From DJ Khaled to Anitta, Miami Entertainers Praise ‘Entertainment Mecca’

Founder, Vibras Lab

At 17, Vibras Lab founder and J Balvin manager Acosta launched a production company that would put together metal concerts in abandoned bodegas in Bogotá, Colombia. A rock fan, Acosta worked for Discos MTM, BMG and EMI, promoting everything from Guns N’ Roses to electronic music. In 2014, he asked Balvin, “What would you like me to do for you?,” to which he responded that his primary goal was to be No. 1 on Billboard’s U.S. chart. Today, Balvin holds the record for the Latin artist with the most No. 1 hits on Billboard. “No one believed in ‘Mi Gente’; at the beginning it was just José and I,” Acosta says. That music video went on to become the fastest video to reach 400 million views on YouTube. Acosta deeply cares about his relationship with Balvin. “[We are] the people who accompany them not only in good times, but also in their tough personal moments, the ones who support them.”

President, VIS and Paramount Networks, Southern Europe, LatAm, Middle East and Africa

Acosta oversees the production studios that supply original content to the new Paramount Plus service and to the company’s free and pay TV networks as well as third-party streamers and broadcasters. He led the acquisition of Chilevisión and FoxTeleColombia, which now makes Paramount one of the largest producers of Spanish-language content in the world. “Miami is a place like no other — it is where I was raised and have the privilege of having experienced a wide array of diversity and talents that have created the entertainment mecca it is today.”

President, CEO, chair Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS)

Alarcón and his father, Pablo Raul, launched their publicly traded media company with radio, television, and Internet properties geared to the growing U.S. Hispanic population in 1983. The company owns key radio properties in diversified markets including Miami, L.A., New York, Puerto Rico and Chicago. Its SBS Entertainment division produces live concerts in selected markets anchored by their radio station presence.

Recording Artist

Brazilian superstar Anitta settled in Miami because it reminds her of home. “It’s very similar to Rio de Janeiro,” says the hitmaker, who is signed to Warner Records. “In Miami, we have a lot of Latin people and also a big Brazilian community. People have fun and there is no curfew for alcohol at 2 a.m.” Anitta sees the influx of newcomers as a result of post-pandemic soul searching. “People started to think about what is real in life. Miami offers you a life outside of music.” The location has also helped her diversify, releasing songs in English, Spanish and Portuguese. “I can work on the three of them in Miami,” she laughs.

Head of Marketing Neon16, Ntertain

Arcay grew up tagging along with her cousin Claudia Arcay while she worked on the touring and booking side of the industry with Latin superstars such as Luis Miguel, Maná and Enrique Iglesias. Now, Arcay works on everything from artist development campaigns, music releases, events and brand partnerships in the hopes to continue contributing to what she calls the “mecca of entertainment,” Miami. “I’m very secure and confident in what I do,” she says. “When you live [in Miami], you’re probably gonna meet the right people either by luck or by coincidence. You can be at the studio at the right time and suddenly Bad Bunny comes in. It’s where everyone wants to be.”

Senior Vice President, A&R Republic Records

“I’m living the dream every single day.” Berkman, senior VP of A&R at Republic Records and former head of A&R at Cash Money Records, moved to Miami on a whim in 2006. Cash Money co-founders Birdman and Slim were immediately impressed by his business acumen, skills on the production board and ability to spot emerging talent. Now, with A&R credits ranging from Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne to DJ Khaled and Drake, Berkman’s job revolves around “making magic with artists”—and Miami’s lush, oceanic environment to create. “People come here to work, be refreshed and take a break while focusing on music. I have a studio on the water right in the middle of Miami. It’s perfect.”

Producer

Billions started his career as an engineer in Miami. “I worked on music that I wouldn’t have been familiar with had I not been put in front of it,” he says of the city’s diverse musical ecosystem that extends from Latin rhythms to Afrobeats. That exposure proved invaluable when he began producing hits for superstars such as the Weeknd, Beyoncé and Lil Wayne. “Being out here and seeing how people react to different genres, you understand what works and what doesn’t,” he says. The Grammy nominee doesn’t begrudge Miami’s newfound popularity in the music industry. “I always felt like this was the best city in the world,” he says. “I think everybody’s starting to figure it out.”

Co-founder, CEO Neon 16, Ntertain

Gone are the days when Borrero waited outside Sony Studios to hand artists his beats. But after stints in New York, the Magic City worked its charms when then-Roc Nation exec Borrero met Tainy and began talking business with the producer. Borrero shaped Tainy to become the first Latin music producer to be treated as an artist, in his own right. “He’s in a phone call with an artist and the artist told him, ‘Tainy, no one gives a fuck about the producer, it’s all about the artist. Please step down, your opinion doesn’t matter.’ I saw on his face how much that hurt him and I said to him ‘You know what? We’re gonna make you bigger than that artist.’”And so he did. “Branding and building a business is creating moments and learning how to communicate those moments to the masses. That’s business. That’s the key to the success we’ve built with Tainy.”

Recording Artist

From the sultry salsa of “Havana” to the reggaeton beats of current single “Bam Bam,” Cabello’s Cuban roots and Miami upbringing shine through in her songs. “It’s the music that makes me feel relaxed, sexy and like I want to sweat,” she says. And while she doesn’t often get to record in her hometown, she always looks forward to it. “It’s so much more fun and relaxed because our surroundings are so beautiful. The weather, ocean breeze, gorgeous plant life.” Although the abundance of natural beauty is part of Miami’s allure, her connection goes deeper. The city’s major draws for Cabello are threefold: “The Latin community, the Latin food and my family.”

Recording Artists

Yung Miami and JT, better known as the City Girls, always speak positively about their hometown—“period!” Despite being from two of Miami’s roughest neighborhoods (Opa-locka and Liberty City), they say, “There’s no city like Miami in the world.” As Yung Miami explains, “There’s an energy here that’s magic that makes everyone want to be a part of what we do; whether it’s how we talk, dress, party or support each other as we all rise.” JT adds, “The vibe in Miami is always right! The weather is usually perfect most of the year, but it’s the pace of the city that fuels us as well.” As City Girls continue to evolve into world-famous rappers, Miami will always be home.

Head Global Latin Music Touring Group, CAA

Del Granado arrived in Miami in 1993 with the purpose of launching MTV Latino. But fairly quickly, he realized something was brewing, “something really big,” he says. That “something” was the 1999 Latin music explosion. “I don’t think [it] would’ve happened without Gloria and Emilio [Estefan], to be honest. They helped all these up and coming artists blow up. Gloria helped Shakira learn how to speak English.” Del Granado reps such clients as Residente, Luis Fonsi, Lunay, Ricky Martin and Emilio Estefan, and prior to joining CAA, he launched Madonna’s Maverick Latino label. “Be humble and [don’t] take anything for granted. I can have the greatest title and job right now and tomorrow it can be gone. There is no need for arrogance,” he says.

Recording Artist

Born Ramón Ayala (aka Raymond) in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, Daddy Yankee grew up in a musical family. At a young age, he became interested in Spanish-language hip-hop, especially the socially aware raps of Vico C. Today he’s a global superstar. Daddy Yankee has sold more than 17 million albums, with 50 hit songs on the Billboard charts. He is the only Latin artist with four Spanish-language songs to reach the Top 20 of Billboard’s Hot 100. His 2004 mainstream breakthrough “Barrio Fino” — and in particular, the international hit single “Gasolina” — helped establish reggaeton as a marketable music style. In 2017, he was featured on Luis Fonsi’s global smash “Despacito” topping the charts in 47 countries.

President Warner Music Latin America

Duque took over his post less than a year ago but since joining the team, he’s spearheaded the opening of a regional Mexican music division, “a genre that’s growing significantly and we had been overlooking,” he says. In an effort to be at the forefront of breaking talent, the company recently signed Blessd, a Colombian artist riding high on hit “Medallo.” Duque is among the executives who recognize a big movement coming from often-overlooked areas of Latin America such as Argentina, with artists including Paulo Londra and Maria Becerra. “We saw the trends early and we took advantage of that,” he says. “You have to love what you do. This is not a job, this is a lifestyle.”

President U.S. Latin, Sony Music

Gallardo went from receptionist to president at Sony U.S. Latin overseeing superstars such as Marc Anthony, Romeo Santos, Ozuna, Anuel AA, Shakira and Camilo. 2021 saw a huge hit with Rauw Alejandro and “Todo De Ti.” A music aficionado with no contacts in the industry, he saw an open door when he applied for a receptionist position at Warner Music. “In my interview, I said, ‘My dream is to get into this industry, if I need to clean the floors [and] the windows, I’m ready. I just want to have a foot in the door and I’ll take it from there.” Every new music release presents a moment of self-imposed pressure for his hard-working team. “This job can be very stressful. Working with creative people is exciting but it can be challenging, so don’t take it so seriously and bring passion to whatever you do. If you’re not passionate about it, you’ll most likely fail.”

Founder Groot Hospitality

Grutman’s innovative hospitality business comprises two mega-clubs plus a slew of restaurants, cafés and bars in Miami. In 2021, he partnered with Pharrell Williams on several restaurants and his first hotel venture, the Goodtime, as well as the Bahamas-based Somewhere Else Resort, opening in 2024. Grutman will soon expand his vision with anticipated openings across North America, West Asia, North Africa and the Caribbean. “Working in Miami and Miami Beach is unlike anywhere else. It’s fast-paced, and the area is evolving at lightning speed. The interest from around the world has never been bigger. And the culture and layers of Miami and Miami Beach are totally unique.”

Chairman NBCU Telemundo Enterprises

Ferrari has overseen Telemundo’s double-digit growth and been instrumental in the growth of the Telemundo App, delivering the highest number of viewers on record among the NBCU properties, positioning the network as the No. 1 broadcast network on YouTube. He led the launch of Telemundo Streaming Studios, fast tracking 35 productions currently in development, solidifying the network’s place as the go-to source for Spanish-language content. “Miami has been the home of Telemundo for decades,” he says. “When we decided to build Telemundo Center, we chose Miami where we now serve as a leading employer in the community. From here, we reach over 62 million Latinos in the U.S and across international markets every day with our premium entertainment, sports and news content, solidifying Miami’s position as a global center for the media industry.”

Recording Artist

Karol G helped to break the mold of what a reggaeton superstar looks like. With such songs as “Makinon” and “Bichota,” she paved the way for female artists to speak their truth in an industry dominated by men. Her collaborations on singles with other urbano stars, including Nicky Jam, Anuel AA, Bad Bunny and J Balvin, have resulted in hits. Most recently, she topped the charts with singles “Tusa” with Nicki Minaj, “China” with Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Ozuna and J Balvin; and “Ocean.”

Head of Music Label Partnerships, U.S. Latin and LatAm Meta

Harley’s 20-year career spans countries and languages. He became obsessed with Latin rhythms in his London home. He later ran Sony Music Brazil’s marketing department, after owning his own record label in the U.K. His career continued at Nokia, Amazon and Google. One of the projects he’s most proud of is the partnership Meta achieved with the Latin Grammys, Univision and various record label partners where they were able to broadcast exclusive performances by artists including Bad Bunny, Camilo and Rubén Blades on Facebook. Harley has always had a knack for spotlighting undiscovered artists so much so that he has his own independent podcast “La Mezcla” in which he features new Latino artists. “Back in Brasil’s Acari favela, I learned firsthand how music can change peoples’ lives. That’s my compass and I try not to deviate from that. Even if the music business is a business, it’s also a culture and it can really help people celebrate the good times and help them through the tough times.”

Partner/Co-Head of Hip-Hop/R&B, WME

Based in Miami Beach, Iser has been leading WME in transitioning agency clients into Web3-based solutions for creating digital ecosystems around their art and fanbase. During the pandemic, he boosted clients’ business via streaming performances and literary, film, TV and brand endorsement deals. Iser closed book deals for Anderson .Paak and Willow, in addition to a deal for Swae Lee and Mike Will to executive produce an HBO series. “Miami has always been a cultural hub but during the COVID shutdown, the city remained almost completely open, which allowed for a collaborative and inspiring environment for so many creatives. That, along with the great weather, enticed music artists and executives to move to Miami and continue to stay productive, some building in-home recording studios and all benefitting from the incredible hospitality that the city offers.”

Artist

DJ Khaled screams Miami — and quite regularly. In 2018, he teamed up with fellow artists Yo Gotti and Rick Ross for a song dedicated to his home base, proving his unwavering loyalty to the bubbling entertainment epicenter. “Miami raised me,” he told Billboard last May. “My mom and dad came to America with maybe less than $20 in their pockets.” Now the owner of a $25.9 million waterfront mansion, DJ Khaled can work and live lavishly at his sprawling Miami estate. Coupled with his Another Wing delivery-only restaurant and the Licking soul food franchise, Khaled is bringing “the best” of Miami to everything he does.

President, Universal Music Latino

With a career spanning more than 29 years, Kaminsky is known for his contribution to some of the biggest names in Latin music, including J Balvin, Karol G and Sebastian Yatra. Kaminsky began his career in his native Buenos Aires in 1992, at his family-owned independent record company Microfon, before taking roles at Warner Music Argentina, Líderes Entertainment Group, and Universal Music Group. At the beginning of 2022, Kaminsky was promoted to president of Universal Music Latino, where he’ll oversee the unit’s growth with a new wave of chart-toppers such as Jhay Cortez, Danna Paola, Luisa Sonza, Aitana and Christian Nodal — a true testament to the impressive achievements Kaminsky has accrued the past year alone.

Talent Managing Director, GTS

Angel Kaminsky’s sister Paula not only handles duties at GTS, she also manages artist Sebastian Yatra. Her first job at BMG Argentina was created just for her as she brought in new business ventures in an effort for the company to stay afloat. She then spent more than 15 years at Sony Music and later was hired by Ricardo Arjona to build his company Metamorfosis. Kaminsky knew it was time to set forth on her own so she opened her company serving clients such as  Diego Torres, Julieta Venegas and Maná whom she ended up working with for seven years. She helped Yatra land the Oscar-nominated song “Dos Oruguitas” from animated hit “Encanto.” Regardless of her achievements, she’s not all business. “When I go on a tour [and the show starts,] I need five minutes to enjoy this. Don’t talk to me,” she says laughing.

Songwriter, Producer

From Cobra Starship’s 2009 smash “Good Girls Go Bad” to Charlie Puth’s just-released “Light Switch,” Kash has more than a decade of hits under his belt. Last year, he relocated to Miami to begin the next chapter. “I actually started my career in Miami,” he says, referencing an early affiliation with Cash Money and Kevin Rudolf. The biggest change since the ’00s is a trend toward DIY. “Back then, there were a few key studios like Circle House and the Hit Factory,” Kash says. “Now with social media and how easy it is to be self-sufficient, people are making music everywhere.” For him, it’s all about work-life balance. “I feel like I never leave the studio when I’m in L.A.,” he says. “Here, I get to spend time with my family and enjoy life.”

WK Entertainment, CEO

Kolm leads one of the most successful artistic management companies in Latin America with top-tier Latino artists such as Maluma, Carlos Vives, CNCO and Prince Royce. Previously, as president of Universal Music Latino and Machete Music, he worked alongside artists such as Paulina Rubio, Enrique Iglesias, Juanes, Wisin y Yandel and Don Omar. “We work daily to move all the pieces of [our artists’] careers correctly to turn them into international successes,” Kolm says. His company employs tactical strategies to ensure the growth of its artists through booking globally, radio promotions, sponsorships and strategic brand developments by performing data analysis and strong connections in the industry.

Head of Marketing, Latin Touring, Live Nation

Kulick was first introduced to the music scene 20 years ago when she began working in the management office for Robi Draco Rosa as an assistant to Draco’s manager. Today, as an integral part of event giant Live Nation, she’s worked with Aventura, Los Bukis and Alejandro Sanz. Kulick is readying this year’s Bad Bunny tour. Her “get yourself back up again” attitude is what propels her forward. “Always keep believing in your capabilities and take the bad moments as lessons,” she says.

President, Univision Radio

Lara is responsible for Univision Radio’s cross-platform audio strategy including the Uforia Audio Network, which takes in a growing portfolio of over 205 affiliates reaching over 20 million listeners per week. Lara spearheaded the Uforia Music Series, the biggest Latin Music experiential footprint in America featuring the hottest Latin superstars and up-and-coming artists. Throughout his 20-plus year career, he has been known as a trailblazer in the execution of digital, programming, content, talent and technology product strategies to reach Hispanic and international audiences. “The continuous fragmentation of the media landscape creates challenges in best servicing our clients and our partners at scale. On the other hand, fragmentation also challenges developing talent with sustainable careers to break through the clutter of content released every day.”

President, Latin America & U.S., Latin Universal Music Publishing Group

After 15 years in New York City, it took Lioutikoff time to adjust to Miami. “It took a minute for me to slow down,” she says, but the music scene it sizzling. “Latin production is creeping into other genres,” Lioutikoff says. “So why not be where it’s originating?” The difference between this Latin boom and that of the early ’00s is access. “It’s fueled by a generation whose first connection to music was digital, so there’s no one in the middle — the music goes directly to them,” the exec adds. “That’s what enabled the new Latin artists to have the streaming and social numbers they have.”

Chairman/CEO, Universal Music Latin America & Music

Lopez is the forward-thinking pioneer who, in late 1980s Mexico, signed Caifanes and Maldita Vecindad, some of the first artists from the underground movement that would later become rock en Español. “[We talk about what] the next musical movement [would be], not who’s the next great artist,” he says. In response to the music business depression of the 2000s, Lopez spearheaded the launch of Global Talent Services, a lifestyle-entertainment company by Universal focused on talent management and booking. Today, it has 1,400 shows a year and more than 140 artists, including David Bisbal.

Co-Founder and CEO Lionfish Entertainment

Leon is the mastermind behind the first Latin urban breakthrough out of Colombia, J Balvin, and the force that took the music world by storm, Rosalia. “Our job as managers is to [shed] a light. Pointing all the right lights at the right time wouldn’t be effective if what they were doing wasn’t already exceptional,” she says. Born to Cuban parents, Leon says she was often the only woman in the room when she first entered the industry. “Now it’s the opposite. It’s no longer about sitting at the table but about owning it. Now we decide who gets to sit at it.”

Partner, WME

Lom’s client roster includes Latin Grammy winners Daddy Yankee, Farruko, J Balvin, Juanes and Nicky Jam, among other top artists. This past year, Lom led the Latin charge on the return to U.S. touring, booking multi-city tours for Juanes, Caifanes and Farruko. In 2021, Lom and his Latin team signed Daddy Yankee, Latin-focused DJ’s Agudelo888 and Cornetto. He also brought concert film “Romeo Santos: Utopia Live From MetLife Stadium” and documentary “Romeo Santos: The King of Bachata” to Endeavor Streaming, Endeavor’s agnostic OTT service provider. “Music now is truly in the hands of its creators. Raw, inclusive, emotional, sometimes controversial and straight up dance songs are transcending language. If you look at any global music metrics or charts, Spanish language music represents an ever-increasing share of the global market.”

Manager

Lua launched his music career as an intern for Universal Music in 2000. Today, he co-manages Maluma, alongside Walter Kolm at WK Entertainment. Lua focuses on Maluma’s music strategy, touring with him, reviewing music and video choices and securing songs such as “Hawaii.” Lua was an integral part of helping Maluma land a big role in the Jennifer Lopez-starrer “Marry Me.” “Be careful how you treat people on your way up because you’ll be seeing them on your way down. This music business is very small. It’s important to maintain relationships and treat everybody with respect.”

Recording Artist

Maluma is a bonafide global Latin music idol and Colombian superstar, who not only has hits with artists such as Madonna, the Weeknd, Shakira, Timbaland, Jason Derulo and Ricky Martin, but has also pivoted to the big screen. He voiced a character in the Oscar-nominated “Encanto,” and made his live-action feature debut in rom-com “Marry Me,” alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson, a big hit for streamer Peacock. He then headed back on stage for his Papi Juancho Maluma World Tour 2022. He is the youngest artist to date with 21 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, and has recorded several acclaimed albums, including 2018’s “F.A.M.E.,” which went on to win a Latin Grammy. Maluma’s Colombian-based organization, El Arte de los Sueños, works to empower at-risk youth through art and music education.

General Counsel, Ozuna Entertainment

Martinez helps guide one of the biggest stars on the music scene — Ozuna has sold millions. “I’m a one woman show — I do everything. I work with such sensitive information, I don’t trust anybody,” says Martinez. Her career took a turn when her sister Hope Martinez, a teacher at the time, asked her to help one of her students. Back then, Martinez worked at the legal department of a record label and she decided to take on the rapping kid pro bono during her spare time. That high school student became Pitbull. With BMG U.S. Latin and Universal Music Publishing on her resumé, she decided to open up her own law firm when Pitbull told her, “I can’t keep sharing you with Universal, I’ll match whatever they’re paying you.” Martinez describes having a bleeding heart for artists and “not letting big companies bully them.”

President, Co-Founder, Carbon Fiber Music

Martínez, a Honduran born in the city of La Ceiba and raised in Miami, has become something of an icon for Latin music fans, and boasts more than 300,000 Instagram followers flaunting his love for music, and his city. His label is home to artists such as Puerto Rican rapper Ankhal, Lil Tati, Farruko, Lary Over, Milly, Ankhal, Akim and Menor Menor. Additionally, Martinez has been a fundamental part of many songs on Carbon Fiber Music, with one of his biggest hits being Pedro Capó and Farruko’s “Calma Remix,” a song that has more than 2.4 billion views on YouTube and is certified multiplatinum many times over by the RIAA. In 2020, Carbon Fiber Music released Martínez’s first song as an artist and producer, under the stage name Frank Miami.

President, CEO, Latin America U.S. Latin, Sony Music Publishing

In 2021, Sony Music Publishing earned the SESAC Latin Publisher of the Year Award for the sixth consecutive year, with a roster that includes hits such as “Muévelo” by Nicky Jam and Daddy Yankee, “La Nota” by Manuel Turizo, Rauw Alejandro and Myke Towers and “Bichota” by Karol G. It also boasts Colombian writer Keityn (“Tusa”), Argentine rappers Nicki Nicole and Cazzu and vets Daddy Yankee, Farruko, Kany García and C. Tangana. Throughout his career, a moment in time stands out: the day he listened to “Despacito” for the first time. “I remember Luis Fonsi showing it to me and I said, ‘Man, this is a hit.’ I would’ve never thought it’d be the hit that it became.”

Senior Music Curator for Global Latin, Amazon Music

Amazon Music launched Amazon Music LAT!N in September 2020, a brand developed to celebrate the many genres and artists of Latin Music, which is now in more than 40 countries. Amazon Music’s Latin-music monthly streams have doubled year over year worldwide. Mendizabal leads the streaming service’s Latin music programming strategy by curating playlists — including some of the most popular global Latin playlists on Amazon Music including Platino — and stations serving a variety of subgenres and cultures. She was instrumental in launching a suite of global playlists as part of the Amazon Music LAT!N launch. “Advances in social media and streaming have given fans the keys to expand musical discovery in a powerful way and have put them in control. Artists don’t need to fit into a certain box to be successful. What they do need, is to connect authentically with fans in their own language and own musical approach,” she says. “Working in Miami inherently means that you will likely be working with people of many different cultures which cultivates a unique sense of community. I am constantly learning about different cultures in a way that I likely wouldn’t in any other city.”

President, U.S. Latin & Latin America, Warner Chappell Music

Prior to joining Warner Chappell, Menendez wore many hats as he ran his own record label and publishing company, Radio Vox, producing Latin Grammy-nominated albums. It was 2000 when he started as an A&R at Warner’s Miami office. Under his leadership, Warner Chappell has signed some of the biggest acts in Latin music, including Marcos Antonio Solís, Rauw Alejandro, Jhay Cortez, Piso 21 and Jesse and Joy. Making the decision on who to sign doesn’t always come easy but he’s followed the advice a former Warner Chappell president once shared: “You don’t have to sign everybody, you just have to work with the people you respect.”

Managing Director, Latin America Spotify

Nygren has a unique background that somehow fits right into Miami’s marvelous melting pot in 2022. The Swedish native lived in Spain for nearly a decade, working for Universal Music Group’s Spanish office. Now, she calls Miami home and says that the city “is the epicenter for the Spanish-speaking music ecosystem.” She adds that the city is a heady mix of cultures these days. “You interact with a minimum of five different nationalities, per day [in the city], the cultural differences between all the inhabitants are very enriching and fun … no one is from here, but we all belong.”

Music Label Partnerships Manager, U.S. Latin, YouTube

Ojeda started his career at YouTube in Colombia where he saw the opportunity to sign artists directly to the site. “Major labels were not paying attention to what was happening. So I started signing artists [with] a sound recording agreement that allowed them to claim their content as a label on YouTube.” After seeing Nicky Jam’s YouTube channel success, he decided to bet on Puerto Rico. “I went scouting and during that first trip I met Noah Assad, he was the first who really understood the potential of the opportunity to grow a fan base online and monetize. He was a kid back then throwing parties.” Assad is now Bad Bunny’s manager. Ojeda is responsible for providing ongoing relationship management to U.S. Latin labels partners and indie labels across Latin America and the U.S., with a focus on supporting artists with promotional opportunities to help enhance their assets and build their success.

Recording Artist

It’s no secret that Pitbull, “Mr. 305,”absolutely adores Miami. The artist’s debut album was named after his tropical hometown, where he grew up as a first-generation American with Cuban immigrant parents. The singer-songwriter honored his roots by titling his second and third albums “El Mariel” and “The Boatlift,” and even his breakthrough single, “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho),” paid respect to the Magic City. Pitbull has sold more than 100 million singles, has 9 million Instagram followers and is a global brand. He’s an owner of a NASCAR racing team. He’s also a passionate activist and philanthropist. In 2013, Pitbull opened up a tuition-free public charter for middle- and high-schoolers with a 96% graduation rate called Sports Leadership and Management (SLAM!) in Little Havana, the neighborhood where he grew up. SLAM! has now branched out nationwide, with schools in Las Vegas, West Palm Beach and Atlanta.

Latin Music Programmer, Apple Music

If you have an Apple Music account and enjoy listening to Latin music, odds are that you’ve stumbled on one of the key playlists created by Pullés on the platform — the music programmer and curator is behind “Trap Kingz” and urbano radio show “La Fórmula” among others (including his personal hodgepodge of all things Latin on his rotation on any given week, “Pullés Picks”). In the past, Pullés has said how important female stars and fresh faces are to the overall genre’s success, and that the industry should constantly be on the hunt for developing new stars every couple of years to ensure listeners do not get bored.

Co-Chair of Media & Entertainment Group, Pryor Cashman

Latin music is now mainstream and so too is Sammataro’s expertise in music law for some top Latin talents including Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, Luis Fonsi, Don Omar, Paolo Londra and Karol G. As an entertainment litigator, Sammataro has guided major deals to fruition, managing both day-to-day and breakthrough transactions on behalf of television stations, radio stations and e-sports franchises. “Unlike in the early 2000s, Latin music is no longer a novelty … TikTok, YouTube, Spotify and the technological connectivity offered by social media changed consumption patterns, ‘democratized’ taste, broke down language barriers, and globalized music —resulting in previously unheard collaborations, such as ‘Demente’ by a K-Pop star [Chung Ha] and a rising, but fairly obscure Puerto Rican artist [Guaynaa],” he says.

TV Stars

When the “Real Housewives of Miami” returned after an eight-year hiatus to Peacock in December, original cast member much credit is owed to “the beautiful RHOM fans” for cheering on the series’ comeback, Alexia Echevarria says. Familiar faces for the series include Echevarria, Lisa Hochstein, Adriana de Moura, Marysol Patton and Larsa Pippen. Newcomers include a mix of eclectic women with varied careers including event stylist Guerdy Abraira, anesthesiologist Dr. Nicole Martin and former Miss USSR Julia Lemigova, who is the first “Real Housewives” cast member to identify as LGBTQ from the time she was cast. “Miami has grown tremendously over the years, and it is a privilege to showcase our city with the world,” Dr. Martin says. “For far too long, Latinos have been underrepresented in television and media. I am thankful to be part of such a diverse cast and to share some Latina flare with viewers.” Highlights from this season include a Miami pride event and a bachelorette party in the historic Versace mansion. For fans who’ve yet to stream the series, “RHOM” season four begins airing weekly on Bravo starting April 5.

Recording Artist

Judging by the name of Williams’ Miami hotel, the Neptunes co-founder and trailblazing producer knows what the Florida metropolis has to offer — a good time. Pharrell opened the Goodtime Hotel in 2021 with David Grutman, further cementing his commitment to thriving in the South Florida creative hub. “When I first started coming to Miami, I used to always say there were three things that blew me away: the weather, the water and the women,” Williams told Ocean Drive last year. “That’s still the case. There’s still the most beautiful weather, the water is still beautiful, and the women are everywhere.”

CEO, Founder Electric Feel Entertainment

With a stable of radio-conquering songwriters and producers, Rosen’s Electric Feel Entertainment is shaping the sound of popular music. After establishing the management company in Los Angeles, he now has his sights set on Miami. “We’re building the most incredible recording studios and creative space for anyone wanting to be in music or Web3,” he says. “Ten years ago, Miami was the hottest place to record, it’s time to bring that back.” With a roster that includes Post Malone, 24kGoldn and Iann Dior, as well as pop artisans such as Louis Bell, Billy Walsh and Blake Slatkin, Electric Feel is a driving force.

Exec VP, Programming, SBS

Salas oversees 17 of the top radio stations in the U.S., including Miami’s El Sol, Zeta and Ritmo 95. The Cuban American DJ turned radio host started in the music industry in the early 1990s. He remembers when others wanted him to play English music in their stations, “I said, ‘No, we’re gonna stick to our guns. We’re only gonna play the Spanish hits.’” It certainly paid off. Now every time he turns on a general market English station, he’s hearing Latin music. “The pendulum has changed and it’s wonderful to see. We take a lot of risks with new artists and songs, we’re not afraid to support and break new artists [as we did with] Maluma, Ozuna and Bad Bunny.”

President, Chief Creative Officer, iHeart Latino

Santos navigates fluidly between the Hispanic and mainstream American radio landscapes. His morning show is syndicated nationally via Premiere Networks and airs live from iHeart’s Miami station TÚ 94.9. Born to Cuban parents in Chicago, Santos’ radio persona has made him one of the most popular Hispanic radio hosts in the U.S. and earned him unprecedented access to some of the biggest names in pop culture. In 2017, he earned iHeartRadio’s Latin Personality of the Year Award and is part of the exclusive roster of Marc Anthony’s talent agency Magnus Media. He is frequently invited to present and host some of the top award ceremonies of the music industry including ASCAP Latin Music Awards, Billboard Latin Music Awards and the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Executive VP, Interscope

One of Miami’s most successful behind-the-scenes music names, Seroussi ran Sony Music Latin (U.S.) until 2019, when he moved to UMG. He’s been involved with such artists as Kali Uchis and Selena Gomez. “My favorite thing about Miami is the city itself feels alive,” says the executive, who is also known as a producer-songwriter. “It keeps you on your toes. … There’s always another surprise around the corner and over the past decade, Miami has evolved into a cosmopolitan center that rivals New York and Los Angeles as an absolute global hub.”

Stollman Law

One of the Miami area’s best-known music lawyers, Stollman has worked with top names such as J Balvin, Diego Torres and Luis Coronel over his nearly 3-decade-long career in the music business. Stollman says he can’t imagine a more vibrant place to practice entertainment law than Miami at the moment. “It’s human, it has heart,” the Rutgers alum says of the city. “Multicultural, a gateway and always alive with personality and a vibe of urgency reflecting the fast pace of the culture.”

Producer

Storch has come a long way since 2015, when the famed Miami producer was forced to file for bankruptcy. In a business that is known for second chances, Storch managed to kick his addictions and has worked his way back into the upper echelons of the rap game, co-producing tracks for names such as Trippie Redd, Megan Thee Stallion and Post Malone in recent years. The one constant through all of Storch’s ups, downs and in-betweens? The city of Miami. The “Still D.R.E.” hitmaker still lives the South Florida lifestyle to the fullest, as his 1.6 million Instagram followers see daily, and the producer even recently launched his own line of sunglasses (Storch Design Eyewear) to look the part.

Producer

Tainy began producing when he was just 14 years old, and he’s responsible for most of the sounds recognized as reggaetón — and the most memorable hits in the genre, including Hector “El Father” Ft. Yomo’s “Déjale Caer To’ El Peso,” Bad Bunny and Julieta Venegas’ “Lo Siento BB” and Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin’s “I Like It.” Music is the only career Tainy has ever had. His repertoire includes the reggaeton pioneers Wisin y Yandel, Daddy Yankee, Zion y Lennox and Arcangel as well as the new blood, Jhay Cortez, Rauw Alejandro and Bad Bunny. So what does it take to record with Tainy? “I don’t see it from the [business] side, but rather I look at what inspires me and what will make me want to go into the studio to create,” he says.

Senior VP, Latin, The Orchard

The Latin team at The Orchard bills itself as the world’s largest distributor of independent releases, and has played a role in the success of top Latin stars both stateside and abroad. For Tesoriero, there is no other city she’d rather live in at the moment than Miami. “Living in Miami is like living in the heart of Latin America,” she says. “It has the skyscrapers, the beaches, the music, and the vibe of a Latino melting pot. … I love it.” The executive adds Miami is unquestionably the “hub for Latin music” in 2022, and the reason is “the combination of great musicians, venues, and recording studios … where else can we get all of this in one spot if not in Miami?”

Recording Artist & Producer

Since relocating to Miami in 2004, Timbaland has tinkered away on classic albums such as Justin Timberlake’s “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” Nelly Furtado’s “Loose” and Madonna’s “Hard Candy” at the city’s renowned Hit Factory. Always ahead of his time, the “Shock Value” producer played an integral role in Miami’s mid-’00s emergence as a hotspot for hip-hop, collaborated with Latin heavy-hitters including Maluma and Wisin in the 2010s, and is now fueling Miami’s scene with landmark projects such as Kanye West’s Grammy-winning “Jesus Is King.” With a much-anticipated new album on the horizon, Timbaland will be influencing the Miami music scene for a long time to come.

Chairman, CEO, Sony Music Latin Iberia

Verde oversees a portfolio of 12 regional offices and 20 countries (including the dominant music force that is Sony U.S. Latin). Drawing on his own experience as a Latin Grammy-winning songwriter, producer and guitarist, he naturally approaches the business from the perspective of a creative. Verde has impacted the careers of artists such as Rosalía, Maluma, Ozuna, Rauw Alejandro, Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Julio Iglesias, Marc Anthony, Shakira and Vicente Fernández. He’s also in the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame. Most recently in 2021, Sony Music’s regional office launched 5020 Studio in Miami, Florida — a creative hub that includes three recording studios, writing rooms and the first 360RA studio in Miami. To further push the growth of the region headed by Afo Verde, Sony Music recently finalized the acquisition of Som Livre, a leading creative independent label in Brazil once owned by Globo — Brazil’s largest media conglomerate.

Founder & CEO, Nonstop Management

Zeluck Hindlin founded Nonstop Management, a company focused on songwriters, in 2017. With a roster that includes Michael Pollack, Nick Long, Ryann and husband J Kash, her clients have penned smash hits including Maroon 5’s “Memories,” Justin Bieber’s “Holy” and Tate McRae’s “You Broke Me First.” While most of her artists are based in L.A., Zeluck Hindlin relocated to Miami in 2021. “Creatively, I wanted new energy,” she says. Her goal is to transform Miami into a hub, not only for hip-hop and Latin music, but also pop. “I want to really move pop in a big way over here,” the exec says. “Every other week we fly writers and artists out. We host writing weeks at our studio, having people stay with us and make music.”