He’s considered one of the greatest songwriters of the century… And, now Caetano Veloso will be able to call himself the person of the year…

Following in Shakira’s footsteps, the 69-year-old award-winning Brazilian musician will be honored as the 2012 Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy .

The academy will pay tribute to Veloso at a special event in Las Vegas on November 14. The ceremony will feature various artists performing Veloso’s songs.

Part of the funds collected that night will go to Veloso’s charity of choice, the Viva Cazuza Foundation, which is devoted to the prevention and treatment of HIV in children and youths. The rest of the money received will be invested in aid and education programs sponsored by the Latin Recording Academy.

“Caetano Veloso has become the preeminent ambassador of Brazilian music and culture,” Gabriel Abaroa Jr., the President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, said.

“It is difficult to find a man with such immense talent, passion and dedication to his creative projects – whether in music, writing or activism,” Abaroa said. “By celebrating Caetano, we celebrate Brazil, and we look forward to honoring his amazing career and music.”

Veloso, who has won eight Latin Grammy Awards and two Grammy Awards, rose to acclaim after his participation in the Tropicalia movement, which represented a new generation of artists that openly expressed their political opinions and refashioned the face of Brazilian popular music.

During his career, Veloso has recorded more than 40 albums, published five books, directed a film and won numerous awards.