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.
Anuel AA sponsors Puerto Rico’s women’s national basketball league
Puerto Rican star Anuel AA announced that he has become the main sponsor of the Women’s National Superior Basketball League in Puerto Rico. As a result, the players will wear a logo with Anuel’s motto, “Real Hasta La Muerte,” on their uniforms.
“I am very happy to be able to help the development of women’s basketball in Puerto Rico,” Anuel said in a statement. “We have a lot of talent in the country that needs support and I am more than proud to be part of this and continue with the legacy of this league that even went to the Olympics this year. We are very proud of them and of the many wins that are to come.”
The news follows Anuel’s previously announced venture as an investor in local basketball by becoming the owner of the Capitanes de Arecibo of the National Superior Basketball League (BSN) of Puerto Rico.
Jhay Cortez’s Timelezz tracks get double-platinum certification
On the heels of the release of his sophomore album Timelezz, Jhay Cortez’s is celebrating that four songs featured on the album have either received double-platinum certification or been certified gold, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Cortez’s “Christian Dior” received the double-platinum certification, while “Los Bo,” “Kobe En L.A.” and “En Mi Cuarto” went gold.
Billboard caught up with Cortez to break down five songs off his Timelezz album. Here’s what he had to say about the Anuel-assisted “Ley Seca,” “Tokyo” and “Dilema,” among others.
Maná to receive Icon Award
Maná will be honored with the icon award at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Billboard and Telemundo announced. The chart-topping and Grammy-winning Mexican rock band will be recognized for “having carved out a career that has not only remained relevant through time but has also made them the most distinguished band in their genre, celebrated globally for achieving both musical and commercial success.”
Maná will also deliver an exclusive performance of their new single, a remake of the classic “El Reloj Cucú” featuring 12-year-old vocalist Mabel, during the awards show. Additionally, Maná’s frontman will be joined by Mabel to host the Inside the Soul of the Artist panel, which will honor single mothers and discuss growing up fatherless and the role heartbreak plays in the creative process, at the Billboard Latin Music Week — which returns to Miami Sept. 20-24.
Karol G’s rockstar summer concert
Wearing her best rock star outfit — leather pants styled with silver chains — Karol G took the virtual stage on Monday (Aug. 30) to headline the first of two Rockstar Summer Spotlight concerts, where she performed hits such as “Bichota” and “El Barco.”
“I am very happy to be here tonight sharing with all of you,” the Colombian singer-songwriter said after opening her set with chart-topping track “Bichota.” “[I’m] very grateful for the opportunity. I’ve picked some of my favorite songs from my new album that I want to share with all of you now. I hope you’re having a good time at home … and that you sing each one of these songs with me.”
The second Rockstar Summer Spotlight concert will feature dance star SAINt JHN.
Sessi’s “2C” rakes in one million streams on Spotify
Following its release in March, emerging artist Sessi’s “2C” has surpassed the one million streams on Spotify, becoming her first single to join the millions club. The track was produced by Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer Gavriel “Vein” Rafael.
“The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately,” Sessi tells Billboard. “Hitting a million streams is a major milestone for me. As an emerging artist, and ‘2C’ being only my third single, it means my hustle and talent is not going unnoticed. I’m thankful to God, my team, and my supporters for never giving up on me.”
