Berklee Alumni, Faculty Win Latin Grammy Awards

Celebrated Dominican singer-songwriter and three-time Grammy Award–winner Juan Luis Guerra '82, along with Berta Rojas, an associate professor in the Guitar Department, were two of the winners at the 23rd annual Latin Grammy Awards. The ceremony was held on Thursday, November 17, at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Guerra has won multiple Latin Grammys over the years, including his first two trophies at the inaugural Latin Grammy Awards in 2000. The alumnus added another Latin Grammy to his collection with his win for Best Merengue/Bachata Album for Entre Mar y Palmeras.

Rojas, a Paraguayan classical guitarist, took home two Latin Grammy Awards in the categories of Best Classical Album for Legado, and Best Classical Contemporary Composition for the song "Anido's Portrait: I. Chacarera." Venezuelan producer and engineer Manuel Lara '14 picked up a Latin Grammy for his contribution to Sebastián Yatra’s hit song “Tacones Rojos,” which was also nominated for Song of the Year.

Cuban singer and guitarist Angela Alvarez tied for the Best New Artist award. The 95-year-old's self-titled debut album was produced by Carlos José Alvarez ’06 (Alvarez's grandson) and Misha’al Al-Omar ’07. Pablo Flores ’14, who earned his degree in film and media scoring, also contributed to the 15-track album.

Bass legend Abraham Laboriel ’72 received the Trustees Award, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Latin music.  

In addition, current Berklee students Valentina Garcia, Xavier Cintrón, and Sergio De Miguel Jorquera, and alumna Nicolle Horbath B.M. '22, who received the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Prodigy Scholarship in 2022, 2021, 2019, and 2018, respectively, performed at the awards ceremony alongside Latin Grammy winner Nicky Jam. 

Since the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences founded the Latin Grammys in 2000, 51 Berklee alumni have received 118 awards.

Below is a full list of Berklee alumni and faculty Latin Grammy winners. Please note the list is subject to change as we receive updated information. 

Best Pop Song

• “Tacones Rojos,” Sebastián Yatra
  • Manuel Lara '14, songwriter

Best Merengue/Bachata Album

• Entre Mar y Palmeras, Juan Luis Guerra
  • Juan Luis Guerra ’82, artist

Best Classical Album

• Legado, Berta Rojas
  • Berta Rojas, artist

Best Classical Contemporary Composition

• "Anido's Portrait: I. Chacarera," Berta Rojas
  • Sergio Assad, composer

Trustees Award 

• Abraham Laboriel ’72