It’s a memorable moment for Willy Chirino…

The 67-year-old Cuban singer was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Latin Recording Academy‘s annual special awards presentation on Wednesday (Nov. 19).

The ceremony, which took place one day before the Latin Grammys at the MGM Grand‘s Hollywood Theater in Las Vegas, was held to honor iconic performers and executives for their contributions to Latin music and the Latin music industry.

“This is the most important recognition of my career,” said Chirino, who is known as much for his danceable salsa music as for his vocal calls for a free Cuba.

Chirino was honored for making “creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording” during his career. The honor was shared with Portuguese fado singer Carlos Do Carmo, Mexican rocker César Costa, Spain’s Dúo Dinámico, Mexican American band Los Lobos, Argentine diva Valeria Lynch and Brazilian provocateur Ney Matogrosso.

The Trustees Award, which is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions, other than performance, to the field of recording, was given by vote to veteran executive André Midani, former VP of Warner Music International and former President of Warner Music Latin America, and to Venezuelan composer Juan Vicente Torrealba.

The Special Awards presentation has become one of the most poignant events of Latin Grammy week and a place to honor iconic personalities. The event was hosted by Latin Academy President/CEO Gabriel Abaroa and the Academy’s board of trustees, whose vote determines the recipients of the awards.