Latin music artists Albita, Los Ángeles Azules, Draco Rosa and others will be honored in Miami this November at the 2024 Latin Grammys with special awards for their musical contributions.
“This award reflects not only my work, but also the unwavering support of my fans and colleagues throughout my career,” Rosa told The Times. “I accept this recognition with deep gratitude and love.”
Lolita Flores, Alejandro Lerner and Lulu Santos will also receive special recognition, while Puerto Rican composer Ángel “Cucco” Peña and Mexican guitarist Chucho Rincón will receive the 2024 Trustees Award.
The Latin Recording Academy is honoring six artists in a special awards presentation announced Thursday ahead of the official Latin Grammy ceremony on Nov. 14.
“We are proud to honor these musical legends who continue to redefine our Latin music and heritage,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, in a statement.
According to the Latin Grammy organization, the lifetime achievement award is given “to artists who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music and its communities.” The Trustees Award recognizes those who have contributed to the genre “in ways other than performance.”
From his beginnings in Menudo to his explorations in Spanish rock, Draco Rosa has achieved success as a performer, composer and producer. With solo albums such as “Frío” and “Vagabundo”” And having written hits like Ricky Martin's “Livin' La Vida Loca,” the Puerto Rican singer feels “deeply honored and humbly grateful” for the recognition.
Similarly, Cuban singer Albita feels “excited, very honored and grateful.” Known for her original take on traditional Cuban music and her work on Broadway, she says she never thinks about awards, but is always grateful to be recognized.
“I deeply love music and since I was 7 years old I have been singing and composing songs from the most authentic climate of my soul, always showing the most authentic traditional roots of Cuban music,” said Albita. “Life is a dance and may the music of this dance never stop.”
Mexican brother-sister band Los Ángeles Azules has been contributing to the cumbia scene since the late 1970s. In their music, they create a bridge between classic cumbia and other genres such as alternative and classical, fusing electronic sounds and orchestral instruments.
“We feel very honored to be considered for the work we have done for more than 40 years,” said band member Elías Mejía Avante, who was previously nominated for three Latin Grammys. “We have been fortunate to take our music to many places. It is easy to say, but it has been a titanic task and we feel very happy and proud.”
Each of the six recipients of the lifetime achievement award is known for an individual legacy left in Latin music, including Lolita Flores' lineage of Spanish musical talent, Alejandro Lerner's imprint on 1970s Argentine rock and Lulu Santos' romance-fueled career in Brazilian music.
This year also marks the Silver Jubilee of the Latin Grammys. This year's ceremony in Miami will feature two new categories: Latin electronic music performance and contemporary Mexican music album. In addition to the lifetime achievement awards, Colombian singer-songwriter Carlos Vives will be recognized as the person of the year.
The full list of Latin Grammy nominations will be announced on September 17.
