AGP Executive Report

Latin Music Loss: Puerto Rican bomba’s “voice,” Mario Cepeda Brenes, died at 73, with his family crediting him for preserving and pushing the genre forward for new generations. World Cup Soundtrack: FIFA’s first-ever official half-time show and star-packed closing ceremony are set for July 19 at MetLife, with Shakira, Burna Boy, Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and more—plus Coldplay’s Chris Martin curating the halftime. Caribbean Culture Abroad: Dominica-inspired giant puppets (the Wob Dwiyet) will debut at Glasgow’s Merchant City Festival on July 24, spotlighting Caribbean-Scottish textile links. Festival Spotlight: Argentina’s Suiza Pop returns to Buenos Aires with expanded Swiss creativity across film, VR, games and workshops. Tech + Music Rights: A FIFA vs. Coachella comparison argues FIFA’s stricter controls come from trademark/copyright and exclusivity designed for global TV audiences. Local Scene: DADA in Ridgewood hosts Afro-Dominican and Latin jazz nights with Argentine pianist Leo Genovese and Julieta Rada. Venue Upgrade: Barranquilla’s Estadio Metropolitano expansion targets up to 75,000 for concerts, bringing bigger show capacity to Colombia’s festival circuit.

World Cup Closing Ceremony: FIFA confirmed a star-studded finale for the July 19 match, with Post Malone headlining and Tom Cruise and IShowSpeed among the performers; Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. anthem, alongside Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robbie Williams. Latin Pop Spotlight: HYBE Latin America launched a Spanish-language variety series for rookie K-pop group SANTOS BRAVOS, “iVAMOS, BRAVOS!”, blending Korean-style fan games with Latin-market humor. Salsa Legend: Rubén Blades spoke about wanting to return home to Panama after years away, reflecting on his long arc from Fania-era salsa to global influence. Reggae News: Jamaican reggae artist Fantan Mojah died at 49 after reported heart complications, prompting tributes and mourning across the scene. Music Industry Biz: Warner Chappell Music promoted David Goldsen to EVP, A&R, expanding his talent-spotting role across North America and Australia.

World Cup Closing Ceremony: FIFA just locked in the music-and-celebrity lineup for July 19, with Post Malone headlining and IShowSpeed and Tom Cruise among the featured names; Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. anthem, alongside Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robbie Williams. Caribbean Music & Community: Jamaica’s HAP hospitality apprenticeship will train 88 young Jamaicans for resort jobs, a tourism-linked pipeline that keeps local careers tied to the island’s live-music and hospitality economy. Latin Pop Milestone: Colombian superstar Karol G says headlining Coachella felt “incorrect” because it took so long for a Latina to reach that top slot—while also pointing to earlier Latin headliners like Bad Bunny. Local Culture Spotlight: Milwaukee’s Frida Fest returns as a celebration of Mexican heritage and Hispanic art, with Kahlo’s legacy at the center.

World Cup Music & Pop-Culture: FIFA has locked in a star-studded World Cup 2026 closing ceremony at MetLife Stadium (July 19), with Tom Cruise (special appearance), Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, IShowSpeed, and Jennifer Hudson singing the U.S. anthem—while the halftime show is set to be a major music moment featuring Madonna, Shakira, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, and BTS. Latin Music Chart Breakthrough: Burna Boy and Shakira’s official World Cup anthem “Dai Dai” hits No. 1 on Billboard Global 200, marking Burna Boy’s first chart-topper on that list. Regional Mexican Spotlight: Intocable will receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, underscoring the global reach of regional Mexican music. Metal for Latin America: Slayer announces a 40th-anniversary “Reign in Blood” Latin American run, performing the album in full across Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. Caribbean Music Loss: Jamaican reggae singer Fantan Mojah dies at 49, weeks before his 50th birthday. Local Music/Community: A new AI-managed independent artist model gets documented by West Virginia painter Scooter Scudieri, built around a fully human-created album.

World Cup Fan Culture: FIFA’s 2026 final is shaping up as a music-heavy spectacle, with reports of a Super Bowl-style 30-minute half-time and a star lineup that includes Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, Burna Boy, and more—turning the tournament into a full-on Latin pop moment. Touring Spotlight: Venezuelan singer Elena Rose will open Karol G’s U.S. stadium dates on the Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour, with Rose calling it a “blessing” and framing the run as a chance to reconnect through music. Local Scene & Identity: Bolivia’s Imilla Skate crew is reimagining skateboarding through Quechua and Aymara pride, pushing back against a sports culture that’s long centered white male imagery. Caribbean Tragedy: The Da Pond Band’s star has broken silence after five bandmates died in a Bahamas plane crash, underscoring how Caribbean music communities are tightly knit—and vulnerable. Tech Meets Daily Life: Waze rolls out motorcycle mode and “less chatty” AI navigation, with early availability flagged for Latin America markets like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.

Caribbean Live-Music Loss: Da Pond Band singer Shaniese Miller says she’s “still shocked” after five band members died in a Bahamas plane crash, with the group en route to perform at an Independence Day event on Andros Island. Latin American Cultural Spotlight: Los Angeles’ Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels staged “Misa Azteca,” blending Catholic mass with Nahua poetry, indigenous instruments, and a contemporary orchestra. Caribbean Tour Wrap: Trinidad & Tobago’s Kes the Band ends its “Roots, Rock, Soca” tour after sold-out and near-capacity dates across North America, the UK, and Europe, spotlighting soca’s global pull. Brazilian Rhythm Abroad: The Shahin Novrasli Festival 2026 closed in Baku with a Brazil-themed finale featuring samba, jazz, pop, R&B, funk, and traditional Latin rhythms. Pop Chart Power: Madonna’s “Confessions II” tops charts worldwide, becoming her first #1 album across five decades. Local Festival Energy (Spain): Villena’s free “Los 40 Summer Live” returns July 22 with a major pop lineup for all ages.

Venice Biennale Funding: The European Commission recommends ending €2M in grants for the Venice Biennale after the Russian pavilion was included, citing democratic values. Latin Jazz Legacy: Eddie Palmieri is honored in NYC with a street naming, celebrating the Grammy-winning pianist’s Afro-Caribbean impact. Caribbean Tragedy: Bahamas’ Da Pond Band mourns members killed in a small plane crash, as investigators probe the cause. Jazz-Hop Buzz: Ezra Collective adds a second Dublin date for March 2027 ahead of their album Here Because Of Hope. World Cup Music Moment: Shakira and Burna Boy’s “Dai Dai” stays atop Billboard Global charts after the opening ceremony, while Mexico City hosts a Guinness record sticker swap. Latin Pop & Fashion: Belinda becomes Levi’s brand ambassador for Latin America, tying her music and screen presence to the campaign. Tour News: Elton John announces “Farewell to Mexico” concerts in Mexico City this fall.

Latin Music Spotlight: Karol G adds a TropiTour cocktail moment with the “Chellita Sunrise” in partnership with 200 Copas by Casa Dragones, plus a U.S. fan challenge tied to concert tickets. Streaming Milestone: Shakira hits a new Spotify milestone, keeping her FIFA-era momentum in the spotlight. Regional Culture & Festivals: Antigua and Barbuda has been named host of CARIFESTA 2029, with Guyana set for CARIFESTA 2027—an arts showcase built for musicians, dancers, and creators across the Caribbean. Caribbean Music Talk: Andrew Dorsett’s Calypso 2030 initiative argues the genre’s decline isn’t on young people, but on waning musical quality and incentives for artists to fully commit. Theater With Latin Roots: Getty Villa and the Latino Theater Company stage “Antigone: In the Language of Kings,” shifting Sophocles to pre-conquest Tenochtitlan with Nahuatl and Aztec mythology. News Note (Not Latin Music): A deadly Bangkok bar fire kills at least 27, with investigators probing fire spread and safety issues.

Caribbean Music Legacy: Grenada-born, Trinidad-raised calypso legend Mighty Sparrow marked his 91st birthday, with tributes highlighting a career that shaped calypso for over seven decades. Latin Community Culture: Chicago’s 26th annual Barrio Arts Festival drew 2,000+ on day one at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, mixing Puerto Rican food, vendors, and music with family-first energy. Live-Music Safety: A shooting near Toronto’s Salsa on St. Clair festival killed two and injured four, with police saying gunfire between two people put crowds at risk. Tourism + Soundtrack: Guyana is emerging as a fast-growing Caribbean-style destination, with 2026 stayover arrivals up 12% in Q1 and culture, food, and music tied to the region’s identity. World Cup Meets Pop: Oasis’ “Wonderwall” surged on Spotify after England wins, while Pitbull set a Guinness record in London with 22,000 “bald cap” fans—dedicating it to his Cuban roots. Artist Health Update: Lewis Capaldi broke down at BST Hyde Park after admitting he wasn’t sure he could perform again following his Tourette’s diagnosis.

Violence at Latin music event: Two people were killed and four others wounded after a shooting near Toronto’s “Salsa on St. Clair” festival, with police saying the initial scare came from an exchange of gunfire between two people; suspects were still at large as investigators recovered two firearms and urged witnesses to come forward. World Cup momentum meets pop culture: Argentina’s extra-time 3-1 win over Switzerland sent the $ARG fan token and prediction-market chatter surging, underscoring how sports fandom is now tied to crypto speculation. Star power in the stands: Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was spotted at the Argentina–Switzerland quarter-final in Kansas City, while other global celebrities watched England’s win over Norway as the tournament races toward the semis. New classical release with Latin ties: Sir Anthony Hopkins signed with Decca Classics for “Life is a Dream,” recorded with Gustavo Dudamel and the Philharmonia Orchestra, adding another high-profile crossover to the music calendar.

Caribbean Health & Marketing: A new commentary argues Caribbean schools are increasingly used as marketing billboards, even as sponsorship helps fund sports and music—raising questions about what kids are exposed to and who benefits. Cuban Radio Milestone: CMKO Radio Angulo marks anniversaries for two programs, including “Esto sí sabe a Cuba,” a long-running platform promoting Holguín artists and Cuban music. Venezuela Earthquake Aftermath (Kids): A CNN report spotlights children displaced by Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, describing how shelters use play and “child-friendly spaces” to help them process grief and fear. Shakira’s World Cup Music Tie-In: Shakira says Kylian Mbappé was the first to agree to appear in her “Dai Dai” video, with other stars also joining the World Cup-linked promo. Bahamas Plane Crash: The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union says musicians and a DJ were among the 10 killed in a Flamingo Air crash, prompting a temporary grounding of flights. Reggae Live Spotlight: Blue Mountain Village announces “Reggae on the Mountain” (July 24–26) with Kirk Diamond and Freetown Collective among the lineup. Shakira Live in Boston: Reviews and coverage highlight Shakira’s TD Garden return, mixing hits, new material, and World Cup-era energy. World Cup Music Crossover: Coverage notes how football fandom and music are colliding—from fan anthems to viral rap remixes tied to the tournament.

World Cup + Live Music Culture: Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium hosts Norway vs England (clear-bag, cashless rules; gates open 3 hours early) as the tournament heads into the last semifinal race, with fans also turning Hyde Park venues into match-day hubs. Paraguay Street Fest: Asunción’s historic centre closes San Juan with Palmear San Juan (Calle Palma, 11:00-23:00) mixing traditional food, folk dance, and live music including DJ Residente. Latin Music Events: Colombia’s ruana tradition gets a musical boost in Nobsa’s Pal Mundo Ruana Festival (July 10-12). Caribbean Sound: ArtsQuest’s One Earth Reggae Festival (Jesse Royal headline) runs alongside SoccerFest World Cup watch parties. Music Industry/Ads: Spotify podcasts expand into Amazon DSP via Spotify Ad Exchange, adding more programmatic buying options. Legal/Pop: BTS’ “Swim” faces a copyright infringement lawsuit in California; HYBE denies copying. Local Community Relief: A Venezuela earthquake fundraiser in Canberra pairs arepas and live performances with donations to Caritas Venezuela and Mates Without Borders.

K-pop Legal Storm: BTS’ “Swim” is hit with a California copyright lawsuit alleging it copied a demo; Big Hit denies the claims and says the track is independently created. World Cup Meets Pop: Ellie Goulding is set for a historic halftime performance at England vs Norway in Miami, as FIFA adds official music-show halftime entertainment to the knockout stage. Latin Music Spotlight: Billboard’s New Music Latin poll spotlights fresh releases including De La Rose & Ryan Castro’s “La Monda” and Luis R. Conriquez’s “Muchacho Alegre,” with fans voting for the week’s best. Caribbean Tourism Push: Jamaica Tourist Board launches “Jamaica Summer Vibes 2026” through Aug. 31, promoting reggae, festivals, food, and summer events. Latin Live Culture: Loco7 Dance Puppet Theatre (Colombian founder Federico Restrepo) completes a three-week NYC residency in July, blending dance, puppetry, live music, and acrobatics.

World Cup x Pop: Ellie Goulding will sing at halftime of England vs Norway in Miami, with the July 19 final already set to feature Madonna, BTS, Burna Boy and Justin Bieber. U2 in Latin America: U2’s “Street of Dreams” short film stars David Beckham and was shot in Mexico City, tying the track to the band’s first new music in nine years. Shakira Spotlight: Shakira shared that Kylian Mbappé was the first player to agree to appear in her “Dai Dai” video, as France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the semis. Latin Music & Identity: Colombia’s Cali-style salsa dancers brought cultural diplomacy to Seoul, highlighting salsa caleña as national heritage. Brazilian Scene: Reddy is pushing back against sertanejo’s lack of space for trans artists, releasing a live EP “Ao Vivo, Vol. 1.” New Releases: Davido previews his July 31 album “ORIADE” (13 tracks). Rock News: Deep Purple’s “SPLAT!” drops July 3 with a North America tour next.

World Cup Halftime Powerhouse: FIFA’s first-ever Super Bowl-style Final Halftime Show (July 19, MetLife) is set to feature Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Burna Boy, with Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and PS22 Chorus also on the bill—aimed at supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Argentina Terrace Anthem: Argentina’s squad embraced “La cuarta estrella,” a new fan anthem tied to Maradona and Malvinas references, after the Egypt comeback that booked the quarterfinals. Venezuela Earthquake Benefit: Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil will host “A Concert for Venezuela” Aug. 23 at the Hollywood Bowl to raise recovery funds for quake-hit communities. Caribbean Music & Food: St. Kitts and Nevis launched a July Culinary Month built around local ingredients, while St. Kitts Music Festival momentum continues. Local Spotlight: Houston’s “Little Mexico” mourns Lorenzo Salgado Araujo after an ICE shooting, with residents demanding answers amid fears of stepped-up enforcement. Brazilian Band Tribute: Brazil Concert Band announced “America 250: Memorial, A Tribute to Jim Hendrix” (July 19) honoring the late percussion leader.

World Cup Halftime (US/NJ): FIFA confirmed Justin Bieber will co-headline the July 19 final halftime show with Madonna, Shakira and BTS, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, with an 11-minute set also featuring Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus (plus Sesame Street and Muppets), all tied to FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund. Latin American Spotlight (Paraguay): At just 11, guitarist/pianist Osmar Rivas is bringing Paraguayan traditions to major stages and media, using music and storytelling to push learning and perseverance. Local Music Loss (US-based community): Kevin Chown, a longtime Escanaba rock figure and community force, died at 56 after a cancer battle, with tribute plans already set for upcoming shows. Cultural Life (Rio): Devotees marked Zé Pelintra Day in Rio with music, dance, prayers and Afro-Brazilian religious offerings. New Sound (U2): U2 teased their first album in nine years with “Street of Dreams,” filmed in Mexico City and built around the band’s Mexican fan connection.