BEST NEW ARTIST

Borja

With a solid, deep and very Iberian vocal range, Borja offers his take on modern romantic pop songs par excellence. The young singer/songwriter and producer, who hails from Barcelona, debuted his first album Rimas Del Verbo Amar in May. The record, which he worked on for nearly six years, is a compendium of his own romances and the complicated emotional journey each one represented. The influences of other great Spanish artists in the genre are palpable, but Borja distinguishes himself through his reinterpretations of traditional themes mixed with contemporary rhythms that the new generations enjoy. (Ana Santiago)

Conexión Divina

The trio of young Mexican-Americans Liz Trujillo (voice and guitar), Ashlee Valenzuela (requinto) and Sandra Calixto (bass), from Los Angeles, Arizona and Dallas, respectively, make up the first female sierreña music group. In typical Gen Z fashion, the girls met on social media, and when they decided to connect live, Valenzuela and Calixto moved to California. The rest is musical history made by three girls pushing boundaries. Trujillo’s superb contralto, the tongue-in-cheek nod to pachuco style and LGBTQIA+ aesthetic was well received at this summer’s Coachella Festival. The release of their single “Odio” was an instant success that overflowed into their first album, Tres Mundos, which included collaborations with Gabito Ballesteros and Los Aptos. (Néstor Díaz de Villegas)

Ana Del Castillo

In the lush world of tropical music, Ana del Castillo emerges as a bright star with a huge voice. Whether singing of festive reveries or celebrating life with unapologetic confidence, her lyrics strike a chord with her ever-growing fan base. Hailing from Valledupar, Colombia, the 24-year-old artist began her musical journey at seven years old with Los Niños del Vallenato. Five years later, she made waves on the Colombian TV show, El Factor X, and in 2019 she burst onto the international scene in 2019 with her irresistible dance-floor number “Ya Es Mío,” signaling the beginning of her ascent. Filled with beautiful accordion and guitar interplay, her debut album El Favor de Dios sees del Castillo as one of Colombia’s most promising vallenato singers. (Isabela Raygoza)

Natascha Falcão

Singer/songwriter Natascha Falcão is not afraid to push boundaries with her music, which embraces and amplifies the diversity of Brazilian musical rhythms. After launching her career in 2019 with the EP Kitsch Completo, she took her time to bring her follow-up debut album, Ave Mulher, to life earlier this year. The record explores the sounds of her native Pernambuco, in Brazil’s northeastern region, and puts a contemporary twist on genres such as coco, maracatu nação, forró and mangue with electronic timbres and textures. Falcão’s electrifying stage presence — she recently toured throughout Brazil — and refreshing spin on MPB are evident in songs like “Coco Que Eu Sei”, “Adeus” and the mesmerizing “Banho De Flor.” (Lucas Villa)

GALE

At just 30 years old, Puerto Rican singer/songwriter GALE has already composed for renowned artists like Shakira, Anitta, Juanes, Pharrell Williams and Cardi B. She wrote her first song at age seven, at a time when her biggest influences were Alanis Morissette and Christina Aguilera. In 2022, she fulfilled her dream of working with one of them and co-wrote “Brujería” and “Santo,” from the album Aguilera, which earned her several Latin GRAMMY nominations. After her solo debut in 2021, Gale released her first album, Lo Que No Te Dije, a pop record that includes “D Pic,” in which Gale masterfully replaces expletives with sonic flourishes and denounces men who send explicit photos without consent. (Ana Monroy Yglesias)

Paola Guanche

Just because Paola Guanche is celebrating her first Latin GRAMMY nomination, doesn’t mean she’s not a veteran musical performer. Raised in a family of musicians in Miami, the Cancun, Mexico-born singer has been a network television staple for over a decade. Since winning the inaugural edition of La Voz Kids in 2013, the charismatic singer has defined her sound, masterfully combining R&B with pop, genres that were enshrined in her debut EP Reencuentro. Across its five tracks, the work boasts a drive and confidence rarely seen in such a young artist. It’s impossible not to think of the gifted performer Lauryn Hill when listening to Guanche singing “Prohibido” or “Quiero”. The voice of this artist transports the listener to a rhythmic and harmonic space, and exudes a truly impressive level of intimacy. (Andrew Casillas)

Joaquina

Joaquina Blavia, known to her fans simply as Joaquina, has been writing songs and sharing them online with the world since the age of 13. A graduate of Latin GRAMMYwinning producer Julio Reyes Copello’s Art House Academy, Joaquina is also part of a prestigious academic program in collaboration with the Abbey Road Institute. Born in Venezuela and raised in Miami, the young singer-songwriter has emerged as a talented lyricist with a special knack for capturing the nuances of teenage angst in a way that is equally catchy and poetic. Building a fanbase may not have happened overnight, but getting noticed by industry heavyweights certainly did not take long. Joaquina opened for Fonseca during his tour dates in Colombia and the United States, and recently released Los Mejores Años, her latest EP, which holds the promise of a rising star. (Lissette Corsa)

Leon Leiden

Leon Leiden is proving that his talent and success aren’t limited to just one genre. The Mexican multi-instrumentalist first launched his career in 2016 with EDM, but it wasn’t until 2020 that his creations catapulted him internationally after going viral on TikTok. A year later, Leiden debuted El Morro Que Hace Música, an album that blends Latin pop with elements of electronica, trap and reggaeton. Since then, the producer has explored genres like hip-hop and R&B in songs like “Ya No Se Mueve,” featuring Nanpa Básico, and experimented with rock on the remake of “Florecita Rockera” alongside the Colombian group Aterciopelados, and Thalia. Leiden recently put a contemporary spin on 2000s-inspired pop in his joint EP MP3 with fellow Mexican act Francely Abreuu. (Lucas Villa)

Maréh

“I’m not a big fan of those who turn their art into a discourse. It is much more powerful to make criticisms from what is not so obvious or so explicit,” said Colombian Federico Galvis, better known as Maréh, in an interview. Proof of this is his most recent creation, Tierra De Promesas, a tribute to his native country that takes inspiration from his grandfather’s life — one of the precursors of agroecology — and the Colombian strike that took place in 2021, where a large majority of young people demonstrated to demand changes in the South American nation. Over 11 tracks, each one named after a specific ecosystem, the former anthropology student sings about love and glorifies the natural beauty of the second most biodiverse country in the world. Thanks to an exquisite blend of pop and jazz rhythms, Maréh offers an oasis of hope and a glow that extends to any part of the world. (Andrew Casillas)

TIMØ

Colombian band Timø first made a splash back in 2019 when their effervescent pop debut, “Bebamos,” went viral. Comprised of schoolmates Andrés Vásquez (bass/vocals), Alejandro Ochoa (guitar/vocals) and Felipe Galat (guitar/vocals), the vocal trio went on to release their debut EP, Algo Diferente, in 2020. The band reached new levels of popularity with hits like “Espejito, Espejito,” which was a massive hit on digital platforms and TikTok. A year later, Timø toured Latin America with several sold-out shows, and teamed up with acclaimed producers Mauricio Rengifo and Andrés Torres for the group’s first full-length album. Released in March, Estemos Donde Estemos remains committed to the group’s sonic brand of high-octane, fist-pumping, easy-to-sing-along-to-pop anthems. (Lissette Corsa)

The Foundation awarded more than $1.3 million across a total of 49 scholarships

to music students around the world

Credit: John Parra/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

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MIAMI (AUGUST 13, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® awarded the 2025 Warner Music Latina Scholarship to trumpeter Arlen Borrego Miranda during a special ceremony at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. The ceremony, hosted by 2022 Prodigy Scholarship recipient Valentina García, featured a performance by Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY®-nominated artist Elena Rose, alongside scholarship recipients and alumni. The musical director for the evening was Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY-winning producer, composer and conductor Carlos Fernando López, a triple graduate of the Frost School of Music. Additionally, 48 more scholarships were awarded to music students around the world.

Also known as the Prodigy Scholarship, the annual award supports music education and Latin music genres, and was sponsored by a record label for the first time in the Foundation’s history. The scholarship allows Borrego Miranda to pursue a bachelor's degree at Berklee College of Music starting this fall. In addition, it also supports the costs of tuition, room, board and wrap around services that include ongoing mentorship and learning opportunities provided in partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. Previous sponsors include: Sebastián Yatra (2024), 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).

Since its establishment in 2014, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has committed an extraordinary sum of more than $13.9 million in scholarships, grants, musical instruments and educational programs throughout the United States and Ibero-America.

“Each year we have the privilege and responsibility of reviewing and awarding scholarships made possible by the generosity of our donors,” said Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We are moved by the talented students and grateful to our partners who have enabled us to provide more than $1.3 million across 49 scholarships to music students worldwide, ensuring the rich legacy of Latin music.”

“At Warner Music Latina we believe in the power of education as a catalyst for creativity and cultural preservation,” said Roberto Andrade, Managing Director at Warner Music Latina. “Partnering with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation to sponsor the Prodigy Scholarship reflects our long-term commitment to nurturing the next generation of Latin music talent. We’re proud to help Arlen take this next step and are honored to support the future of our music.”

“Music has saved my life. Finding this path from a young age and having the opportunity to pursue this dream, thanks to the support of Warner Music Latina and the incredible Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, exceeds everything I ever imagined,” said Borrego Miranda. “I am committed to making the most of this incredible gift by working hard and making everyone proud. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Additionally, the Foundation awarded the first Emerging Talent Scholarship, in partnership with Berklee College of Music, to saxophonist Aina López Pla. The Emerging Talent Scholarship covers a bachelor’s degree at Berklee, room and board, as well as a laptop and ongoing mentorship and learning opportunities provided in partnership with the Foundation.

The Foundation also announced the recipients of its Gifted Tuition Scholarships and Tuition Assistance Scholarships—with an additional 48 talented students from diverse backgrounds receiving the opportunity to pursue an education at some of the most prestigious music institutions in the world.

Gifted Tuition Scholarship Recipients:

Two (2) Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $120,000 each were awarded to students to cover tuition costs towards a four-year bachelor's degree in music, and wrap around services, starting this fall:

• Frost School of Music at the University of Miami awarded one scholarship to vocalist Irenda Arano Díaz to attend the elite music school.

• Gil Family Foundation awarded one scholarship to drummer Miguel Francisco Pie Gil to attend the school of his choice.

Tuition Assistance Scholarship Recipients:

In addition, 45 students each received the Tuition Assistance Scholarship, a one-time scholarship that ranges in value from $10,000 to up to $12,500 toward the tuition costs for the university or college of their choice and includes wrap around services provided by the Foundation.

For the second consecutive year, Gibson Gives, Gibson’s philanthropic division, sponsored three (3) Tuition Assistance Scholarships—awarded to students who study guitar as their principal instrument—and gifted a Gibson guitar to each of their respective scholarship recipients.

Further generating impact, AIE Sociedad de Artistas, Amazon Music, Bulova, Kraft Family Inc. and Open Society Foundations sponsored Tuition Assistance Scholarships. To view all scholarships awarded and their respective recipients, please refer to the chart below for additional details.

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ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade, it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $13.9 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

This year’s honorees include Susana Baca, Enrique Bunbury, Ivan Lins, Pandora,

Eric Schilling and Olga Tañón

Click here for additional images

MIAMI (AUGUST 7, 2025) — The Latin Recording Academy® announced today that Susana Baca, Enrique Bunbury, Ivan Lins, Pandora and Olga Tañón will receive this year's Lifetime Achievement Award, as part of its annual Special Awards Presentation. Additionally, Eric Schilling will receive the Trustees Award. The first recipient of the Latin Music Educator Award will also be recognized during the ceremony.

“It is an immense privilege to honor these musical legends—who continue redefining our Latin music and heritage—as well as our inaugural Latin Music Educator Award recipient,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We look forward to celebrating them all as part of our 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Week festivities.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to performers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music and its communities. The Trustees Award is bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to Latin music during their careers in ways other than performance. Both distinctions are voted on by The Latin Recording Academy's Board of Trustees.

The Latin Music Educator Award is a new distinction, in partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, that recognizes one exceptional educator from the global music community who is making a significant impact by incorporating Latin music into their curriculum. Additionally, the recipient’s school music program will receive a $10,000 instrument donation to support continued music education.

The honorees will be celebrated during a private event, presented for the second consecutive year by Windstar Cruises, on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Las Vegas.

2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees:

Susana Baca (Peru)

Throughout a distinguished career that spans decades, Susana Baca has investigated, cherished and safeguarded the once forgotten traditions of Afro-Peruvian music. A luminous performer — and three-time Latin GRAMMY winner and GRAMMY nominee — she belongs in the same exclusive group of folk songstresses as Mercedes Sosa and Violeta Parra. Born in 1944, Susana Esther Baca de la Colina grew up in Lima, surrounded by music. She initially worked as a schoolteacher, then began traveling across the Peruvian coastline with her husband, Ricardo Pereira, studying the country’s Black culture. By the mid-‘90s, her exquisite recording of the Chabuca Granda gem “María Landó” had established her as a global diva, igniting a growing interest in the Afro-Peruvian genre. In 2020, Baca demonstrated the purity of her vision with A Capella, a stunning solo session. She continues touring and recording to this day.

Enrique Bunbury (Spain)

Pioneering, musically omnivorous and intensely poetic, Enrique Bunbury is not only one of the most visionary rock stars ever to emerge from Spain, but also a 21st century master when it comes to crafting transcendent songs in the Spanish language. Born in Zaragoza in 1967, Enrique Ortiz de Landázuri Izarduy gained fame between the late ‘80s and the early ‘90s as the vocalist for the band Héroes del Silencio. But it was his solo output — beginning with classic albums like 1999’s Pequeño and 2002’s Flamingos — that found him developing a wondrous sound nourished by the reckless passion of Latin American folklore and the chiaroscuro shades of cabaret music. A live performer of hypnotic bravado, the Latin GRAMMY winner has continued to expand his stark aesthetic on memorable LPs like 2023’s Greta Garbo and 2025’s Cuentas Pendientes.

Ivan Lins (Brazil)

The creator of such timeless Brazilian anthems as “Madalena” and “Começar de Novo,” Ivan Lins is a keyboardist and singer/songwriter of staggering harmonic imagination and melodic genius — a Rio de Janeiro native who began his career under the spell of bossa nova, but quickly took flight and developed a deeply personal, cosmopolitan musical language of his own. Born in 1945, Ivan Guimarães Lins first gained exposure in Brazil during the late ‘60s. Gradually, his songs bewitched several generations of American jazz stars, from Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan to Quincy Jones and Michael Bublé. With over 800 compositions to his credit, the prolific Lins has been releasing new records from the ‘70s to the present. He is a two-time GRAMMY nominee and has won multiple Latin GRAMMYs, including Album Of The Year in 2005 for Cantando Histórias, a soulful retrospective live session.

Pandora (Mexico)

The landscape of Latin pop was forever transformed in 1985 when Mexican vocal trio Pandora released “Cómo Te Va Mi Amor,” the first of many international hit singles. It wasn’t only the song’s opening sax line, supple backbeat and sweet keyboard lines that captured the public’s imagination. There was also an air of hope and everlasting romance in the vocalizing of the band’s stars: sisters Isabel and Mayte Lascurain, and Fernanda Meade. Pandora’s now-legendary, self-titled debut was only the beginning. The GRAMMY nominees have collaborated with such musical legends as Armando Manzanero and Frank Sinatra, Julie Andrews and Luis Miguel. In 2019, Más Pandora Que Nunca expanded the trio’s repertoire with a number of stellar duets. Still going strong, Pandora is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with Pandora 40, a new compilation album of their greatest hits from the last four decades, along with an autobiographical tome detailing their personal and professional trajectory.

Olga Tañón (Puerto Rico)

One listen of the 1994 mega-hit “Es Mentiroso” is enough to appreciate the inordinate amounts of attitude and swing that Puerto Rican singer Olga Tañón has brought to merengue — a genre that at the time was predominantly male and confined to the Dominican Republic. But Tañón is much more than a merengue superstar. She has experimented with a multitude of styles, lending her gutsy voice to bachata, salsa and Latin pop. Olga Teresa Tañón Ortiz was born in San Juan in 1967, and kicked off her career as a member of tropical group Chantelle before experiencing massive success on her own. From the vibrant urbano tropical fusion of 2017’s “La Gran Fiesta” to the feverish groove of 2021’s “Mi Forma De Ser,” the multiple Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winner continues to shine as a beacon of contemporary merengue music.

2025 Trustees Award Honoree:

Eric Schilling (United States)

The recipient of 12 Latin GRAMMYs and eight GRAMMYs, Eric Schilling is a visionary audio engineer who has shaped and transformed the sound of Latin recordings over the last quarter century. He began his career as a teenager, taping live radio broadcasts by rock legends in the San Francisco Bay area, where he was mentored by Motown veteran Bob Ohlsson. Moving to Florida proved serendipitous, as Schilling established a long-standing creative partnership with Gloria and Emilio Estefan, becoming their engineer of choice on classic albums such as Mi Tierra and 90 Millas. Schilling has also added a sumptuous sheen of audio magic to quintessential 21st century LPs by Shakira, Alejandro Sanz, Thalía, Juan Luis Guerra, Cachao and many others. An expert in engineering major broadcast events, he has also won 8 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sound Mixing.

Alex Hadad will serve as executive producer of the event, working under the direction of The Latin Recording Academy’s production team led by Ayleen Figueras.

For the latest news, visit the official Latin Recording Academy site at LatinGRAMMY.com. Follow us on Facebook (LatinGRAMMYs), X (@LatinGRAMMYs), Instagram (@LatinGRAMMYs), and the Latin GRAMMYs WhatsApp Channel, and use #LatinGRAMMY on all popular social media platforms. The official Latin GRAMMY app is also available on iOS (Apple) and Android (Google Play).

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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

ABOUT WINDSTAR CRUISES:

For four decades, Windstar Cruises has been reimagining small-ship cruising with a distinctive blend of relaxed luxury and genuine connection to the world’s most captivating destinations. From its origins with motor sailing yachts tailored for upscale yet casual travel, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of five Star Class all-suite yachts and three Wind Class sailing yachts, hosting only 150-350 guests each. Windstar is proud to support the arts with special activities, sponsorships and theme cruises throughout the year.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

This event will honor legends such as Rocío Jurado, Lola Flores, Camarón de la Isla, and Enrique Morente; as well as icons like Raphael, Joaquín Sabina, Alejandro Sanz, Manuel Alejandro, and Miguel Ríos

It will also celebrate contemporary artists with special appearances by David Bisbal, Manuel Carrasco, Vanesa Martín and India Martínez, among others

Tickets go on sale today, and the funds raised will support musical development in the region

MIAMI (JULY 28, 2025) — On Wednesday, September 10, The Latin Recording Academy®, in collaboration with la Junta de Andalucía, continues its calendar of events in the Andalusian community—which began in 2023—by hosting Latin GRAMMY® Celebra: La Música de Andalucía, in Sevilla.

The event, which will take place at the Cartuja Center CITE, will honor Andalucía and some of its most influential musical artists. From timeless voices and exceptional artists that reflect the region’s rich musical legacy, like the legends Rocío Jurado, Lola Flores, Camarón de la Isla, or Enrique Morente, to icons like Raphael, Joaquín Sabina, Alejandro Sanz, Manuel Alejandro, and Miguel Ríos. The event will also include special appearances by David Bisbal, Manuel Carrasco, Vanesa Martín and India Martínez, among others.

“We are proud to return to Sevilla to honor Andalucía’s musical legacy and the extraordinary artists who have emerged from this land, whose influence has been pivotal in the global impact of Latin music,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy.

With over 30 artists on stage, the event—co-financed by the Programa FEDER Andalucía 2021-2027—will showcase the diversity of genres from Andalucía, from traditional flamenco to contemporary Latin music rhythms, and is presented by la Junta de Andalucía and sponsored by the Iberian ham brand Enrique Tomás. Spanning centuries of creativity and innovation, the event will recognize Andalucía’s enduring influence on global music, celebrating both the legends who have passed away and today’s unparalleled icons.

Macarena Moreno and the team from The Latin Recording Academy, led by Ayleen Figueras, oversee executive production; Carlos Narea will handle musical production under the direction of Pablo Cebrián. Tickets go on sale today via the Cartuja Center CITE website, and funds raised will support the region’s musical development.

The Latin Recording Academy and la Junta de Andalucía continue to celebrate Latin music in Andalucía, following the success of last year’s Latin GRAMMY® Celebra: Paco de Lucía event, in Cádiz, and the Latin GRAMMY® Session, in Málaga.

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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals, produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS / EQUIPO SINGULAR:

María García: maria.garcia@equiposingular.com

Victoria Alonso: victoria.alonso@equiposingular.com

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® and Fundación Puertas Abiertas joined forces to offer a live educational program

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Credit: Luis González.Heif/Fundación Puertas Abiertas

MIAMI (JULY 22, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® and Fundación Puertas Abiertas, established and presided over by the renowned songwriter Erika Ender—Latin GRAMMY® winner, GRAMMY® nominee, and a member of The Latin Recording Academy®’s Board of Trustees—hosted an educational experience at Panama’s Ciudad de las Artes to inspire a new generation of Latin music creators.

This marked the 43rd Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ program organized by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, which included a donation of musical instruments to young students, performances, and a special appearance by Ender, along with a Q&A session with Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

Ciudad de las Artes is an arts and training facility that is home to the Network of Choirs and Orchestras, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Ballet of Panama, among others, promoting music, inspiration, and learning while uniting art with social engagement.

“It's a pleasure to celebrate the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation event in Panama, joining forces with my foundation, Fundación Puertas Abiertas, and work together, hand in hand to support youth,” said Ender. “Supporting education, music, and Panamanian talent is both a duty and an honor, and I am proud to be able to make this donation of instruments to the Network of Choirs and Orchestras and connect generations through music in a place as magical as Ciudad de las Artes.”

“Creating spaces to provide opportunities to promote Latin music and its culture is key to our mission,” said Egusquiza. “We are grateful to Fundación Puertas Abiertas and Erika Ender for welcoming us to Panama and for allowing us to work together to empower the future generation of Latin music creators.”

Since its inception, the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program has benefited educational institutions in various cities across the United States, including Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Antonio, as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Panama City, Panama, Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco, and San Juan in Puerto Rico; and Sevilla, Spain.

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry, supporting educational music departments that face financial limitations. The Foundation invites professional musicians, artists, and sound engineers to visit middle and high schools, universities, or music education institutions and share their personal stories and experiences with students, highlighting the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.

Among the artists who have participated in this program are: Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Marilina Bertoldi, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nacho, Chiquis, Luis Coronel, Silvestre Dangond, Joss Favela, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, El Fantasma, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Carlos Jean, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mau y Ricky, Claudia Montero, Ednita Nazario, Christian Nodal, Laura Pausini, Ángel "Cucco" Peña, Mireya Ramos, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Noel Scharjris, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Sebastián Yatra.

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ABOUT ERIKA ENDER:

A pioneer in the global music industry, Erika Ender stands as one of the most decorated and versatile creators of all time. As a songwriter, artist, producer, communicator, and philanthropist, she has penned over 40 #1 hits across a broad spectrum of genres, including the most globally successful song in history, “Despacito.” With more than 200 albums featuring her compositions and nearly 400 prestigious awards—including Latin GRAMMYs® and Billboard Awards—she ranks among the most honored Latin songwriters of all time. Her catalog has earned 16 Diamond certifications, 177 multi-Platinum, and 181 Gold awards across multiple countries, cementing her legacy as both an artistic and commercial powerhouse. A member of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognized by Forbes as one of Central America's Most Powerful Women, and honored with a Guinness World Record™ for her innovative philanthropic initiative “TALENPRO”—the flagship project of her Fundación Puertas Abiertas, established in 2009—she has transformed over 50,000 lives through educational programs, renovated learning environments, university scholarships, early childhood nutrition programs, and more. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Erika Ender transcends music: she is a visionary who shapes the world with every note, word, and action. For more information: www.erikaender.com.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade, it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $12.5 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

Fundación Puertas Abiertas

Ilka Ender

ilka@funpaee.org