Mexican music star Ana Bárbara has signed a global publishing deal with Kobalt, the company tells Billboard. The indie publisher will administer all of the Mexican music star’s catalog and future recordings. Bárbara’s previous publisher was Ingrooves Music Publishing.
The deal comes on the heels of Bárbara’s Reina Grupera U.S. Tour, which celebrated her 30th year in music with countless hits like “Me Asusta Pero Me Gusta,” “La Trampa” and “No Lloraré,” all of which cemented her as a mainstay on the Billboard charts.
“Ana Bárbara is an iconic songwriter whose ongoing contributions to Música Mexicana have paved the way for the next generation of female artists and songwriters,” Teresa Romo, Kobalt’s senior creative director for Latin America, said in a statement. “Her musical legacy not only reflects her mastery of the stage but ability to connect with multiple generations, which has helped to push Musica Mexicana to become one of the most quickly rising musical genres in the world. We are thrilled that she has chosen Kobalt as the home for her new work as well as for her substantial catalog of songs.”
“Kobalt has built its reputation over the last two decades fiercely advocating for their songwriters around the world,” Bárbara added. “I’m excited to get to work with Teresa and the entire Kobalt team on my music.”
Last year, Bárbara — born Altagracia Ugalde Motta — became the first regional Mexican female songwriter ever to receive a BMI Icon Award, the highest honor presented by the performance rights organization. As one of the most consequential female artists in regional Mexican music — a genre historically dominated by men — the singer-songwriter was honored with the lifetime achievement award at Billboard Latin Women in Music in May.
“Ana Bárbara is considered one of the most important and successful singer-songwriters of the Regional Mexican genre,” said Néstor Casonu, president of Kobalt Music Latin America. “We are delighted to collaborate with Ana and grateful for the trust she has given us to be her Publisher. Together, we will continue to build on the impressive legacy she has created throughout her extraordinary career.”
In addition to plans to expand her Reina Grupera Tour dates into Latin America in 2025, Bárbara is currently working on a greatest hits album set for release next year.