By Sean Chaffin, Editor/Senior Writer

Last Updated: November 9, 2009; 7:15 pm CT

Brazilian music makes even more headlines soon – as Billboard has launched a new version of its magazine in the land of samba and sun.

Written in Portuguese, the magazine has recognized what Mosaic Brazil readers already know – the sounds of Brazil are enchanting and mesmerizing, and that its audience is passionate and growing. Billboard Brasil will be the first in the company’s South American expansion plans, covering Brazilian music news and entertainment with music charts, compiled from radio stations across the country, tailored exclusively for the country. The timing seems right as Brazil has been making big news lately and will be a major media focus in the coming years thanks to the World Cup and the Olympics. The publicity can only be good for Brazilian music and travel.

“The Billboard charts are the measure of success in music, and we’re proud finally to bring this information to Brazilian music fans,” Billboard Brasil magazine publisher Antonio Camarotti said. “Talking with people connected to the entertainment world, it is obvious that the market is excited about the publication. In the United States, being in Billboard is a goal and here it won’t be different.”

The magazine’s 84-page premier issue was released in early-October, with a circulation of 40,000. The premier issue featured features on the Latin Grammys, Planeta Terra Music Festival, and songstress Claudia Leitte.

The magazine may be nice for Portuguese-speaking audiences, for those in the English-sepaking world, remember to get the most news on Brazilian music and culture and Mosaic Brazil and Connect Brazil.