OVI Inks Exclusive Deal with Universal Music Latino: ‘I’m Going to Have a Real Team’

OVI — who gained international recognition as the first Cuban artist to tap into the corridos tumbados space — has signed an exclusive deal with Universal Music Latino. 

Duarte Figueira, senior vp of A&R at Universal Music Latino, and Daniel Luna, who was recently appointed general manager at the label, were present at the signing.

“I’m incredibly excited about this stage of my life because I feel that, for the first time, I’m going to have a real team by my side, supporting me through the good and the bad,” OVI expressed in a press statement. “That means the most to me, and I know that with Universal Latino’s new team, my music will reach new heights.”

Born in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, and currently residing in Miami, the artist and rapper (real name Ovidio Crespo Retureta) kicked off his music career in 2018. He initially tapped into the Música Mexicana realm, where he teamed up with acts such as Natanael Cano, Junior H, Adriel Favela and Snow Tha Product, fusing Cuban rhythms with Regional Mexican. 

OVI’s first Billboard entry was on the Hot Latin Songs chat with the Cano-assisted “Pacas Verdes” in 2020. The following year, he charted on Hot Latin Songs with “Envidioso” in collaboration with Ozuna, while his album Retumban2 peaked at No. 21 on Top Latin Albums. In 2022, “Que Locura” with Gente de Zona charted on Tropical Airplay, and in 2024, “No Drama” with Duki and Lucho SSJ entered the Billboard Argentina Hot 100. 

Throughout his career, OVI has also collaborated with Eladio Carrion, Grupo Firme, Myke Towers and Arcángel, among others. 

OVI is expected to release his forthcoming album, which includes his next single, “Cash,” in collaboration with Almighty, under the new deal with Universal Music Latino.