Edén Muñoz, the charismatic lead singer of regional Mexican group Calibre 50, and Colombian singer/songwriter Manuel Turizo were both recognized as songwriter of the year at the annual SESAC Latin Music Awards 2021. It marked the first time in the awards history that the top award was presented in two categories — Regional Mexican and Pop/Latin Rhythm — and it underscores how both urban and regional Mexican music have taken a front seat in Latin music in the past year.
Muñoz won songwriter of the year in the regional Mexican category for the second time for songs penned both for Calibre 50 (“Barquillero,” “Solo Tú”) and for other groups, including Banda MS (“Cerrando Ciclos”) and Banda Carnaval (Esta Vez Soy Yo”). All were recognized with SESAC Latina Performance Awards. Muñoz’s publisher, Dulce María Music, won publisher of the year, Regional Mexican.
Turizo, the 21-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter who often writes with brother Julián and is known for his deep, velvety voice, won songwriter of the year, Pop/Latin Rhythm for the first time with his songs “TBT,” “Quiéreme Mientras Se Pueda,” “Te Quemaste,” “Pegao,” “La Nota” and “No Encuentro Palabras,” which were all recognized with SESAC Latina Performance Awards.
His publisher, Sony Sounds (Sony Music Publishing) won publisher of the year for the sixth consecutive year.
The song of the year award in regional Mexican went to Christian Nodal for “Se Me Olvidó.” The track peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s regional Mexican Airplay chart and spent 23 weeks on the chart.
In the Pop / Latin Rhythm category, song of the year went to Ñengo Flow for “Safaera,” the hit he wrote and performed with Jowell & Randy and Bad Bunny for Bunny’s hit album YHLQMDLG.
The track peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart.
Although these year’s winners will be announced on SESAC’s social media channels and website due to the pandemic, the organization has honored the best in Latin music every year for nearly three decades.
“There is no doubt that music makes our world a better place to enjoy life, helping us overcome any difficult situation like the one we are facing now,” said Celeste Zendejas, vice president of SESAC Latina. “Thanks to all our songwriters for capturing all their experiences and feelings in each song.”
“It has been an exciting year in Latin music, and we are proud to celebrate and honor SESAC Latina’s songwriters’ and publishers’ most performed songs,” said Sam Kling, senior vice president of creative operations, SESAC Rights Management in an official statement. “Their songs have blended genres, transcended eras, and made their way to non-Spanish speaking audiences in unprecedented ways.”
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