Latin GRAMMY winner Nicky Jam is sponsoring the Prodigy Scholarship toward a bachelor's degree at Berklee College of Music starting in the fall 2023 semester. The four-year scholarship — this year, renamed the Nicky Jam Scholarship — is presented by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

The Foundation's scholarship provides up to $200,000 in financial aid for music students in need, aged 17 to 25. Created eight years ago, it has been co-sponsored by Latin artists Sofia Carson (2022), Juanes (2021) Julio Iglesias (2020), Emilio and Gloria Estefan (2019), Carlos Vives (2018), Miguel Bosé (2017), Juan Luis Guerra (2016), and Enrique Iglesias (2015).

“Music has always been there for me; it has been the fuel that has kept me going even during the hardest moments of my life,” Nicky Jam said. “By providing the Prodigy Scholarship in partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, I get to share my passion for music and give back to the next generation of Latin music makers on their journey to achieving their dreams.”

The Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap singer pledged to support music students at the 23rd Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, where he performed alongside Foundation scholarship winners. Watch the performance and see his special message here.

Additionally, CEO of La Industria Inc. Juan Diego Medina is sponsoring one of the Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $100,000.

Applications for all of the 2023 scholarships are now open, and are available to music students between the ages of 17 and 25. The scholarships available in addition to the Nicky Jam Scholarship are as follows:

• Three (3) Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $100,000 each will be awarded to students to cover tuition costs towards a four-year bachelor's degree in music starting in fall 2023 at the university of their choice.

• Forty (40) Tuition Assistance Scholarships of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to students pursuing a degree in music. This is a one-time award that will cover tuition costs over one year (fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters).

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has awarded over $7.6 million in scholarships, grants and musical instrument donations through their global programs and events.

“When it comes to pursuing a career in music, finances should not be a deterrent to cultivating talent,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We are grateful for Nicky Jam’s generosity, which makes music education a reality for future generations of Latin music creators and preserves our legacy for years to come.

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is accepting applications for all 2023 scholarships from Dec. 15, 2022 to April 10, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Apply here with two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university. Materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website.

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The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation announced four winners of its Latin Music Research and Preservation Grant program, awarding a total of $20,000 to their projects. 

This program provides grants to educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, musicologists, and researchers around the world who are enhancing and preserving Latin music heritage. This year, an eclectic group of institutions and scholars will receive this support. With a maximum value of $5,000 each, the four grants support diverse initiatives. The Research Grants support projects that emphasize historical and anthropological research, in addition to documenting traditions and Latin folklore. Meanwhile, Preservation Grants fund the archiving and preservation of Latin music and its unique customs.

"Research and Preservation Grants play an important role in ensuring the legacy of Latin music and future creators, we are grateful to our donors for their generosity and commitment to advancing Latin music and its heritage," said Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. "Together, we are able to increase our impact and support additionally deserving projects in fulfillment of our mission."

A committee of experts from Latin America, the Iberian Peninsula, and the United States selected the recipients among numerous qualified candidates. Since its inception in 2015, the program has awarded more than $195,000 in grants to support projects, one of which received a Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY Award. 

Continue reading to learn more about this year's deserving recipient projects. 

Awarded Research Grants

Daniel Bustos-Echeverry, Colombia 

Cantos de la amazonía no-visible (Songs of the invisible Amazon) is a musical, ethnographic, and archival research project that seeks to highlight the value of the ceremonial songs, melodies, and verses of Siona women. 

The Siona are an indigenous Amazon community of fewer than 4,000 inhabitants that are at risk of physical and cultural disappearance. The research focuses on the analysis of the Siona’s ceremonial songs, verses, and melodies of Siona women, who have been displaced from leadership in yagé ceremonies. The results will be integrated and distributed in a macro-project within a Fulbright Amazonia research project that will promote the establishment of a path toward preservation of this knowledge. 

Dr. Katrin Lengwinat and Carmen Díaz, Venezuela 

Through the songs and narratives of Latin America’s diverse peoples, the project Nutrir el Futuro de la Música y Narraciones Latinoamericanas (Nourishing the Future of Latin American Music and Narratives) seeks to provide a future of social and emotional well-being, in which love, and a consciousness of cultural identity contribute to subjectivity and interaction. Through research, dynamic performances, recordings, and distributing a curated collection of songs for children and youth up to age 12, it seeks to nurture harmonious psychosocial development — while engaging with communities through workshops, concerts, and digital platforms — to reach a broad audience. 

Rapid technological development has brought about radical changes in all aspects of human life. In an era of rapid technological advancement, Dr. Katrin Lengwinat and Carmen Díaz see a concerning trend toward social isolation and disconnection from one’s cultural heritage. However, they view this as an opportunity to unveil a symbolic legacy that can enrich every individual's expressive and creative potential. Therefore, this project proposes to increase the visibility of artistic heritage, because it contains a cultural wealth that is not widely known among current generations. The exploration and synthesis of the musical and the literary contribute to the reconstruction of broken bonds in families, schools, and communities. Through the creation of alternatives, it is possible to promote increased closeness among people, emotional connectedness, and a unique identity. 

Awarded Preservation Grants

The Celia Cruz Foundation, United States

Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, made a profound mark on music. Her legacy resides not only in her iconic recordings and captivating performances but also in a vast archive of more than 200 hours of behind-the-scenes footage from her early collaborations with the Fania All-Stars and other notable figures. From the 1970s to the 2000s, these recordings offer a unique glimpse into her artistic journey and the vibrant musical scene of the time. 

With the project titled "Digitization of Celia Cruz Recordings, 1970s – Early 2000s," the foundation's mission is to digitize this valuable collection, preserving it for future generations and making it accessible worldwide to fans, historians, and researchers. The project will digitize and preserve approximately 150 to 200 hours of unedited footage of Celia Cruz, comprising 200 VHS tapes from the early 1970s to the 2000s. The preservation transfers will be digitized at the highest resolution possible for archival rate, therefore honoring the legacy of Celia Cruz and preserving her impact on music history.

Javier Soriano, Cuba-France

José Mauri Esteve’s compositions hold immense significance not only for Cuba but also for the broader socio-musical history of Hispanic American societies during the 19th and 20th centuries. Over time, the musical heritage of José Mauri Esteve has faced challenges, resulting in its significant deterioration, and hindering study and performance. 

In response, the restoration project named José Mauri Esteve: Rescate y Restauración de un Patrimonio Musical Hispanoamericano (Jose Mauri Esteve: Rescue and Restoration of a Hispanic American Musical Heritage) has been created to revive and preserve his invaluable contributions to music. This restoration journey includes various steps, including critical editions of Esteve's works, the careful reconstruction of lost or damaged musical material and in-depth analysis of his best-preserved compositions. Through this restoration journey, it plans to honor the legacy of José Mauri Esteve but also reaffirm the significance of his musical contributions to Cuba and the broader Hispanic American musical history. Through preservation and dissemination, it aspires to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of his rich cultural heritage among audiences worldwide.

The Latin Recording Academy Announces the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Return to Miami

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs, the Latin Recording Academy presented a Latin GRAMMY Session in Málaga, Spain, on May 16. The evening featured performances by Latin GRAMMY winner Pedro Capó and Latin GRAMMY nominees Omar Montes and Morat, hosted by DJ Pedraza.

Co-financed by the Programa FEDER Andalucía 2021-2027 and the Regional Government of Andalucía, the event took place at the Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta.

As part of The Latin Recording Academy's mission to promote Latin music and build bridges between countries, musical genres, and cultures, Puerto Rican artist Pedro Capó kicked off the evening by performing some of his most beloved songs including "La Fiesta," "Tutu," "Existo," and his hit "Calma," winner of two Latin GRAMMYs, including Song Of The Year. 

Next, Spanish singer Omar Montes, previously nominated in the Best Flamenco Album category, presented a special arrangement of "Pacquiao" — an unreleased song that he will launch soon — and performed a moving and sensitive rendition accompanied onstage by a 12-piece string ensemble. He also sang his latest hit, "La Sevillana," concluding his set with a version of the song "Yo Lo Soñé."

Colombian band Morat closed out the night with a very special performance that got the audience singing along to their greatest hits, including their Latin GRAMMY-nominated songs "No Se Va," "Cómo Te Atreves," "A Dónde Vamos," "En Solo Un Día," and "Acuérdate De Mí," among others.

In attendance were institutional figures such as Francisco de la Torre, Mayor of Málaga, Arturo Bernal, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Regional Government of Andalucía, and José Francisco Salado Escaño, President of the Regional Government of Málaga. Prominent local figures including Javier Banderas, Chiara, Bárbara Mirjan, Fernando Ramos, Salma and Ana Vera, among others, also joined the celebration.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Paco de Lucía Scholarship, awarded by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

The event was produced by Maracena Moreno and the Latin Recording Academy team led by Ayleen Figueras.

This was the second live event that the Latin Recording Academy has hosted in the Community of Andalucía this year, to continue elevating its culture around the world, with a calendar of events that will extend until 2025. This past April, the city of Cádiz ­hosted the Latin GRAMMY Celebra: Paco de Lucía event.

Keep checking GRAMMY.com, LatinGRAMMY.com and RecordingAcademy.com for exciting news from the Latin Recording Academy in honor of the 25th anniversary!

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In a dynamic fusion of culture and music, the Latin Recording Academy has teamed up with the Regional Government of Andalucía to unveil an exciting calendar of events for 2024, all taking place in the Community of Andalucía.

The cities of Cádiz and Málaga are poised to become the epicenters of musical celebration this year, hosting two headline concerts. These events, supported by the Programa FEDER Andalucía 2021-2027 and the Regional Government, promise to offer unparalleled musical experiences, further cementing Andalucía's influence on the global cultural stage.

The festivities will kick off in Cádiz with "Latin GRAMMY Celebra: Paco de Lucía," a heartfelt tribute to the legendary artist slated for Saturday, April 13, at the Gran Teatro Falla. Paying homage to one of the most influential guitarists in the history of flamenco and music in general, the event will feature Latin GRAMMY winners Antonio Carmona, Juan Habichuela Nieto, Oscar D’León, Pepe de Lucía, Eliades Ochoa, and Berta Rojas, as well as Latin GRAMMY nominees Diego Amador, Rubem Dantas, María José Llergo, Niño Josele, India Martínez, Israel Suárez "Piraña," Maria Toledo, and Rosario La Tremendita.

Additionally, the program will feature special guests including Cañizares, Ané Carrasco, Tino di Geraldo, José Carlos Gómez, Chonchi Heredia, José Heredia "El Gato", David de Jacoba, Jaime Calabuch "Jumitus," Noemí Humanes, Juan Parrilla, José María Bandera, and 2022 Trustees Award winner Abraham Laboriel, who will pay tribute to Lucía’s music and mastery. Latin GRAMMY nominee Miguel Poveda will serve as host for the evening, and will also perform alongside Carlos Grilo, Jesús Guerrero, Makarines and Carlos Merino. The event will be produced by Macarena Moreno and The Latin Recording Academy team led by Ayleen Figueras. The musical production is spearheaded by Latin GRAMMY nominee Carlos Narea, under the musical direction of Latin GRAMMY winner Fernando Illán and Victor Martínez who will also be part of the band.

"Latin GRAMMY Celebra: Paco de Lucía" will benefit the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and the Paco de Lucía Scholarship. Tickets for “Latin GRAMMY Celebra: Paco de Lucía” are on sale now through the Gran Teatro Falla.

Málaga will follow suit on May 16 with an electrifying Latin GRAMMY Session at La Plaza de Toros, La Malagueta, featuring Latin GRAMMY winner Pedro Capó and Latin GRAMMY nominees Omar Montes and Morat. Their performances will showcase the Academy's commitment to promoting Latin music's diverse genres.

This year's events build on the momentum of previous celebrations in Andalucía, including flamenco and urban music sessions in Granada and Málaga, and the historic 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in Sevilla. The partnership between the Latin Recording Academy and the Regional Government of Andalucía continues to flourish, promising to bring even more unforgettable moments to fans of Latin music worldwide.

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The Latin Recording Academy is about much more than the Latin GRAMMYs; the organization enriches and sustains the entire Latin music community. And the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is a major component of that mission.

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation just awarded a Nicky Jam Scholarship to Dominican pianist Leomar Cordero during a special presentation with the artist in Miami. There, Jam — a Latin GRAMMY winner — performed alongside Cordero and additional scholarship recipients.

Sponsored annually by a Latin music icon, the Nicky Jam Scholarship — also known as the Prodigy Scholarship — was created nine years ago to support music education and Latin music genres. It holds a maximum value of $200,000 and allows Cordero to pursue a bachelor's degree at Berklee College of Music in Boston, starting this fall.

Previous sponsors include: Sofia Carson (2022), Juanes (2021), Julio Iglesias (2020), Emilio and Gloria Estefan (2019), Carlos Vives (2018), Miguel Bosé (2017), Juan Luis Guerra (2016) and Enrique Iglesias (2015).

Cordero, a 19-year-old musician from La Romana, was selected by the Foundation's Scholarship Committee from a highly competitive, global group of hundreds of applicants.

Since its establishment, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has committed an extraordinary sum of more than $9.3 million in scholarships, grants, musical instruments, and educational programs throughout the United States and Ibero America.

"Since our inception nearly a decade ago, the Foundation's unwavering mission has been to support and cultivate the next generation of Latin music creators. I am humbled to announce our ninth Prodigy Scholarship winner and continue this mission," Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, said in a statement.

"With the extraordinary generosity of respected artists such as Nicky Jam, we have the unique privilege of fostering the education of future generations," Egusquiza continued, "paving the way for their dreams to flourish and carry forward the rich legacy of Latin music."

"My heart swells with joy as I join the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation in awarding the Nicky Jam Scholarship to the extraordinary pianist Leomar Cordero," offered Nicky Jam. "This is more than a scholarship; it's a symphony of dreams harmonizing with dedication. To witness the power of music uniting us all, to be a part of Leomar's journey, is an honor beyond words.

"Through education, we nurture the melodies of tomorrow and keep the soul of Latin music alive," Jam continued. "Congratulations, Leomar — let your music paint the world with colors only your heart can imagine."

"I am beyond thankful to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Nicky Jam for rewarding my efforts and motivating not just me, but also a large number of passionate young musicians who share an infinite love for music and our rich culture," said Cordero. "I am committed to making the most out of this incredible opportunity and leaving a lasting impact in the world of music."

The Foundation also announced the recipients of its annual Gifted Tuition Scholarships and Tuition Assistance Scholarships, which award 43 talented students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to pursue an education at some of the most prestigious music institutions in the world.

In addition, upon completing their studies, Cordero and all the Gifted Tuition and Tuition Assistance scholarship recipients listed below will have the opportunity to join the newly formed Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Scholarship Alumni Network.

This network formalizes the Foundation's ongoing commitment to serve beyond scholarships by providing graduates opportunities to mentor current scholarship recipients, network with industry professionals, access exclusive events and resources as well as give back to the community.

The following three students will each receive the Gifted Tuition Scholarship, with a maximum value of $100,000, which will support the tuition costs of four years of study at the university, college or music institution of their choice are:

• Gabriel Américo, guitarist from Brazil 

• Camilo Astiazarán, guitarist from Uruguay

• Olivia Soler Espinosa, tres cubano from Cuba 

Tuition Assistance Scholarship Recipients:

In addition, the following 40 students will each receive the Tuition Assistance Scholarship, a one-time scholarship with a maximum value of $10,000 toward the tuition costs for the university or college of their choice:

Congratulations to all involved, and keep watching this space for more news and information about the Latin Recording Academy!

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