“We continue to be humbled and honored to have Sofia’s ongoing support over these last three years as our Global Ambassador; her generosity truly has no bounds. It is inspiring to see young talent generously paying it forward and paving the way for future creators” said Tanya Ramos-Puig, President, Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation “As we enter our seventh year of providing scholarships and transformational experiential programming, we know that access, and educational equity, is pivotal in supporting future Latin music creators and preserving our cultural heritage for generations to come. It is truly a humbling reality made possible, year after-year, thanks to the gracious support of our partners.”

Each year, the Foundation's Scholarship Committee carefully evaluates applications from a highly competitive pool of aspiring musicians on a variety of skills; rigorous requirements that are both academic and artistic in nature. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $6.5 million in scholarships, grants, musical instrument donations and educational programming, and events, worldwide.

Starting today, Tuesday, January 18, 2022 the application will go live at: www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.com. As part of the process, students must complete an online application, submit two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university along with two completed essays. The materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.  The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 10, 2022.

For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at: www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.com. If you have any questions after reviewing the guidelines or require assistance with your application, please email   LGCF@grammy.com.

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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® in 2014 to further international awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of Latin music and its makers to the world’s culture. The Foundation provides college scholarships, educational programs and grants for the research and preservation of its rich musical legacy and heritage, and to date has donated more than $6.5 million with the support of Latin Recording Academy members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.com, Amazon Smile or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Twitter and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook. 

ABOUT SOFIA CARSON:

Sofia Carson is a force of nature, rising to the top of all she endeavors with grace and style in the world of entertainment. She has forged a singular path in music, film, television, and philanthropy. As an award-nominated singer and songwriter, she’s garnered nearly 1 billion streams and 2 billion-plus views, reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200, and launched a dynamic catalog, including two gold-selling albums and four gold-selling singles thus far. As an actress, she has starred in NETFLIX’s Feel The Beat, Michael Bay’s Songbird, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, and Disney’s global phenomenon Descendant’s. Next, Carson will star in and executive produce “Purple Hearts” for NETFLIX. She will also co-write and perform the film’s original soundtrack. Her next single “LOUD,” was released just last Friday, January 14. As a philanthropist, she stands out as UNICEF’s newest US Ambassador, the first-female global ambassador of the Latin GRAMMY®️Cultural Foundation and a member of the first-ever Ambassadors Council for The Music Forward Foundation. As a style icon, Sofia is Global Brand Ambassador for beauty leader REVLON and has launched her own makeup collection. A Teen Vogue cover story by Priyanka Chopra Jonas summed her up best, “Sofia Carson has the grace of a pro.”

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy
Nathalie Alberto
Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

The Exclusive Agency on behalf of The Latin Recording Academy                                        

Elina Adut                                                                                                                               

Eadut@eadut.com

26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas

Applications now open, deadline to apply is September 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET

MIAMI (JUNE 26, 2025) — The Latin Recording Academy ®, in partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, is proud to announce the launch of the Latin Music Educator Award.

This new distinction will honor one exceptional educator from the global music community who is making a significant impact by incorporating Latin music into their curriculum. Applications are now open to educators worldwide currently teaching kindergarten through high school in a public, private or charter school, who speak Spanish, Portuguese, English or any native dialect.

The inaugural recipient will be honored at the Special Awards Presentation during the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas this November. Additional details will be shared in the coming months.

“Educators are pivotal in nurturing and shaping the future of Latin music and its creators,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Together with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, we are proud to honor those who ensure the enduring legacy of Latin music.”

The honoree will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for themselves and a guest to attend the Special Awards Presentation. Additionally, the recipient’s school music program will receive a $10,000 instrument donation to support continued music education.

To apply and view guidelines, click here. Application materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese. The deadline to apply is September 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. If you have any additional questions, please email LGCF@grammy.com and/or visit http://www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org/en.

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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 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 CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

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

Deadline to apply is August 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET

MIAMI (JUNE 18, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced that applications are officially open for its 2025 Latin Music Research and Preservation Grant Program. This program provides grants that support music institutions, nonprofit organizations, musicologists and researchers around the world dedicated to the research and preservation of Latin music heritage.

A total of four grants—each valued at up to $5,000—will be awarded this year as follows:

• One (1) Research Grant for a maximum amount of $5,000, funding one project focused on historical research, folklore and anthropology of a Latin music genre.

• One (1) Preservation Grant for a maximum of $5,000, supporting one project aiming to archive and preserve Latin music heritage.

To support the growth and development of vallenato, Latin GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® nominee Silvestre Dangond has pledged a dedicated fund to support the research and preservation of the folkloric music genre from Colombia as follows:

• One (1) Research Grant for a maximum amount of $5,000, funding one project focused on historical research, folklore and anthropology of vallenato music.

• One (1) Preservation Grant for a maximum of $5,000, supporting one project aiming archival and preservation of the heritage of the vallenato genre.

Dedicated funds are open to any artist or institution interested in this type of focused giving, as part of the international assistance provided by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation to preserve and promote Latin music and its genres.

“Vallenato is not just my roots; it’s my reason for being. That’s why it fills me with pride to contribute to the preservation and research of this genre, which has told the story of our people for generations. Supporting this cause through the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is my way of ensuring that the legacy of vallenato remains alive, evolving, and touching hearts around the world,” said Dangond.

“Supporting research and preservation is vital to honoring the rich legacy of Latin music, ensuring that future generations of creators understand its origins and remain inspired by its roots,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, and Latin music creators like Silvestre Dangond, these grants help fuel the future of Latin music.”

Since its inception in 2015, the program has awarded more than $255,000 in grants to support projects, one of which received both a Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY.

To apply, view guidelines, and learn about past project winners please click here (the materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese). The deadline to apply is August 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. If you have any additional questions, please email LGCF@grammy.com and/or visit http://www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org/en.

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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 $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.

ABOUT SILVESTRE DANGOND:

Colombian superstar Silvestre Dangond, a modern icon of vallenato, has taken the genre to new global heights during his more than two-decade career. With three Latin GRAMMYs® to his name, he has led successful international tours and collaborated with major artists such as Nicky Jam, Natti Natasha, Carin León, Emilia, Fonseca and Carlos Vives. His song “Tú o Yo” with Vives was recognized by Billboard magazine as one of the 24 best songs released in 2024. Following the success of his album ‘Ta Malo and his stadium tour across the United States and Latin America, Dangond is gearing up for the release of El Último Baile, a powerful new project with his longtime accordionist Juancho de la Espriella. For images of Silvestre Dangond, please click here.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

Latin GRAMMY® Week

Credit: syxestudio

Click here to access the image in high resolution

MIAMI (JUNE 3, 2025) – The Latin Recording Academy® announced that Raphael will be the 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year™.

Raphael will be honored for his more than six-decade career as a multifaceted singer and performer, which has established him as a true ambassador of Latin music worldwide. The artist will be celebrated at a special gala featuring a heartfelt tribute concert with renditions of his renowned repertoire, performed by a star-studded lineup of singers and friends. The gala is set to take place on November 12 in Las Vegas during Latin GRAMMY® Week.

“We feel tremendously proud to pay this well-deserved tribute to Raphael for an exemplary artistic career that has transcended borders and languages,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “His unmistakable style, resilience, and constant reinvention have kept him relevant throughout the decades, making him a source of inspiration for new generations of Latin music creators.”

“I feel deeply grateful to The Latin Recording Academy for this recognition that I have dreamed of receiving for many years. Being named Person of the Year thrills me immensely; it's the best way to celebrate so many years of dedication and love for music,” said Raphael. “Thank you to the audiences that have always stood by my side, to my dear colleagues, and the entire music industry. It's an honor I will always carry in my heart. I look forward to reuniting with everyone in November to celebrate together and give back all that affection through songs. A huge hug and my most sincere gratitude.”

Rafael Martos, known artistically as Raphael, was born in Linares, Spain, in 1943. Raised in Madrid, he discovered his passion at the age of four, and at nine he won the Best Child Voice in Europe award at the prestigious Salzburg Festival. He achieved international recognition after representing Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest with “Yo Soy Aquél” (1966) and “Hablemos Del Amor” (1967), and performing on the legendary The Ed Sullivan Show in 1970, among other highly acclaimed programs. His musical impact was complemented by a successful film career, appearing in movies like Al Ponerse El Sol (Mario Camus, 1967), El Golfo (Vicente Escrivá, 1969), and Mi Gran Noche (Álex de la Iglesia, 2015). With an extraordinary voice and a distinctive performing style, Raphael pioneered the internationalization of melodic songs. He has performed remarkable works written specifically for him by renowned songwriters like Manuel Alejandro and José Luis Perales, with hits such as “Digan Lo Que Digan”, “Qué Sabe Nadie” or “Escándalo”. He has performed at renowned venues like Madison Square Garden, the Olympia in Paris and the National Auditorium in Mexico. Throughout his career, Raphael has shown an impressive ability to evolve while staying true to a style that reflects his unique identity. In recent years he has released albums such as Victoria and his most recent Ayer...Aún, which includes a posthumous duet with Édith Piaf, his great reference. He has also been the subject of the documentary Raphaelismo, an intimate look at his life and career. After overcoming a brain lymphoma diagnosed at the end of 2024, he announced his return to the stage this year with Raphaelísimo, a new tour that will take him across Spain and Latin America. At 82, Raphael continues to sell out theaters, arenas, and stadiums with the same passion as on day one, and his influence has inspired numerous music creators worldwide.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry, as well as their humanitarian efforts. The past honorees are Carlos Vives (2024), Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).

Net proceeds from The Latin Academy Person of the Year Gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

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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 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 CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Iveliesse Malavé

ive@grammy.com

music creators through production, songwriting, stage performance techniques

and music business

Click here for more images

Credit: Ángel Delgado/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

MEXICO CITY (MAY 23, 2025) – The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Berklee Global, hosted the second Emerging Talent Intensive Program, marking its international debut, at Rec Música in Mexico City. The immersive learning experience, presented by TikTok, took place over two days guiding 100 aspiring music creators through workshops focused on production, the essentials of songwriting including lyric and harmony analysis, song structure, stage performance and marketing music from conception to completion.

The curriculum was led by Berklee College of Music’s faculty professor Enrique González Müller and vocalist and educator, Kaimy Masse, alongside instructors from Rec Música including producer, arranger and pianist José Miguel Quijano Toledo, and producer and Jazz bassist Juan Carlos Sardaneta Cesari. Additionally, Latin music industry leaders joined the program, including Latin GRAMMY®-winning composer Mónica Vélez and Latin GRAMMY nominees Horacio Palencia, León Leiden and Paty Cantú, who also served as an official sponsor, as did Fiesta Americana and Kaiser.

"Berklee Global, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, and Rec Música have collaborated to create a program designed to equip today’s musicians with integrated skills across songwriting, production, performance and music business—all essential areas in the contemporary music industry,” said González Müller. “Educators from Berklee and Rec Música worked closely to develop custom, symbiotic teaching content with a focus on highlighting and engaging local Mexican artists’ music. The program—made possible through the generous support of TikTok—exemplifies music education excellence, uplifts local culture, and fosters ongoing collaboration within a transformative global network."

"For TikTok, music is part of our DNA," said Laura Reyna, Public Policy Manager for Latin America. "We have proudly taken our musical passion to concrete actions that have revolutionized music. Today, we are not only an ally of established artists, we are a catalyst for new talent and have established extraordinary partnerships with institutions such as The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. Intensive programs like this help us continue to democratize the industry, remove barriers and professionalize those who have something to tell the world with their voice, an instrument and a melody that we will never forget."

"We are grateful to our partners for their support in bringing the second Emerging Talent Intensive Program to Mexico, marking its international debut thanks to the generous support of TikTok, Fiesta Americana, Kaiser and Paty Cantú," said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. "Together, we are empowering communities through Latin music and culture. "

The Emerging Talent Intensive Program was launched earlier this year, and creates engaging, accessible experiences for aspiring performing artists. The program offers students the opportunity to participate in hands-on training through classes and jam sessions based on the broad and dynamic curriculum offered by Berklee College of Music professors and Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation guest panelists.

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

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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 $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.

ABOUT BERKLEE GLOBAL:

The Berklee Global division (BG) leads Berklee’s global engagement strategy with the goal of bringing a global perspective to Berklee’s overall institutional direction and creating new models for artistic, educational, and cultural exchange. BG oversees several key initiatives, including Berklee on the Road, a hallmark program that began with the launch of the Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics in 1985 and exemplifies Berklee’s commitment to bringing the classroom to the world—and the world into our classroom. Berklee on the Road programs have been delivered on six continents in 20 countries. BG also oversees the Berklee Global Partners Network—established in 1993 as a collective of independent music institutions, now comprising 24 partners across 22 countries. In 2020, Berklee launched Berklee Abu Dhabi, the institution’s first center in the MENA region, playing a key role in shaping the creative and artistic landscape of Abu Dhabi and the region by offering world-class educational programs, industry-focused initiatives, and the production of regional and international award-winning artists. Berklee’s reputation as a premier destination for the study of contemporary music and the performing arts is strengthened by this dynamic global presence and its leadership in delivering transformative learning experiences worldwide.

ABOUT TIKTOK:

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include Mexico City, New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul and Tokyo.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

TikTok

Alexia De la Rosa

alexia.de@tiktok.com