‘Te Voy a Contar’ by Grupo Tromboranga - Album of the Year
Popular vote catapulted this 9th album from the Barcelona-based salsa band into the final. A throw back to the sound of 60s and 70s New York salsa, the judges were equally impressed by the album’s dedication to high quality salsa dura “and its great storytelling through interesting lyrics.” They found the sound both confident and commercial, which explains the growth the Tromboranga’s audience at a time when most labels are focused on Latin Urban genre.
Colectiva - Alternative Act of the Year
Comprised of some of London's most exciting female musicians, this all-girl Latin band explores the spaces between Afro-Latin music and Jazz while reflecting on themes of sisterhood and female empowerment. Their sound has resonated with audiences all over London in its short life and also got the thumbs up from the judges.
Alvorada - Brazilian Act of the Year
After playing together for years in London’s rodas de choro (the traditional, informal gathering of musicians playing this rich and uplifting music from Rio de Janeiro) Alvorada was formed in 2016. The judges absolutely loved it: “Choro brings melody, arrangements and rhythm into complete synergy and Alvorada manage to hit the spot on all three fronts. Alvorada represent musicianship at its best, but the fact that they've chosen to concentrate efforts on this comparatively ignored genre makes them doubly exciting. Alvorada is a genuine continuation of Choro tradition, but incorporating contemporary class and originality"
De Fuego - Jazz/Folk Act of the Year
Starting out as London buskers, this energetic Spanish-Latin instrumental guitar duo now performs in major festivals. Tragically, in 2013 De Fuego lost its founding member, Davide Lufrano Chaves, after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. In memory of Davide, De Fuego is officially supporting the cause of Myeloma UK. In May 2016 acclaimed Spanish guitarist and composer Tony Calvo took on the role of lead guitarist. He brings his exciting, lightening fast and melodic guitar playing alongside Edina’s percussive and rhythmic style to create the high quality, energetic and passionate sound that audiences have come to know.
Ignacio Monteverde - Musician of the Year
Originally form Argentina, Ignacio is a flamenco guitarist and producer based in London, collaborating with artists as diverse as Ahmed Mukhtar Oud Master, Baluji Shrivastav OBE, Eduardo Niebla and many others. The fact that Ignacio accrued a huge amount of votes is testament to the respect that he commands among musicians and audiences alike. His popularity was vindicated by the quality that judges saw in him. They commented: "what is great about Ignacio Monteverde is not only that he has Duende but the precision and tone of his guitar playing makes him deliver his music with great resonance and feeling. His willingness to explore out of his comfort zone and reach out to other cultures and sonorities speaks to his character."
Grupo Magnetico - Tropical Act of the Year
Their journey began in Edinburgh over 15 years ago when UK based salsa and jazz musicians came together united by a mutual love of classic 1970’s salsa. Featuring Venezuelan and Cuban singers Lino Rocha and Ricardo Fernandez Pompa, developed their own sound over what became a legendary 10 year Thursday residency in Edinburgh. As the band’s reputation grew, they've worked with an incredible collection of guest musicians including members of the iconic New York bands who had first inspired them. Grupo Magnético’s debut album ’Positivo’ is a tribute of both those incredible Thursday nights and the band’s original yet classic sound.
DJ Flecha - Tropical DJ of the Year
Cuban born Joel Verdecia has more than 25 years of experience bringing joy through Cuban music. He was part of the Timba boom of the 90s in Havana, participating in multiple concerts before he began to work in the heart of Havana’s nightlife, El Vedado, playing in clubs such as El Karachi, Scherezada, La Red, Amanecer, El Ticoa. In 2001 he became resident DJ in Havana’s legendary Casa de la Música before moving to the UK to become one of Europe’s most loved exponents of Cuban music.
Loons - Urban Act of the Year
Born in Quito, Ecuador and raised in Islington, North London, Loons started writing my own lyrics to his own beats, making mixtapes and performing at clubs. “I was always getting into trouble so it was my outlet to stay in a positive place. Little did I know that decision to make music would change my life forever, I've spent a lot of my career making mistakes but I also have made some decisions that have brought me to where I am today.” Well, music paid off as Loons has been voted the UK’s best Urban artist by both voters and judges.
DJ C Fuego - Club DJ of the Year
This British Colombian DJ blends Reggaeton tracks to keep the dance floors of Britain’s burgeoning Reggaeton clubs rocking. Having grown up in a house filled with Latin music he has a love of both the old school with the new school, which he combined to give the crowd a real sense of what Reggaeton’s history. He opened for Bad Bunny, Arcangel and Ñejo and recently performed to 30,000 people at London’s biggest Latin festival, La Clave Fest accompanying the Londons top Latin Urban talent. DJ C Fuego has also appeared on Boiler Room for System and is a regular DJ at K-Che and Pryzm Birmingham.
Lorena Paz Nieto - Vocalist of the Year
A recent alumna of the National Opera Studio, a previous winner of the Oxford Lieder Young Artist Platform and the Ludmilla Andrews Russian Song Prize, Lorena has been cast in many operatic roles and given many notable concert performances. Lorena was a Royal Academy of Music/Kohn Foundation Bach Scholar, featuring as a soloist for the Academy’s popular cantata series and trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London under the tutelage of Philip Doghan.
Guida de Palma - European Portuguese Act of the Year
The voice of Lisbon native Guida de Palma is full of sensuality and strength and soars to high notes just as easily as its sings soft Bossa Nova. At times she will make you think you are listening to Flora Purim or even the soul sounds of The Emotions. Yet her influences are as diverse as Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Joyce, Chico Buarque, Marcos Valle, Gilberto Gil, Elis Regina. Portuguese born and classically trained, Guida de Palma was only sixteen when bass legend Jaco Pastorius hopped on stage to join her during her very first gig in Paris. Blessed by this collaboration, Guida went on singing her way onto various stages across Europe, supporting prestigious performers ranging from Cab Calloway, Defunkt and Gilberto Gil.
Buika - European Jazz/Folk Act
Long before the likes of Rosalia, the stunning, haunting voice of this Spanish-bred girl from Ecuatorial Guinea earned her a reputation as one of Spain’s most international and influential fusion artists Spain of the last decade. It's high time the LUKAS voters recognised this extraordinary talent of this goddess of Fusion flamenco, and we are delighted!
Mercadonegro - European Tropical Act of the Year
The Mercadonegro project was born when four friends, bonded by a love of music and the immigrant experience in Europe, began making music together and even more memorable live performances. The result has been one of Europe’s most interesting Latin acts. Judges were impressed by their “throwback to salsa classic sounds, the contemporary storytelling with very current themes and their ability to amplify the Afro-Latin story to a wide audience. They are great ambassadors for the genre”
Rosalia - European Urban Act
What more can we say about this already huge Flamenco fusion act. Whislt others are still struggling to get airplay, this one was within a year catapulted from her flamenco music school in Barcelona to YouTube stardom and collaborations with the world hottest Urban acts such as J Balvin and Ozuna.
Maluma - International Act of the Year
One of the world’s hottest artists right now, with over 23 million Facebook fans, 6 million Twitter followers, and a whopping 46 million Instagram followers, it’s no surprise that the Colombian singer proved to by Europe’s international artist of choice. While the Latin Grammys decided to ignore Maluma’s incredible contribution to keeping music in the Spanish Language at the top of the charts, LUKAS music fans certainly didn’t, proving that The LUKAS loves its Reggaeton.
"Calma" by Pedro Capo - Song of the Year
It wasn't for nothing that Latino Life chose this cool Puerto Rican dude to grace its cover. Pedro Capó’s single featuring Alicia Keys and Farruko became the song of this summer, it’s no wonder it was voted No.1 by the LUKAS public. With its feel good lyrics and calming reggae tinge, embodying the spirit of the Hispanic Caribbean, 'Calma' accrued 3 billion views on YouTube and become the world’s official beach party track.
Nacho @ The 02 Islington Academy - Concert of the Year
Proof that it’s not always the biggest concerts that are the most popular. This performance at the in July given by Venezuelan Reggaeton superstar Nacho became an emotional reunion for the ever increasing Venezuelan diaspora, seeking refuge in the great music that that country has always produced, and in particular that of it's biggest reggaeton artist. The IG post from Nacho himself didn’t hurt. Nacho wanted to win this award and he did!
The LUKAS Gala Ceremony, featuring performances from winners, will take place this Wednesday 6th November. For tickets to join the party here
