The unstoppable J Balvin won big at the BMI Latin Music Awards
Proving to be a game-changer, J Balvin has been leading a new wave of latinidad in the United States, and showing that — despite the political and cultural transformation of the country — Spanish-language music continues to soar. The Colombian hitmaker is breaking records and creating a new path of musical and cultural identity. His talent has positioned him in unprecedented spaces, such as the Guinness World Record for the longest hold of the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Hot Latin songs chart for his song “Ginza.”
More awards continue to pour in, and last night, “Ginza” was awarded with one of the top honors at the BMI Latin Music Awards: Contemporary Latin Song of the Year.
The 24th annual BMI Latin Music Awards, hosted by BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President of Latin Music, Delia Orjuela, announced the songwriters and publishers of Latin music’s most-performed songs of the past year on U.S. radio and television. The celebration is more important than ever, as pop culture is a vital resource while we face the shifting socio-politcal landscape.
In an interview with RollingStone.com, Balvin talks about his album:
"Since the very moment we started making [Energía], the idea was to make a statement in Latin music."
And he did.
“Ginza” –from J Balvin’s album Energia – has become an anthem of identity, and a cultural affirmation. Balvin has collaborated with powerhouses such as Justin Bieber, Pharrell, Diplo, and currently Skrillex. Energía naturally gravitated toward the Anglo audience and, most importantly, ushered mainstream U.S. artists into J Balvin’s sphere. However when asked about singing in English, he proudly commented:
"I just want to make a statement, and I'm going to keep singing in Spanish.
Congratulations to J Balvin. We are happy to see a new culture flourish in mainstream American culture, ¡dale!
