The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers’ (ASCAP’s) 27th Annual ASCAP Latin Awards returned to San Juan, Puerto Rico in support of its music community for a night filled with exceptional talent, as Latin songwriters, performers and publishers gathered to celebrate their resurgence and achievements from the past year. Multi-talented artist Daddy Yankee was named ASCAP Latin Songwriter/Artist of the Year, presented by the Puerto Rican reggaeton pioneer who discovered him, DJ Playero. Colombian pop star Maluma received the prestigious ASCAP Latin Songwriter of the Year for the first time.
Acclaimed Latin rockstar and Puerto Rico native Draco Rosa picked up The ASCAP Vanguard Award for his dynamic career and helping to shape the future of music. Milly Quezada, the “Queen of Merengue,” was the recipient of the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award, co-presented by hit singer-songwriter Yaire, for her unique and enduring contributions to Latin music.
Executives from Sony/ATV Discos Music and BMG Gold Songs were on hand to accept Publisher of the Year and Independent Publisher of the Year, respectively. The ASCAP Latin Song of the Year was “I Like It,” interpreted by Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin; written by Jhay Cortez and Mambo Kingz: Xavier and Edgar Semper-Vergas; published by A Million Dollar Dream, Artist Publishing Group West, Convinced Music, Editora De Musica Mambo Kingz, Kobalt Songs Music Publishing, RSM Publishing, Shaftizm, Sony/ATV Allegro, Sony/ATV Discos Music Publishing, Washpoppin and WB Music Corp.
ASCAP chose to bring its biggest Latin event back to Puerto Rico this year to support and emphasize its confidence in the Latin songwriting community there, with senior executives including Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews, Board Member Desmond Child and Vice President of Latin Membership Gabriela Gonzalez making the trip. “It was so important to all of us at ASCAP that we host our awards here, and do our part to help Puerto Rico rebuild,” said Gonzalez in the show’s opening remarks. “Thank you to the 250 of you who have flown in from around the world. Let’s send a clear message to the global music industry: Puerto Rico is open for business!”
The evening featured dazzling performances and participation from some of Latin music’s hottest music stars. Yotuel and Andrés Castro performed a beautiful rendition of their hit Ricky Martin song “Fiebre,” joined by Yotuel’s wife, Beatriz Luengo; Silvestre Dangond performed his award-winning “Cásate Conmigo,” and Draco Rosa showcased his mesmerizing songwriting with a performance of “Mil Mañanas.” Maluma seduced the audience with a medley of his music, and Milly Quezada, along with a 13-piece merengue band, sent the crowd home dancing with “Volvio Juanita,” “Entre Tu Cuerpo y El Mío (Solo Contigo)” and her 1998 classic “Para Darte Mi Vida.”
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