Daddy Yankee Named 2026 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year

Reggaeton star is first Latin urban artist to receive prestigious honor.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bejeweled microphone against a dramatic, high-contrast studio backdrop, capturing the glitz and glamour of Latin music awards season.Daddy Yankee's bejeweled microphone symbolizes the Latin music icon's prestigious recognition as the 2026 Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy.New Haven Today

Reggaeton icon Daddy Yankee has been named the 2026 Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy. He will be celebrated at a special gala in November, becoming the first Latin urban artist to receive the prestigious honor.

Why it matters

Daddy Yankee's selection as Person of the Year highlights the growing influence and recognition of Latin urban music genres like reggaeton on the global music landscape. His career achievements and philanthropic work have made him a towering figure in Latin music and culture.

The details

Daddy Yankee, whose real name is Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, rose to fame in the early 2000s as a pioneer of the reggaeton genre. He is best known for hits like "Gasolina" and "Despacito" and has sold over 30 million records worldwide. The Latin Recording Academy cited Daddy Yankee's musical legacy, humanitarian work, and influence on younger generations of Latin artists in selecting him for the honor.

  • Daddy Yankee will be honored at the Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year gala in November 2026.

The players

Daddy Yankee

A Puerto Rican reggaeton singer, songwriter, and record producer who is considered a pioneer of the reggaeton genre. He is known for hit songs like "Gasolina" and "Despacito" and has sold over 30 million records worldwide.

The Latin Recording Academy

The organization that presents the Latin Grammy Awards and honors influential figures in Latin music. It is selecting Daddy Yankee as its 2026 Person of the Year, the first Latin urban artist to receive the prestigious accolade.

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What they’re saying

“Daddy Yankee's selection as Person of the Year is a landmark moment for Latin urban music. His influence and contributions to the genre are unparalleled.”

— Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President and CEO of the Latin Recording Academy

What’s next

Daddy Yankee will be honored at the Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year gala in November 2026, where he will be celebrated for his musical legacy and philanthropic work.

The takeaway

Daddy Yankee's recognition as the Latin Recording Academy's 2026 Person of the Year underscores the growing mainstream success and cultural impact of Latin urban music genres like reggaeton, which have become a dominant force in the global music industry.