Jessica Roiz: I would say diverse. I noticed that in the “Big Four” there’s not only a variety of genres but also of generations. We have artists such as Caetano Veloso, Juan Luis Guerra, and Ricardo Montaner who have led long, prolific careers — and we also have Rauw Alejandro, C. Tangana, and Paula Arenas, who are paving the way for the new wave of music artists.
Pamela Bustios: The list is varied, but overall, predictable. It lacks presence of world sounds and the amalgam of fusions that have bloomed in the last year such as electronic with Andean rhythms, electronica with Latin American folklore, psychedelic and electro-cumbia and indigenous sounds.
Leila Cobo: Diverse, and yes, multi-generational and multi-cultural. That’s important because there are many layers of Latin music that are not seen or recognized here in the U.S. But yes, there was also some predictability, and I felt the fields were dominated by traditional pop. Many names can always count on being here, regardless of their output.
-L.C.
What was right about this year’s list of nominees?
Griselda Flores: Camilo is one of those rare artists who has received commercial success and critical praise. As one of the most exciting artists in recent memory — someone who is uninterested in sticking to one genre and has placed all bets on innocent and poetic lyrics — I was happy to see him leading the list of nominees. Another one that is so deserving of all his nominations is C. Tangana.
Jessica Roiz: I feel that in every category there’s a balance between established artists and newer ones. I think that type of recognition from the Latin Recording Academy is very important, because it shows they not only analyzed Vicente Fernandez’s work, but also what a Grupo Firme released, as an example.
Leila Cobo: Camilo, C. Tangana and Juan Luis Guerra are a great trio of top nominees. And I actually feel urban music was adequately represented in the main categories. How can you quibble with Rauw Alejandro and Bad Bunny?
