris Ray, recently joined country trio Chapel Hart on their Hartfelt Family Christmas Tour. They’ve also released a new version of their song “Eyes That Ain’t Yours.” – Jessica Nicholson

Pollinate Music, a newly-launched label under Bell Partners Worldwide, signed rapper, singer-songwriter and producer Rakeem Miles, who is also known for the clothing brand Action Figure Miles.

Singer-songwriter McCoy Moore signed an exclusive booking and artist development deal with The Neal Agency, home to fellow artists including HARDY, Nate Smith, Morgan Wallen, Anne Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman. Moore is also signed with SMACK and Worktape Music for publishing and with the newly-launched TRACK mgmt’s Tracker Johnson for management. – Jessica Nicholson

Pentatonix Signs With Republic Records

Grammy-winning vocal group Pentatonix has signed with Republic Records, the label tells Billboard.

“Pentatonix have always stood apart,” said Jim Roppo, president/COO of Republic Corps Collective, in a statement on the signing. “There has never been a vocal group like them, and they’ve been able to completely reinvent both a capella and the holidays to the point where they’re synonymous with both. As a team, we’re so excited to partner with them and help execute their expansive vision for this next chapter.”

Pentatonix, managed by Range Media Partners, was previously signed to RCA.

Over the group’s history, Pentatonix has claimed 11 top 10-charting efforts on the Billboard 200 albums chart, including a pair of No. 1s with its self-titled effort in 2015 and A Pentatonix Christmas, which was released in late 2016 and topped the chart in early January 2017. The ensemble most recently visited the top 10 on the tally with its 2023 best-of set The Greatest Christmas Hits, which hit No. 10 in January 2024. The group’s catalog of songs has collected 6.5 billion on-demand official streams in the U.S., according to Luminate, while its albums have earned 12.5 million equivalent album units (of which 7 million are in traditional album sales). The group has also won a total of three Grammys.

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“We’re thrilled to kick off this new partnership with Republic!” said Pentatonix in a statement. “They’ve played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of so many artists we admire. After many great conversations with their team, we’re aligned on a shared vision to elevate our artistry to new heights. Here’s to an exciting journey ahead!”

The announcement comes amid Pentatonix’s holiday tour, which kicked off Nov. 14 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., and has since hit cities across the country. According to a press release, the vocal quintet’s Nov. 26 show at Madison Square Garden in New York was a sellout. The run of shows concludes Dec. 22 at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

On the recording front, Pentatonix recently wrote an original song for the Netflix holiday rom-com Meet Me Next Christmas, in which the group also appeared alongside Christina Milian and Devale Ellis. The film focuses on the efforts of Milian’s character to snag a ticket to Pentatonix’s Christmas Eve concert in New York.

Puerto Rican Rapper Clarent Signs With Warner Music Latina

Rising Puerto Rican rapper Clarent has signed a global recording deal with Warner Music Latina, the company tells Billboard.

The signing comes on the heels of Clarent’s success with the single “IA” alongside Puerto Rican urban artist Mora. The track has amassed more than 40 million streams on Spotify alone and topped Spotify’s Top 200 chart in Spain.

Born in Caparra Terrace, San Juan, Clarent (real name Fabián Cartagena Torres) began putting out music independently just last year. Since then, he’s amassed millions of streams thanks to tracks that sound raw and real and connected to life on the streets. His song “Traqueto” alongside iZaak has nearly 26 million streams on Spotify, while his solo track “Enzacio” has nearly 14 million.

“Ready for this new season — big thanks to the Warner fam for keeping it real. This is where boys become men,” said Clarent in a statement.

“We are thrilled to partner with Clarent and his team to help build on his unique vision and take his career to new heights,” said Alejandro Duque, president of Warner Music Latin America. “Clarent is a perfect example of how genres get disrupted and authentic sounds emerge and pave new roads in music.”

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Signing Clarent was a months-long process for Warner, added Roberto Andrade, MD of Warner Music Latina. “This isn’t just another record deal — this is an alliance,” he said in a statement. “We crafted a partnership out of months of mutual understanding, collaboration, and shared vision.”

Andrade and Duque worked closely with Clarent and his manager, Jonniel (Jadiel Nuñez Olivera) of Rythmz51, on the deal. On Dec. 13, Clarent is releasing a new track under Warner titled “Babayaga,” a moody trap song.

“Shoutout to the team at Warner Music Latina for believing in this vision and backing us all the way,” said Jonniel. “This is just the kickoff to something amazing. Clarent’s got that raw, undeniable talent, and I’m stoked to be on this journey with him.”

Signed: Downtown to Distribute Música Mexicana Artist Netón Vega, Flavour Inks With Warner & Africori

Downtown Artist & Label Services struck an exclusive distribution deal with Josa Records in support of its emerging Música Mexicana artist Netón Vega. The agreement covers the global distribution of Vega’s catalog and his upcoming debut album set for release early next year, which will include collaborations with Peso Pluma, Luis R Conriquez, Tito Double P and others. Hits for Vega include “La Patrulla,” “LINDA,” “Presidente” and “Si No Quieres No,” his collaboration with fellow Downtown client Conriquez.

Nigerian artist Flavour signed a joint deal with Warner Music Africa and Africori, which will team up to distribute his future releases. The singer is known for fusing African rhythm, highlife and contemporary jazz and has garnered more than 1.1 billion views on YouTube and sold more than 5 million albums globally, according to a press release.

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Actor, rapper and DJ IDRIS (a.k.a. Idris Elba) signed with Dirtybird Records, which released his latest single, “No Long Talk,” on Friday (Dec. 6) along with an official remix by GAWP.

Gospel singer-songwriter Jonathan McReynolds signed to Motown Gospel/Christian Music Group for the release of his first Christmas-themed EP, Red & Green. He also signed with CAA ahead of his six-city Red & Green concert tour, which launched Dec. 1 in Chicago and is slated to wrap up Dec. 21 in Atlanta.

Metal band Shadows Fall signed with MNRK Heavy and released its first new music in more than a decade with the single “In the Grey.” The group is managed by Scott Lee at SL Managemeent.

Girlpuppy, the musical project from Atlanta’s Becca Harvey, signed with Captured Tracks and released her new single “Champ” on the label.

Eighteen-year-old blues artist Muireann Bradley signed to Decca Records and its U.S. partner label Verve Forecast. The labels will release the Irish singer’s forthcoming debut album, I Kept These Old Blues, on Feb. 28.

Country-folk artist Sam Stoane signed to Wasserman Music in Nashville on the heels of her opening dates for The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dylan Gossett and other acts. She’s slated to release her debut album next year.

Scarlet Rae of the indie folk band Rose Dorn signed with Bayonet Records and released the single “Bleu.”

Nashville-based The Band Light signed with Red Van Records and is set to release new music on the label early next year. The group, which is managed by Rachel Inglesino at Jonas Group Entertainment, also just signed a deal with Jonas Group Publishing.

Palestinian-American Producer DJ Habibeats Signs With EMPIRE

Palestinian American producer DJ Habibeats has signed with San Francisco-based record label, publisher and distributor EMPIRE.

The artist, who’s based in Los Angeles and grew up in the Bay Area in a family originally from Ramallah, Palestine, began producing dance music as a teenager. During his rise, he’s had residencies at venues throughout California and has performed alongside artists including Asake, Majid Jordan, Waka Flocka, Ty Dolla $ign and Wax Motif.

DJ Habibeats is also the founder of the party series Habibi’s House, which melds global sounds and emphasizes a fusion of amapiano, baile funk and Jersey club mixed with Arab, African, Brazilian and Latin American influences. He’s slated to bring this sound across North America on a 13-date winter/spring tour that includes stops in Detroit, Los Angeles, Denver, Austin and Miami. See the complete schedule below.

“As a Bay Area native myself, I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the EMPIRE family,” Habibeats says. “There is a ton of exciting movement happening in the global dance music scene and I’m proud to be part of a label that has their finger on the pulse of that movement. I’m really excited to continue to develop myself as an artist and show the world all the new music I’ve been working on!”

“We’re thrilled to welcome DJ Habibeats to the EMPIRE family,” adds Suhel Nafar, EMPIRE’s Head of WANA (West Asia and North Africa). “His artistry and the iconic Habibi’s House events have made him a standout in the Arab diaspora. Together, we’re excited to amplify his brand and bring cultural crossover to global audiences.”

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Habibeats is managed by Alyce Hayek and Nael Atweh of Grass Fed Music, who in a joint statement say that “only a few times in your career as a manager do you get the chance to work on something that truly brings you joy. It took us 10 years to find another client who inspires the same passion and motivation to keep going for another decade. From that very first show at Avalon to the countless shows yet to come, the journey with DJ Habibeats has been nothing short of pure joy and fulfillment.”

Habibeats Tour poster

Habibeats Tour poster

Courtesy Image

Signed: Royel Otis Heads to Capitol Via Label Partnership, Mass Appeal Enters Pakistan

Royel Otis, the Australian duo that recently earned its first Billboard Hot 100 entry with a viral cover of The Cranberries’ “Linger,” is now in the Capitol Records system after the band’s independent label, Ourness, struck a partnership with the U.S. label to supercharge the success of the duo worldwide. According to a press release, Royel Otis has racked up more than half a billion streams to date. Other successful tracks for the duo include “Sofa King” and a cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor.”

Hip-hop label Mass Appeal Records, co-founded by Nas, moved into Pakistan with the signing of two of the country’s biggest stars — Talha Anjum and Umair — along with emerging artists JANI, Maanu and Blal Bloch. Mass Appeal’s entry into Pakistan follows its previous expansion into India, where it’s partnered with artists including DIVIE, AP Dhillon and Karan Aujla.

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R&B star Omarion partnered with Jeanine McLean and Jeff Robinson at MBK Entertainment, which has guided the careers of Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Elle Varner, SWV, Tyrese and more. According to a press release, the singer has “a bevy of projects in the pipeline” and is slated to co-headline The Millennium 2025 Tour also featuring artists including Trey Songz and Rick Ross.

Anthony Martini and Rich Barner‘s Gravel Road Music Group signed singer Willie Jones, known for blending country, hip-hop and soul. Jones has a forthcoming project slated for release early next year.

Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records signed Adrien Nunez to the roster. The Brooklyn native recently released his major label debut, “Apology Song,” which blends country, pop and hip-hop elements. He is managed by Dillon Goldberg at FNGRPRNT and booked by Braeden Rountree at WME. – Jessica Nicholson

Capitol Christian Music Group and Motown Gospel partnered with singer Annatoria to release her upcoming Christmas EP, Present Jesu. Additionally, Motown Gospel finalized a partnership with JJ Hairston‘s JamesTown Music, through which it will release a 25th-anniversary live recording of JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise — an album featuring reimagined versions of the choir’s songs.

Provident Entertainment added singer-songwriter Megan Danielle to its roster. The 2023 American Idol runner-up has released her label debut single “When I Found You.” Danielle is managed by Hsquared Management and booked through the Jeff Roberts Agency. – Jessica Nicholson

Big Machine Records signed Jack Wharff & The Tobacco Flatts, a group with Virginia origins that blends bluegrass, country and rock. The group, which features musicians Jack Wharff, Garrett Howell, Ryan Atchison and Evan Novoa, recently released its new single, “Picture Perfect.” Big Machine Records’ roster also includes Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce and Midland. – Jessica Nicholson

Cloakroom signed to Closed Casket, which will release the band’s new single, “Unbelonging,” with a full album coming next year. The group is booked by Geoff McGovern at Ground Control Touring.

YawnyBlew and amir. partnered with ALIBI Music to release their second album, Bouncy ‘n’ Pretty. The album follows their debut project, DREAMBIIG, a collection of songs crafted specifically for synch and licensing. YawnyBlew has enjoyed synch placements in Empire, Queer as Folk, Chucky and The Sex Lives of College Girls. amir. is a photographer and creative director who pivoted to the role of artist and producer during the pandemic.

Ana Bárbara Signs Global Publishing Deal With Kobalt

Mexican music star Ana Bárbara has signed a global publishing deal with Kobalt, the company tells Billboard. The indie publisher will administer all of the Mexican music star’s catalog and future recordings. Bárbara’s previous publisher was Ingrooves Music Publishing.

The deal comes on the heels of Bárbara’s Reina Grupera U.S. Tour, which celebrated her 30th year in music with countless hits like “Me Asusta Pero Me Gusta,” “La Trampa” and “No Lloraré,” all of which cemented her as a mainstay on the Billboard charts.

“Ana Bárbara is an iconic songwriter whose ongoing contributions to Música Mexicana have paved the way for the next generation of female artists and songwriters,” Teresa Romo, Kobalt’s senior creative director for Latin America, said in a statement. “Her musical legacy not only reflects her mastery of the stage but ability to connect with multiple generations, which has helped to push Musica Mexicana to become one of the most quickly rising musical genres in the world. We are thrilled that she has chosen Kobalt as the home for her new work as well as for her substantial catalog of songs.”

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“Kobalt has built its reputation over the last two decades fiercely advocating for their songwriters around the world,” Bárbara added. “I’m excited to get to work with Teresa and the entire Kobalt team on my music.”

Last year, Bárbara — born Altagracia Ugalde Motta — became the first regional Mexican female songwriter ever to receive a BMI Icon Award, the highest honor presented by the performance rights organization. As one of the most consequential female artists in regional Mexican music — a genre historically dominated by men — the singer-songwriter was honored with the lifetime achievement award at Billboard Latin Women in Music in May.

“Ana Bárbara is considered one of the most important and successful singer-songwriters of the Regional Mexican genre,” said Néstor Casonu, president of Kobalt Music Latin America. “We are delighted to collaborate with Ana and grateful for the trust she has given us to be her Publisher. Together, we will continue to build on the impressive legacy she has created throughout her extraordinary career.”

In addition to plans to expand her Reina Grupera Tour dates into Latin America in 2025, Bárbara is currently working on a greatest hits album set for release next year.