The Venezuelan band Rawayana achieved a major milestone in their career by winning their first American Grammy Award in the category of Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album for their album ¿Quién trae las cornetas?.
The ceremony took place in Los Angeles, where the group received the award during the pre-show of the Recording Academy’s awards. Although this part of the event is not televised, it is crucial as it recognizes artists in various categories before the main gala.
An emotional acceptance speech
Alberto Montenegro, the band’s lead singer, expressed his gratitude to the Academy and everyone who contributed to the creation of the album. He also dedicated a few words to their fans, who have supported their music over the years.
15 years in the making. @Rawayana stops by @CityNational’s First Look Cam with their Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album GRAMMY win. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/p8XYkhJsiZ
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) February 2, 2025
Montenegro then requested to speak in Spanish and recited a powerful message in which he highlighted important figures in Venezuelan music, such as Desorden Público, Zapato 3, Guaco, Los Adolescentes, Lil Supa, Apache, Akapellah, Neutro Shorty, Simón Díaz, Canserbero, Caramelos de Cianuro, Servando y Florentino, Amigos Invisibles, Oscar d’ León, Franco de Vita, and Alí Primera.
The lead singer concluded his speech with a phrase full of pride:
“Los Rawas just won an American Grammy, long live Venezuela in this shit!”
VIDEO:
🇻🇪🇻🇪 It is inevitable not to share these verses that Rawayana gave us upon winning their Grammy:“A mis compatriotas, levantemos nuestra cabeza con orgullo. Nuestra música nos habla de hace rato.
Con tanto desorden en el mundo, está difícil ponerse en… pic.twitter.com/KXrU80djmG
— Alejandra Oraa (@alejandraoraa) February 2, 2025
The controversy with ‘Veneka’
Rawayana’s victory comes amid the controversy generated by their song Veneka, in collaboration with rapper Akapellah. Although the song is not part of the winning album, it has sparked great debate in Venezuela.
The government of Nicolás Maduro criticized the song, arguing that it denigrates Venezuelan women. As a result, Rawayana canceled a tour that was planned in their home country.
The term Veneka has been used as a derogatory expression towards Venezuelan migrant women in countries like Colombia. However, the band and Akapellah sought to give it a positive meaning, highlighting the identity and value of Venezuelan women in their song.
Freedom of expression and support for the band
Since its release, Veneka has generated mixed opinions, but the controversy intensified when Maduro and other officials of the government criticized it. This led even some detractors of the song to defend the band’s right to express themselves freely.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado also spoke out, expressing her support for Rawayana and emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression in the country.
Amid the controversy, Rawayana’s Grammy win has become a victory for Venezuelan music and a symbol of international recognition for the country’s talent.
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