Mexican singer-songwriter Horacio Palencia is set to be honored with the BMI President’s Award at the 2024 BMI Latin Awards, taking place March 13.
The special award celebrates Palencia’s contributions as a songwriter in the música mexicana genre. Throughout his career, which spans over two decades, “Palencia has been a driving force in shaping the genre with his timeless lyrics and heartfelt songs, which are deeply rooted in Mexican culture and resonate with listeners worldwide,” according to a press release. Palencia will be honored during a private ceremony that will be hosted by BMI president & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI vice president, creative, Latin, Jesus Gonzalez, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.
“Since joining the BMI family 20 years ago, Horacio has played a major role in the success and evolution of Música Mexicana through his profound connection to the heart and soul of his musical heritage,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “In addition to Horacio’s commercial success, he’s garnered widespread respect within the industry and established himself as one of the most talented and sought-after songwriters in Latin music. We’re so proud to honor Horacio and his prolific career with the BMI President’s Award and celebrate the creative accomplishments of all our 2024 BMI Latin Award winners. It is going to be an incredible night to remember.”
Palencia, who launched his songwriting career at a young age, has received more than 50 BMI Latin Awards, as well as BMI Latin Songwriter of the Year and BMI Regional Mexican Songwriter of the Year four times each. He’s also taken home the BMI Latin Song of the Year for “Niña De Mi Corazon” (2011) and Regional Mexican Song of the Year three consecutive years in a row with “Me Vas a Extrañar” (2017), “Solo Con Verte” (2016) and “No Me Pidas Perdón” (2015). He’s collaborated with and written for artists such as Christian Nodal, Carin León, Grupo Firme and Banda MS, to name a few.
Palencia joins previous BMI President’s Award recipients including Carlos Vives, Gloria Trevi, Juanes, Luis Fonsi and Wisin & Yandel, among others.
During the ceremony on March 13, BMI will also recognize the songwriters and publishers of the past year’s most performed Latin songs in the United States. The BMI Regional Mexican Song; BMI Regional Mexican Songwriter; BMI Contemporary Latin Song; BMI Contemporary Latin Songwriter; BMI Contemporary Latin and Regional Mexican Publisher of the Year will also be awarded.