The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) has announced a significant update for the 2026 JUNO Awards: the creation of a new category, Latin Music Recording of the Year. This exciting addition reflects Canada’s growing Latin music scene and CARAS’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representation in the country’s evolving musical landscape.

The new category will recognize excellence across all Latin American genres and languages, offering a powerful platform for Latin artists in Canada to showcase their work on the nation’s most prestigious music stage.

“This new category is a milestone,” said Martín Añón, Co-Chair of the new Latin music committee, highlighting its role in connecting Canadian talent with one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. Fellow Co-Chair Ricardo Taco of Live Nation Canada echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the cultural significance and storytelling power of Latin rhythms and heritage.

In addition to this landmark change, CARAS has also introduced refined eligibility guidelines for Rap submissions, further cementing its mission to better serve and elevate Canadian talent across all genres.

With these changes, the JUNOS continue to evolve alongside Canada’s rich and multicultural music scene, giving voice to artists whose influence continues to shape the sound of the country.