Carlos Vives Named Latin Recording Academy’s 2024 Person of the Year

Posted on May 26, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Vives is set to receive the highest honor from the Latin Recording Academy.

Twenty-five years after leading the list of nominees for the first edition of the Latin Grammys, the 62-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and actor has been named the 2024 Person of the Year.

Vives — winner of 18 Latin Grammy Awards, two Grammy Awards and a Billboard Latin Music Awards Hall of Fame inductee — “will be honored for his more than three-decade career as a multifaceted singer and composer, as well as for his continued commitment to environmental and social initiatives,” per the Latin Recording Academy.

“Carlos Vives is one of the most prolific and beloved artists of our time, whose commitment to Latin music and support for the new generations truly personifies the values of our Academy,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We honor him as our Person of the Year for his vast contributions to our musical heritage and for his many philanthropic initiatives.”

“It’s still surprising to me,” Vives told Billboard Español this week in an exclusive interview. “It’s like a message that the Academy gives at the end, because 32 years ago I chose a path [that was unconventional]. To be successful, to be commercial, there was one way. This other path that’s cultural or has to do with your identity, that doesn’t work, [they would say].”

In Wednesday’s press release, he added: “I am honored and moved to have been chosen as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. It is the reward for an authentic journey, for a wonderful team and, above all, it is the recognition of the musical spirits of our Latin American diversity. These spirits taught us to love and enrich our language, to take care of it and to respect it in order to exalt humanity with it.”

Born in Santa Marta, Colombia, Vives is one of the most respected artists in Spanish-language music and a pioneer of a new Latin American sound, redefining traditional Colombian vallenato by incorporating to it pop and rock sounds. With No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts such as “Volví a Nacer,” “Fruta Fresca” and “La Bicicleta” with Shakira, among others, has become an ambassador of Colombian and Latin American culture around the world.

His commitment to good causes transcends the musical realm. In 2015, he created the Tras La Perla initiative to promote the sustainable development of Santa Marta and its ecosystem. In addition, he created the Escuela de Música Río Grande to offer artistic experiences to children and young people, and founded the record label Gaira Música Local to promote new Colombian talent. He’s also been a strong advocate and generous supporter of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation since its inception, the Latin Recording Academy highlights, and sponsored its annual Prodigy Scholarship in 2018.

His latest album, Escalona: Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, earned him his 18th Latin Grammy when it was crowned best cumbia/vallenato album in 2023. This year he was also recognized with the ASCAP Founders Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

Vives will be feted as Person of the Year at a special star-studded gala and tribute concert where an array of artist and friends will perform renditions of his renowned repertoire. Details of the event, to be presented in November during the 2024 Latin Grammy week in Miami, will be announced at a later date.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts.

Past honorees are Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).

Noel Schajris Joins Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation’s Latin Grammy in the Schools Program

Posted on March 3, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Noel Schajris is helping the next generation of musicians…

The 49-year-old Argentine-Mexican singer, songwriter and pianist has joined Latin Grammy in the Schools, an educational program by the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation that connects music students with key players in the Latin music industry, and supports music departments with financial limitations.

This week, Schajris visited Overton High School in Memphis, TN, where he’ll invest $40,000 in its Creative and Performing Arts Program, including the donation of musical instruments.

“We all know how important art is and what music is in our lives; In my personal case it has been the lifesaver, the friend, the love and even the doctor in many important moments,” he expressed in a press statement. “How important is this invitation from the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation to share with those who will undoubtedly carry that torch of hope; the kids, the new generations.”

Schajris experienced chart-topping success as part of the duo Sin Bandera until he and fellow singer and songwriter Leonel García concluded their partnership in 2007.

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Sebastián Yatra to Sponsor Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation’s Next Four-Year Prodigy Scholarship to Berklee School of Music

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Sebastián Yatra is helping educate the next generation of musical talent…

The 29-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter will sponsor the next four-year Prodigy Scholarship that will fully fund a student’s bachelor’s degree in music at Berklee School of Music starting in the fall 2024, per the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation.

Joining the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation for their annual Prodigy Scholarship is beautiful because I’m part of something that I would’ve wished for as a young kid. One of my big dreams was to study music at Berklee and although my career took a different path which I’m super grateful for, I would’ve loved to have that kind of preparation and knowledge,” said Sebastián Yatra in a statement. “I hope that the person who gets this opportunity takes full advantage of the scholarship and enjoys it to the max. I’ll be looking out for applicants that share a lot of heart and sincerity in their art.”

The foundation’s scholarship, created nine years ago, holds a maximum value of $200,000 in financial aid for music students in need. The scholarship is traditionally awarded to “exceptionally talented music students, with financial needs, to support their educational and musical aspirations,” according to the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation.

The news of the scholarship follows Yatra’s stint as a host at the 24th Annual Latin Grammys, during which he performed and expressed his passion for the Foundation on-air, encouraging global support for Latin music education. He initially partnered with the Foundation in 2019 for the Latin Grammy In The Schools program in Miami.

“Our scholarships provide more than just funds for college tuition,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, executive director of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation.

“The ongoing support we receive from artists such as Sebastián Yatra and our generous sponsors allows us to take it a step further and create meaningful educational and mentoring opportunities for the next generation of Latin music creators.”

In addition, Gibson Gives, the charitable division of Gibson, will provide sponsorship for three Tuition Assistance Scholarships. Each scholarship could be worth up to $10,000 and is intended for students who aim to study music, with the electric or acoustic guitar as their main instrument.

Applications for all 44 scholarships available in 2024 are now open and available to music students between the ages of 17 and 25.

For more details and/or to apply, visit www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

In previous years, the Prodigy Scholarship has been co-sponsored by Latin stars including Nicky Jam (2023), Sofia Carson (2022), Juanes (2021), Julio Iglesias (2020), Emilio and Gloria Estefan (2019), Carlos Vives (2018), Miguel Bosé (2017), Juan Luis Guerra (2016), and Enrique Iglesias (2015).

Nicky Jam to Finance Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation’s Next Four-Year ‘Prodigy Scholarship’

Posted on December 15, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam is providing a financial assist to the music world’s next prodigy…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American artist will finance the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation’s next four-year Prodigy Scholarship, which will fully fund a student’s bachelor’s degree in music at Berklee School of Music starting in the fall 2023.

“I’ve always wanted to help and I don’t have my own foundation,” Nicky Jam tells Billboard. “My publicist knows that this is something I’ve been wanting to do and when the opportunity came with the Grammys, I was very excited. I see myself in this type of project because music saved my life. Music gave me everything I needed.”

News of Nicky’s involvement comes just a month after he performed his hit song “El Perdón” with four former scholarship recipients (Xavier Cintrón, Valentina García, Nicolle Horbath and Sergio de Miguel Jorgequera) at the Latin Grammys.

“First of all just seeing those kids sing my song, that was incredible. To let them use my platform to create their own platform, that’s what it’s all about,” he adds. “There was this one kid who wouldn’t stop smiling when he was performing, so he was making me feel better because I was nervous. I was performing in a format that I don’t really sing in, it wasn’t reggaeton, but it felt so good. I felt more love onstage with these kids that I’ve felt in years with a bunch of people I’ve performed with.”

The scholarship, created eight years ago, holds a maximum value of $200,000 and the application period will be open from now until April 10, 2023.

The scholarship is traditionally awarded to “exceptionally talented music students, with financial needs, to support their educational and musical aspirations,” according to the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation.

“When it comes to pursuing a career in music, finances should not be a deterrent to cultivating talent,” Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, executive director of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, said in a statement. “We are grateful for Nicky Jam’s generosity, which makes music education a reality for future generations of Latin music creators and preserves our legacy for years to come.”

Nicky Jam, one of the pioneers of reggaetón with more than three decades in music, says this opportunity is special because “low-key” he always dreamed of studying music. As a struggling musician in his early days, receiving a scholarship would’ve had a huge impact on him.

“The fact that I could’ve studied music, that’s already huge. I would’ve gone crazy and studied what I love. No one knew that I’ve always wanted to study music and now people tell me I don’t need it but we could always learn to be better. But I’ll be happy for those kids who do get the opportunity. Maybe the next Nicky Jam, Bad Bunny or Beethoven comes out of this. You never know!”

The foundation is accepting applications for all 2023 scholarships, and alongside Nicky Jam and his manager, Juan Diego Medina (also CEO of La Industria Inc.), is also sponsoring one of the Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $100,000.

All scholarships are available to music students between the ages of 17 and 25.

For more details and/or to apply, visit www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

In previous years, the Prodigy Scholarship has been co-sponsored by Latin stars including Enrique Iglesias, Juan Luis Guerra, Miguel Bosé, Carlos Vives, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Julio Iglesias, Juanes and Sofia Carson.

Karol G to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys Awards Show

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is taking the stage at this year’s Latin Grammys…

The 31-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter has joined the list of performers for the upcoming Latin Grammys awards show, according to the Latin Recording Academy.

The “Provenza” singer appears on roster of new performers that includes Romeo Santos for the show, which will take place on November 17 at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation scholarship recipients Xavier Cintrón, Valentina Garcia, Nicolle Horbath and Sergio De Miguel Jorquera will also take the stage alongside previously announced performer, Nicky Jam.

Karol G is nominated in three categories including record of the year and song of the year for her and Ovy on the Drums’ “Provenza.”

Romeo Santos is a nominee in the best long-form music video category for his documentary “Romeo Santos: King of Bachata”; and as a member of Aventura, he is nominated for best urban fusion/performance.

They join previously announced artists Banda Los Recoditos, Camilo, Ángela Aguilar, Elvis Costello, Chiquis, Jorge Drexler, Silvana Estrada, Gente de Zona, Goyo, Jesse & Joy, John Legend, Carin León, Los Bukis, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández, Aymée Nuviola, Julio Reyes Copello, Sin Bandera, Carlos Vives, Sebastián Yatra, Nicole Zignago and the 2022 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, Marco Antonio Solís.

The lineup also boasts Christina Aguilera, who is up for seven awards, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Marc Anthony and Christian Nodal.

The night’s most-nominated artists are Bad Bunny, who has a total of 10 nods, and Mexican-American composer Edgar Barrera, who holds nine.

Additionally, the Academy shared its bill of presenters, which includes Maria Becerra, Becky G, Eden Muñoz and Farina, in addition to Macarena Achaga, Yalitza Aparicio, Cami, Miguel Angel Muñoz, Fonesca, Luis Figueroa, Kany García, Kurt, Ludmilla, Victor Manuelle, Fito Páez, Georgina Rodríguez, Alison Solís, Marla Solís, Luisa Sonza, Tainy and Adrián Uribe.

The 23rd Latin Grammys, which “celebrate the present and embrace the future of Latin music,” will be hosted by current nominee Anitta, Latin-Grammy winners Luis Fonsi and Laura Pausini, and by the Latin Recording Academy’s President’s Award recipient Thalia.

Latin Grammy winner Julio Reyes Copello will be the night’s musical director.

The telecast will air on Univision on November 17, at 8:00 pm ET/PT (7 p.m. CT), and will air on cable channel TNT at 7:00 pm (MEX) / 8:00 pm (PAN-COL) / 9:00 pm (VEN) / 10:00 pm (ARG/CHI/BRAZIL), and on Televisa on Channel 5. The show will also be available on HBO Max in Spanish only.

Sofia Carson to Finance the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation’s Next Prodigy Scholarship

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Sofia Carson is committed to helping educate the music world’s next prodigy…

The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation has announced that the 28-year-old Colombian American actress/singer will finance the next four-year Prodigy Scholarship, which holds a maximum value of $200,000.

It will fully fund a student’s bachelor’s degree in music at Berklee School of Music starting in the fall 2022.

“It is such a privilege to witness the life-changing mission of this foundation through the power of music and education. To have the Sofia Carson Scholarship and to partner with my LGCF family on this is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Carson, a global ambassador for the foundation since 2019, tells Billboard. “To be able to use my voice and my platform in this way is the most important thing I can do. I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of this.”

In addition to the Sofia Carson Scholarship, there will be 43 other scholarships: three Gifted Tuition scholarships and and 40 Tuition Assistance scholarships for music students admitted to universities of their choice.

“As we enter our seventh year of providing scholarships and transformational experiential programming, we know that access — and educational equity — is pivotal in supporting future Latin music creators and preserving our cultural heritage for generations to come,” said Tanya Ramos-Puig, president, Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation. “It is truly a humbling reality made possible, year after year, thanks to the gracious support of our partners.”

The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding music student between the ages of 17-25 who demonstrates a passion for Latin music, but faces severe financial hardships.

The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation says it “remains committed to help support closing the gender gap in the music industry.” In the 2020-21 season, the four most valuable scholarships were awarded to women, which represents 64% ($531,000) of the total scholarship amount awarded.

“That’s also the hope we have with this scholarship — that it will inspire young women around the world who have dreams of pursuing a career in music to actually fearlessly pursue to those dreams,” adds Carson.

In previous years, the Prodigy Scholarship has been co-sponsored by Latin stars including Enrique Iglesias (2015), Juan Luis Guerra (2016), Miguel Bosé (2017), Carlos Vives (2018), Emilio and Gloria Estefan (2019), Julio Iglesias (2020) and Juanes (2021).

The scholarship application is now live here.

The deadline to apply is April 10 at 11:59 pm ET.

Juanes to Finance Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation’s Next Prodigy Scholarship to Berklee School of Music

Posted on December 16, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Juanes is supporting the Latin industry’s next musical prodigy…

The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation has revealed that the 48-year-old Colombian musician and singer-songwriter is set to finance the next four-year Prodigy Scholarship that will fully fund a student’s bachelor’s degree in music at Berklee School of Music starting in the Fall 2021.

“When the Latin Recording Academy reached out with this opportunity, I felt great joy,” said Juanes. “It took me back to when I was just getting out of high school and I was obsessed with music but I didn’t have the money to study music. Actually, studying music wasn’t even a thing and back then, I didn’t really think studying music would do anything for my future. But now I understand the importance of a music education and that’s why it’s so beautiful to be able to give back.”

The scholarship, created six years ago, holds a maximum value of $200,000 and the application period will be open from December 14 through April 10, 2021. It’s traditionally awarded to an outstanding music student between the ages of 17-24, who demonstrate a passion for Latin music but face severe financial hardships while pursuing a college education.

“This next musical prodigy should be exceptional and I don’t mean that they have to extremely virtuoso but they should have special something,” Juanes adds. “But most importantly they have to love music and be passionate about the craft. Whether you’re studying, practicing, wiring songs, you have to be dedicated 100 percent.”

In addition to the Juanes scholarship there will be 43 other scholarships; three Gifted Tuition scholarships and and 40 Tuition Assistance scholarships for music students admitted to universities of their choice.

In previous years, the Prodigy Scholarship has been co-sponsored by Latin stars including Enrique Iglesias, Juan Luis Guerra, Miguel Bosé, Carlos Vives, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, and Julio Iglesias.

Carlos Vives Partners with Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation for Berklee College of Music Scholarship

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Vives is helping the next generation of musicians…

The 56-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter has partnered with the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation to provide financial support to an accepted student at Berklee College of Music toward a bachelor’s degree,

“Carlos Vives not only represents musical excellence and achievement, but the equally significant qualities of generosity and altruism,” said Manolo Diaz, the senior vice president of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, adding “His legacy will also include changing the life of the scholarship recipient.”

The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, which provides support to Latin students at Berklee College, is now accepting applications for the Carlos Vives Scholarship, valued at up to $200,000.

“The ability to support a new generation of Latin musicians brings me great joy,” said the 11-time Latin Grammy and two-time Grammy winner in a press statement.

Vives now joins the list of previous superstars, like Enrique Iglesias, Juan Luis Guerra and Miguel Bosé, who have provided college-level scholarships for Latin music students.

For more information on how to apply, visit LatinGRAMMYCulturalFoundation.com.

Erika Ender Among the Latin Recording Academy’s Inaugural “Leading Ladies of Entertainment”

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Erika Ender is a leading lady…

The Latin Recording Academy will honor the accomplishments of women working in the Latin music industry, including the 42-year-old Panamanian and Brazilian singer, songwriter and actress, with a ceremony recognizing “The Leading Ladies of Entertainment.”

Considered one of the most prolific composers in the Latin music market today, Ender is the woman behind Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s global hit “Despacito,” having co-written the song with the Puerto Rican superstars.

Last month, Ender was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Billboard’s Leila Cobo, Executive Director of Content and Programming for Latin Music and Entertainment, will also be honored during the inaugural event, which will take place on Tuesday (November 14) at Mastro’s Ocean Club in Las Vegas.

Recording engineer Marcella Araica, Rebeca Leon, CEO and Founder of Lionfish Entertainment; Gabriela Martinez, General Manager Warner Music Latina and SVP Marketing Warner Music Latin America; and Univision’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jessica Rodriguez will also be honored as 2017’s “Leading Ladies.”

The new Latin Grammy week event will precede the 18th annual awards, which will be broadcast live on Univision from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday (November 16).

“It is my pleasure to welcome this new event to Latin Grammy Week, where we will have another opportunity to celebrate talented and inspiring individuals,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., Latin Recording Academy President/CEO, said in a statement. “Women face a myriad of difficulties in the entertainment industry, but despite those obstacles, the women we are honoring have continually demonstrated perseverance, fortitude, and grace under pressure.”

Davina Aryeh, Chief Marketing Officer of The Latin Recording Academy, pointed out that the gender gap in the music industry “is more pronounced for Latinas.”

“We want to empower and inspire women,” she added. “Not only through the symbolic importance of the event…but also through the tangible financial contribution it will have as we donate proceeds back to our Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation in the form of scholarships for young women interested in studying music.”

Olga Tañon to Receive Legacy Award at the Premios Tu Mundo Awards

Posted on August 17, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Olga Tañon’s legacy is being celebrated…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican singer will be honored with the Jenni Rivera Legacy Award at the sixth edition of the Premios Tu Mundo, according to Telemundo.

Tañon, a multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, is being recognized for her more than 25 years in music, as well as her philanthropic achievements.

Tañon has used her voice to seek change, serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and lending her talent for charitable causes including benefit songs, “Somos El Mundo,” “El Ultimo Ádios” and “Nuestro Himno.”

On the Billboard charts, Tañon holds the record for most top 10 hits (27 to be exact) for a female artist on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart.

But Tañon won’t be the night’s only honoree…

The legendary Panamanian-born Spanish singer Miguel Bosé will receive the El Poder en Ti award to honor his “unlimited fame power” that helps thousands of people through different non profit organizations worldwide, such as Fundacion Patrimonio Indigena MX (of which he is president), his Gala SIDA fundraising event in Spain and the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation to fund a full $200,000 scholarship to a Berklee College of Music student pursuing a career in Latin music.

Telemundo will honor TV host Maria Celeste Arraras with the Estrella de Tu Mundo Award in celebration of her 15 years hosting the news show Al Rojo Vivo.

This year, boy band CNCO leads the nominations for the Premios Tu Mundo awards, that will be broadcast live on August 24, 2017 at 8:00 pm.ET from the American Airlines Arena in Miami.

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