Latin artist Ana Mena set to make history in Asia

EB Producciones CEO Eduardo Basagaña is urging the live business to capitalise on the “golden age” of Spanish-language music as singer Ana Mena gets set to make history in Japan.

The 28-year-old Spaniard will become the first female Latin artist to headline a music festival in Asia when she tops the bill at the A-Nation Festival in Tokyo.

The festival will take place at the 60,000-cap Ajinomoto Stadium on 30-31 August, with other acts including XG, Yeji, Zico, Novelbright and Mazzel. Tickets are priced 12,800 yen (€74).

“I’ve been working hard in recent years in territories I consider to be the future of global music, such as Japan and South Korea, as well as India and Africa,” Basagaña tells IQ. “Getting Ana to headline one of the most important music festivals in all of Asia is the result of all these years of effort. We are living through the golden age of Spanish-language music, and we all need to seize this momentum.”

“The future for Ana Mena is global, and when she starts singing in English, her music will take over the planet”

Basagaña, who founded US and Argentina-headquartered EB Producciones in 2013, has worked with artists such as Karol G, Mon Laferte, Pimpinela, and Aitana. The company organises festivals such as PWR, the biggest all-female festival in Latin America, and also operates in Spain, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

The executive signed an international development agreement with Mena in 2024. In their first year working together, they managed to increase the artist’s streams by over 1,500% across Latin America and helped her achieve her first gold record outside of Europe.

“I remember telling Ana’s manager, José Luis de la Peña, when we signed her, that she was an extraordinary artist and had everything it takes to conquer the world. It was only a matter of time,” he adds. “The future for Ana Mena is global, and when she starts singing in English, her music will take over the planet.”

Ana Mena’s rise in the music industry has been a story of persistence and passion. From her early beginnings in Spain to her growing presence across Europe, she has continuously expanded her reach. Her unique ability to blend pop, reggaeton, and Latin influences has given her a distinct sound that appeals to audiences worldwide. Fans have watched her evolve not just as a singer but also as a performer who can dominate the stage with confidence.

Her upcoming performance in Japan is not just about headlining a festival—it is about breaking barriers. The significance of being the first female Latin artist to lead such a massive Asian music event reflects broader shifts in how international audiences are embracing Spanish-language music. What was once considered a niche is now at the center of global trends, driven by stars like Ana Mena who connect across cultures through rhythm and emotion.

Basagaña’s vision for EB Producciones goes beyond managing artists. His approach is about creating platforms where Latin talent can shine on the global stage. The success with Ana Mena is a prime example, but it also represents the potential for other Spanish-speaking performers to reach audiences in Asia, Africa, and beyond. This is part of why he calls it a “golden age”—the world is listening, and the opportunities are greater than ever before.

Industry experts agree that live events in Asia are increasingly important for global expansion. With massive venues, enthusiastic fans, and growing streaming markets, Japan and South Korea in particular are proving to be gateways for Western and Latin artists alike. Ana Mena’s inclusion in A-Nation Festival puts her alongside some of the most influential names in contemporary music, further validating her international appeal.

Looking ahead, Ana Mena’s potential English-language releases could become a pivotal moment in her career. While she has already achieved remarkable success in Spanish, English tracks may allow her to connect with an even broader audience. If her trajectory so far is any indication, she is well on her way to becoming a household name not just in Europe and Latin America, but across North America and Asia too.

For fans, Ana Mena represents a new generation of artists who defy borders. Her story is proof that music in one language can resonate universally, and her determination to grow as an artist signals that this is just the beginning. The A-Nation Festival will likely be remembered as a historic milestone—not just for Ana herself, but for the global recognition of Spanish-language music.