The Latin Recording Academy has announced the celebrated artists and creators who will receive its 2026 Special Awards, recognizing influential careers that have enriched Latin music across generations and borders.

Alaska, Francisco Céspedes, Lila Downs, Daniela Mercury and Chichí Peralta will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The distinction honors performers whose artistic contributions have had exceptional creative significance in Latin music.

Panamanian songwriter and producer Omar Alfanno will receive the Trustees Award, which recognizes major contributions to music beyond performance. Alfanno has written enduring songs recorded by artists throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

The honorees represent a wide range of musical traditions—from Mexican folk and Brazilian axé to Caribbean rhythms, pop and romantic balladry. Together, their careers demonstrate the international reach, cultural depth and continuing evolution of Latin music.

Source: The Latin Recording Academy — https://www.latingrammy.com/noticias/la-academia-latina-de-la-grabacion-otorga-sus-premios-especiales-de-2026

Featured illustration: Original artwork created for Generation Ñ.