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

Organizers at the Juno Awards, 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.

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.

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.

The 2026 Juno week is set for Thursday, March 26, to Sunday, March 29.

The event will culminate with the 55th Annual Juno Awards, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).

In March, CARAS president and CEO Allan Reid said Hamilton's dynamic music scene and rich cultural heritage make it "an ideal location" for the awards.

"We are thrilled to return to Hamilton and be one of the first events in Hamilton's newly renovated downtown arena," Reid said in the release.

"The city and province of Ontario continue to show their passion for music and the arts. We're looking forward to 2026."

A spokesperson for the city told CBC News that the city's contribution to the event will be $500,000, coming from a reserve dedicated to conventions, sports and events, while an additional $300,000 will be contributed from the Hamilton Tourism Development Corporation.

Hamilton last hosted the Junos in 2015.