Latin Recording Academy Honors Music Legends at 2026 Special Awards
Omar Alfanno and Chichí Peralta receive prestigious lifetime achievement awards in Las Vegas.
1Special Awards Ceremony Held
The Latin Recording Academy hosted its Special Awards ceremony on Monday, November 9, in Las Vegas. This event serves as a prelude to the 27th annual Latin Grammy Awards. The gala honored six distinguished artists, including Omar Alfanno and Chichí Peralta, for their enduring impact on the global Latin music industry.
2Alfanno Receives Directing Council Award
Panamanian composer Omar Alfanno was honored with the Board of Directors Award, recognizing his significant contributions beyond performance. With a five-decade career, Alfanno has written hits for icons like Marc Anthony and Shakira. He emphasized that songwriters act as the essential fuel for the entire music industry, urging creators to prioritize longevity.
3Peralta Honored for Musical Excellence
Dominican musician Chichí Peralta received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his four decades of creative contributions. Known for fusing Afro-Caribbean rhythms with diverse traditions, Peralta has successfully exported Dominican musical elements globally. His career began at age four, when he crafted his first tambora drum from discarded kitchen oil containers.
4Human Creativity Versus Technology
During his acceptance speech, Chichí Peralta addressed the role of technology in modern music production. He argued that artistic sensitivity is a deeply human trait that cannot be replaced by machines. Peralta maintained that while music transcends borders, its power stems from deep cultural roots that define the artist's unique creative imagination.
5Collaborators and Industry Recognition
The ceremony featured notable figures such as Milly Quezada as host and Erika Ender as a presenter. Gilberto Santa Rosa presented the award to Alfanno, highlighting their long-standing professional collaboration. Alfanno dedicated his recognition to the performers who trusted his work during the early stages of his career when he lacked industry support.
6Additional Honorees at Gala
Beyond the Panamanian and Dominican honorees, the Academy recognized several other influential figures with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Alaska, Francisco Céspedes, Lila Downs, and Daniela Mercury were celebrated for their artistic trajectories. Manuel Abud, the Academy's CEO, opened the evening by paying tribute to the collective legacy of these six extraordinary artists.
7Main Event Broadcast Details
The 27th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will take place on Thursday, November 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Univision will broadcast the event, starting with a pre-show at 7:00 p.m. ET, followed by the main ceremony at 8:00 p.m. The live television broadcast is scheduled to last approximately three hours.
8Significance of the Awards
These special awards highlight the foundational roles of composers and musicians who shape Latin culture. By honoring creators like Alfanno and Peralta, the Academy underscores the importance of songwriting and cultural fusion. This recognition serves as a historical marker for artists whose work has defined the sound of Latin music for generations.
Original article: Infobae — Latin Recording Academy Honors Music Legends at 2026 Special Awards