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.
Ozuna teams up with the NFL
In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, the National Football League introduced new partnerships, collaborations and activations that are “designed to celebrate la cultura Latina” throughout the NFL season, including working with superstar Ozuna. The Puerto Rican chart-topping artist joined the NFL to advise on its season-long content vision for reaching Latinx fans. Additionally, Ozuna, along with NFL legend Victor Cruz, will be featured in the campaign and support promotional initiatives.
About the partnership, Ozuna said: “I’m honored to be partnering with the NFL on such a groundbreaking new initiative to highlight the diversity of their fans, especially now during Latinx Heritage Month. For the NFL to acknowledge, support, and encourage our culture is meaningful.”
Sony Music Publishing U.S. Latin signs Tiago PZK
Sony Music Publishing U.S. Latin announced the signing of up-and-coming songwriter and urban artist Tiago PZK to a worldwide publishing agreement. Known for his eclectic sonority, from hip-hop to trap and R&B, the 20-year-old Argentine singer-songwriter joins Sony Music Publishing on the heels of releasing his highly anticipated debut album set to arrive in January. “[It’s] a big step in my career, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Tiago PZK said. Jorge Mejia, president and CEO of Sony Music Publishing U.S. Latin and Latin America, added, “Tiago is a leading voice within the new generation of artists coming from Argentina and making their voices heard around the world. We couldn’t be happier to be part of this journey, we can’t wait to see where it takes us.”
Gloria Trevi joins Zumba
Mexican pop icon Gloria Trevi has teamed up with global fitness company Zumba. The partnership will allow Zumba instructors and students worldwide to take the singer’s Guaynaa-assisted single “Nos Volvimos Locos” to classes across 186 countries. “What an incredible experience to activate our very own wellness by exercising, and above all in such a fun way,” Trevi said during a surprise visit at a Zumba class in Spain. “We went ‘loco’ with Zumba and I’ve been doing Zumba for a long time. I loved sharing this moment with them.”
Danny Ocean’s “Me Rehúso” Turns 5
Venezuelan singer-songwriter Danny Ocean celebrated the fifth anniversary of his global heartbreak anthem, “Me Rehúso.” The track, inspired by a complicated love story with political undertones, launched Ocean into stardom back in 2016 when he released the single on YouTube. “Me Rehúso” — which is about a woman he was missing after leaving the turbulent conditions in Venezuela — peaked at No. 13 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart (dated Aug. 18, 2017). Currently, the official audio on YouTube sits on 1.5 billion views.
“It’s crazy how time flies and how this song has connected with the hearts of many,” he posted on social media. “Thank you to everyone for changing my life! If it wouldn’t have been for all your support, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Billboard’s cover stars: Daddy Yankee & Karol G
Billboard unveiled the latest cover stars, Daddy Yankee and Karol G, who grace dual covers for our Latin Issue. The special issue and covers lead up to the biggest week in Latin Music set to take place Sept. 20-25 in Miami’s Faena Forum. Both Karol and DY will be at Latin Music Week for our Superstar Q&A’s moderated by Billboard’s Leila Cobo. The Colombian star will take center stage in on Sept. 21 for an in-depth conversation about her career, music, love and upcoming projects.
Meanwhile, fans will get up-close-and-personal with Yankee as he discusses his 25-year career that launched reggaetón around the world in the second installment of the Superstar Q&A. The hitmaker is also set to perform for a Billboard En Vivo concert that night at the Faena Forum exclusive to Billboard Latin Music Week registrants. See the details here.
