By: Yessenia Arevalo
The Grammys are a monumental event in which music fans come together and celebrate the biggest hits of the year. Accompanied by the announcement of the winners of each category, outstanding performances are oftentimes given by the nominees or other exemplary artists. One such artist is four-time Grammy award winner, Shakira, who is also the recipient of 2024’s Best Latin Pop Album for her project, “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.”
The Best Latin Pop Album category was introduced in 1983, previously titled, “Best Latin Pop Performance,” 24 years after the first Annual Grammy Awards in 1959. Since the introduction of this category, more categories centered around Latin music such as Best Latin Urban Album, Best Latin Rock, Best Tropical Latin Album and more have been introduced.
With the introduction of these albums, attention surrounding Latin music had begun to rise and slowly seep its way into mainstream music, with Shakira being one of these pioneers through albums such as “Pies Descalzos and El Dorado.”
In 2023, Bad Bunny made history for his album “Un Verano Sin Ti,” which was the first Spanish-language album to be nominated for Album of the Year. These milestones are representative of the recent booming impact Latin music has had on pop culture.
Latin music currently ranks No. 6 for top listened to genres globally. This genre has spoken to individuals of different cultures, ethnicities and languages. It contributes to the mix of various genres and languages as seen through categories such as Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album.
With the rise in popularity for the Latin genre, awareness of pressing issues around Latinx communities have been called to the forefront. During her acceptance speech, Shakira spoke about the target of immigrants in the United States as a result of current immigration enforcement operations.
She spoke candidly, specifically mentioning her support for struggling communities.
“I want to dedicate this award to my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country,” Shakira said. “You’re loved, worth it, and I will always fight with you.”
Another issue which has been present in Latin American countries is gentrification. Bad Bunnys newest album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” addresses this problem through songs such as, “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,” in which he compares the influx of tourism in Hawaii to Puerto Rico.
The ways in which Shakira, Bad Bunny and other Latin American artists have used their platform to bring attention towards current pressing issues speaks to the current shift in focus towards Latin music from other ethnic groups.
Comments