Good news for reggaetón artists and fans, particularly those who recognize its continued failure to give the genre its due: The Latin Recording Academy has just announced some relevant changes.
This year’s Latin Grammys will include three new categories: Best Reggaetón Performance, Best Rap/Hip Hop Song, and Best Pop/Rock Song.
One might say the urbano update is a result of prolonged criticism of reggaetón’s exclusion, or the major statement made by the “Sin Reggaetón No Hay Latin Grammy” movement led by Daddy Yankee and Pina Records founder Rafael Pina, and supported by the likes of Karol G, Nicky Jam, Farruko, Tego Calderon, Brytiago and J Balvin.
Record labels and members of the Latin Recording Academy received the news Tuesday, along with an update on the voting process. After considering postponing, instead an online entry process will be instituted so as to minimize physical interaction during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. That means that, as of now, the 21st Latin Grammy Awards remain on schedule, slated for fall.
Read the full official statement from the Latin Recording Academy below.
“Following our mission to nurture and elevate Latin music and its makers, and after multiple meetings and feedback from our members, we are thrilled our Board of Trustees approved some modifications to our Awards Process, including the creation of new categories. While The Latin Recording Academy’s main concern is everyone’s health and safety during these extraordinary times, we are excited to announce these new categories in addition to the launch of our Online Entry Process that reduces physical interaction. These changes follow our ongoing commitment to honor excellence in Latin music and, unless there are new health measures to adopt, we look forward to celebrating our 21st Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® this year.” – The Latin Recording Academy