Regional Mexican music got major recognition at the SESAC Latin Music Awards June 7 as songwriter Luciano Luna was named composer of the year for the fourth consecutive time and the venerable Banda El Recodo De Don Cruz Lizárraga’s “Si No Es Contigo” (written by Luna) won for song of the year.
Rafael Arcaute, known for his work with alternative and pop acts, was named producer of the year, while publisher of the year honors went to Sony/ATV Sounds, which positions the company as a triple-crown winner. Sony/ATV Sounds has taken the title from the three major performing rights organizations over two successive years.
“It really does come down to the work of our writers and the team,” said Jorge Mejia, president of Sony/ATV Music Publishing Latin America and U.S. Latin. “It’s because of them that we have had a long steam of success.”
Reggaetón star Nicky Jam received the first-ever special award for crossover song of the year for “Hasta El Amanecer,” which was also co-written by Juan Diego Medina and Saga WhiteBlack, who last year won for producer of the year.
Singer/songwriter Jencarlos, who won awards for his song “Baby” (featuring Lennox) and “Para Qué Me Invitan,” performed at this year’s gala, which was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Regional Mexican group La Séptima also performed at the ceremony and took home honors for “Yo Sí Me Enamoré” and “Me Empezó A Valer,” compositions that were also written by Luna. Erika Ender, who also performed, was recognized for the song “Ataúd,” which was recorded by Los Tigres Del Norte.
Presenting the awards were Celeste Zendejas, director of SESAC Latina; Eli Ponce, associate director of SESAC Latina; Dennis Lord, executive vice president, creative and business affairs SESAC; and Sam Kling, senior VP of creative operations SESAC.
SESAC Latina awards songwriters and publishers’ achievements from the previous year. In 2016, the top winners included Nicky Jam for song of the year and the chart-topping group Intocable was recognized with the Icon Award. For a complete list of winners go to http://www.sesaclatina.com.