Photo credit: Erick Fernando Quituizaca

The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) has announced that multi-platinum bilingual singer-songwriter, Sebastián Yatra, is set to receive the illustrious ‘Artist of the Year’ award at their annual RIAA Honors event on September 19th. This grand celebration, taking place at the RIAA's state-of-the-art performance space in Washington, DC, promises an evening of recognizing Latin music's finest talents.

Rising Star on the Charts

Sebastián Yatra's single, "VAGABUNDO," has achieved RIAA certified Latin Platinum® status and has proudly secured the #1 spot on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart this week. With a staggering 239 million global streams and an official music video that boasts 74 million views, "VAGABUNDO" is undoubtedly the tune of the year. As a testament to its success, world #1 Tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrated his recent US Open win by singing along to this catchy number.

RIAA's annual honors are not just a celebration of Sebastián Yatra's unparalleled achievements but also a nod to other artists, label executives, and policymakers who have played a pivotal role in the meteoric rise of Latin music in American culture. Among these notable mentions are icons such as Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Maria Fernandez, and U.S. Representatives Veronica Escobar and María Elvira Salazar.

A Journey of Musical Genius

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Sebastián Yatra, known for his passionate music and evocative lyrics, has become an emblem of Latin pop culture. With hits like "Una Noche Sin Pensar," which clinched a #1 on Latin Pop Airplay, and accolades such as 2x Latin Grammys, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the global music scene.

About Sebastián Yatra

 
With 35.7 billion streams under his belt, Sebastián Yatra is more than just a sensation; he is a musical force to reckon with. From his Grammy-nominated album "Dharma" to the soul-stirring "Dos Oruguitas" from Disney's 'Encanto', he has showcased an eclectic range of melodies. His music, which spans multiple genres, carries an emotional depth that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Describing his recent hit, Billboard mentions, “Colombian pop star Sebastián Yatra ventures into merengue…on 'Vagabundo,' a joyous summer banger..." while Rolling Stone adds, "The upbeat merengue track...reflects on the feeling of pretending to be okay in public after a breakup.”

For those eager to be part of this monumental celebration, Sebastián Yatra will also grace the stage with a live performance at the RIAA Honors.