SESAC Latina celebrated its 30th anniversary with the annual SESAC Latina Music Awards, which took place on Wednesday (June 26) at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.
The ceremony — which included heartfelt speeches and a special performance by tejano/norteño group Intocable — awarded siblings Julián and Manuel Turizo songwriter of the year, pop/Latin rhythm. Meanwhile, for the first time ever, Salvador Aponte received the songwriter of the year, regional Mexican award.
Julián and Manuel were recognized for their smash hit “El Merengue,” which won song of the year, pop/Latin rhythm. On the Billboard Latin Airplay chart, the song peaked at No. 1 last year. As for Aponte, he was honored for música mexicana songs he wrote like “La Patrona,” “Se Buscan Borrachos” and “1500 Pedas” — all of which were recognized with performance awards.
The SESAC Latina Award for song of the year, regional Mexican went to “Frágil”, written by Yahritza Martínez and recorded by Yahritza y Su Esencia and Grupo Frontera. On the Latin Airplay chart, the song peaked at No. 2 last summer.
Mexican singer-songwriter Luciano Luna was honored with the Legacy Award. He has been previously recognized four times as SESAC Latina Songwriter of the Year for his many hits performed by a variety of acts, such as Banda El Recodo (“La Mejor de Todas”), Calibre 50 (“Tus Latidos”), Julión Álvarez (“Te Hubieras Ido Antes”), Grupo Firme (“El Reemplazo”) and Banda Los Recoditos (“Me Sobrabas Tú”).
See the main winners list below:
Songwriter of the Year – Pop/Latin Rhythm
Manuel Turizo
Julián Turizo
Publisher of the Year – Pop/Latin Rhythm
Sony Music Publishing
Song of the Year Pop/Latin Rhythm, “El Merengue“
Written by: Manuel Turizo, Julián Turizo
Published by: MTZ Publishing, Jutuza Publishing, La Industria Music Publishing, Sony Sounds
Recorded by: Marshmello & Manuel Turizo
Songwriter of the Year – Regional Mexican
Salvador Aponte
Publisher of the Year – Regional Mexican
Universal Music Publishing
Song of the Year – Regional Mexican, “Frágil“
Written by: Yahritza Martínez
Published by: Yahritza Martínez Publishing, Universal Musica Latina
Recorded by: Yahritza y Su Esencia & Grupo Frontera
Legacy Award
Luciano Luna