Casanova//McCann

What's happening: Juan Soto has officially agreed to a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, the largest deal in professional sports history, which includes a $75 million signing bonus. The groundbreaking contract, announced on December 8, 2024, marks a monumental moment in Major League Baseball. Reports suggest the deal could exceed $800 million if the Mets opt to extend Soto’s contract beyond 2029 by raising his annual salary. Soto, one of the most coveted free agents this offseason, joins a Mets team poised to dominate the National League East after a strong 2024 campaign. The 26-year-old Dominican outfielder has had an illustrious career, already earning a World Series title, a Batting Title, and multiple All-Star selections since his MLB debut in 2018. His signing further strengthens the Mets’ championship aspirations for years to come. https://brnw.ch/21wPyG3 #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Dr. Martens has partnered with Awake NY to release a bold and vibrant collection just in time for the upcoming sala season. This collaboration features two striking colorways of the Lowell silhouette, available in vivid green and peony navy. The design fuses Dr. Martens' signature workwear-inspired style with a fresh, contemporary edge, incorporating a hair-on texture, gold eyelets, and three sets of laces to let wearers express their creativity. The shoes also feature the iconic yellow welt stitching and an embossed Awake NY logo on the black-oiled back strap. The campaign surrounding the launch celebrates New York City's rich cumbia music scene, a genre that blends traditional Latin American rhythms with modern influences, reflecting the diverse and ever-evolving cultural landscape of both the city and the music itself. https://brnw.ch/21wPx4i #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Marcello Hernández's beloved Saturday Night Live character, Domingo, is getting the Funko POP! treatment, joining the iconic SNL collection. The vinyl figure, priced at $12.00, is now available for pre-order until January 16, 2025, on Funko's official website. The figure captures Domingo's signature look—a dark suit, microphone in hand, and his signature wavy, parted hair—along with a “Direct from Domingo” speech bubble, paying homage to the viral character's unforgettable charm. Domingo became a fan favorite after Hernández’s musical sketch, where he hilariously sang a comically off-key version of Sabrina Carpenter’s "Espresso," confessing to a hookup with a bride, and later made appearances in stand-up shows and another SNL skit with Charli XCX. This collectible figure marks a fun way for fans to celebrate both Hernández’s comedic success and the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live. https://brnw.ch/21wPvez #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Apple Music has expanded its live global radio offerings with the launch of three new stations: Apple Música Uno, Apple Music Club, and Apple Music Chill. These stations join the existing lineup of Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country, providing music lovers with free, live-hosted radio content worldwide. Apple Música Uno is dedicated to showcasing the rich diversity of Latin music, from reggaetón and Música Mexicana to tropical sounds and Latin pop. Becky G, the station’s official launch host, will curate her favorite tracks and share personal experiences with her fans. Additionally, Latin stars like Rauw Alejandro and Grupo Frontera will host special shows. Daily programming will feature prominent radio personalities Evelyn Sicairos, who hosts La Oficial Radio, and Lechero, who runs ¡Dale Play! Radio, both of whom will bring their cross-cultural expertise to the station. Other shows include Puro Pop Radio and weekend programming like Cumbia Pa’ La Fiesta and Por Siempre Hits. The first track to air on Apple Música Uno is Bad Bunny's new hit, "EL CLúB," and listeners can expect exclusive artist interviews and track breakdowns in both Spanish and English. https://brnw.ch/21wPtJw #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Peruvian artist Sara Flores has joined the prestigious Dior Lady Art Project, marking a significant collaboration that blends traditional craftsmanship with luxury fashion. Known for her mastery of Kené, an ancient art form from the Shipibo-Conibo culture, Flores was selected to reinterpret the iconic Dior Lady bag. She created two versions in medium and mini formats, both featuring a serpent motif embroidered in intricate beadwork and using natural materials like pokoti (plant pigments) and pineapple leather. The bags maintain the Lady Dior's signature silhouette while incorporating Flores' deep cultural heritage, with the design symbolizing the healing power of Kené. Flores, who learned this art form from her mother in the Amazonian community of Tanbo Mayo, expressed her pride in using her work to honor and preserve her cultural roots, offering a modern yet deeply spiritual interpretation of the classic Dior handbag. https://brnw.ch/21wPne4 #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Karol G has made history as the first musical artist to collaborate with Bratz, creating a special collector doll in her likeness. The doll, inspired by the rose gold dress Karol wore at the 2023 Latin Grammy Awards, celebrates her groundbreaking achievements, including her wins for "Mañana Será Bonito" and her collaboration with Shakira on "TQG." The Bratz x Karol G doll features two outfits: one resembling her Grammy look and another inspired by her "Bichota" merch, complete with accessories like mini awards and a replica of her LP. This collaboration is a nod to the deep fan base Bratz has in Latin America and Spain, offering a tangible tribute to Karol G’s influence across music, fashion, and culture. For Karol, the doll represents a surreal moment in her career, as she continues to break barriers as a leading figure in Latin urban music. The doll will be available for purchase in the U.S. and globally for preorder online. https://brnw.ch/21wPlLu

What's happening: Bad Bunny remains Spotify's top Latin artist for 2024, solidifying his dominance in reggaeton, but this year also marks a significant surge for Mexican music, with Peso Pluma leading the charge. As reggaeton continues to be a driving force in Latin music, the rise of corridos, particularly "corridos tumbados" blended with trap and reggaeton, has propelled Peso Pluma into stardom. Mexican music is now the most-streamed Latin genre in the U.S., surpassing reggaeton in 26 states and becoming the third most-streamed Latin genre globally. Alongside Bad Bunny, Peso Pluma is one of the top 10 most-streamed artists globally, with other figures like Feid and Karol G also maintaining strong positions in the rankings. The growing demand for Latin music, particularly regional Mexican genres, signals a shift in the industry, as música Mexicana continues to grow in popularity alongside urban Latin genres like reggaeton. https://brnw.ch/21wPkez

What's happening: Mattel has unveiled a Barbie doll in tribute to legendary actress Rita Moreno, ahead of her 93rd birthday on December 11. Part of the Barbie Tribute Collection, the doll celebrates Moreno’s groundbreaking career as the first Latina to win an Academy Award, and her role as a trailblazer for Latinas in entertainment. The doll’s design is inspired by the iconic gown Moreno wore when she won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Anita in West Side Story in 1962. With a career spanning seven decades, Moreno has also earned a Grammy, Tony, Emmy, and become an EGOT winner, while using her platform to advocate for greater representation and authenticity in Hollywood. The collaboration with Mattel highlights her legacy of resilience and empowerment and is a tribute to the enduring impact of her art and activism. https://brnw.ch/21wP57t #LatinoBuzz

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Casanova McCann! 🍁🦃 Today, we're reminded of the power of gratitude and connection. We’re so thankful for our clients, partners, and the community who make our work so meaningful. Wishing you a holiday filled with love, laughter, and moments to cherish. 🧡

What's happening: The Night of the Blaxican, founded by Malik "Memo" Williams in 2016, is a celebration of the rich cultural fusion between Black and Mexican identities, particularly through the lens of oldies music. The name "Blaxican," coined by Williams himself, merges his own Black and Mexican heritage and has become a symbolic term for many young partygoers who share this dual background. The event, which mixes soul, funk, and R&B hits from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, honors the music and traditions that shaped previous generations, especially in Los Angeles' Black and Mexican communities. It provides a space for younger people to embrace both sides of their ancestry while also reinterpreting these cultural touchstones with a contemporary spin. With a focus on nostalgia and pride, Night of the Blaxican has grown into a vibrant monthly gathering that blends the past with the present, featuring live bands, DJs, and a lively crowd that celebrates their shared love for the music of their parents and grandparents. For Williams and his community, the event is not just a party—it's a way to ensure that this cultural legacy continues to thrive and evolve for the next generation. https://brnw.ch/21wP29c #LatinoBuzz