Junos introduce Latin music category in effort to recognize more Canadian-made sounds

TORONTO — The Juno Awards are adding a dash of Latin flavour to next year’s festivities.

Organizers at Canada’s biggest music awards show say they plan to introduce Latin music recording of the year at the 2026 edition.

The new category will recognize Canadian musicians across all Latin American languages and genres who’ve released music in the eligible year.

It’s the latest move by the Junos to diversify how it recognizes Canadian creators and the evolving national music scene.

Last year, the Junos added a South Asian music category, while in 2022 it split the Indigenous category in two to honour both contemporary and traditional Indigenous artists.

The 2026 Junos are set to take place in Hamilton with the main show broadcast from Hamilton Arena, formerly FirstOntario Centre, which is finishing off a $290-million renovation.

Another tweak is being made to the rap categories, which answers calls for clarity around the involvement of Canadian MCs.

The revised rules state that for eligible releases in the rap single and rap album or EP categories, at least 50 per cent of the vocals must be performed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 5, 2025.