MIAMI (VIP-NEWS) — Colombian star Juanes confirmed that he has parted ways with longtime manager Fernán Martínez and will take a brief break.
The singer/ songwriter posted messages on his twitter profile, following the recent cancelation of his Latin American tour as well as dates in Puerto and Miami.
"It's true that my professional relationship with Fernan is over, it's false that I'll venture into politics. That's really a joke," Juanes posted.
"Of course I'm not retiring from music, never. I've just decided to make a small STOP (sic) to dedicate time to my family and to myself," Juanes added.
It wasn't clear what the "small stop" will entail, as Juanes' tour of Spain will continue as planned in July. On Twitter, he promised to reschedule his Latin American dates "soon."
In the past week, there have been persistent rumors of Juanes' parting ways with Martínez, who's managed him since he launched his solo career a little over 10 years ago.
"As his manager and friend I have to support him in this decision," Martinez said in a press statement, referring to Juanes' hiatus. Martinez referred to his relationship with Juanes as a very happy 10-year marriage, "and possibly one of the strongest partnerships in showbiz."
Martinez is considered a key figure in Juanes' success.
The singer/songwriter, considered one of Latin music's biggest and most relevant figures, lived a meteoric rise since the release of his solo debut, "Fijate Bien" in 2000. But Juanes' last album, "P.A.R.C.E.," released last December, didn't fare as well. While his 2007 set, "LA Vida …Es Un Ratico" (Universal) sold over 300,000 copies in the U.S. alone, "P.A.R.C.E." has sold only 35,000 copies since its release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. A first single, "Yerbatero," hit No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart in September while the subsequent "Y No Regresas" peaked at No. 9 in December.
"It's true I lived a tough time with this album, it's false that it's the only reason. Being tired results in all kinds of consequences," Juanes wrote.
Juanes' social media presence and following remain remarkable. Aside from his 2.4 million Twitter followers, he has more than 3 million likes on Facebook and a slew of sponsorships. Juanes is also a featured guest on the new "MTV Unplugged" album by regional Mexican icons Los Tigres del Norte.
Hours after his post, Twitter was loaded with comments from fans, most of them encouraging.
"We're always waiting for your music. Take your time," one fan wrote.
"I always read you. We keep each other company every day," Juanes replied.
According to Billboard
