Proceeds from the annual tribute gala will benefit the charitable work

 of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation^®

MIAMI (September 5, 2018) —The Latin Recording Academy^® today announced six-time Latin GRAMMY^® and four-time GRAMMY^® winning rock-pop band Maná will be honored as the 2018 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year™ for their extraordinary creative accomplishments and philanthropic contributions to the Latin community, as well as for their steadfast and dedicated support of environmental preservation and protection, as well as human rights. This award carries additional prestige and significance as it will be the first time a band receives the Person of the Year recognition.

The Person of the Year award is bestowed upon musicians of Ibero-American heritage in recognition of their artistic achievement in the Latin music industry and their profound humanitarian efforts. Past honorees include Marc Anthony, Miguel Bosé, Roberto Carlos, Plácido Domingo, Emilio Estefan, Gloria Estefan, Vicente Fernández, Juan Gabriel, Gilberto Gil, Juan Luis Guerra, Julio Iglesias, José José, Ricky Martin, Carlos Santana, Alejandro Sanz, Joan Manuel Serrat, Shakira and Caetano Veloso.

"Maná (Fher, Alex, Sergio and Juan) is an iconic band with a profound social and environmental consciousness that has created captivating and vibrant music for over three decades," said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. "Fusing mainly funk, reggae, ska, bolero, and a spectrum of Latin rhythms mixed with pure rock; Maná has created true musical anthems. In addition to becoming worldwide Latin music icons, their members have championed for social justice, global equality, and encouraged environmental protection using the force of their melodies and lyrics, which repeatedly remind our communities of our strength, resilience, and our inherent cultural value."

"It is a grand and unexpected recognition to an extensive career, a beautiful and passionate one that we continue to enjoy as if it were the first day. We are flattered that the most prestigious Latin music organization is recognizing us. Undoubtedly, it will be moving to hear our songs performed by talented colleagues and friends. We hope to continue using our voices and this honor to raise awareness about environmental concerns and human rights issues around the world," said Fher on behalf of the band.  

Maná will be honored and celebrated at a star-studded gala featuring a glamorous tribute concert, including renditions of their renowned repertoire performed by an impressive array of notable artists and friends on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

One of the world's most influential Latin rock-pop bands, Maná—currently comprised of Fher Olvera, Alex González, Sergio Vallín, and Juan Calleros—have 133 gold records, 256 platinum records, and more than 48 No. 1 hits worldwide. Classics such as "No Ha Parado De Llover," "Rayando el Sol", "De Pies A Cabeza," "Labios Compartidos," "Bendita Tu Luz," and "Mi Verdad," among many others, have become essential songs of the Latin American soundtrack. With their latest tour in the United States, the “Latino Power Tour”— they traveled to various cities promoting the importance of the Latin vote in the past presidential elections

Throughout the last three decades, they have used their voice and international recognition to raise awareness about environmental, social, political and human rights issues worldwide. In 1996, Maná created the Fundación Ecológica Selva Negra, the band's philanthropic entity, which preserves endangered species, provides educational programs on the environment, and contributes and organizes community development projects. 

Their success has crossed borders, they have surmounted every obstacle, and achieved a global presence where people from all over the world, whether in Israel or New York, sing their songs in Spanish, generating an emotional connection despite language barriers.

The net proceeds from the gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation^® whose mission is to further international awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of Latin music and its makers to the world's culture through scholarships, fellowships, grants, and educational programs. The Foundation's primary charitable focus is to provide scholarships to students interested in Latin music with financial need, as well as grants to scholars and organizations worldwide for research and preservation of diverse Latin music genres.  

Nine-time Latin GRAMMY and three-time GRAMMY winner Rafa Sardina will be the executive producer of the prestigious event.  Greg Fera will serve as the producer, and Gustavo Borner, who has received eleven Latin GRAMMYs™ and five GRAMMYs will be in charge of the sound for the night. The musical production and coordination of the event will be managed by Moon Moosic, Inc.

For information on purchasing tickets to the Person of the Year gala please contact The Latin Recording Academy's ticketing office at (310) 314-8281 or ticketing@grammy.com.

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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community either directly or through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation was established by The Latin Recording Academy to promote international awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of Latin music and its makers to the world's culture, and to protect its rich musical legacy and heritage. The Foundation's primary charitable focus is to provide scholarships to students interested in Latin music with financial needs, as well as grants to scholars and organizations worldwide for research and preservation of diverse Latin music genres. For additional information, please visit us at www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.com. For the latest news and exclusive content follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy:

Iveliesse Malavé: ive@grammy.com

(305) 576-0036

The Lippin Group on behalf of The Latin Recording Academy:

Elina Adut: EAdut@lippingroup.com

Jennifer Price: JPrice@lippingroup.com

(323) 965-1990

Open Society Foundations joins as Presenting Sponsor of the mentorship program and symposium to be held on March 4 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Davie, FL

Apply to the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Mentorship Program by April 6, 2026

MIAMI (FEBRUARY 19, 2026) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced it will host its inaugural Leading Ladies of Entertainment Symposium on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, bringing together influential voices to inspire leadership, mentorship and the advancement of women in music at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Davie, FL.

Throughout the day, guests will hear from former Leading Ladies of Entertainment honorees as well as trailblazing women in the industry who will speak on topics ranging from entrepreneurship, branding and the future of the industry, as well as participate in networking opportunities. Panelists will be announced over the coming weeks. For more event details and to secure tickets click here.

The Foundation also announced that applications are now open for its Leading Ladies of Entertainment Mentorship Program. Paying-it-forward and forging opportunities for future generations is a core pillar of this initiative, and the program is now accepting applications for its fifth cohort of mentees looking to follow a career in the music and entertainment industry. To apply visit www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org by Monday, April 6, 2026.

This year, Open Society Foundations, the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for rights, equity and justice, joins as Presenting Sponsor of the inaugural Leading Ladies of Entertainment Symposium as well as the Mentorship Program.

“At the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, we believe access creates opportunity, and the Leading Ladies Symposium and Mentorship Program are powerful reminders of what happens when women come together with purpose and commit to ensuring that future generations have access to resources and opportunities,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director, Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We thank Open Society Foundations for sharing our vision to bring together such an inspiring group of women who are generously sharing their stories, insights and leadership to help create pathways for the next generation of women in entertainment.”

The Leading Ladies of Entertainment initiative was created by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2016 to honor and recognize professional and socially conscious women within the arts and entertainment fields who have made significant contributions and inspired the next generation of female leaders. To learn about previous honorees click here.

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

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

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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 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