Mon Laferte to Receive Social Justice Award at Hispanic Heritage Awards & More Highlights in Latin Music
This week, it was announced that Mon Laferte will be honored with the Social Justice Award at the 39th annual Hispanic Heritage Awards. The ceremony is scheduled for September 10 at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Laferte, a Chilean singer, is recognized for her commitment to using her art and platform to foster discussions surrounding human rights, gender equality, and social justice across Latin America and beyond.
Mon Laferte’s Recognition
In a statement, Laferte expressed her gratitude, stating, “I feel incredibly honored. I never imagined that a moment would come in my life or career when my work to carry out the projects that truly matter to me would be recognized.” She emphasized the strength of the Latino community in building connections and supporting one another, highlighting the rewarding nature of her contributions to this sense of community.
Laferte joins other notable recipients this year, including singer-songwriter Ximena Sariñana and the People of the Twin Cities collective, who are also being recognized for their impactful work.
Marc Anthony and Yandel: Agents of Change
Marc Anthony and Yandel have been named this year’s Agents of Change at the upcoming Premios Juventud 2026. This award acknowledges artists who significantly contribute to society beyond their musical careers through philanthropic and humanitarian efforts. The ceremony will take place in Spain for the first time and will be broadcast live on September 3 across multiple platforms, including Univision and ViX.
Marc Anthony is being honored for his dedication to nurturing future generations through the Maestro Cares Foundation. Since its inception in 2012, the foundation has initiated over 35 projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for children and vulnerable communities in Latin America and the United States. This year, he is also spearheading “Unidos por Venezuela,” an international benefit concert and telethon to aid the country’s recovery following recent earthquakes.
Yandel will receive recognition for his ongoing support of educational initiatives and mental health awareness within the music industry. His efforts to empower emerging artists through charitable projects and educational programs have made a significant impact on the development of Latino talent.
Noel Schajris and the Prodigy Scholarship
The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation recently awarded over $1.7 million in scholarships to students from underserved backgrounds pursuing music degrees. Among the sponsors is singer-songwriter Noel Schajris, who is supporting the Prodigy Scholarship awarded to Puerto Rican violinist Razil Rosado. This scholarship will cover up to $250,000 for four years of study at Berklee College of Music, including tuition and living expenses.
Schajris expressed his honor in supporting Rosado, stating, “It is the honor of my life to help Razil expand that divine gift and the indomitable spirit of a 17-year-old with unparalleled passion.” He hopes that this opportunity will enrich Rosado’s journey and enable him to build a life filled with music.
During the foundation’s ceremony in Doral, Florida, additional scholarships were awarded, including the Berklee–Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Emerging Talent Scholarship and the Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship.
Banda El Recodo at the Grammy Museum
The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles has opened an exhibition dedicated to Banda El Recodo, celebrating the band’s 88-year history since its founding in Sinaloa, Mexico. The exhibition features essential instruments, costumes, and album covers that highlight the band’s pioneering role in bringing regional Mexican music to global audiences.
Bandleader Alfonso “Poncho” Lizárraga remarked on the significance of the event, stating, “We are incredibly proud to be here on such an important day in the career of Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga.” The band also performed a free concert at the museum, marking a historic moment as the first regional Mexican band to do so.
Álvaro Díaz and OMAKASE
Álvaro Díaz is expanding the creative universe of his album OMAKASE, inspired by the Japanese culinary tradition where diners trust chefs to create personalized experiences. The Puerto Rican artist’s LP blends Japanese and Puerto Rican influences, exploring themes of discovery and cultural exchange.
As part of this initiative, Díaz has collaborated with Toyota and various artists to create limited-edition posters inspired by the album’s tracklist. This project aims to immerse fans in a broader artistic experience that celebrates the cultural fusion at the heart of OMAKASE.
For more details on these stories, visit Billboard.
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Published on 2026-08-08 18:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk