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Anitta performs in Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Enter Anitta's Brazilian 'Funk Generation': 5 Takeaways From Her New Album

Anitta brand-new album 'Funk Generation' is the culmination of a long-held dream to bring Brazilian funk to the world. Read on for five ways Anitta's genre-bending album showcases an "energy that's very unique to Brazil."

GRAMMYs/Apr 26, 2024 - 01:31 pm

After establishing herself as a global pop star, Brazilian singer Anitta is bringing the music of her country to the forefront. On the just-released Funk Generation, the Latin GRAMMY nominee puts a spotlight on funk carioca — Brazilian funk.

On the 15-track album, Anitta sings in Portuguese, Spanish, and English over funk carioca beats, which are Brazil’s aggressive and hyper spin on genres like hip-hop and Miami bass. As with her previous releases, Funk Generation has elements of EDM, reggaeton, and pop, but the rhythms also known as baile funk are the star. The album represents a new era for Anitta, which she first kicked off in June with "Funk Rave," a single and video that captures the spirit of Brazil's favelas where funk carioca was born. 

Anitta later introduced Brazil's melodic funk subgenre to her global audience with the dreamy "Mil Veces." Now Anitta is expanding her funky world by bringing artists like Sam Smith, Brray, and Bad Gyal into her funky world.

"I'm going to accomplish making a lot of artists and people like funk," Anitta tells GRAMMY.com, adding that she hopes listeners "start embracing this rhythm that's very good, that invites you to dance, and that has an energy that's very unique to Brazil."

Funk Generation follows Anitta's rise to international stardom. Following a decade of making her mark in Brazil and later Latin America, Anitta went fully international with her 2022 album Versions of Me and the viral hit "Envolver." The album helped Anitta garner a GRAMMY nomination for Best New Artist in 2023 and a Latin GRAMMY nomination for Record Of The Year. She later told GRAMMY.com that "dreamed" of putting out a Brazilian funk album.

Anitta has made that dream come true with Funk Generation. Here are five takeaways from her genre-bending album, including insight from the Brazilian superstar herself.   

Anitta Said Making A Funk Carioca Album Was A "Challenge"

In March 2023, Anitta revealed that she was trying to get out of her contract with Warner Music, alleging a lack of support from the label. After parting ways with Warner in April, she signed a new deal with Republic Records and Universal Latin shortly after. It seems that her new label home offered the support she was looking for: She released "Funk Rave" in June 2023. 

"This funk album has been a challenge for me because it's not a rhythm that people are doing out there," she says. "It's something that’s very new that I'm going to introduce to people so they like it, listen to it, and try to do it as well."

She Wants to Continue To Breaking The Divide Between Latin America & Brazil

While Brazil is a part of Latin America, there still exists a bit of a cultural divide with Spanish-speaking Latin American countries because of language differences. On Funk Generation, Anitta aims to bridge that gap by featuring Latin music acts who embrace her  Brazilian funk vibes. 

On the sultry "Double Team," she is joined by Puerto Rican singer and rapper Brray and Barcelona-based artist Bad Gyal, who performed with Anitta for the first time at awards ceremony Premio Lo Nuestro in February. They get into the groove in Spanish with no problem alongside Anitta.

"It's been many years since Brazil has gotten to this international level, that a lot of people are listening to Brazilian songs, and I know I've worked a lot for this to happen," Anitta says. "More Latin artists coming to Brazil, who are curious and interested in making a career there.

"It's been very important for me to create this cultural exchange because the Latino countries and Brazil are side-by-side, but it's like there's a big barrier between them because of language," she continues. "With music, we can break through."

Sam Smith Embraces Funk Carioca For The First Time 

It’s not only Latin music acts who are getting in on funk carioca with Anitta. British superstar Sam Smith joins Anitta for the freaky "Ahi," and Smith's soulful voice soars over the sleek Brazilian funk rhythms. The collaboration shows how determined Anitta is to push the music of her country into the mainstream with Smith being one of most prominent pop artists from the UK to embrace the genre. 

The song also marks an important moment for LGBTQIA+ representation with Anitta, who is bisexual, teaming up with the non-binary GRAMMY winner.

Funk Generation Spotlights Brazilian Talent 

Anitta shares her platform with more Brazilian acts in the alluring "Joga Pra Lua," an EDM-infused funk banger that invites the listener to a block party where they get lost in the music. 

Translated to "play for the moon," the track is produced by fellow Brazilian DENNIS (who recently scored a global hit with the remix of "Tá OK" featuring Kevin o Chris, Karol G, and Maluma). Anitta is also joined on the track by Brazilian hitmaker Pedro Sampaio, who sings in Portuguese.

Anitta Is Looking Toward The Future Of Funk Carioca

Despite the few features, Funk Generation is an album where Anitta largely shines solo. She not only puts a spotlight on the Brazilian genre with this LP, but pushes it to new places. One of the standouts is the frenetic "Grip" where Anitta blends Brazilian funk with elements of Miami bass music that’s reminiscent of the ‘90s. She sings in Portuguese, English and Spanish throughout the song.

Whereas funk carioca played second fiddle to many other genres in her previous album, now the tables are turned in Funk Generation. She seamlessly blends pop with funk carioca in the fully English track "Love in Common" that could sneak those rhythms onto Top 40 radio. Anitta also finds a common thread between Brazilian funk, reggaeton, and Afrobeat in the multicultural banger "Aceita."

 The future of baile funk looks bright in Anitta’s hands.

Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: Anitta On The "Insane" Success Of "Envolver," Representing Brazil & Reshaping Global Pop

Backstage group shot from the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs
(L-R): Alejandro Fernández, Karol G, Elena Rose and Marc Anthony at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

Photo: Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

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10 Meaningful Moments From The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs: Karol G's Heartfelt Speech, Tributes To Late Legends & More

The 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs was a celebration indeed, spotlighting contemporary stars like Carín León and Anitta while paying homage to veterans like Carlos Vives and Juan Luis Guerra who have paved the way. Revisit 10 highlights here.

GRAMMYs/Nov 15, 2024 - 10:57 pm

One would have expected plenty of pomp and circumstance as the Latin GRAMMYs celebrated their 25th year anniversary. But there were no lengthy speeches or self-congratulatory videos during the Nov. 14 telecast.

This year, the telecast focused on the things that matter: saluting the magic of undying genres like salsa, rock and bossa nova. Honoring the legacies of such Latin American trendsetters as Carlos Vives and Juan Luis Guerra. Giving artists a carefully curated space where to showcase their craft and inspiration.

From the stark cinematic moods of reggaetón to the healing warmth of Afro-Caribbean roots and the bold expansion of música mexicana, here are 10 of the most exciting celebratory moments from the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

The Music Of Carlos Vives Is A Priceless Cultural Treasure

Colombian singer/songwriter Carlos Vives was The Latin Recording Academy's 2024 Person Of The Year — a fitting recognition to his groundbreaking fusion of the accordion-heavy vallenato music of his land with rock, pop and even reggae. Vives' path of innovation began with the 1993 album Clásicos de la Provincia, and, like the Latin GRAMMYs, his career has evolved much over the last 25 years.

The singer kicked off the telecast with a career-spanning medley of hits such as "Fruta Fresca" — a rollicking gem off his 1999 classic El Amor de mi Tierra — and the more recent "La Bicicleta." At the end of his performance, he was joined by an enthusiastic group of fellow singers, including Juanes and Camilo. This brisk summary of his creative genius underscored his innate ability to connect with the essence of Latin American culture.

Read More: Watch: Carlos Vives Performs "La Bicicleta," "Robarte Un Beso" & More At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

The Moody Soundscapes Of Urbano Continue To Expand

Jagged regaetón beats and ominous trap atmospherics are a natural component of the Latin pop DNA. But the urbano universe continues to grow, experimenting with novel song structures while incorporating references to other genres.

Early on in the telecast, three contemporary stars joined forces for a segment that showcased the ever evolving side of urbano. Eladio Carrión ("Mama's Boy") Quevedo ("Columbia") and Myke Towers ("La Falda") combined their proven commercial appeal with a sophisticated vision.

A True Master Never Stops Learning His Craft

Let's just say that this year's ceremony was a memorable evening for perennial Latin GRAMMY favorite Juan Luis Guerra. The 67-year-old singer/songwriter won the coveted Record Of The Year and Album Of The Year awards, and cherished his Dominican roots in his acceptance speech.

But Guerra also let the music speak for itself in a mesmerizing performance of Record Of The Year winning track "MAMBO 23." A stunning display of craftsmanship, it begins with a dembow beat, incorporates electronic loops, and also switches between the haunting qualities of spiraling bachata lines and the raucous party vibe of traditional merengue — all within the same song. Clearly, Guerra continues to learn and further refine his musical lexicon with each new project.

Read More: Juan Luis Guerra Sweeps The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs With 'Radio Güira'

Three Mexican Legends Are Sorely Missed

Alejandro Fernandez at 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

Alejandro Fernández | Photo: Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

There was a reflective quality to this year's telecast, which included tributes to classic genres and luminaries of the past. Perhaps the most poignant, though, was the segment dedicated to three late giants of Mexican music: Juan Gabriel, José José and Vicente Fernández.

The delicate sadness of Juan Gabriel's "Hasta Que Te Conocí" (performed by Reik and Leonel García), the apocalyptic balada pathos of José José's "El Triste" as a duet (a duet with Carlos Rivera and David Bisbal), and the unapologetic joy of Vicente Fernández's "No Me Sé Rajar" (fittingly, by his son Alejandro) — illustrated the monumental sway that these masters still hold in the Latin music zeitgeist.

Salsa Lives On — And It Grooves Like Crazy

While it is true that the heyday of salsa took place during the '70s and '80s, this is a genre that simply refuses to grow stale. And to prove it, a parade of stars delivered a dazzling tribute to the tenets of salsa fever.

Venezuela's Oscar D'León offered a swinging reading of his 1974 classic "Llorarás," while Colombia's Grupo Niche had the audience chanting along to the chorus of "Una Aventura." Tito Nieves and young stars Luis Figueroa and Christian Alicea were also present, while the salsa romántica royalty of Marc Anthony and La India revived their '90s mega-hit "Vivir Lo Nuestro" in stunning, dynamic form.

Read More: Watch: Marc Anthony & Salsa All-Stars Tito Nieves, Grupo Niche, Oscar D'Leon & More Celebrate The Genre At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

Latin Pop Thrives On Emotional Connection

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After winning three Latin GRAMMYs last year on the strength of the genre defining Mañana Será Bonito — including the coveted Album Of The Year — KAROL G added another award to her collection on the 2024 telecast. The Colombian star's eclectic 2023 mixtape, Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), won in the Best Urban Music Album category, at a moment when KAROL G is celebrated as one of the world's biggest pop stars.

As she collected the Latin GRAMMY, she focused on the things that matter. "This is about the love that I share with my fans," said a visibly moved KAROL. "And my family, which makes my life so much easier. Without them, I wouldn't have my mental health." The same feeling of emotional openness permeates the songs in both Mañana Será Bonito projects.

This Is Not Your Parents' Música Mexicana

It is definitely not a coincidence that música mexicana is experiencing a massive wave of popularity. The charisma and musical talent of stars like Peso Pluma, Grupo Frontera and Fuerza Régida is augmented by the vision of innovators such as Carín León, who blends effortlessly the folk roots of his native Sonora with cool touches of country and blues.

Introduced by Julieta Venegas and Mon Laferte, León performed "Despídase Bien" — the ending track of his extraordinary 2024 album, Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 — backed by a full band and choir. A thorny electric guitar solo and rousing gospel vocals added gravitas to a song that is Mexican to the core, but does not hesitate to venture out of the box in search of true emotion.

The Old Bossa Nova Classics Are Indestructible

There were no sassy baile funk riddims when Brazilian stars Anitta and Tiago Iorc joined forces for a couple of songs in a dimly lit section of the stage. Instead, the duo launched into a fragile, understated version of Anitta's "Mil Veces," backed only by acoustic guitar and the diva's gorgeous voice.

This intimate moment was followed by "Mas Que Nada" — the whimsical 1963 tune by Jorge Ben that turned Sérgio Mendes and his band Brasil '66 into one of the architects of the bossa nova movement. Mendes passed away in September of this year, and the luminous interpretation by Anitta and Iorc served as the most elegant tribute possible.

Read More: Watch: Anitta & Tiago Iorc Team Up For "Mil Veces" & A Beautiful Tribute To Sérgio Mendes At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

Visceral Rock n Roll Will Never Go Out Of Style

One of the most intense moments of the telecast lasted less than two minutes — but will stay in the mind of anyone who ever prophesied the death of rock.

Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, The Warning — a trio made up by sisters Daniela, Alejandra and Paulina Villarreal Vélez — delivered a welcome jolt of rock 'n'roll with a ferocious version of their hit "Qué Más Quieres." The performance was a reminder of how much raucous fun a trio of guitar, bass, drums, and gutsy vocals can generate. And yes, Latin rock is in excellent health, thank you.

Read More: Watch: The Warning Bring Hard Rock Power To The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs With "Qué Más Quieres"

At The End Of The Day, It's All About The Songs

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As is often the case with Latin GRAMMY darling Jorge Drexler, the Uruguayan troubadour had some deep thoughts to share when he received the Song Of The Year honor for the exquisite "Derrumbe" — a non-album single he released in February of this year.

"This is madness," Drexler said after exchanging a hug with Juanes, who announced the winner. He pointed out that he hails from a very small country, and that "Derrumbe" itself was a sad and short song — una cancioncita, he called it.

He thanked the Latin Recording Academy for healing his chronic imposter syndrome and proving that a delicate, unassuming tune like his could win. Then again, that's one of the main missions of the Latin GRAMMYs: to acknowledge the power of a great song to inspire and transform.

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Anitta and Tiago Iorc Perform | 2024 Latin GRAMMYs
Tiago Iorc & Anitta

Photos: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

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Watch: Anitta & Tiago Iorc Team Up For "Mil Veces" & A Beautiful Tribute To Sérgio Mendes At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs

Honoring a late Brazilian legend and a Latin GRAMMY-nominated Anitta hit, the Brazilian music leaders joined together on stage in Miami for a stunning acoustic Latin GRAMMYs performance of "Mil Veces" and Mendes' "Mas Que Nada."

GRAMMYs/Nov 15, 2024 - 03:28 am

Amid plenty of special moments throughout 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, two Brazilian stars offered a display of pride and camaraderie — while celebrating a late icon.

Anitta was joined by Brazilian singer/songwriter Tiago Iorc for an intimate rendition of "Mil Veces," the Brazilian bombshell's pop/baile funk track from her hit 2024 album, Funk Generation. Sitting across from her, Iorc accompanied on acoustic guitar. 

The performance transitioned smoothly into a laid-back, duet version of the instantly recognizable Sérgio Mendes classic "Mas Que Nada," which prompted an immediate audience sing-along. It was a beautiful tribute to the late legend of bossa nova, who passed away in September.

Along with the moving performance, both Anitta and Iorc celebrated nominations at this year's Latin GRAMMYs. "Mil Veces" earned Anitta a nomination for Record Of The Year, as well as a nod for Best Urban Interpretation In Portuguese Language for "Joga Pra Lua," also from Funk Generation; to date, Anitta has been nominated for 10 Latin GRAMMYs. Iorc, a five-time Latin GRAMMY winner before the 2024 GRAMMYs, was nominated for Best Singer-Songwriter Song for the title track from his album Antes Que O Mundo Acabe.

Check out the complete list of winners and nominees at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

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Anitta attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida
Anitta attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida

Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

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2024 Latin GRAMMYs Red Carpet Photos: See Head-Turning Looks From Anitta, Maria Becerra, Gloria Estefan, Becky G, Juanes & More

The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs kicked off tonight, Thursday, Nov. 14, in Miami. See some of the hottest, fashion-forward looks at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs red carpet from Ela Taubert, Alok, Bizarrap, Eladio Carrión, and many more.

GRAMMYs/Nov 15, 2024 - 03:05 am

The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs are officially here and so is the stunning red carpet fashion.

The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 25th Latin GRAMMY Awards, take place tonight, Thursday, Nov. 14, and will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT). A one-hour pre-show, preceding the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs telecast, starts at 7 p.m. ET/PT. Ahead of the telecast, nominated singers, musicians, producers, and others made appearances on the red carpet — with outfits that displayed as much creativity and distinction as their musical output.

Read More: How To Watch The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs Live: Full Performers Lineup, Nominations, Air Date, Time & More

Below, see some of our favorite looks from the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs red carpet at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

Check out the full winners and nominations list for the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

Anitta attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida

Anitta attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

Maria Becerra attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida

Maria Becerra attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo: Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

(L-R) Emilio Estefan and Gloria Estefan attend the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida

(L-R) Emilio Estefan and Gloria Estefan attend the 22024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo: Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

Becky G attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida

Becky G attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo: Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

Ela Taubert attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs Awards at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida

Ela Taubert attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo: Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

(L-R) Karen Martínez and Juanes attend the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida.

(L-R) Karen Martínez and Juanes attend the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo: Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy)

Alok and Brazilian indigenous Artists attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida.

Alok and Brazilian indigenous Artists attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

Bizarrap attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida.

Bizarrap attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo: Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

Eladio Carrion attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida

Eladio Carrion attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo: John Parra/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

Pedro Vives, Carlos Vives, Aracely Florez Restrepo, and Claudia Elena Vásquez and guests attend the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs Awards at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida

Pedro Vives, Carlos Vives, Aracely Florez Restrepo, and Claudia Elena Vásquez and guests attend the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs Awards at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo: John Parra/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

Sofia Saar attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida

Sofia Saar attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo by Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

Nicole Zignago attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida

Nicole Zignago attends the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs at Kaseya Center on November 14 in Miami, Florida | Photo by Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

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2025 GRAMMY Nominations: Artist Reactions
The 2025 GRAMMYs will air live on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025.

Graphic courtesy of the Recording Academy

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2025 GRAMMY Nominations: See Shaboozey, Anitta, Teddy Swims & More Artists' Reactions

The 2025 GRAMMY nominations have been announced! Here’s how nominees from RAYE to Troye Sivan reacted on social media.

GRAMMYs/Nov 8, 2024 - 11:51 pm

This morning, 2025 GRAMMY nominations were announced, sparking a wave of excitement for music fans everywhere!

Right after the big announcement, nominated artists lit up social media with posts of joy and gratitude. The timeline quickly filled with celebration, from first-time Best New Artist nominees Shaboozey and Teddy Swims to shoutouts from hit-makers Alissia, Green Day, and St. Vincent

Dive into the social media celebration posts, and catch up on the full list of nominations on the road to the 2025 GRAMMYs on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, broadcasting live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+. 

Best New Artist nominees Shaboozey, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, Teddy Swims, and RAYE all shared their heartfelt sentiment after being nominated:

Best Global Music nominee Matt B, nominated with featured performers Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the album ALKEBULAN II, jumped for joy at hearing news of the nomination.

Brazilian artist Anitta, nominated for Best Latin Pop Album for Funk Generation, felt inspired to get up and groove upon learning of her second career GRAMMY nomination. 

Hawaiian artist Kalani Pe'a, nominated for Best Regional Roots Music Album for Kuini was moved to unbridled tears from deep gratitude: 

Several more artists took to social to share more reactions to their nominations, including Scott Hoying, Muni Long, Troye Sivan, Cimafunk, Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical nominee Alissia and more:

More 2025 GRAMMYs News