The Latin Recording Academy presented its first Best New Artist Showcase of the year, featuring previous Best New Artist Latin GRAMMY winners Joaquina and Kany García, who is also a five-time Latin GRAMMY winner. The event took place at the Museo de Arte de San Juan in Puerto Rico on June 13.

At just 19, Joaquina has quickly become one of Latin pop’s most exciting rising stars and won the Latin GRAMMY for Best New Artist in 2023. Joaquina’s debut EP, Los Mejores Años — for which she received a second Latin GRAMMY nomination for Best Singer-Songwriter Album — demonstrated her special knack for capturing the nuances of teenage angst in a way that was equally catchy and poetic.

Winner of five Latin GRAMMYs — including one in the Best New Artist category in 2008 — Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Kany García has written and performed some of Latin pop's biggest hits, including "Hoy Ya Me Voy," "Alguien," "Duele Menos," and "Para Siempre." She often uses her voice to tell stories of women through her lyrics, and she was honored as a Leading Lady of Entertainment by The Latin Recording Academy in 2022.

"Taking the Best New Artist Showcase series to Puerto Rico for the first time, alongside Joaquina and Kany García, is an exciting opportunity to continue celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMY Awards," said Manuel Abud, CEO, The Latin Recording Academy. "The support of our Presenting Partner Mastercard, and Official Sponsor Rums of Puerto Rico, enables us to continue delivering on our mission to foster the next generation of Latin music makers."

The Best New Artist Showcase series is the centerpiece of the partnership between Mastercard and The Latin Recording Academy. The concept kicked off in November 2022 during Latin GRAMMY Week, and showcases have since been held in Mexico City, Sao Paulo, and Seville.

"At Mastercard, we understand that music is more than just a sound; it's a passion that unites us all. We are excited to partner with the Latin Recording Academy to continue to connect our cardholders with their passions and create unforgettable experiences for them and their families,” said Pablo Cuarón, Country Manager for Puerto Rico at Mastercard.

The next Best New Artist Showcase will take place later this year. Stay tuned here for more details coming soon.

Rums of Puerto Rico was an official sponsor of the Best New Artist Showcase for the first time and provided rum-inspired cocktails from their portfolio for all attendees.

See photos from the event below: