NEW YORK CITY - Carlos Vives has been selected as 2024's Person of The Year by the Latin Recording Academy ahead of the ceremony's 25th anniversary, which recognizes outstanding Latin music.
With more than 30 years in the industry, Vives is known for introducing authentic Colombian genres like cumbia and vallenato to a more global audience by incorporating pop and rock rhythms.
The singer's relationship with the Latin Recording Academy is vast. He currently holds 18 Latin Grammys and two Grammys, as well as more than 10 billion streams on digital platforms as a result of hits like "La Bicicleta" feat. Shakira, "Pa Maite," "Volví a Nacer" and more.
"Carlos Vives is one of the most prolific and beloved artists of our time, whose commitment to Latin music and support for the new generations truly personifies the values of our Academy," said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy. "We honor him as our Person of the Year for his vast contributions to our musical heritage and for his many philanthropic initiatives."
Aside from music, the Colombian singer is also an active environmental advocate. The Latin Recording Academy particularly highlighted his Tras La Perla initiative, which promotes the sustainable development of Santa Marta— an urban city in northern Colombia— and its ecosystem.
Vives is also highly active in music education. He created the Escuela de Música Río Grande to offer artistic experiences to children and young people. He also founded the record label Gaira Música Local to promote new Colombian talent. Similarly, he advocates and supports the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation and sponsored the annual Prodigy Scholarship in 2018.
"I am honored and moved to have been chosen as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the year. It is the reward for an authentic journey, for a wonderful team and, above all, it is the recognition of the musical spirits of our Latin American diversity," Vives said.
"These spirits taught us to love and enrich our language, to take care of it and to respect it in order to exalt humanity with it," the honoree continued.
With this honor, Vives will join the group of household names like Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Juanes and Laura Pausini to earn the distinction.
The multi-hyphenate artist will be celebrated during this year's Latin Grammys ceremony taking place in Miami's Kaseya Center on Nov. 14.
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