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2019 Latin GRAMMY Awards: Complete Nominees and Winners List
The Latin GRAMMYs celebrated 20 years of the Biggest Night In Latin Music. Find out who was nominated and who won big in Las Vegas!
On Nov. 14, the Latin GRAMMYs celebrate its 20th anniversary of honoring notable artists in Latin music! See below for the complete list of this year's nominees and winners.
General Field
1. Record Of The Year
- PARECEN VIERNES
Marc Anthony
Marc Anthony & Sergio George, record producers; Carlos Alvarez, Juan Mario Aracil "Mayito", Natalia Ramírez & Julio Reyes Copello, recording engineers; Carlos Álvarez & Juan Mario Aracil "Mayito", mixers; Adam Ayan & Michael Fuller, mastering engineers
Track from: Opus
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
- VERDADES AFILADAS
Andrés Calamaro
Gustavo Borner, record producer; Gustavo Borner, recording engineer; Gustavo Borner, mixer; Eric Boulanger, mastering engineer
Track from: Cargar La Suerte
[Universal Music Argentina]
- AHÍ AHÍ
Vicente García
Eduardo Cabra & Vicente García, record producers; José Victor Olivier, Daniel Sanint & Harold Wendell Sanders, recording engineers; Fab Dupont, mixer; Diego Calviño, mastering engineer
[Sony Music Entertainment Colombia]
- KITIPUN
Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Juan Luis Guerra & Janina Rosado, record producers; Allan Leschhorn & Simon Rhodes, recording engineers; Allan Leschhorn, mixer; Adam Ayan, mastering engineer
[Universal Music Latino]
- QUERER MEJOR
Juanes Featuring Alessia Cara
Rafa Arcaute, Juanes & Tainy, producers; Alejandro Patiño & Orlando Vitto, recording engineers; Jaycen Joshua, mixer; Dave Kutch, mastering engineer
[Universal Music Latino]
- LA PLATA
Juanes Featuring Lalo Ebratt
Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, record producers; Nicolás Ladrón de Guevara, Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, recording engineers; Jaycen Joshua, mixer; Dave Kutch, mastering engineer [Universal Music Latino]
- AUTE CUTURE
Rosalía
El Guincho & Rosalía, record producers; El Guincho, recording engineer; Jaycen Joshua, mixer; Chris Athens, mastering engineer
[Columbia Records]
- MI PERSONA FAVORITA - WINNER
Alejandro Sanz Con Camila Cabello
Alfonso Pérez, Julio Reyes Copello & Alejandro Sanz, record producers; Nicolás De La Espriella, Carlos Fernando López, Alfonso Pérez, Natalia Ramírez, Nicolás Ramírez & Julio Reyes Copello, recording engineers; Trevor Lyle Muzzy, mixer; Gene Grimaldi, mastering engineer
Track from: #Eldisco
[Universal Music Spain S.L.U.]
- NO TENGO NADA
Alejandro Sanz
Alfonso Pérez, Julio Reyes Copello & Alejandro Sanz, record producers; Nicolás De La Espriella, Carlos Fernando López, Alfonso Pérez, Natalia Ramírez, Nicolás Ramírez & Julio Reyes Copello, recording engineers; Trevor Lyle Muzzy, mixer; Gene Grimaldi, mastering engineer
Track from: #Eldisco
[Universal Music Spain S.L.U.]
- COBARDE
Ximena Sariñana
Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, record producers; Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, recording engineers; Jaycen Joshua, mixer; Dave Kutch, mastering engineer
[Warner Music México, S.A. De C.V.]
2. Album Of The Year
- VISCERAL
Paula Arenas
Julio Reyes Copello, album producer; Nicolás de la Espriella, Carlos Fernando López, Ricardo López Lalinde, Natalia Ramírez & Julio Reyes Copello, album recording engineers; Nicolás Ramírez, album mixer; Paula Arenas & Julio Reyes Copello, songwriters; Antonio Baglio & Robin Reumers, album mastering engineers
[Art House Society, Inc.]
- PARAÍSO ROAD GANG
Rubén Blades
Luis Enrique Becerra & Rubén Blades, album producers; Luis Enrique Becerra & José Ramón Guerra, album recording engineers; Luis Enrique Becerra & Rubén Blades, album mixers; Rubén Blades, songwriter; Geoff Pesche, album mastering engineer
[R B Records Corporation]
- CARGAR LA SUERTE
Andrés Calamaro
Gustavo Borner, album producer; Gustavo Borner, album recording engineer; Gustavo Borner, album mixer; Andrés Calamaro & German Wiedemer, songwriters; Gustavo Borner, album mastering engineer
[Universal Music Group]
- AGUSTÍN
Fonseca
Fonseca, album producer; Andrés Borda, album recording engineer; Iker Gastaminza & Trevor Lyle Muzzy, album mixers; Fonseca, songwriter; Dave Kutch, album mastering engineer
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
- VIDA
Luis Fonsi
Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, album producers; Luis Fonsi, Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, album recording engineers; Jaycen Joshua, album mixer; Luis Fonsi, Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, songwriters; Dave Kutch, album mastering engineer
[Universal Music Latino / 2019 UMG Recordings, Inc.]
- EL MAL QUERER - WINNER
Rosalía
El Guincho & Rosalía, album producers; El Guincho, album recording engineer; Jaycen Joshua, album mixer; Antón Álvarez Alfaro, El Guincho & Rosalía, songwriters; Chris Athens, album mastering engineer
[Sony Music Entertainment España, S.L.]
- #ELDISCO
Alejandro Sanz
Alfonso Pérez, Julio Reyes Copello & Alejandro Sanz, album producers; Nicolás De La Espriella, Carlos Fernando Lopez, Alfonso Pérez, Natalia Ramírez, Nicolás Ramírez & Julio Reyes Copello, album recording engineers; Trevor Lyle Muzzy, album mixer; Alejandro Sanz, songwriter; Gene Grimaldi, album mastering engineer
[Universal Music Spain, S.L.U.]
- ¿DÓNDE BAILARÁN LAS NIÑAS?
Ximena Sariñana
Juan Pablo Vega, album producer; Daniel Bitrán Arizpe, album recording engineer; Alejandro Patiño, album mixer; Ximena Sariñana & Juan Pablo Vega, songwriters; Alejandro Patiño, album mastering engineer
[Warner Music México, S.A. De C.V.]
- MAS DE MI
Tony Succar
Marc Quiñones & Tony Succar, album producers; Santiago Diaz, Nestor Rigaud & Tony Succar, album recording engineers; Alfredo Matheus, album mixer; Jorge Luis Piloto & Tony Succar, songwriters; Michael Fuller, album mastering engineer
[Unity Entertainment]
- FANTASÍA
Sebastián Yatra
Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, album producers; Nicolas Ladrón De Guevara, Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, album recording engineers; Jaycen Joshua, album mixer; Mauricio Rengifo, Andrés Torres & Sebastián Yatra, songwriters; Dave Kutch, album mastering engineer
[Universal Music Latino]
3. Song Of The Year
- CALMA - WINNER
Pedro Capó, Gabriel Edgar González Pérez & George Noriega, songwriters (Pedro Capó)
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
- DESCONSTRUÇÃO
Tiago Iorc, songwriter (Tiago Iorc)
[Universal Music Ltda]
- EL PAÍS
Rubén Blades, songwriter (Rubén Blades)
Track from: Paraiso Road Gang
[R B Records Corporation]
- KITIPUN
Juan Luis Guerra, songwriter (Juan Luis Guerra 4.40)
[Universal Music Latino]
- MI PERSONA FAVORITA
Camila Cabello & Alejandro Sanz, songwriters (Alejandro Sanz Con Camila Cabello)
Track from: #Eldisco
[Universal Music Spain S.L.U.]
- NO TENGO NADA
Alejandro Sanz, songwriter (Alejandro Sanz)
Track from: #Eldisco
[Universal Music Spain S.L.U.]
- QUÉDATE
Kany García & Tommy Torres, songwriters (Kany García & Tommy Torres)
Track from: Contra El Viento
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
- QUERER MEJOR
Rafael Arcaute, Alessia Cara, Camilo Echeverry, Juanes, Mauricio Montaner, Ricardo Montaner & Tainy, songwriters (Juanes Featuring Alessia Cara)
[Universal Music Latino]
- UN AÑO
Reik, Mauricio Rengifo, Andrés Torres & Sebastián Yatra, songwriters (Sebastián Yatra Featuring Reik)
Track from: Fantasía
[Universal Music Latino]
- VEN
Fonseca, songwriter (Fonseca)
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
4. Best New Artist
- AITANA
- BURNING CARAVAN
- CAMI
- FER CASILLAS
- CHIPI CHACÓN
- ELSA Y ELMAR
- GREEICY
- JUAN INGARAMO
- PAULO LONDRA
- NELLA - WINNER
Field 1 - Pop
5. Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album
- MONTANER
Ricardo Montaner
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
- BALAS PERDIDAS
Morat
[Universal Music Spain, S.L.U.]
- EL MAL QUERER - WINNER
Rosalía
[Sony Music Entertainment España, S.L.]
- #ELDISCO
Alejandro Sanz
[Universal Music Spain, S.L.U.]
- FANTASÍA
Sebastián Yatra
[Universal Music Latino]
6. Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
- VISCERAL
Paula Arenas
[Art House Society, Inc.]
- ROSA
Cami
[Universal Music Chile]
- HACIA ADENTRO
Camila
[Sony Music Entertainment México, S.A. De C.V.]
- AGUSTÍN - WINNER
Fonseca
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
- SENTIMIENTOS
Pavel Núñez
[Pavel Corredor Music Group]
7. Best Pop Song
- BAILAR
Leonel García, songwriter (Leonel García)
[Sony Music Entertainment México, S.A. De C.V.]
- BUENA PARA NADA
Paula Arenas, Luigi Castillo & Santiago Castillo,
songwriters (Paula Arenas)
[Art House Society, Inc.]
- MI PERSONA FAVORITA - WINNER
Camila Cabello & Alejandro Sanz, songwriters
(Alejandro Sanz Con Camila Cabello)
Track from: #Eldisco
[Universal Music Spain S.L.U.]
- PIENSO EN TU MIRÁ
Antón Álvarez Alfaro, El Guincho & Rosalía,
songwriters (Rosalía)
[Sony Music Entertainment España, S.L.]
- VEN Fonseca, songwriter (Fonseca)
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
Field 2 - Urban
8. Best Urban Fusion/Performance
- TENEMOS QUE HABLAR
Bad Bunny
Track from: X 100Pre
[Rimas Entertainment]
- CALMA (REMIX) - WINNER
Pedro Capó & Farruko
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
- PA' OLVIDARTE (REMIX)
ChocQuibtown, Zion & Lennox, Farruko Featuring
Manuel Turizo
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
- CON CALMA
Daddy Yankee Featuring Snow
[UMLE; El Cartel Records]
- OTRO TRAGO
Sech Featuring Darell
Track from: Sueños
[Rich Music]
9. Best Urban Music Album
- KISSES
Anitta
[Warner Music]
- X 100PRE - WINNER
Bad Bunny
[Rimas Entertainment]
- MI MOVIMIENTO
De La Ghetto
[Warner Music Latina, Inc.]
- 19
Feid
[Intu Linea/UMLE]
- SUEÑOS
Sech
[Rich Music]
10. Best Urban Song
- BAILA BAILA BAILA
Pablo C. Fuentes, Luian Malavé Nieves, Kedin Maysonet, Ozuna, Héctor Ramos, Vicente Saavedra, Edgar Wilmer Semper Vargas & Xavier Semper Vargas, songwriters (Ozuna)
[VP Records/Dimelo Vi Dist. By Sony Music Entertainment
US Latin LLC]
- CALIENTE
J Balvin, Rene Cano, De La Ghetto, Alejandro Patiño "Mosty" & Alejandro Ramirez, songwriters (De La Ghetto Featuring J Balvin)
[Warner Music Latina]
- CON ALTURA - WINNER
J Balvin, Mariachi Budda, Frank Dukes, El Guincho, Teo Halm, Alejandro Ramirez & Rosalía, songwriters (Rosalía & J Balvin Featuring El Guincho)
[Columbia Records]
- OTRO TRAGO
Darell, Josh Mendez, Sech & Jorge Valdes, songwriters (Sech Featuring Darell)
Track from: Sueños
[Rich Music]
- PA' OLVIDARTE
René Cano, ChocQuibtown, Kevyn Cruz Moreno, Juan Diego Medina Vélez, Andrés David Restrepo, Mateo Tejada Giraldo, Andrés Uribe Marín, Juan Vargas & Doumbia Yohann, songwriters (ChocQuibtown)
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
Field 3 - Rock
11. Best Rock Album
- UNA RAZÓN PARA SEGUIR
A.N.I.M.A.L
[Sony Music]
- ARAWATO
Arawato
[Musicmarketing Plans]
- BASADO EN HECHOS REALES
Carajo
[Independiente]
- MTV UNPLUGGED: EL DESCONECTE
Molotov
[Universal Music Group]
- MONTE SAGRADO - WINNER
Draco Rosa
[Sony Music Latin]
12. Best Pop/Rock Album
- CARGAR LA SUERTE - WINNER
Andrés Calamaro
[Universal Music Group]
- MANUAL DE VIAJE A UN LUGAR LEJANO
Jumbo
[Universal Music Group/Discos Valiente]
- LEBÓN & CO.
David Lebón
[Sony Music / Columbia]
- NUCLEAR
Leiva
[Sony Music Entertainment España, S.L]
- MADAME AYAHUASCA
Taburete
[Voltereta Records]
13. Best Rock Song
- CONECTAR
Rodrigo Crespo, songwriter (Rodrigo Crespo)
Track from: Careta
[Che Robot Records]
- GODZILLA
Leiva, songwriter (Leiva Featuring Enrique Bunbury y Ximena Sariñana)
Track from: Nuclear
[Sony Music Entertainment España, S.L]
- NIRVANA
Arawato, songwriters (Arawato)
[Music Marketing Plans]
- PUNTA CANA
Roberto Musso, songwriter (El Cuarteto De Nos)
[Sony Music Entertainment Argentina S.A.]
- VERDADES AFILADAS - WINNER
Andrés Calamaro & German Wiedemer, songwriters (Andrés Calamaro)
Track from: Cargar La Suerte
[Universal Music Group]
Field 4 - Alternative
14. Best Alternative Music Album
- LATINOAMERICANA
Alex Anwandter
[Nacional Records]
- DISCUTIBLE
Babasónicos
[Sony Music Entertainment México, S.A. de C.V.]
- BACH
Bandalos Chinos
[Casete]
- PRENDER UN FUEGO
Marilina Bertoldi
[Pelo Music S.A.]
- NORMA - WINNER
Mon Laferte
[Universal Music Group / Discos Valiente]
15. Best Alternative Song
- CAUSA PERDIDA
El David Aguilar, songwriter (El David Aguilar)
[EMI / Universal Music México S.A.]
- CONTRA TODO
Ismael Cancel & Ile, songwriters (Ile)
Track from: Almadura
[Sony Music Latin]
- CUENTAS CLARAS
Kevin Johansen, songwriter (Kevin Johansen)
[Sony Music Entertaiment Argentina S.A.]
- LA PREGUNTA
Adrián Dárgelos Rodríguez, songwriter (Babasónicos)
[Sony Music Entertainment México, S.A. de C.V.]
- TÓCAMELA - WINNER
David Julca, Jonathan Julca, Los Amigos Invisibles,
Silverio Lozada & Servando Primera, songwriters (Los
Amigos Invisibles)
[Gozadera Records]
Field 5 - Tropical
16. Best Salsa Album
- CUBA LINDA
Maite Hontelé
[Merlín Producciones/Egrem]
- 55 ANIVERSARIO
Mario Ortiz All Star Band
[All Star Music Productions Inc.]
- MI LUZ MAYOR
Eddie Palmieri
[Uprising Music]
- NUESTRO HOGAR
Quintero's Salsa Project
[Quintero's Record]
- MAS DE MI - WINNER
Tony Succar
[Unity Entertainment]
17. Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album
- CHECO ACOSTA 30 (EN VIVO)
Checo Acosta
[Codiscos]
- ESTO QUE DICE!
Diego Daza y Carlos Rueda
[ONErpm]
- PARA MIS MAESTROS CON RESPETO
Juan Piña
[Vibra Entertainment S.A.S]
- YO ME LLAMO CUMBIA - WINNER
Puerto Candelaria & Juancho Valencia
[Merlín Producciones/Peermusic]
- RAÍCES (Varios Artistas)
José Gaviria & Fernando Tobón, producers
[Babel Discos]
18. Best Merengue/Bachata Album
Due to the low number of entries received this year, these entries were combined with
Category 20.
19. Best Traditional Tropical Album
- ANDRÉS CEPEDA BIG BAND (EN VIVO) - WINNER
Andrés Cepeda
[Sony Music]
- VEREDA TROPICAL
Olga Cerpa y Mestisay
[Ediciones Mestisay/Egrem]
- LO NUESTRO
Yelsy Heredia
[Bis Music]
- A JOURNEY THROUGH CUBAN MUSIC
Aymée Nuviola
[Top Stop Music]
- LA LLAVE DEL SON
Septeto Acarey
[Septeto Acarey S.A.C]
20. Best Contemporary/Tropical Fusion Album
- BARRIOS DE MI TIERRA (CANCIONES DE RUBÉN BLADES)
Iván Barrios
[Hb Music Corp]
- CANDELA
Vicente García
[Sony Music Entertainment Colombia S.A]
- LITERAL - WINNER
Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
[Universal Music Latino]
- TROPICALIA
Ilegales
[Dotel Productions Inc]
- MILLY & COMPANY
Milly Quezada
[Los Vecinos Enterprises, SRL]
21. Best Tropical Song
- EL AFORTUNADO
Luis Enrique & Jorge Luis Piloto, songwriters (Septeto Acarey Featuring Luis Enrique)
Track from: La Llave Del Son
[Septeto Acarey S.A.C]
- KITIPUN - WINNER
Juan Luis Guerra, songwriter (Juan Luis Guerra 4.40)
[Universal Music Latino]
- MAS DE MI
Jorge Luis Piloto & Tony Succar, songwriters (Tony Succar Featuring Angel López)
Track from: Mas De Mi
[Unity Entertainment]
- SUBIENDO Y BAJANDO
Bobby Allende, Waddys Jáquez, David Maldonado & Adan Pérez, songwriters (8 y Más Featuring Rubén Blades)
Track from: Otra Ruta
[Unity Entertainment]
- VIVIR ES COMPLICADO
Jorge Luis Piloto, songwriter (Andrés Cepeda & Dayhan Díaz)
[Sinfonic LLC / Cortesía De Sony Music Entertainment Colombia]
Field 6 - Singer-Songwriter
22. Best Singer-Songwriter Album
- ACÚSTICA
Albita
[Innercat Music Group]
- CONTRA EL VIENTO - WINNER
Kany García
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
- AMOR PRESENTE
Leonel García
[Sony Music Entertainment México, S.A. De C.V.]
- ALGO RITMOS
Kevin Johansen
[Sony Music Entertainment Argentina S.A.]
- INTUICIÓN
Gian Marco
[Enjoymusic Records]
Field 7 - Regional-Mexican
23. Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album
- MI PERSONA PREFERIDA
El Bebeto
[Disa Records / Universal Music Entertainment / Latin Power Music]
- SIGUE LA DINASTÍA...
Alex Fernández
[Sony Music Entertainment México, S.A. de C.V.]
- MÁS ROMÁNTICO QUE NUNCA
Vicente Fernández
[Sony Music Entertainment México, S.A. de C.V.]
- INDESTRUCTIBLE
Flor De Toloache
[Flor De Toloache / One RPM]
- AHORA - WINNER
Christian Nodal
[Fonovisa Records / Universal Music Entertainment]
24. Best Banda Album
- PARA QUE NO TE LO IMAGINES
Saul El Jaguar Alarcón
[Fonovisa]
- A TRAVÉS DEL VASO - WINNER
Banda Los Sebastianes
[Fonovisa Records / Universal Music Latin Entertainment]
- 25 AÑOS VOL 1
El Mimoso
[Cielo Music Inc.]
- UN TRIBUTO AL SOL
La Explosiva Banda De Maza
[Warner Music México, S.A. de C.V.]
- ME HICISTE UN BORRACHO
Edwin Luna y La Trakalosa De Monterrey
[Remex Music]
25. Best Tejano Album
-
SIETE
El Plan
[Indepe Music] - TU PRÍNCIPE
Lucky Joe
[M Music & Entertainment Group, LLC / Freddie Records]
- COLORES - WINNER
Elida Reyna y Avante
[Freddie Records]
- ASÍ ME ENSEÑARON
David Lee Rodriquez
[VMB Music Group]
- NUNCA TE RINDAS
Vidal
[Freddie Records]
26. Best Norteño Album
- POR MÁS
Bronco
[Sony Music Entertainment Mexico, S.A. de C.V.]
- LAS CANCIONES DE LA ABUELA
Buyuchek y La Abuela Irma Silva
[Fonovisa Records / Universal Music Latin Entertainment]
- MITAD Y MITAD
Calibre 50
[Disa Records / Andaluz Music / Universal Music Latin Entertainment]
- PERCEPCIÓN - WINNER
Intocable
[Universal Music Latin Entertainment]
- AMO
La Maquinaria Norteña
[Fonovisa Records / Azteca Records / Universal Music Latin Entertainment]
27. Best Regional Song
- ALGUIEN MEJOR QUE YO
Jose Luis Roma, songwriter (Bronco)
[Seitrack Us]
- BESOS DE MEZCAL
Shae Fiol, Camilo Lara & Mireya Ramos, songwriters (Flor De Toloache)
[Flor De Toloache / One RPM]
- DE LOS BESOS QUE TE DI
Edgar Barrera, José Esparza, Gussy Lau & Christian Nodal, songwriters (Christian Nodal)
[Fonovisa Records / Unviersal Music Latin Entertainment]
- NO TE CONTARON MAL - WINNER
Edgar Barrera, Gussy Lau & Christian Nodal, songwriters (Christian Nodal)
[Fonovisa Records / Unviersal Music Latin Entertainment]
- TE AMARÉ
Manuel Monterrosas, songwriter (Alex Fernández)
[Sony Music Entertainment México, S.A. de C.V.]
Field 8 - Instrumental
28. Best Instrumental Album
- BALANCE - WINNER
Gustavo Casenave
[Fula Records]
- SAXOFONES LIVE SESSIONS
Cuban Sax Quintet
[Egrem]
- FOLIA DE TREIS
Edu Ribeiro, Fábio Peron, Toninho Ferragutti
[Blaxtream]
- UNBALANCED CONCERTO FOR ENSEMBLE
Moisés P. Sánchez
[Uno Música]
- YO SOY LA TRADICIÓN
Miguel Zenón Featuring Spektral Quartet
[Miel Music]
Field 9 - Traditional
29. Best Folk Album
- 48 AÑOS DESPUÉS
Eva Ayllon
[Aylloncito Producciones]
- DE MAR Y RÍO
Canalón De Timbiquí
[Llorona Records]
- ORINOCO
Cimarrón
[Independiente]
- ¡VA POR MÉXICO!
Luis Cobos Con The Royal Philarmonic Orchestra & El Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlán
[Blanco y Negro Music, S.A]
- TIEMPO AL TIEMPO - WINNER
Luis Enrique + C4 Trio
[Chazz Music/ Empire Records]
30. Best Tango Album
- MARRÓN Y AZUL
Daniel Binelli y Nick Danielson
[Bell Ville]
- ROTO
Enrique Campos
[Acqua Records]
- ATÍPICO
Bernardo Monk
[Independiente]
- REVOLUCIONARIO - WINNER
Quinteto Astor Piazzolla
[East 54 Entertainment, Inc.]
- RADIOTANGO
Pablo Ziegler Chamber Quartet
[Zoho Music]
31. Best Flamenco Album
Due to the low number of entries received this year, these entries were combined with Category 29.
Field 10 - Jazz
32. Best Latin Jazz/Jazz Album
- TURNING PAGES
Claudia Acuña
[Delfin Records]
- ELEMENTAL
Branly, Ruiz & Haslip
[Blue Canoe Records]
- TERCER VIAJE
Dos Orientales
[Montevideo Music Group]
- RIO - SÃO PAULO
André Marques
[Blaxtream]
- JAZZ BATÁ 2 - WINNER
Chucho Valdés
[Mack Avenue Music Group]
Field 11 - Christian
33. Best Christian Album (Spanish Language)
- TODO PASA - WINNER
Juan Delgado
[Pristine Music Inc.]
- MI VIAJE (EN VIVO)
Danilo Montero
[Sígueme Internacional]
- LLUVIAS DE BENDICIÓN
Gabriela Soto & Big Band
[Gps]
- PADRE MIO
Ricardo Torres y Su Mariachi
[Independiente]
- ¿QUIÉN CONTRA NOSOTROS?
Alex Zurdo
[Az Music]
34. Best Portuguese Language Christian Album
- GENTE
Priscilla Alcântara
[Sony Music Entertainment]
- SAGRADO
Adriana Arydes
[Universal Music Ltda]
- GUARDA MEU CORAÇÃO - WINNER
Delino Marçal
[MK Music]
- PRETO NO BRANCO 3
Preto No Branco
[Universal Music Ltda/Balaio Music]
- 360º
Eli Soares
[Universal Music Christian Group]
Field 12 - Portuguese Language
35. Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album
- O TEMPO É AGORA - WINNER
Anavitoria
[Universal Music Ltda]
- TARÂNTULA
As Bahias e a Cozinha Mineira
[Universal Music Ltda]
- TODXS
Ana Cañas
[Independente]
- PARA DIAS RUINS
Mahmundi
[Universal Music Ltda]
- SELFIE
Jair Oliveira
[S de Samba/Ditto Brasil]
36. Best Portuguese Language Rock or Alternative Album
- VULCÃO
The Baggios
[Toca Discos]
- O FUTURO NÃO DEMORA - WINNER
BaianaSystem
[Máquina De Louco]
- O CÉU SOBRE A CABEÇA
Chal
[Toca Discos]
- GOELA ABAIXO
Liniker e Os Caramelos
[Independente]
- MATRIZ
Pitty
[Deckdisc]
37. Best Samba/Pagode Album
- CANTA SERENO E MOA
Nego Álvaro
[Biscoito Fino]
- MART'NÁLIA CANTA VINICIUS DE MORAES - WINNER
Mart'nália
[Biscoito Fino]
- DE TODOS OS TEMPOS
Monarco
[Biscoito Fino]
- EM SUA DIREÇÃO
Péricles
[Onerpm]
- ANAÍ ROSA ATRACA GERALDO PEREIRA
Anaí Rosa
[Selo Sesc]
38. Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) Album
- O AMOR NO CAOS
Zeca Baleiro
[Onerpm]
- CANTA TITO MADI
Nana Caymmi
[Biscoito Fino]
- TUDO É UM
Zélia Duncan
[Biscoito Fino]
- TEMPO MÍNIMO
Delia Fischer
[Nomad Música]
- OK OK OK - WINNER
Gilberto Gil
[Biscoito Fino]
- BESTA FERA
Jards Macalé
[Zilles Produções]
39. Best Sertaneja Music Album
- HORA CERTA
Paula Fernandes
[Universal Music International]
- FRANCIS & FELIPE
Francis & Felipe
[Independente]
- EM TODOS OS CANTOS - WINNER
Marilia Mendonça
[Som Livre]
- LIVE MOVEL
Luan Santana
[Som Livre]
- AO VIVO EM SÃO PAULO
Mano Walter
[Som Livre]
40. Best Portuguese Language Roots Album
- AJO
Foli Griô Orquestra
[Foli Griô Orquestra/Tratore]
- MACUMBAS E CATIMBÓS
Alessandra Leão
[YB music]
- HERMETO PASCOAL E SUA VISÃO ORIGINAL DO FORRÓ - WINNER
Hermeto Pascoal
[Scubidu Music]
- O OURO DO PÓ DA ESTRADA
Elba Ramalho
[Deckdisc]
- REI CAIPIRA
Zé Mulato E Cassiano
[VBS Produções]
41. Best Portuguese Language Song
- ANSIOSOS PRA VIVER
Mestrinho, songwriter (Mestrinho)
[Atração Fonográfica]
- DESCONSTRUÇÃO - WINNER
Tiago Iorc, songwriter (Tiago Iorc)
[Universal Music Ltda]
- ETÉREA
Criolo, songwriter (Criolo)
[Oloko Records]
- MIL E UMA
Arnaldo Antunes & Claudia Brant, songwriters (Claudia Brant Featuring Arnaldo Antunes)
Track from: Sincera
[Brantones Records Inc.]
- SEM PALAVRAS
Mário Laginha & João Monge, songwriters (António Zambujo)
Track from: Do Avesso
[Universal Music Portugal]
Field 13 - Children's
42.Best Latin Children’s Album
- LUCES, CÁMARA, ACCIÓN
Claraluna
[Claraluna]
- ¡ALEGRÍA!
Sonia De Los Santos
[Golondrina]
- BUENOS DIAZ - WINNER
The Lucky Band
[Rainy Day Dimes Music]
- BIM BOM BAM!
Payasitas Nifu Nifa
[Nifu Nifa Oficial Llc]
- CANTA LAS LETRAS
123 Andrés
[Salsana Records]
Field 14 - Classical
43. Best Classical Album
- AMERICA
Claudio Constantini; Francisco Moya, album producer
[IBS Classical]
- ÁRBOLES DE VIDRIO
Edith Ruiz; Edith Ruiz, album producer
[Urtext Digital Classics]
- CUBA: THE LEGACY
National Symphony Orchestra Of Cuba; Enrique Pérez Mesa, conductor; Aurelio De La Vega & Yalil Guerra, album producers
[Rycy Productions, Inc.]
- REGRESO - WINNER
Samuel Torres & La Nueva Filarmonía; Ricardo Jaramillo, conductor; Danilo Álvarez, Ricardo Jaramillo & Samuel Torres, producers
[Independiente]
- SOLOSH
Orquesta Sinfónica De Heredia; Eddie Mora, conductor; Jorge Castro, Carlos Pipo Chaves & Eddie Mora, album producers
[Asociación Sinfónica De Heredia]
44. Best Classical Contemporary Composition
.
Due to the low number of entries, this category will not be awarded this year.
Field 15 - Arranging
45. Best Arrangement
- RED WALL (VA A CAER)
Otmaro Ruiz, arranger (Branly, Ruiz & Haslip)
Track from: Elemental
[Blue Canoe Records]
- MARIACHITLÁN
Juan Pablo Contreras, arranger (Juan Pablo Contreras, Marco Parisotto & Orquesta Filarmónica De Jalisco)
Track from: Mariachitlán
[Universal Music México S.A. De C.V.]
- SIRENA - WINNER
Rodner Padilla, arranger (Luis Enrique + C4 Trio)
Track from: Tiempo Al Tiempo
[Chazz Music]
- LOKO DE AMOR
Pablo Cebrián & Ketama, arrangers (Ketama)
[Universal Music Spain S.L.U.]
- IMPREVISTO
César Orozco, arranger (Raices Jazz Orchestra, Pablo Gil & Tony Succar)
[Unity Entertainment]
Field 16 - Recording Package
46. Best Recording Package
- ANÓNIMAS Y RESILIENTES
Luisa María Arango, Carlos Dussán, Manuel
García-Orozco & Juliana Jaramillo-Buenaventura, art directors (Voces Del Bullerengue)
[Chaco World Music]
- ASTRONAUTA
Emilio Lorente, art director (Zahara)
[G.O.Z.Z. Records]
- EL MAL QUERER - WINNER
Man Mourentan & Tamara Pérez, art directors (Rosalía)
[Sony Music Entertainment España, S.L.]
- LIÇÃO #2: DORIVAL
Deborah Salles, art director (Quartabê)
[Risco]
- NUCLEAR
Boa Mistura, art director (Leiva)
[Sony Music Entertainment España, S.L]
Field 17 - Production
47. Best Engineered Album
- ANAÍ ROSA ATRACA GERALDO PEREIRA
Carlos Lima & Gilberto Monte, engineers; Carlos Lima, mixer; Carlos Lima, mastering engineer (Anaí Rosa)
[Selo Sesc]
- BACH
Zac Hernández & Jerry Ordoñez, engineers; Jack Lahana, mixer; Chab, mastering engineer (Bandalos Chinos)
[Casete]
- EL MAL QUERER - WINNER
El Guincho & Brian Hernández, engineers; Jaycen Joshua, mixer; Chris Athens, mastering engineer (Rosalía)
[Sony Music Entertainment España, S.L.]
- ENCONTROS
Roger Freret, engineer; Marcelo Sabóia, mixer; Ron McMaster, mastering engineer (Antonio Adolfo Featuring Orquestra Atlantica)
[Aam Music]
- MONTANER
Jan Holzner, David Julca, Jonathan Julca, Jon Leone, Carlos Fernando López, Ricardo López Lalinde, Yasmil Marrufo, Darío Moscatelli, Quaz & Tainy, engineers; Jaycen Joshua, mixer; Mike Bozzi, mastering engineer (Ricardo Montaner)
[Sony Music Latin]
48. Producer of the Year
- ANDRÉS TORRES, MAURICIO RENGIFO
• Ay Corazón (Cali y El Dandee) (S)
• Balas Perdidas (Morat) (A)
• Cobarde (Ximena Sariñana) (S)
• Fantasía (Sebastián Yatra) (A)
• La Plata (Juanes Featuring Lalo Ebratt) (S)
• Perdón (David Bisbal Featuring Greeicy) (S)
• Quiero Volver (Tini) (A)
• Serenata (Mike Bahía) (S)
• Si Tú Te Vas (Ximena Sariñana) (T)
• Suave y Sutil (Paulina Rubio) (T)
• Teléfono (Remix) (Aitana Con Lele Pons) (T)
• Todo En Mi Vida (Ximena Sariñana) (T)
• Vida (Luis Fonsi) (A)
• Volver A Verte (Fonseca Featuring Cali y El Dandee) (T)
- JULIO REYES COPELLO
• Back In The City (Alejandro Sanz Con Nicky Jam) (T)
• #Eldisco (Alejandro Sanz) (A)
• Libre (Diana Fuentes) (T)
• Mi Persona Favorita (Alejandro Sanz Con Camila Cabello) (T)
• No Tengo Nada (Alejandro Sanz) (T)
• Nostalgia (Daniela Brooker) (A)
• Oxígeno (Malú) (A)
• Visceral (Paula Arenas) (A)
• Yo Te Extraño (Sebastián Yatra) (T)
- RAFA SARDINA
• Fandango At The Wall: A Soundtrack For The United States, Mexico, And Beyond (Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra) (A)
• Indestructible (Flor De Toloache) (A)
• Volver (Plácido Domingo & Pablo Sainz Villegas) (A)
- TONY SUCCAR - WINNER
• Amante Del Amor (Raul Stefano) (S)
• El Alacrán (Eric Chacón & Tony Succar) (S)
• El Ritmo De Mi Corazón (Gian Marco Featuring Grupo 5, Tony Succar) (S)
• Imprevisto (Raices Jazz Orchestra, Pablo Gil & Tony Succar) (S)
• Mas De Mi (Tony Succar) (A)
• Tonada De Succar (Eric Chacón & Tony Succar) (S)
• Vai La Vai La (Tony Succar Featuring Marcelo Amaro, Tuti & Nelson Arrieta) (S)
- JUAN PABLO VEGA
• Conexión (Juan Pablo Vega) (A)
• ¿Dónde Bailarán Las Niñas? (Ximena Sariñana) (A)
• En Medio De Este Ruido (Kurt) (A)
• Fuimos Amor (Esteman) (T)
• Sofía (Mario Bautista) (S)
• Vida De Mis Vidas (Santiago Cruz y Vicente García) (T)
Field 18 - Music Video
49. Best Short Form Music Video
- BOCA DE LOBO
Criolo
Denis Cisma & Pedro Inoue, video directors; Beatriz Berjeaut, video producer
[Saigon Filmes]
- ME SOLTA
Nego Do Borel Featuring Dj Rennan Da Penha
Lucas Romor, video director; KondZilla, video producer
[Sony Music Brasil]
- BANANA PAPAYA - WINNER
Kany García & Residente
Residente, video director; Stephanie "Tuty" Correa, video producer
[Redrum Films]
- LOS ZURDOS MUEREN ANTES
Nach
Willy Rodriguez, video director; Willy Rodriguez, video producer
[Universal Music Spain, S.L.U.]
- VIVIR LOS COLORES
Todo Aparenta Normal
Mariano Dawidson, video director; Eric Dawidson, video producer
[S-Music]
50. Best Long Form Music Video
- ANATOMÍA DE UN ÉXODO
Mastodonte
Alfonso Cortés-Cabanillas & Asier Etxeandía, video directors; Jose Luis Huertas & Anibal Ruiz-Villar, video producers
[Factoría Mastodonte]
- PIAZZOLLA, LOS AÑOS DEL TIBURÓN
Astor Piazzolla
Daniel Rosenfeld, video director; Daniel Rosenfeld, video producer
[Idéale Audience / Daniel Rosenfeld Films]
- HOTEL DE LOS ENCUENTROS
Draco Rosa
Henry Duarte, José Luis Jiménez, Miguel Jiménez, Draco Rosa, Redamo Rosa & Revel Rosa, video directors; Hector Espinosa, Mio Hachimori, José Luis Jiménez, Miguel Jiménez, Draco Rosa, Revel Rosa & Sadaharu Yagi, video producers
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC / Phantom Vox / Sharpball]
- LO QUE FUI ES LO QUE SOY - WINNER
Alejandro Sanz
Mercedes Cantero, Oscar García Blesa, Gervasio Iglesias & Alexis Morante, video directors; Alvaro Agustin, Ghislain Barrois & Gervasio Iglesias, video producers
[Universal Music Spain S.L.U. / Sacromonte Films]
- DÉJAME QUERERTE
Carlos Vives
Juan Pablo Caballero & Felipe Cortés, video directors; Nathalie Burnside, video producer
[Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC]
Omar Apollo Talks Being Young, Indie & Latinx | Up Close & Personal
Photo: Courtesy of the Conga Room
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L.A.’s Historic Conga Room Closes With A Final Party Celebrating Latin Music Excellence
The L.A. Live venue will officially close its doors at the end of March, after two decades of supporting live Latin music (and the Latin GRAMMYs). Ahead of their farewell party, the Conga Room's founder and staff discuss its history and significance.
Los Angeles' legendary Conga Room is closing its doors, but will not go quietly into the night.
The 25-year-old venue has been home to countless Latin music performances and celebrations — including the 2001 Latin GRAMMYs — and will host its final event on March 27. The official, invitation-only closing celebration will feature a performance by Puerto Rican salsa star Gilberto Santa Rosa and the Conga Kids, as well appearances from Jimmy Smits and Paul Rodriguez, both of whom were investors in the space.
First opened in 1999 on Wilshire Boulevard by real estate entrepreneur and Latin music lover Brad Gluckstein, the Conga Room drew investors like Jennifer Lopez and Sheila E — all of whom were committed to the venue’s vision of being an upscale nightclub devoted to live Latin music and dancing. In both its Miracle Mile location and its later space at L.A. Live, the club attracted an absolutely staggering lineup of talent, including Celia Cruz, Buena Vista Social Club, Tito Puente, Carlos Santana, Alejandro Fernández, Fito Paez, Jerry Rivera, Bad Bunny, and Maluma. The venue also hosted performances from non-Latinx artists like Prince, Ed Sheeran, Lenny Kravitz, Kendrick Lamar, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Avicii.
"I saw Prince perform in venues the world over, but his very first performance at the Conga Room was magical," says talk show host Tavis Smiley. "Of all the times I witnessed my friend on stage, from Madison Square Garden to Montreux, the Conga Room remains my favorite Prince performance."
Gluckstein says that the Conga Room was able to draw such great talent not just because it was one of the only major venues that leaned into Latin music in the United States, but because there was a mutual respect between the artists and the venue.
"We couldn’t compete financially with [Goldenvoice or AEG], but we were able to bring an incredible amount of talent to the venue," he tells GRAMMY.com. "I was talking to Jerry Rivera’s agent the other day and I said, ‘Jerry just played in front of 10,000 people in Venezuela. Help me understand why playing in front of 1,000 people at the Conga room was so important.’ He went on for 10 minutes about what the room meant to these artists and the way we respected them, the sound system, and the way they were treated. The fan engagement, too, plus the fact that there was never really a comparable room anywhere else, even in New York."
"We provided a stage and a voice for acts that didn’t have a way of getting to their audience here in L.A., because no radio stations were playing their kind of music," says Marcella Cuonzo, the venue’s publicist. "For reggaeton, for example, the Conga Room was a pioneer in the movement around 2010. Radio wasn’t playing that music, but the Conga Room took a gamble on the sound because they saw its vision."
The Conga Room was also the first venue in Los Angeles to host a wide-range of Cuban musical talent starting in the mid- to late ‘90s. "We had probably 50 shows," says Gluckstein. "We got everything from Bebo Valdés to [Diego] El Cigala to Pablo Milanés, who played his first show ever in the U.S. at our venue. He’s the Bob Dylan of Cuba. We brought Los Van Van, who’s probably the most famous salsa or timba group in the history of Cuba. They couldn’t play in Miami, because Miami wouldn’t allow Cuban music, so the GRAMMYs gave them their trophy [for Best Salsa Performance] at the Conga Room."
The Latin GRAMMY Awards moved from L.A. from Miami in 2001, and the ceremony was set to take place at the Shrine Auditorium on Sept. 11. That telecast was understandably canceled following the tragic events of that day in New York, and rather than rescheduling the whole event, winners were announced at a press conference on Oct. 30 at the Conga Room. Alejandro Sanz came away with four awards, including Album Of The Year, and Juanes took home three Latin GRAMMYs, including Best New Artist.
"I remember Celia Cruz giving a beautiful speech that night in Spanish, thanking the firefighters and policemen and saying ‘this is for you, but also a little bit for us," says Gluckstein. "In later years, once we were at L.A. Live, we hosted the Latin GRAMMY nominations several times. I have footage of Andy Garcia doing them on-stage with Jimmy Smits."
The Conga Room is closing now because, Gluckstein says, it just seems like the right time. "The pandemic, of course, played a role," he explains. "And I think the enormity of AEG and Live Nation, with how fierce the competition is, all of that has made buying talent much more expensive and has made talent more selective in terms of what's the best economic opportunity for them."
There’s also the rising success of Conga Kids, the venue’s non-profit arm, to consider. A county-wide organization with about 100 employees, Conga Kids reaches roughly 50,000 elementary-aged kids in largely under-resourced communities every year, using dance and music from the Afro-Diaspora like salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, Charleston, and hip-hop to promote social and emotional well-being, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
Though fans and artists will undoubtedly miss the space, energy, and community the Conga Room provided, Gluckstein says the venue’s closure doesn’t have to be sad. Instead, he says, it can be celebratory.
"We accomplished so much," he says. "Now, the venue will just have to live on in the hearts and minds of people, instead of as a brick and mortar space."
Photo: Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
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How The Latin GRAMMYs Brought Latin Music Excellence To The 2024 GRAMMYs
Latin music was celebrated throughout GRAMMY Week and on Music's Biggest Night. Read on for the many ways Latin music excellence was showcased at the 204 GRAMMYs.
The 2023 Latin GRAMMYs may have occurred months ago and thousands of miles away, but the leading lights in Latin music also shined at the 66th GRAMMY Awards. From historic wins and meaningful nominations, to electric performances and interesting installations, Latin music excellence was everywhere.
In anticipation of the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs in 2024, the exclusive GRAMMY House — the site of multiple GRAMMY Week events — included a significant installation dedicated to the Biggest Night In Latin Music.
The cylindrical display showcased some of the biggest moments in Latin GRAMMY history, including images, facts, and even a real Latin GRAMMY award.
The celebration of Latin music continued throughout GRAMMY Week, with several Latin GRAMMY-winning artists also winning on the GRAMMY stage. Among the major moments at the 2024 GRAMMYs, Karol G won her first golden gramophone for her 2023 LP Mañana Será Bonito. "This is my first time at GRAMMYs, and this is my first time holding my own GRAMMY," the Colombian songstress exclaimed during her acceptance speech.
Música Mexicana star Peso Pluma also took home his first GRAMMY; his album GÉNESIS won in the Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano) Category.
Premiere Ceremony presenter Natalia Lafourcade — whose Todas Las Flores won big at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs — also took home the GRAMMY Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album. She tied in the Category with Juanes.
Premiere Ceremony performer Gabby Moreno also took home a GRAMMY Award for Best Latin Pop Album for her album X Mí (Vol. 1).
Beyond the stage, Latin artists graced the red carpet and the nominations list. For example, producer and songwriter Edgar Barrera was the only Latino nominated in the Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical Category.
Photo: Aldara Zarraoa / Redferns / GettyImages
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Pablo Alborán Reflects on His Latin GRAMMY History, Talismans & Lessons From 'La Cu4rta Hoja'
Pablo Alborán discusses his emotional journey with the Latin GRAMMYs — a total of 29 nominations and no wins — as well as the process behind his GRAMMY-nominated album 'La Cu4rta Hoja.'
Spanish singer/songwriter Pablo Alborán has a unique history with the Latin GRAMMYs. Although he receives a nomination for each album he releases, he has yet to win a golden gramophone.
At the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, Alborán was the Spaniard with the most nominations. He received a total of five nominations, including Album Of The Year, Record Of The Year, and Song Of The Year. Yet on the Biggest Night In Latin Music, none of the envelopes that announced the winner had Alborán's name. Since 2011, he has been nominated 29 times without a win; his most meaningful accomplishment, however, is the freedom to continue making music and having untiring support from his family, friends, and fans.
"Refer to last year's #LatinGRAMMY post," Alborán wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), followed by a series of smiling emojis after the ceremony.
At the 2024 GRAMMYs, Alborán's 2022 album La Cu4rta Hoja is nominated for Best Latin Pop Album. The record competes against Don Juan by Maluma, A Ciegas from Paula Arena, Pedro Capó's La Neta, Gaby Moreno's X Mí (Vol. 1), and Beautiful Humans, Vol. 1 by AleMor.
During his Latin American tour, Alborán sat down with GRAMMY.com via Zoom to speak about the lessons from La Cu4rta Hoja, his history with the Latin GRAMMYs, and his return to the stages in the United States.
In 2011, you received your first Latin GRAMMY nominations for Best New Artist, Best Male Pop Vocal Album for his self-titled debut LP, and Song Of The Year for "Solamente tú." What do you remember from that ceremony?
When they told me about the Latin GRAMMYs; it was an enormous thrill. I wasn't familiar with the Latin GRAMMY because my career just started. They called me and said, 'Hey, Demi Lovato is going to sing with you,' which was also very intense.
I remember taking my parents [to Las Vegas], which was the terrible part because they dressed formally. My mother looked like Cinderella, my father looked like a prince, my brother... They were all there and seated a little farther from us. When they announced the winners…I looked back, and my parents' faces, poor things, they looked as if I had been killed. [Laughs.]They were outraged, trying to pretend they were okay so I wouldn't see them upset. I had Sie7e and his wife sitting next to me, the happiness they felt when he won the Best New Artist award; I was shocked at how happy and excited they were.
I was genuinely happy, suddenly seeing their happiness after so much work. I understand there's a competitive aspect; we're human beings, but I've been watching the Latin GRAMMYs for many years, living how it is, enjoying, learning to enjoy under pressure.
Unlike in the past, you had no talismans for the 24th Latin GRAMMYs ceremony. Although you did not use any at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, you often use talismans such as eagles, twins, and silver clothes for luck. When did this practice start? It appeared that it became an obsession, as you constantly searched for signs everywhere.
It was a way to protect myself and hang on to something and, of course, be able to let go of it as well. Thank goodness I didn't win the Latin GRAMMY when I had all the eagle signs; otherwise, my house would be filled with eagle talismans (laughs). I could see myself getting hooked on the eagle stuff. We must put everything into perspective and live the experience without overthinking. I try not to be too superstitious about anything, anyway, because it's a kind of slavery.
It has been a year since the release of La Cu4rta Hoja. What have you learned from the album and its 11 songs?
Each album is a journey; it is a new experience. Each album teaches you something different, and this one has taught me to live at the speed of musical consumption and not lose the essence in the middle of this journey.
Being able to innovate while simultaneously maintaining your roots and supporting what you like in music —that balance will always be more challenging to maintain due to what surrounds you, the speed with which music is consumed, and the fact that millions of songs are released weekly. There are times when that effort is more challenging and other times, it is effortless.
Touring gives me the illusion of seeing an audience that wants to feel the songs regardless of their style. People want to feel and want to see their feelings reflected in the lyrics and the music. And that reminds me why I make music and why I am here.
Have you been surprised by reactions to any particular song from La Cu4rta Hoja?
"A Batir las Alas" surprised me a lot during concerts because it is a very personal song and, at the same time, a little strange… The lyrics, the way of singing it, the structure, and the response from the people in concerts were excellent.
"Voraces" also surprised me a lot. It is the third song on the show's setlist. It amazes me that people sing and like it since it is a song that wasn't a single and has a strange concept; it's like a tanguillo [an upbeat and catchy flamenco palo] and, simultaneously, a chacarera [a polyrhythmic Argentinean folk subgenre].
You've always been involved with producing your albums, but you've taken a more prominent role in your last two albums. Why was that?
In [2020's] Vértigo, I worked remotely, which was challenging. That album was very complicated to put together because I worked with Julio Reyes Copello from Miami, the strings were made in Prague, and my guitarists were in [Spain]. It was a fun process on the one hand but cold on the other. I felt like things were lost. I learned a lot on that album as well. In the end, you know how you want your song to sound, so you have to be very involved.
On this last album, some songs didn't change much from the demo I produced at home. We wanted to stick with that first idea…playing it live and improving some things. But that production was already done. For example, "A Batir las Alas" worked with a guitar and a string, and there was not even a drum; there was barely a bass. It is a reasonably large ballad, yet we wanted to make it small. There are other times that the producer's work obviously, no matter how much I am involved, [is needed].
What do you like the most about producing?
The freedom. You feel an absence of judgment, an absence of limits. I can spend hours in the studio without eating, without seeing anyone, working with the musicians and the producers, or whoever is there. It feels like anything is possible — not because you know that the process can change suddenly, but because you know that what you produce, maybe you will hear again the next day, and it seems like a disaster, or it could be the best thing in the world.
So I really enjoyed it, knowing that moment was mine and that of those who were there, no one would hear it or give their opinion. Once it's finished, that song is no longer mine; it belongs to everyone. But it is enjoyable to feel that you are jumping into the void and that you are going to fall into the water.
La Cu4rta Hoja was created during your last tour. Has the album inspired you to create new songs?
There are ideas... When I'm on the plane, I spend hours listening to the voice notes on my phone, which are ideas [for] millions of songs I have. I'm in the hotel room, coming from a show or going to a show, and an idea comes to mind, and I record it and then review it.
Silence is indeed necessary to create. So, I am very focused on giving 100 percent on this tour. There are many trips, many countries. It is the longest, almost the most extended tour we are doing, and then when I return home, and I am in that silence and in that tranquility, everything I am experiencing will explode. There are a lot of emotions and inputs that I'm receiving that I still can't capture because I'm non-stop.
This is the most extensive tour you will do in the United States. What is it like preparing for all those dates? You will go to cities you've never performed in before.
There's a lot of enthusiasm and excitement. We were already in the United States a few years ago, and it was necessary to come back, and the fact that people want it is a gift to me.
Different things happen at each concert, the repertoire changes, and we let ourselves be carried away by what happens and the place we are in. We also sing versions, maybe a song by a local artist, and in the United States, I'm excited to do some covers of things I already have in mind.
Photos: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Latin Recording Academy; Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images; Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Latin Recording Academy; Patricia J. Garcinuno/WireImage; Juan Naharro Gimenez/Getty Images
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2023 In Review: 5 Trends That Defined Latin Music
2023 was a transformative year for Latin music: Música mexicana expanded globally; urbano music continued its dominance and innovative sounds broke boundaries. Read on for five trends showcasing the breadth of Latin music's influence.
2022 was the year of Rosalía’s Motomami and Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti — two groundbreaking albums that expanded both the artistic scope and mainstream appeal of Latin music. How do you top that?
As it turns out, 2023 had a number of surprises in store: the emergence of música mexicana on an international scale, but also the further globalization of Latin sounds and new developments in urbano music, which continues to gain in influence and sophistication. It was also a particularly prolific year — with hundreds of singles, EPs and albums expanding the scope of Latin across genres and formats.
Here are some of the notable trends that emerged during the past 12 months.
Finally, Música Mexicana Gets The Chance To Shine
Reggaetón and urbano were at the forefront of the Latin music tsunami that began to take hold of the entire planet a good three years ago. During that time, many insiders pondered if the huge field of so-called regional Mexican music would ever enjoy such levels of exposure. Turns out there was nothing regional about it.
Far from stagnating, the genre evolved with the rise of the sparse, melancholy sound known as sad sierreño, and the swagger of hip-hop informing the zeitgeist of young artists like Natanael Cano and Junior H.
2023 will be forever remembered as the year when música mexicana connected with the world at large, and it happened mostly through one song: "Ella Baila Sola," the collaboration between Jalisco singer Peso Pluma and Cali group Eslabón Armado — a tune whose spiraling groove is so buoyant and infectious, it transcends borders. The subversive duet of Bad Bunny and Grupo Frontera on mega-hit "un x100to" didn’t hurt either, and the movement gained strength with Peso Pluma’s excellent third LP, as well as the talents of young stars such as Fuerza Regida, Gabito Ballesteros and Yahritza y Su Esencia.
When It Comes To Latin Rock, Argentina Is Still At The Forefront
From Charly García and Luis Alberto Spinetta to Soda Stereo and Babasónicos, Argentina boasts a fierce tradition for generating legendary rock albums. Even though the South American nation has embraced the present with such urbano stars as Bizarrap, Duki and Nicki Nicole, there will always be a place of honor reserved for good old fashioned rock’n’roll in Argentina’s clubs and recording studios.
2023 was no exception. Hailing from the city of La Plata, Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado released Súper Terror. Their first full length album since 2017's La Síntesis O’Konor, the new LP includes atmospheric ballads like the gorgeous "Medalla de Oro." Another top contender is Tripolar, the third effort by Mendoza indie darlings Usted Señalemelo.
Also of note: Lo Más Cercano a Caer, the stunning debut by Nenagenix. Fronted by singer Martina Sampietro, the band has dreamed up a ferocious collection of songs with inspired touches of grunge and shoegaze.
Pop Stardom Is A Young Artist’s Game…
Popular music has always reflected the combustion and adrenaline of youth, but the immediacy of the digital era has heightened this fact. It seems that the transition from self-taught teens uploading their demos in TikTok to fully fledged stars performing at Coachella has become even more rapid.
Some of the most successful Latin artists climbing the 2023 charts have had only a couple of years to transition into pop icon status — and the vulnerability of their emotional state is often expressed in their music. From the reggaetón-fueled erotic narratives of 21 year-old Madrid rapper Quevedo ("PUNTO G") to the bachata-pop warmth of 19 year-old Mexican/American DannyLux ("MI HOGAR," with maye) and the confessional urbano narratives of 22-year-old Argentine vocalist Tiago PZK (the TINI duet "Me Enteré"), many young artists found the global platform where they could freely express their longings and dreams.
...But The Veterans Have Still Plenty To Say
Years of accolades have not dimmed the creative vision of veteran Latin artists. In the case of Juanes, a marital crisis during the pandemic inspired Vida Cotidiana — arguably the Colombian singer’s best album to date. Just listen to the gritty guitar textures of the majestic "Gris" and the spiraling Afro lines of "Cecilia," a sun-is-shining-again duet with Juan Luis Guerra. Vida Cotidiana is nominated for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album alongside Cabra's MARTÍNEZ, Leche De Tigre by Diamante Eléctrico, Natalia Lafourcade's De Todas Las Flores and EADDA9223 by Fito Paez.
At 46, Shakira finds herself at the top of her game, with major pop culture moments like her Bizarrap collaboration — the most epic revenge song of the year and a Latin GRAMMY winner— and the jagged edges of "TQG," her duet with KAROL G.
Having developed a tradition of recording solo excursions in Paris, Zoé frontman León Larregui explored his hazy psychedelic mystique on PRISMARAMA, the Mexican singer’s excellent — and first self-produced — third outing.
The Urbano Groove May Never Run Out Of Steam
You may think that global audiences would have tired of the ubiquitous reggaetón beat. But the music of Puerto Rico — just like traditional salsa in the ‘70s – has a gravitas that rewards longer attention spans. Fittingly for a genre known for its prolific work ethic, some of the biggest names in urbano released albums in 2023, and none of them disappoint.
One listen to the refined melody of "MÓNACO" — like a reggaetón take on a James Bond theme — is enough to realize that Bad Bunny’s creative streak hasn’t slowed down since he reimagined the Latin pop atlas with Un Verano Sin Ti. Known for his honeyed dance hits, Ozuna put out an EP (Afro) and an album (Cosmo), including the synth-pop magic of "Vocation," with producer David Guetta.
Last but not least, KAROL G’s MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO demonstrates on luminous tracks like "PROVENZA" and "CAIRO" that her work with fellow Colombian producer Ovy on the Drums is one of the defining artistic partnerships of the decade. MAÑANA is nominated for Best Música Urbana Album at the 2024 GRAMMYs alongside Rauw Alejandro's SATURNO and Tainy's DATA.