The Latin Recording Academy® to honor Martinho Da Vila, Emmanuel, Sheila E. & Pete Escovedo, Fito Páez, Milly Quezada, Joaquín Sabina and Gilberto Santa Rosa with The Lifetime Achievement Award

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The Latin Recording Academy® to honor Martinho Da Vila, Emmanuel, Sheila E. & Pete Escovedo, Fito Páez, Milly Quezada, Joaquín Sabina and Gilberto Santa Rosa with The Lifetime Achievement Award

Latin GRAMMYs/Jun 24, 2021 - 02:00 PM

GUILLERMO "MEMO" ACOSTA AND EGIDIO CUADRADO TO RECEIVE THE TRUSTEES AWARD 

MIAMI (JUNE 24, 2021) — The Latin Recording Academy® announced today that Martinho da VilaEmmanuel, Sheila E. & Pete EscovedoFito PáezMillie QuezadaJoaquín Sabina and Gilberto Santa Rosa will receive this year's Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Guillermo "Memo" Acosta and Egidio Cuadrado will receive the Trustees Award.  The honorees will be celebrated during a private ceremony executive produced by Eduardo Osorio at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas on Nov. 17, 2021, as part of the 22nd Annual Latin GRAMMY week.

"We are delighted to recognize this remarkable group of legendary artists, who remain very active, with this year's Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Awards," said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. "Their outstanding accomplishments have created a timeless legacy within the Latin music world and beyond, and we look forward to honoring and celebrating each of them during Latin GRAMMY Week as we return to Las Vegas this November with our resilient community of Latin music lovers."

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.

 

2021 Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees:

Martinho da Vila (Brazil)

Martinho da Vila delves into the very essence of Brazilian music — the soul of percolating samba and its many permutations — including the wide-encompassing movement known as MPB (música popular brasileira). His 1969 self-titled solo debut LP featured gorgeous sambas that swung effortlessly, leaving behind a sweet aftertaste of longing and nostalgia. Since then, da Vila has recorded almost an album per year, selling millions of records while forming a close bond with samba school Unidos de Vila Isabel and exploring a wide variety of styles in his compositions. The soulful "Canta, Canta, Minha Gente," the velvety "Mulheres" and the achingly beautiful "Casa De Bamba" are among his many hits. His works have earned him three Latin GRAMMYs.

Emmanuel (Mexico)

Mexican singer Emmanuel is one of the few performers who established balada as a song format overflowing with beauty and depth. His debut LP, Diez Razones Para Cantar, that included songs he wrote, came out in 1977, when the balada aesthetic was reaching a pinnacle of baroque opulence. Al Final (1979) became an international hit two years later, and in 1980 he recorded his fourth album, titled Íntimamente, which sold millions of copies around the world and boasted massive hits like "Insoportablemente Bella," "El Día Que Puedas," "Quiero Dormir Cansado" and "Todo Se Derrumbó." From that moment on, songs like "La Chica de Humo," "Toda la Vida," "Bella Señora," " Sentirme Vivo" and "La Última Luna" became part of the soundtrack of the life of his faithful fans.

Pete Escovedo/ Sheila E. (U.S.)

To watch father and daughter Pete Escovedo and Sheila E. playing together is an unforgettable experience: two brilliant percussionists breathing in unison to the syncopated beat. Pete Michael Escovedo fell in love with Afro-Caribbean music as a young man and decided to follow his passion, founding a jazz sextet with family members that evolved into the iconic Chicano rock band Azteca in 1972. Five years later, Escovedo launched a solo career, unifying elements of jazz, salsa and Latin soul under the elegant groove of his timbales. Born in a musical family Sheila Cecilia Escovedo, made a name for herself in the late '70s as the fiery percussionist with The George Duke Band. Global success followed when Prince asked her to join the Purple Rain sessions. Performing as part of Prince's touring band, Sheila cooked up an exquisite hybrid of pop, funk and Latin that would anchor mega-hits "The Glamorous Life" and "A Love Bizarre."

Fito Páez (Argentina)

One of the most brilliant singer/songwriters to emerge from Argentina, Fito Páez has redefined the essence of Latin pop-rock. He became an instant national star in 1985 with his second album, Giros, and hit a majestic peak of critical and commercial success in 1994 with El Amor Después Del Amor, a masterpiece steeped in Beatlesque pop with hints of Argentine folk that included hits like "A Rodar Mi Vida" and "Un Vestido Y Un Amor." Páez's tender lyrics and anthemic hooks have consistently transcended his country of origin and have landed him eight Latin GRAMMYs and a GRAMMY®.

Milly Quezada (Dominican Republic)

In a field dominated by men until her arrival in the '70s, Milly Quezada single-handedly changed the history of merengue through the warmth and exuberant energy of her voice. Always true to the authentic roots of the Dominican Republic's quintessential dance genre, she quickly established herself as "the queen of merengue." As a teen, she formed the group Milly, Jocelyn & Los Vecinos with her sister and brothers, and enjoyed a succession of hits like "Volvió Juanita," that allowed her to tour the Americas, Europe and even Japan. Quezada took an extended break from the limelight following the tragic death of her husband in 1996, but returned as a solo artist the following year, cementing her reputation as a Dominican legend thanks to classics like "Entre Tu Cuerpo Y El Mío," "Toma Mi Vida," "Porque Me Amaste" and "Para Darte Mi Vida." She has received three Latin GRAMMYs.

Joaquín Sabina (Spain)

Joaquín Sabina has elevated the art of writing songs in Spanish to unsuspected heights, building a musical universe marked by his eccentric but simple forays into confessional poetry and wry sociopolitical observation which has influenced several generations. The release of his second album, 1980’s Malas Compañías, created a stir with timeless hits “Calle Melancolía” and "Pongamos Que Hablo De Madrid." Sabina's mercurial combination of folk, rock and balada idioms, coupled with his stark and bluesy delivery, complexed sense of humor and an uncanny ability to express complex feelings in his lyrics, has made him hugely popular in Spain and the Americas and to date, active as always, is followed by at least three generations.

Gilberto Santa Rosa (Puerto Rico)

Gilberto Santa Rosa is one of the few salsa artists to emerge in the '80s, as the genre's explosion of the previous decade was experiencing an inevitable decline. Following brief stints with popular Puerto Rican orchestras of the '70s, he was enlisted by pioneering bandleader Willie Rosario in 1981, cementing his reputation as a rootsy salsa singer. By the time of his solo debut, Good Vibrations, in 1986, the five-time Latin GRAMMY winner had assimilated the honeyed salsa romántica style popular at the time, merging it with the raucous tropical grooves that he treasured. This remarkable balance informs such massive hits as "La Agarro Bajando," "Conteo Regresivo," "Conciencia" and "Que Alguien Me Diga," as well as his electrifying concert performances.

 

2021 Trustees Award Honorees:

Guillermo "Memo" Acosta (Mexico)

A prolific producer and songwriter blessed with an unerring instinct for discovering new talent, Memo Acosta has been a key figure in the development of Latin music since the '50s, both through his work as A&R with Discos Musart and as the founder of his own record label Discos GAS. Forming lifelong friendships with some of the brightest musical stars of his time, Acosta established a reputation for spotting promising singers and songwriters in genres as varied as bolero, ranchera and even rock, and has been involved in the production of over 4,000 albums, including Nat King Cole's legendary LPs in Spanish. One of the first executives to advocate for, and take strong action against music piracy, Acosta always lead all aspects of the industry with fervor.

Egidio Cuadrado (Colombia)

Egidio Cuadrado began playing the accordion at age six and eventually became one of the instruments most respected masters, participating in many vallenato festivals and competitions in his native Colombia. In the early '90s, Carlos Vives enlisted him for a tropical orchestra, La Provincia, that sought to keep the spirit of vallenato alive by blending it with contemporary pop-rock idioms. This led to several collaborations between the two artists, including the 1995 masterpiece La Tierra del Olvido, with Cuadrado's accordion occupying a lead role throughout the album. A natural live performer, Cuadrado embodies the zest of Colombian folklore, inspiring a new generation of musicians to keep the tradition alive.

 

Latin GRAMMY Week will culminate with the 22nd Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, which will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 18, 2021, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT) on Univision.

 

For more information and the latest news, visit the official Latin Recording Academy site at LatinGRAMMY.com. Follow us on Facebook (LatinGRAMMYs), Twitter (@LatinGRAMMYs) or Instagram (@LatinGRAMMYs), and use #LatinGRAMMY on all popular social media platforms.

 

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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 CONTACTS:
The Exclusive Agency on behalf of The Latin Recording Academy
Elina Adut
eadut@eadut.com

 

Porter Novelli on behalf of The Latin Recording Academy

Leopoldo Coronado Domenge

leopoldo.coronado@porternovelli.com

 

The Latin Recording Academy
Iveliesse Malavé 
ive@grammy.com

 

Boza Joins Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™  Benefiting The High School Instituto Rubiano In San Miguelito, Panama

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Boza Joins Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ Benefiting The High School Instituto Rubiano In San Miguelito, Panama

Latin GRAMMYs/Jan 29, 2026 - 09:30 PM

The program, in partnership with Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument Initiative, expands access to music education and included a donation of instruments and musical performances by the students

Click here to download the photo

Credit: Manuel Velásquez Figueroa/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

PANAMA (JANUARY 29, 2026) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument Initiative and Latin GRAMMY®-nominated artist Boza, hosted Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™, an educational experience that included a donation of musical instruments to the high school Instituto Rubiano in San Miguelito, Panama. The program—and first collaboration with Sony Music Central America and the Caribbean—included musical performances by the students and a Q&A session with the artist, moderated by renowned journalist Leonor Suárez.

Instituto Rubiano is one of Panama’s leading public educational institutions, serving approximately 4,000 students across two shifts. Recognized for its commitment to holistic development, the school emphasizes value-based learning, teamwork and community engagement to help guide young people toward positive futures. It offers high school diplomas in Science, Humanities and Computer Science, and its entire community—teachers, parents, students, and administrative staff—partners to deliver a high-quality education with the goal of becoming a national model in scientific, humanistic and technological excellence. The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation’s and Sony Music Group’s Beyond the Instrument Initiative’s investment will further strengthen Instituto Rubiano’s music offerings by funding new instruments and equipment, creating greater opportunities for students to explore and pursue music as part of their academic journey.

“It’s an honor for me to be part of the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program because music was the tool that helped me believe in myself and change the course of my life,” said Boza. “Sharing that experience with students and showing them that their talent, voice and culture have value is something very special. I hope this program motivates them to trust their creativity and understand that there is room for them in the industry.”

“Learning goes beyond the classroom, because at Instituto Rubiano, talent and discipline grow together,” said Elizabeth Gil de Solís, Director of Instituto Rubiano. “Thank you to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Sony Music Central America and the Caribbean for bringing this educational opportunity to our school.”

“We’re thrilled to bring Beyond The Instrument to Panama and to support Instituto Rubiano’s commitment to empowering young creators,” said Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President of Philanthropy, Social Impact and Environment at Sony Music Group. “Together with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Boza, we’re proud to help equip these students with the tools and inspiration to pursue their musical dreams.”

“We thank Boza and Sony Music Group for their partnership and commitment to our shared mission to nurture future Latin music creators,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Together with their support, we have ensured the legacy of Latin music at Instituto Rubiano and created what we hope will be a lifetime of memories for the student body in attendance.”

Launched in 2021, Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument Initiative is designed to advance equity and expand access to cutting-edge music technology education for students in traditionally underfunded schools and districts. Through this initiative, students gain hands-on experience with modern music tools and creative mentorship from Sony Music artists and songwriters. Previously, Sony Music artists Gloria Estefan and Carlos Vives joined the program through their participation in the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools. To date, Beyond The Instrument has made an impact in schools across California, Tennessee, Florida, Canada and London, inspiring the next generation of diverse creators and innovators in music.

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 around the world. The Foundation invites renowned musicians, performing 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.

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ABOUT BOZA:

Hailing from Panama, Boza is a globally recognized singer/songwriter known for fusing urban music, dancehall, afrobeat and the Panamanian canela rhythm. In 2019, Sony Music Entertainment Centroamérica y Caribe signed the Panamanian artist. In 2020, the hit “Hecha Pa’ Mi” catapulted him to global fame after going viral on TikTok. The track is featured on Más Negro Que Rojo, Boza’s debut album released in 2020, which earned him his first Latin GRAMMY® nomination in the Best New Artist category. Since then, the artist has released three additional studio albums: Bucle (2022), Sin Sol (2023), and SAN BLAS (2025). His hit “Orión,” featuring Elena Rose, has accumulated over 214 million streams, spent 14 weeks at #2 on Billboard's Latin Pop Airplay chart, and was named one of the 25 Best Latin Songs of the Year by the same magazine. In 2025, he was included in Forbes Central America’s 30 Under 30 list in the Sports and Entertainment category, highlighting his cultural influence and social impact. He also received his second Latin GRAMMY nomination in the Best Latin Electronic Music Performance category for “Orión (Sistek Remix).” With over 12.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and over 1.982 billion total streams, Boza has established himself as one of Central America’s most influential voices.

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.

ABOUT SONY MUSIC GROUP’S BEYOND THE INSTRUMENT:

Marking its fifth anniversary, Beyond The Instrument continues to underscore Sony Music Group’s commitment to expanding access to music education; since its launch, the program has equipped young people across multiple regions with cuttingedge music technology and industryrelevant learning experiences. Implemented in key markets including California, Tennessee, Florida, Nevada, London, Toronto, and now Panama, the initiative has grown into a global effort that empowers students through meaningful, handson opportunities. Artists and songwriters who have contributed to the program include Cat Burns, Noah Cyrus, Sigala, DIXSON, Theron Thomas, Schak, Aqyila and Gloria Estefan, each helping to inspire the next generation of music creators.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

Sony Music

Melissa Cusack

Melissa.Cusack@sonymusic.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