Photo credit: David Cruz
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading, global music publisher, today announced that breakout star Yahritza has been signed to an exclusive, global publishing agreement. The songwriter/artist/performer is part of Yahritza Y Su Esencia, a sibling trio who are ushering in the sound of Regional Mexican music to today’s mainstream global culture. UMPG is recognized worldwide as a true music publisher and the home to the industry’s leading songwriters.
One of the scene’s most exciting new talents, Yahritza Y Su Esencia is a self-taught musical group from Washington State's Yakima Valley: 16-year-old Yahritza on vocals and guitars; Jairo on the bajoloche; and Mando on a 12-string guitar. Before becoming an overnight success story in music, the siblings were raised in an agriculture-growing region where the population majority consists of migrants from Mexico's western state of Michoacán.
The group launched to fame with first single, "Soy El Único,” written by Yahritza at just 13-years-old. The viral hit debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs Chart and No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Yahritza the youngest Latin performer to enter the all-genre chart. In addition to landing in Spotify’s Global Top 5, “Soy El Único” broke numerous records on Apple Music: biggest first-week streams worldwide for a Música Mexicana song; biggest debut Música Mexicana single; and biggest first day by a female-led Latin single.
In 2022, Yahritza Y Su Esencia released their debut five-track EP ‘Obsessed’ which broke the Apple Music record for the most first-week streams worldwide for a debut Música Mexicana EP. The album peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Regional Mexican Albums chart and No. 7 on Top Latin Albums chart.
Yahritza said: “I feel very honored and grateful to form part of the UMPG family. Hoping to continue touching hearts with our music. It is a blessing to be able to inspire others, never forget to always aim for progress, not perfection.”
Ana Rosa Santiago, Senior Vice President of Latin Music at UMPG, said: “Yahritza is not just a captivating vocal talent, but a gifted songwriter with lyrics that speak beyond her years. We are thrilled to welcome her to UMPG and look forward to supporting her global growth as an artist.”
UMPG was recently named by BMI as Regional Mexican Publisher of the Year. Recognized as the leading Latin publisher, UMPG is at the forefront of Regional Mexican music and its surge into global popularity. The pubco represents many of genre’s biggest artists/songwriters, including: Juan Gabriel, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Espinosa Paz, Horacio Palencia, Arrolladora Banda el Limon, Alfredo Olivas, Banda Los Sebastianes and Los Angeles Azules.
Yahritza Y Su Esencia have been named to prestigious honors including Premio Lo Nuestro Awards’ 2023 Regional Mexican - Sierreña Song Of The Year, Canción Sierreña del Año - Regional Mexicano for Premios Juventud, as well as the American Music Awards’ Favorite Latin Duo or Group. At the 2022 Premios De La Radio Awards, Yahritza was the most nominated female with five nods, including Female Artist Of The Year, Sierreño Group Or Solo Artist Of The Year, Regional Or Urban Song Of The Year, New Artist Of The Year, and Latin Pride Award Presented By Honda.
The beloved group has also earned nominations from the Latin GRAMMY® Awards for Best New Artist and Best Norteño Music Album, as well as the Billboard Latin Music Awards. In March 2023, Yahritza Y Su Esencia received three nominations to the 8th Annual ceremony of the Latin American Music Awards.