"The first thing that came to mind was whether it was even possible, because I wasn’t born in Spain or Latin America" - Laura Pausini, Person of the Year by The Latin Recording Academy

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"The first thing that came to mind was whether it was even possible, because I wasn’t born in Spain or Latin America" - Laura Pausini, Person of the Year by The Latin Recording Academy

Latin GRAMMYs/Nov 12, 2023 - 07:00 AM

2023 Person of the Year by The Latin Recording Academy

Laura Pausini

By Cata Balzano

With more than 30 years as a singer, songwriter and producer, Laura Pausini is a pop music icon. Her career has made her a citizen of the world, crossing borders with hits in Italian, Spanish and English. And thanks to her charisma and unmistakable voice, she has won over audiences globally, especially in Latin America, where she has become the bestselling non-Hispanic female artist. Her music — known for captivating romantic and melancholy ballads — has served to entertain with relatable messages of love, love lost, joy, union and peace. The mark Pausini has left on Latin music and the success she has enjoyed in the industry have made her work an inspiration. Ever since her career took off back on Feb. 27, 1993, at the Sanremo Festival in Italy, where she performed “La soledad” — an iconic song that took her to multiple stages around the world — Pausini has sold more than 75 million albums, winning four Latin GRAMMYs, one GRAMMY and one Golden Globe. She also received an Oscar nomination for “Io sì (Seen),” the song she wrote with Diane Warren for the Netflix film La vita davanti a sé (The Life Ahead).

Beyond her ever-growing professional achievements, Pausini, 49, is also a mom, and she stands out for her commitment to humanitarian causes. She has channeled her goodwill and fame to support disadvantaged groups, including combating domestic violence and her consistent service to the LGBTQIA+ community. Her active participation in numerous fundraising events makes her a star who uses the power of her position to lift voices and help those who need it the most. With her dedication to her music and on behalf of vulnerable groups, Pausini can now celebrate her three-decade career and being named the 2023 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, the third woman to be recognized by The Latin Academy.

This has been a fantastic year for you. What came to mind when you were told that you would be the 2023 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year?

I must admit that I cried tears of emotion, full of happiness and pride. The first thing that came to mind was whether it was even possible, because I wasn’t born in Spain or Latin America, and I never thought it would be possible for an Italian to receive the recognition. When they told me I had been adopted by the Latinos, those words really affected me because I’ve always thought that. Since 1994, when I started traveling around Spain, Mexico and throughout Latin America, the connection I developed and have today with the entire Latin world is as if I actually had been born there.

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You are the first Italian and also the third woman in the history of The Latin Academy to receive this award. What does that mean to you?

Today, the image of the woman and its meaning are an important issue across all media. When I started my career in 1993, with all the promotion that I was doing elsewhere in Europe, there weren’t many women who were also promoting their work. I remember that I often ran into Celine Dion on TV shows, but it was mostly men. So when they named me Person of the Year, I looked up the list of all previous honorees and said “Wow, I’m the third woman?” It’s beautiful, and a great source of pride. I hope that means there will be many more women, especially because in recent decades a lot of interesting women artists have come to prominence, singer/songwriters I admire greatly and that maybe we can honor someday.

The last time we spoke, you told me that your childhood dream was to sing in a piano bar, and now look at your career development versus that dream.

I believe in God and in destiny, and I think he has chosen people in the world and given them a mission. Sometimes I’m not sure I’m doing my mission well, because you shouldn’t validate yourself that way, based only on prizes and awards, but rather by giving importance to the impact you have with other people. I may have been the biggest dreamer in my hometown. I have always had a lot of dreams, and music was the biggest one, but it was the most difficult one, and I don’t know why \[achieving it\] happened. That’s why I think that after 30 years \[of work\], I don’t feel that I’ve reached any particular goal. I don’t want to have reached all my goals in a 30-year career and feel that my life is over. I think I have built some things, but I’m also very curious to see what else is coming down the road.

Let’s talk about the song that changed your whole life and career: “La soledad.” What comes to mind when you think of the Laura from back then, who had no clue about what her life was going to become?

I see a lot of things that are similar about me \[today\] that I also had back then, such as stubbornness and determination. But I remember the naïveté. I never imagined all this would happen to me. I remember that naïveté and innocence with nostalgia, because sometimes not knowing anything in music allows you to be completely authentic, and back then, what people saw of me was undoubtedly a hundred percent the true version of who I was as a person. Like everyone in the world when they grow up, I’ve had to get tougher. I have made a shield. I love being a fighter. I wish the shield weren’t necessary, but sometimes I need it. Even so, I’m still the same person. The thing is, at 18, I was still a child.

Another key moment for you came in 1994, the year you realized what incredible potential you had as an artist in the Spanish-language music industry after your self-titled album hit No. 1 in Spain.

My first trip to Spain … I remember very well that it was the president of Warner himself who made me record the album. He told me, “Let’s see if the people who watch you on TV hear your voice and the song “La soledad” and like it.” When I got there, people already knew me, and it was strange for me to see that. I don’t think that could happen now because of the internet, but back then it wasn’t easy to know if the people who listened to my music in Europe and in Italian actually recognized my face. I had no idea \[that it could happen at all\], much less in Spain or Latin America. It was incredible for me from the first day, and I felt like I was at home. In Spain and Latin America, I feel like an adopted daughter, and when I don’t visit for a long time, I feel an emptiness, like something is lacking.

I saw you on Instagram at a Coldplay concert with your daughter Paola, and it was very emotional. What artists and musicians had an impact on you when you were little?

Obviously, Latin music has always been present at every moment of my life. Gloria Estefan was my biggest influence, and so I’m also excited to be named Person of the Year and join her as one of the women who have been recognized. I think it was thanks to her that I started singing in Spanish. And when I was a teenager, I think I had a Luis Miguel poster. He had sung in Italian, and I was excited. My father bought me some of his albums in Spanish; I learned a lot of words from them. Miguel Bosé, too. Miguel was named Person of the Year in 2013, and I was thrilled, because I was part of the group of artists who sang for him that night.

You have always been very conscious of the struggles of marginalized people and groups, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, and you have used your voice to help make them heard over the years. What feeds your passion for helping people?

I’ve said before that when I write the words to my songs, they’re not just dedicated to heterosexual people. When you talk about love, you talk about your own experiences and about what you love, but songs don’t have flags. When I began my career, the media found it strange that back then the girl from “La soledad” — so timid, so tender — would be talking about that. And yes, some people started saying that it was going too far, but I didn’t care. I want to protect and defend. I’m not the least bit afraid to be a fighter and to speak out, and I also teach that to my daughter. They are human rights and they should be the same for everyone, because we are human beings and we all have to have the same rights. As a child I learned a lot about protection, I learned that we need to protect each other, take care of each other. That’s why I get involved frequently and always try to see and confirm that what I’m doing is something that gets results. I stay very involved in the helping process, and it’s not just about giving money but also seeing that it’s really making a change.

You also shared fragments of your life in an Amazon documentary film, Un placer conocerte, but what would you like the world to know about Laura Pausini, beyond all these professional achievements?

I enjoyed doing it because it’s as if I had lived what I thought my life was going to be if the success at Sanremo hadn’t happened, which was working in a piano bar. The docuseries shows and tells bits about me and what I would have done if I hadn’t become famous. Actually, I don’t remember what my life was like without fame, and I feel that I’m more deserving of this luck that I’ve had if I continue to be transparent and share realities about my life. What I would like a lot more is for people who have known me through my music to know and say that, throughout my life, I have been sincere and transparent, and have never disrespected \[my followers\].

The Person of the Year ceremony includes a tribute concert. Is there anyone in particular you would like to see singing your songs?

The first person I’m going to mention is my brother Alejandro Sanz. I think I need to celebrate with him. He needs to sit down \[with me\] and raise a glass. I owe him a lot, and I love him a lot. I would love for Shakira, Vanesa Martín, Kany García to sing. I love Mon Laferte, Luis Fonsi. I would like to see Olivia Rodrigo and, of course, Ricky Martin. Ricky was the first famous person I met on my first trip to Latin America, and we used to talk all the time.

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You’ve started a new phase in your career, and you’ve just launched your 13th studio album, Almas Paralelas. What stories does Laura Pausini want to tell now?

You’ve used the right word: “stories.” It is about that. It’s the first time I’ve worked so many years on a single project. Normally I’m very instinctive, and this time, with everything I’ve experienced, I felt I had a bigger responsibility. I see that the world goes on, life goes on, and I say, “But, I mean, I’ve experienced so much! And what can I do to not feel so small facing what’s coming now? After being named Person of the Year, I’m asking myself: “Do I deserve it?” I always ask myself if I deserve it, and what I can do to deserve it. In 30 years, I have made so many songs, but I haven’t changed who I am. Ultimately, my roots are the same. My tree definitely has more branches now, with lots of leaves, but new leaves continue sprouting from the roots. That means they’re strong, and that over the course of this adventure, they weren’t wrong.

The Latin Recording Academy® In Partnership With The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Launches The Latin Music Educator Award

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The Latin Recording Academy® In Partnership With The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Launches The Latin Music Educator Award

Latin GRAMMYs/Jun 26, 2025 - 01:00 PM

The first honoree will be recognized during the Special Awards Presentation at the

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

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Opens Applications For Its 2025 Latin Music Research And Preservation Grant Program

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The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Opens Applications For Its 2025 Latin Music Research And Preservation Grant Program

Latin GRAMMYs/Jun 18, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Four talented music institutions, nonprofit organizations, musicologists and researchers will receive a total of $20,000 for research and preservation of Latin music

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

Raphael Named 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year™

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Raphael Named 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year™

Latin GRAMMYs/Jun 03, 2025 - 01:00 PM

The artist will be honored at a special gala on November 12 in Las Vegas, during

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

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, In Partnership With Berklee Global, Host The Emerging Talent Intensive Program At Rec Música In Mexico City

News

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, In Partnership With Berklee Global, Host The Emerging Talent Intensive Program At Rec Música In Mexico City

Latin GRAMMYs/May 23, 2025 - 02:00 PM

The immersive learning experience, presented by TikTok, debuts abroad guiding aspiring

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