AGP Executive Report

Latin Music Legal Battle: Bad Bunny’s team is pushing back in a U.S. federal court over reggaeton copyright claims tied to the “Fish Market” dembow rhythm, arguing the beat was never a “Frankenstein” invention and warning the case could reshape how Caribbean and Latin music samples shared patterns. Caribbean Culture & Live Events: Paraguay’s El Barullo Rock Festival returns to Asunción for the city’s anniversary with a lineup of homegrown bands, while Jamaica’s D’Angel marks a decade of giving with a Back to School Benefit Concert featuring multiple local acts. Regional Music Education: Gustavo Dudamel will conduct a youth orchestra collaboration inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema, pairing Scotland’s Big Noise musicians with LA’s YOLA at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. Brazil Film & Festivity: “A Chocolate Christmas” is set to shoot in Gramado and New York, built around Natal Luz de Gramado’s long-running holiday spectacle. Spotlight on Latin Artists: Shakira, Sofía Vergara, Camilo, and Maluma are among the celebrity voices backing Colombia and Venezuela earthquake relief efforts through music.

Colombia Earthquake Relief Through Music: Maluma, Karol G, Feid, Carlos Vives and more Latin stars are rallying for Colombia and Venezuela quake recovery, with artists using fundraisers and social platforms as the death toll and missing lists keep shifting. Puerto Rico Live-Music Anniversary: DISTRITO T-Mobile and Coca-Cola Music Hall mark their fifth anniversary Aug. 14–16 with three days of free shows and family activities, featuring Puerto Rican acts including El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. Latin Music Spotlight (New Releases): Billboard’s New Music Latin poll highlights Trueno & Maria Becerra’s “90s” and other fresh drops, with Karol G’s “No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto” leading last week’s vote. Cultural Memory in Cuba: Cuba marks Fidel Castro’s centennial with major state events, keeping the country’s political legacy in the spotlight. Local Music Events: Brooklyn Public Library launches “Journey of a Soca King: The Exhibition” for Machel Montano, pairing artifacts and listening programming with a documentary projection. Tour/Show Disruptions: Brazil Concert Band cancels a Forest Park performance due to storm damage.

Disaster Relief Through Music & Community: In quake-hit Cali, Colombia, a local musician Andres Solomon has become a symbol of comfort by offering free “hugs here” to residents amid rubble and ongoing searches after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that has killed hundreds and left thousands displaced. Relief Search Still Ongoing: Colombia’s disaster agency says the “72-hour” rescue window has passed, but officials vow to keep searching for hundreds still missing as families set up makeshift camps. Caribbean Music Honors: Jamaica’s Patra is set for a Lifetime Achievement Honor at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad and Tobago, joining Shyne and Calypso Rose among other honorees. Cuba Solidarity via Football Fashion: Bohemian FC and Massive Attack unveiled a Cuba-themed 2026 jersey, with 30% of profits going to emergency medical aid groups Cuba Vive and mediCuba-Europe. New Latin Urban Release: Chile’s Nickoog_CLK and Standly drop “XTASIS,” a high-energy collaboration with an accompanying video, previewing Nickoog’s next album. Streaming Culture Watch: A report on India’s streaming shift highlights how free listening and social media discovery are reshaping music platforms’ business models.

Latin Pop & Urban Spotlight: Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean joins the Presidente Festival 2026 lineup in the Dominican Republic, adding a modern Latin pop/urban/electronic edge alongside names like Juan Luis Guerra and Don Omar. Global Music Power: Billboard curates R&B Hip-Hop Live for Sept. 10 at Brooklyn Steel, with Lucky Daye and Yung Miami leading a roster that also includes Destin Conrad and Skippa. Pop Festival Expansion: Spain’s LOS40 Primavera Pop lands in Buenos Aires on Oct. 28, featuring Luis Fonsi plus Argentine acts Abel Pintos, Luck Ra, Ángela Torres, and others. Solidarity Concert: Unidos Por Los Nuestros stages a Miami benefit on Aug. 16 with Marc Anthony, Luis Fonsi, and Chayanne to support earthquake victims in Venezuela and Colombia. Cuba at 100: Cuba marks Fidel Castro’s centennial with concerts, exhibitions, and public events as the island’s crisis deepens. Caribbean Culture: Nevis’ Pinney’s Beach keeps the party going with a rum-and-seafood bar-crawl vibe, spotlighting local festival culture.

Earthquake Relief Concert: Marc Anthony, Feid, Chayanne and more are set for a Miami benefit to support Venezuela and Colombia quake victims, with proceeds funding rebuilding, school restoration and mental health; the show will be livestreamed via TelevisaUnivision platforms and iHeartLatino. Cuban Music & Culture: Cuba marks Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday with concerts, exhibitions and book fair events, as his legacy remains a live cultural force amid a worsening economic squeeze. Latin Community Festivals: Worcester Common hosts the inaugural Somos Boricuas festival celebrating Puerto Rican music, food and dance, while Worcester Common also stages Latin American Rhythm 2026, featuring live Latin ensembles and dance showcases. Juan Gabriel on Screen: Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art will host a free U.S. premiere screening of the restored Juan Gabriel concert film Mi Primer Bellas Artes at Millennium Park. New Latin Releases: Becky G says her “competition” is herself, not other women artists, and Power Snatch (Hayley Williams + Daniel James) drops EP2 with alt-rock/indie-pop tracks. Brazil Campaign Soundtracks: Brazil’s presidential race is turning to catchy funk carioca and country-leaning anthems as candidates use music to pitch voters.

Latin Music Relief: Marc Anthony, Luis Fonsi, Chayanne, Feid, Jay Wheeler and more are set for “Unidos por Los Nuestros,” a Miami benefit concert livestreamed Aug. 16 to support Venezuela and Colombia earthquake recovery, with funds for rebuilding, schools, children’s support and mental health. Local Spotlight: Venezuela’s Ministry of Culture is hosting “Let’s sing with La Schola” at Caracas’ Museum of Fine Arts (Aug. 22-23), featuring Schola Cantorum, the Youth School and youth cantoria groups with free admission. New Latin Sound: Nicky Jam drops “La Foto” with Cuban newcomer El Shadow, blending acoustic guitars with Afrobeats for a feel-good, first-move love story. Community & Culture: Vallejo’s Noble Cinema Studios “Respect The Legends” series brings rapper Nef the Pharaoh, while downtown Vallejo’s Art Walk debuts “Jaguar Azul” and “Inspirations” with live music and artist talks. Music & Identity: Sheila E. returns to the Bay Area for a Blue Note Napa Summer Sessions show Aug. 21, framing the region’s culture as the foundation of her career.

Colombia Earthquake Relief: A 7.4 quake in western Colombia has killed more than 200, with rescue teams still struggling to reach hard-hit areas—plus major celebrity support and fundraising efforts are ramping up. Latin Pop Spotlight: Karol G’s “No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto” leans hard into reggaeton, EDM, and cumbia as she turns breakup pain into genre-hopping heartbreak. Caribbean Music & Culture: Shyne is set for a global ambassador honor at the Caribbean Music Awards, while Jamaica Rising Day celebrations keep expanding beyond the island. Local Scene Watch: Miami’s III Points Open House returns as local artists compete for lineup spots, keeping the city’s hip-hop and electronic underground in focus. Music Industry Crosscurrents: Spotify is rolling out an “AI Persona” badge for AI-labeled artists, aiming to limit AI music from default recommendations. Tour News: Rod Stewart cancels remaining North American dates after a coronary stent procedure, reshuffling his 2026 schedule.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Rescuers are racing to find survivors after a 7.4 quake hit western Colombia, with reports of deaths rising past 200 and thousands missing as aftershocks continue. Latin Pop Live & Touring: Karol G is rolling out a DTLA immersive “Viajando Por El Mundo” pop-up ahead of her SoFi Stadium shows, turning her album themes into interactive stops. Latin Music Charts: Fred again.. and Mexico’s Latin Mafia debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Pop Albums with “9 months & 50 hours,” fueled by strong streaming. Reggaeton/R&B Spotlight: Jamaica’s Snatcha says “My Baby Mother” is gaining radio traction across the Caribbean and beyond, with an EP and more singles in the works. Cultural Pride Through Music: Oakland Pride expands its Latin dance stage with Mexican pop FEY and Venezuelan reggaeton La Cruz, spotlighting queer and trans performers. Health & Concert Disruptions: Rock legend Rod Stewart cancels North American dates after a successful coronary stent procedure, pausing touring for recovery.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Rescuers in western Colombia are racing to find survivors after a 7.4 quake killed at least 132 and left hundreds injured, with thousands reported missing and major damage in Cali and Pereira. Global Football Power Struggle: FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s World Cup stake-sale plan has triggered a fresh backlash from UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC, accusing him of breaking trust “through deception,” while Donald Trump says ousting him would be a “terrible mistake.” Caribbean Music & Culture Moves: Jamaica’s Department of Culture launches a World Steelpan Day campaign spotlighting “Steelpan Icons” across Antigua and Barbuda, inviting the public to recommend key pan players and builders. Latin Music Spotlight: US-based artist KAYA is building momentum with his afro-tech/indie house sound ahead of what’s next after his EP Aurora and a breakout single “Party Started.” Live Music in the Region: Yazmin and the Havana Quartet bring Cuban rhythms to Lake Superior for a free Aug. 12 concert at Bayfield Presbyterian Church.

FIFA Power Struggle: UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC escalated their fight with Gianni Infantino, accusing him of “deception” and calling for an independent review after his World Cup stake-sale plan was shelved—setting up a messy leadership showdown across global football. Colombia Earthquake & Culture: A 7.4 quake hit western Colombia, killing at least 111 and damaging hundreds of buildings; Shakira posted solidarity as emergency teams raced to find survivors. Latin Pop on the Move: Bad Bunny may close his DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS tour with two (possibly three) shows in Puerto Rico at Hiram Bithorn Stadium later this month. New Music Spotlight: maye released “Creo En Ti,” a dreamy rework that ties back to her father’s early guitar days. Dancehall Release: Lady Da Flame dropped “Summer,” blending dancehall with island and reggaeton vibes for festival season. Live Music Travel: Baltimore is bracing for BTS ARMY crowds at M&T Bank Stadium with major transit guidance for Aug. 10–11.

K-pop & Latin America Pop Culture: ENHYPEN debuted “Bloody Paradise” in Busan, with the track built around Brazilian funk rhythms and a narrative-heavy set that kept fans singing through 28 songs. Tourism + Music as Soft Power: BTS’s “ARIRANG” run is turning into a civic event: Toronto approved “BTS Boulevard” and a “BTS Weekend” proclamation, while Baltimore braces for big crowds at M&T Bank Stadium. Afrobeat Global Reach: Ayra Starr’s “Starrgirl” era is spotlighted through her international collaborations, including features that helped her break into markets from Jamaica/Puerto Rico to South Africa and beyond. Caribbean Community Spotlight: Bridgeport hosted Jamaica’s Independence Celebration with Caribbean food, live music, and cultural performances drawing visitors from the tri-state area. Film/Audio for Latin Creators: Locarno Pro’s First Look and heritage/music-supervision prizes went to Latin-linked projects, including Uruguay’s “The Surubí” and a music-documentary win for Ghana’s “Too Much Music.” Music Industry Watch: FIFA’s Infantino crisis dominated headlines, but it also intersected with sports-media culture as federations demanded an independent review over the World Cup rights stake plan.

Latin Music Industry Shock: The inaugural Los Angeles Jazz Festival—promising John Legend, Janelle Monáe and more—was canceled at the last minute over public safety and municipal permitting costs, leaving artists and vendors with travel and production losses. Caribbean Culture & Music: In the Bahamas, officials and stakeholders are debating how to keep Bahamas Carnival thriving after years of reduced government support; meanwhile, Bon Vivants earned a North America top-50 bar nod, spotlighting hospitality as a cultural career path. Steelpan Spotlight: World Steelpan Day celebrated Trinidad-born steelpan in the Netherlands, where a local teacher’s BIJLMER Steel Band project is building youth talent. Jamaica & Community Events: Jamaica’s cultural calendar keeps moving—from Bay Block Party expansion and dance/movement classes in Kingston to Hayti Heritage Center’s 2026–27 season launch. Brazil Grassroots Relief: A Brazil-wide campaign is targeting food support for 223,000 families affected by Covid-19 impacts, led by Black Coalition for Rights groups. Regional Music Competitions: Nexa New Dimension won Trinidad’s 2026 SMC Senior Panorama title, with steelpan arrangements taking top honors.

Taylor Swift & US politics: Swift songs were removed or muted from TikTok and White House/Trump campaign posts after repeated use in political videos, sparking backlash from fans and renewed debate over artists’ consent. FIFA leadership fight: FIFA issued a sharp warning against a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine Gianni Infantino, defending his mandate amid calls for resignation after a World Cup commercial-rights dispute. Reggae live: The Music Baa in the UK announced a three-day reggae festival with Captain Accident & The Disasters, Dub Princess & the Hotsteppas, and Jamaican songwriter Winston McAnuff (plus more). Caribbean community events: Delaware’s “Baila Con Dover” returns to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with Latino music, food, and performances. Jamaica arts & youth: The Jamaica Poetry Festival at UTech spotlights “Generation Next” voices alongside established cultural figures, with gospel and poetry showcases running through the day. Latin music in motion: Toronto’s free Wavelength Summer Thing (Aug. 16) adds a second stage, featuring indie-folk, hip-hop, and Afro-Brazilian percussion.

FIFA Power Struggle: FIFA hit back at a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine president Gianni Infantino, rejecting calls for leadership change amid a wider governance standoff tied to the collapsed FIFA Forward Enterprise plan and fresh allegations involving UEFA payments. Cuban Arts Under Strain: Choreographer Rosario Cárdenas described working in Cuba without basics like electricity, water, transport, and medical access, capturing how cultural life is being forced to adapt to daily breakdowns. Latin Music Live & Local: Baja Beach Fest opened in Rosarito with major reggaetón names and packed hotels, while Grenada’s Spicemas crowned Sabrina Francis (Groovy) and Rio “Snakey” St Paul (Power) as new soca monarchs. Festival Disruption: The inaugural L.A. Jazz Festival was canceled at the last minute over permit costs, derailing a star-studded lineup. Caribbean Community Moments: Brooklyn hosted the first Jamaica Rising Day Parade, adding reggae/dancehall/soca energy to the independence celebrations.

Cultural Resilience in Cuba: A Havana rooftop vinyl archive keeps Cuban music history alive through listening sessions and community care, turning preservation into everyday resistance. Cartel Violence in Mexico: TikTok influencer César Gastélum was shot dead live-streaming in Culiacán, adding to a growing pattern of influencer killings tied to Mexico’s cartel clashes. Latin Music Festival Launch (US): Bowling Green’s Hispanic Community Alliance announced its free Latin American and Caribbean Festival (Sept. 12) with live music, dance, food, and vendors. Jamaica Independence in Full Song: Jamaica’s 64th Independence Grand Gala at the National Stadium featured major performances, including Busy Signal and Wayne Wonder, under a resilience theme. Pop Tour Moment (Mexico City): Harry Styles turned rainy Mexico City crowds into a singalong, leading “Happy Birthday” for Zane Lowe during the show. Tech Meets Music Discovery: Google Maps expands “Ask Maps” with AI-powered food ordering, hotel booking, and live event discovery.

Stadium Pop Power: BTS kicked off its Arirang World Tour second North America leg with sold-out MetLife Stadium dates, signaling a long run across the Americas and beyond. Latin Pop Breakup Therapy: Karol G released No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto, leaning into heartbreak as real-time emotional processing, including her English power ballad “Still” with Bruno Mars. New Latin Release Buzz: Billboard’s New Music Latin poll spotlighted Feid & Ryan Castro’s “Mentira” plus fresh drops from Ozuna and others. Jamaica Independence in Music Mode: Jamaica marked 64 years of Independence with nationwide celebrations centered on culture and music, while Brooklyn prepares the first Jamaica Rising Day Parade. Community & Youth Through Sound: The Caribbean Challenge youth football series kicks off across St. Lucia with a peace-focused theme, and Houston raised about $27,000 for Venezuela earthquake recovery through a worship-and-music benefit. Media Industry Shockwave: An FCC vote on ownership caps drew backlash from diversity advocates, warning of fewer local jobs and less representation.