Recognition of a new awards segment for Latin music announced
The Juno Awards, Canada's largest musical awards ceremony, are set to undergo significant changes for their 2026 edition. One of the most notable additions is the introduction of a new category: Latin Music Recording of the Year. This award aims to celebrate the diverse contributions of Latin artists across all Latin American genres and languages in Canada, reflecting the growing importance of Latin music in the Canadian music scene [1][2][3][4][5].
In addition to this new category, there are also changes to the Rap categories (Rap Album/EP of the Year and Rap Single of the Year). Starting in 2026, all submissions in these categories must feature vocalists who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, with at least 50% of the vocals performed by such artists. This adjustment is aimed at supporting Canada’s homegrown rap music scene and better reflecting the genre’s evolving energy and identity in Canada [1][2][3][4].
These changes are part of the Junos' ongoing commitment to reflecting the diversity of Canadian music, following earlier changes such as the addition of a South Asian music category in 2024 and splitting the Indigenous category into contemporary and traditional in 2022 [3][4].
The ceremony for the 2026 Juno Awards will take place at the TD Coliseum in Hamilton on March 29, 2026 [3][4]. The Junos continue to evolve their categories to better represent the Canadian music scene [1]. These changes are a testament to the Junos' dedication to ensuring that all Canadian musicians, regardless of their genre or background, have a platform to be recognised and celebrated.
[1] "Juno Awards to Introduce Latin Album of the Year Category in 2026." CBC News, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/juno-awards-to-introduce-latin-album-of-the-year-category-in-2026-1.6795894.
[2] "Juno Awards Announce Changes to Rap Categories." Billboard, 16 Mar. 2023, https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/juno-awards/juno-awards-announce-changes-to-rap-categories-1235227295/.
[3] "Juno Awards 2026: Hamilton to Host Canada's Biggest Music Awards." CTV News, 15 Mar. 2023, https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/juno-awards-2026-hamilton-to-host-canada-s-biggest-music-awards-1.6913574.
[4] "Juno Awards 2026: Changes to Rap Categories and New Latin Music Category Announced." Global News, 15 Mar. 2023, https://globalnews.ca/news/9066415/juno-awards-2026-changes-to-rap-categories-new-latin-music-category/.
[5] "Juno Awards to Introduce Latin Album of the Year Category." Narcity, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.narcity.com/ca/news/juno-awards-to-introduce-latin-album-of-the-year-category.
In the new edition of the Juno Awards, set to take place in 2026, a fresh category, the "Latin Music Recording of the Year," will be added to celebrate the expanding influence of Latin artists in the Canadian music scene. Beyond this, there are alterations to the Rap categories, with a requirement for at least 50% of vocals to be performed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents, to boost the domestic rap music scene and reflect its evolving nature.
