New Eligibility Guidelines Announced For The 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® Process

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New Eligibility Guidelines Announced For The 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® Process

Latin GRAMMYs/Mar 19, 2025 - 01:00 PM

A new Field and two Categories added, and changes to requirements for existing categories also made

MIAMI (MARCH 19, 2025) — As part of The Latin Recording Academy®’s commitment to evolve with the ever-changing musical landscape, and to best serve its membership body of music creators and professionals, we are pleased to announce that several changes, including a new field and two categories, have been added to the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® Process.

NEW FIELD & CATEGORY

FIELD: VISUAL MEDIA

CATEGORY: BEST MUSIC FOR VISUAL MEDIA

The category of Music for Visual Media recognizes original music created to accompany and enrich the storyline of movies, television series, video games and other visual media.

This includes music that, through its creativity and originality, significantly enriches the narrative and atmosphere of movies, series, documentaries, video games, and other visual media, elevating the viewer's experience. For a project to participate in this category, it must: A) feature Latin rhythms recognized as genres participating in the annual Latin GRAMMY awards; or B) be composed by someone of Ibero-American descent. A fundamental condition is that the music be original and created specifically for the visual media project. To qualify, the total duration of the production must be at least 15 minutes of the original music and not different versions of it, and it can include songs with lyrics and vocals in Spanish, Portuguese, and/or regional dialects, or it can be instrumental. The statuette is presented to: Composer(s) and Artist(s) with significant contributions, Producer(s), Arranger(s), Recording Engineer(s) and Mixing Engineer(s) for 51% or more of the total recording time of the album.

NEW CATEGORY

BEST ROOTS SONG – SINGLES OR TRACKS ONLY (TRADITIONAL FIELD)

This award is given to the songwriters of new, unpublished recordings, both vocal and instrumental, that reflect the traditions and roots of various communities, cultures, or social groups, especially those of Hispanic American origin, whether in Spanish, Portuguese or in indigenous languages or dialects. Eligible genres include tango, folk, flamenco, and other traditional subgenres, excluding tropical music and its derivatives, and must be in Spanish, Portuguese or in indigenous languages or dialects. If another language is included, the recording must contain at least 60% of its lyrics in Spanish, Portuguese or in an indigenous language, be completely original, and have been released during the current eligibility period. The recording can be part of an album (tracks) or presented as a single. Covers, remixes, and recordings that use interpolation or samples from other previously released recordings will not be considered. The award is given to the songwriter(s), and Special Certificates (Publisher’s Certificates) are awarded to the music publishers.

ADDITIONAL CATEGORY AMENDMENTS

1. CATEGORY NAME CHANGES:

  • Best Pop Vocal Album category will now be named Best Contemporary Pop Album (Pop Field).

  • Best Urban Fusion/Performance category will now be named Best Urban/Urban Fusion Performance (Urban Field).

  • Best Latin Children’s Album category will now be named Best Children’s Album (Children’s Field).

2. AMENDMENT TO CATEGORY NAMES WITHIN THE POP FIELD:

The Pop Field is eliminating the word “Vocal” from the categories within its field, therefore, the album categories names will be as follows:

  • Best Contemporary Pop Album

  • Best Traditional Pop Album

3. AMENDMENT TO ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Eligibility criteria was updated in the Best Urban/Urban Fusion Performance category (Urban Field):

  • Remixes are eligible only if the original version of the song was released within the same eligibility year.

  • The required percentage of urban elements is increasing from 51% to 60% to qualify in this category.

4. NEW SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

The Songwriter of the Year category reduced the minimum song threshold from six (6) songs to four (4). Songwriters with a minimum of four (4) newly written songs will be credited as a songwriter or co-writer, provided they are not also the performer, producer or engineer.

5. NEW VIDEO ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Best Long Form Music Video Category (Music Video Field)

Eligible videos in the Best Long Form Music Video category must have a minimum duration of 12 minutes. Additional eligibility criteria: the duration of the credits will not be counted as part of the video's length unless they contribute to the creative process.

6. AMENDMENT TO THE SCREENING AND VOTING PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR CATEGORY:

The Producer of the Year category (Production Field), recognized as a craft category, will now be screened and voted on by a specialized committee in addition to the membership screening and voting process.

ONLINE ENTRY PROCESS

NEW GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS:

1. REQUIRED INFORMATION

For each entry in the Online Entry Process, the entrant is required to provide the recording date, the UPC or the ISRC number for the recording being submitted for Latin GRAMMY consideration.

2. STREAMING LINKS

The entrant must provide at least two (2) streaming links, ensuring that the links direct to the specific recording and not to the artist's page.

3. ENTRY FEES

The Latin Recording Academy has decided to implement the following fee structure:

MEMBERS - The Per-entry fee structure encourages submitters to carefully evaluate the value of each entry and prioritize work, they truly believe is worthy of recognition. Under this model, all Associate and Voting Members receive five (5) complimentary entries annually. Starting with the 6th entry members will pay $20 USD per additional entry.

RECORD LABELS - Record labels are currently required to pay a $500 fee to submit entries, with such fee varying based on the timing of the submission, as outlined below:

THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY FEE SCHEDULE

Category Early Entry Pricing (April 1 - April 30) Standard Pricing (May 1 - May 30)
Members $20 (after 5 courtesy entries) $20 (after 5 courtesy entries)
Record Labels $500 $1,000

All updates go into effect immediately for the upcoming 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards taking place in November 2025. To view this year’s Awards calendar, visit https://www.latingrammy.com/en/awards/calendar.

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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is an international 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 CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Hosts Emerging Talent Intensive Program At Boys & Girls Clubs Of Miami-Dade

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The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Hosts Emerging Talent Intensive Program At Boys & Girls Clubs Of Miami-Dade

Latin GRAMMYs/Jan 26, 2026 - 02:00 PM

The immersive learning experience, presented by Coca-Cola, guided aspiring

creators on industry topics such as music business, songwriting and Latin percussion

Click here for more images

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

MIAMI (JANUARY 26, 2026) – The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® hosted their Emerging Talent Intensive Program at Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade over the weekend. The immersive learning experience, presented by Coca-Cola, included a full day of activities which guided 50 aspiring teen music creators through curated, hands-on workshops focused on the music business, songwriting, performance and Latin percussion.

Guest panelists included Latin GRAMMY®-winning artist Natalia Ramírez who shared insights into the wide range of career possibilities within the music industry—from performance and production to marketing and tech—while also sharing practical advice from her own professional journey. The program continued with a presentation by Latin GRAMMY® nominee and Foundation alum Nicolás González, who guided the young creators through the foundations of songwriting and live performance, covering topics like lyric development, song structure and the art of storytelling through music. Rounding out the day, Foundation alum Alexis Soto, led a Latin percussion workshop, featuring a hands-on rhythm session. Each of the presentations included engaging Q&A sessions, with renowned journalist Jessica Rodriguez serving as the moderator, where the aspiring music creators were able to engage with the speakers and dived deeper into the respective workshops.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation for bringing this transformative Emerging Talent Intensive Program to our Clubs,” said Alex Rodríguez-Roig, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission to enable all young people to reach their full potential. By exposing our aspiring young music creators to world-class instruction in songwriting, performance and the business side of music, we're opening doors to career possibilities they may have never imagined. We thank the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, Coca-Cola, and all the talented guest instructors for investing in the futures of Miami-Dade's youth, and for showing them that their dreams in music are within reach.”

“Creating innovative, engaging programs that make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve is central to our purpose, and we’re proud to bring that commitment to life through our more than 75-year partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Alba Baylin, Vice President of Stakeholder and Social Impact at The Coca-Cola Company. “Together with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation we’ve created a culturally relevant and inspiring program that gives young people in Miami direct exposure to and mentorship from music industry experts, while building the workforce readiness skills they need for successful futures.”

“Together with Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and our guest panelists we are fulfilling our shared mission to serve the community and nurture aspiring music creators,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We are grateful to them and to Coca-Cola for partnering with us for this Emerging Talent Intensive as we further advance the future of Latin music.”

The Emerging Talent Intensive Program was launched in 2025 and creates engaging, accessible experiences for aspiring performing artists. The program offers young creators the opportunity to participate in hands-on training through classes and jam sessions based on the broad and dynamic curriculum offered by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation guest panelists and their brand partners.

For more information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

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. For over a decade, the Foundation 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 invested more than $15 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

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Adds Two Additional Scholarships For 2026

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The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Adds Two Additional Scholarships For 2026

Latin GRAMMYs/Jan 13, 2026 - 07:00 AM

The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and Gibson Gives return to award additional scholarships to gifted musicians

MIAMI (JANUARY 13, 2026)—The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced two additional scholarships to be awarded in 2026 with the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and Gibson Gives returning as supporters for the second consecutive year.

“We are proud to partner with Frost School of Music at the University of Miami—with special support from Serona Elton, Interim Vice Dean and Chair of its Music Industry Program—as well as Gibson Gives, and welcome them back as part of our roster of scholarship supporters,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Together, we continue to support the next generation of Latin music creators.”

The scholarship details are as follows:

The Frost School of Music Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to a minimum of one (1) exceptionally gifted musician, who has a passion for Latin music and has financial limitations, to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, one of the top music schools in the world. The value of the scholarship ranges between $32,000 to $250,000 and will cover tuition and wrap around services provided by the Foundation. This scholarship is open to students who have already applied for admission to the Frost School of Music starting in the fall of this year. To apply visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org by February 17, 2026.

Gibson Gives, the philanthropic division of the iconic instrument brand Gibson, will offer three (3) Tuition Assistance Scholarships awarded to talented students pursuing or starting a degree in music in the Fall 2026 semester. The scholarship will cover tuition costs not covered by other scholarships, with final award amount details provided to those selected to study at the music institution of their choice. This gift includes a Gibson Epiphone, Kramer, Tobias, guitar or bass. To apply, visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org by April 10, 2026.

As previously announced last month, there are several scholarships open for application this year, including the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, the Emerging Talent Scholarship from Berklee College of Music, the Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship, the Kany García Scholarship, the Manolo Díaz Scholarship, as well as additional Tuition Assistance Scholarships. For more information visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has awarded 477 scholarships, investing more than $12 million over the last 12 years. For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

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. For over a decade, the Foundation 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 invested more than $15 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

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Announces The 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship

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The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Announces The 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship

Latin GRAMMYs/Dec 16, 2025 - 02:00 PM

Additional Scholarships Open for Application Include the Emerging Talent Scholarship from Berklee College of Music, the Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship, the Kany García Scholarship and the Manolo Díaz Scholarship, as well as several Tuition Assistance Scholarships

Deadline to Apply: April 10, 2026

Photo Credit: María Jose Govea

To download image, click here

MIAMI (DECEMBER 16, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced that Latin GRAMMY® winner, and GRAMMY® nominated singer/songwriter Noel Schajris will sponsor its prestigious Prodigy Scholarship, also known as the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, toward a bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music for the 2026 fall semester. The scholarship will include tuition, housing and wrap-around services valued at up to $250,000.

The scholarship further cements Schajris’ commitment to supporting the next generation of music makers. Throughout his career, he has generously contributed his time and resources to supporting aspiring young artists through his mentorship program, and has participated in various GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY programs and events, most recently a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ in Memphis, TN.

“As a kid, I dreamed of making a living from music. Life and the public have given me a career and the chance to express my soul through songs, and that enormous blessing translates into the opportunity for music lovers to enjoy that incredible experience,” said Schajris. “There is nothing more beautiful than learning, nor anything more important than education. I can't wait to hear all that talent, which I have no doubt will move me and fill my heart.”

“We continue to be moved by the generosity of the artists and members of our music community and their commitment to the legacy of Latin music and its future creators,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Each year, the cumulative impact rises creating a ripple effect of service and dreams fulfilled for both donors and creators alike.”

In addition to the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, several scholarships are available for music students between the ages of 17 and 25 years of age with a passion for Latin music and financial limitations, who are starting their studies in the fall of 2026:

For the second consecutive year, Berklee will offer the Berklee & Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Emerging Talent Scholarship, a full tuition presidential scholarship that covers tuition, comprehensive fees, required laptop fee/software bundle (freshman year only), on-campus housing and wrap around services.

As previously announced during the 2025 Latin GRAMMY Week, three (3) Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $120,000 each will be awarded to students to cover tuition and housing costs, as well as wrap around services provided by the Foundation, towards a four-year bachelor's degree at the institution of their choice. They include the following:

  • The Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship pays homage to Cruz’s voice, spirit and unwavering pride in her culture that transformed music and inspired generations around the world. As we celebrate the centennial of her birth in 2025, the scholarship honors her extraordinary legacy and the path she paved for future artists.

  • The Kany García Scholarship—sponsored by Latin GRAMMY winner, GRAMMY nominee and 2022 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree Kany García—will award one scholarship to benefit a young woman pursuing Latin music.

  • The Manolo Díaz Scholarship in honor of one of the founding members of the Foundation, who currently serves on its Board, will be awarded by fellow board member, Mireya Blavia, recognizing Díaz’s contributions and legacy to the industry.

Also, several Tuition Assistance Scholarships, offering between $7,500 to $12,500 each for tuition and wrap around services will be awarded to students commencing their studies or who are already attending the music institution of their choice. Final award amount with details will be provided to those selected. Bulova will sponsor one (1) Tuition Assistance Scholarship of up to $10,000 that will include an experiential educational component during the 27th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® in November 2026.

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is now accepting applications for 2026 scholarships until April 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Click here to review 2026 guidelines and apply. The application includes two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university. Materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® has awarded 477 scholarships, investing more than $12 million over the last 11 years. For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at: www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org

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ABOUT NOEL SCHAJRIS:

Noel Schajris has conquered Latin pop as both a singer/songwriter and one-half of the duo Sin Bandera. Thanks to the success of his timeless hits with Sin Bandera, the Argentine-Mexican artist is a Latin GRAMMY® winner and a GRAMMY® nominee. Since launching his solo career in 2009, Schajris has continued to charm audiences around the globe with his romantic ballads. With six studio albums during his solo career, he has sold over 25 million records worldwide and one million concert tickets. Over the last two years, he toured with Leonel García as Sin Bandera for their Frecuencia Tour, and 2026 will reunite them for the Escenas Tour and album. Schajris released his album #SiempreLoSupe on NS Music App, making him the first artist from Latin America to launch his own music application. He also founded his own label, Dynamo Productions, in 2018, where he promotes his advocacy for artists' rights. His latest album, Uno No Es Uno (Noel's Version), was released in May 2025.

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 $15 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

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Announces Winners Of Its 2025 Latin Music Research And Preservation Grant Program

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The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Announces Winners Of Its 2025 Latin Music Research And Preservation Grant Program

Latin GRAMMYs/Dec 09, 2025 - 09:00 AM

Six talented music institutions, nonprofit organizations, musicologists and researchers will receive a total of $30,000 for research and preservation of Latin music

Latin GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® nominee Silvestre Dangond sponsored two grants in support of research and preservation of the vallenato genre

MIAMI (DECEMBER 9, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced the winners of its 2025 Latin Music Research and Preservation Grant Program. This year, the Foundation awarded a total of $30,000 across six grants to support projects dedicated to researching and preserving Latin music. Two of the awarded research and preservation grants were dedicated to the continued growth and development of vallenato, pledged by Latin GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® nominee Silvestre Dangond.

“Research and preservation allow us to keep the heartbeat of Latin music alive by protecting its stories, rhythms and cultural roots for future generations,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We are honored to champion these remarkable projects and grateful to Silvestre Dangond for his commitment to preserving the legacy of the vallenato genre and ensuring the future of Latin music.”

“Vallenato gave me a voice, a purpose and a connection to the world,” said Dangond. “Supporting projects that study and preserve its history is a great responsibility that I carry with pride. If we want this music to continue touching hearts, we must protect the legacy of those who created it.”

Awarded Preservation Grants:

Julia Sánchez, PeruConservación y Preservación del Patrimonio Musical del Maestro Cantautor Ernesto Sánchez Fajardo “El Jilguero del Huascarán” (Conservation and Preservation of the Musical Heritage of Singer/Songwriter Ernesto Sánchez Fajardo “El Jilguero del Huascarán”). Julia Sánchez, researcher and cultural manager at the Universidad Nacional de Folklore “José María Arguedas,” leads a project dedicated to preserving and restoring the phonographic archive of Ernesto Sánchez Fajardo, “El Jilguero del Huascarán,” a pioneering Andean artist and symbol of Peru’s 20th-century migration. The initiative aims to restore and digitize 159 rare 78-RPM and vinyl recordings that document four decades of Huayno’s evolution as a form of cultural resilience. The project will produce a complete technical inventory, restored and digitized audio files in high-resolution WAV format, and three documentary podcasts for public and academic dissemination.

Miviam Ruiz Pérez, MexicoPreservación y Diseminación de la Obra Inédita de Carlo Borbolla (1902-1990): Archivo Vivo de la Música Caribeña (Preservation and Dissemination of the Unpublished Works of Carlo Borbolla (1902–1990): Living Archive of Caribbean Music).

This project aims to preserve and diffuse the unpublished works of Cuban musicologist Carlo Borbolla Téllez, whose extensive personal archive includes compositions, writings and autobiographical documents largely unknown to the public. Led by Dr. Miviam Ruiz Pérez, the initiative will establish an open-access digital repository to promote Borbolla’s legacy across research, performance, and music education in Latin America. Through this effort, the project not only revives Borbolla’s contributions but also deepens the understanding of the musical and cultural roots that connect genres such as jazz and salsa to their Caribbean origins.

Awarded Research Grants:

Luis Alvarado, PeruLa Evolución de la Pandilla Selvática (The Evolution of the Pandilla Selvática). Luis Alvarado’s research explores the evolution of the pandilla selvática, a defining genre of Peruvian Amazonian popular music. The project traces how its transformation — through the incorporation of the electric guitar into cumbia amazónica — forged a unique regional identity. It also examines how the genre continues to thrive in contemporary jazz and experimental electronic scenes, illustrating its ongoing relevance within Peru’s dynamic musical landscape.

Dr. Romy Martínez, Netherlands – Guaranía in Translation: From Paraguay to Europe Through Music and Language. This project celebrates the centenary of Paraguay’s musical genre Guaranía, created in 1925 by José Asunción Flores, and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024. Dr. Romy Martínez seeks to preserve and disseminate the genre internationally through concerts, research and intercultural collaboration across Northern Europe. By engaging new audiences in multilingual and multicultural settings, the initiative ensures that the Guaranía genre remains a living tradition. It bridges cultures while honoring Paraguay’s musical legacy.

Awarded Vallenato Preservation Grant:

Jhojam Rincón, ColombiaTiempos Idos - Apología a la Amistad (Times Gone By: An Apology to Friendship). Jhojam Rincón’s preservation initiative aims to safeguard an extraordinary sound archive that captures spontaneous parrandas vallenatas recorded between 1974 and 1985, featuring legends such as Leandro Díaz, Rafael Escalona, and the Zuleta brothers. Compiled by collector Juan de Jesús Celedón, the 120 analog cassettes contain unreleased performances, improvisations and verses that mark the golden era of Colombian vallenato. Through professional digitization and secure archiving, the project preserves this invaluable musical record for future generations.

Awarded Vallenato Research Grant:

Ángela Marín Niebles, ColombiaMujeres en el Vallenato: Una Historia Por Contar (Women in Vallenato: A Story Yet to Be Told). Dr. Ángela Martín Niebles leads a multidisciplinary study to document and celebrate the pioneering women of vallenato music in the early 20th century. Through historical, anthropological and musicological research, the project reconstructs the lives and contributions of female composers and performers who have long been overlooked in a male-dominated genre. By producing accessible multimedia materials, the project strengthens Colombia’s cultural memory and promotes gender equity in the nation’s musical heritage.

A committee of experts from Latin America, the Iberian Peninsula and the United States selected the winners among numerous qualified candidates. Since its inception in 2015, the program has awarded more than $285,000 in grants to support projects, including one that has received a Latin GRAMMY and a GRAMMY.

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ABOUT SILVESTRE DANGOND:

Silvestre Dangond is a world-renowned artist from Colombia, who is especially known for globalizing the vallenato genre. In his nearly 25 years in the industry, Dangond has won four Latin GRAMMYs®, including Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album this year for his latest LP El Último Baile, and earned a GRAMMY nomination. Dangond also recently announced the U.S. leg of his El Último Baile Tour, a series of concerts that will bring this historic project to major venues across the country in 2026. He has collaborated with artists including Nicky Jam, Natti Natasha, Carín León, Emilia, Sebastián Yatra, Fonseca and Carlos Vives, and he often works with initiatives in support of the next generation of vallenato artists.

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