Erika Ender Inducted Into the Latin Song Writers Hall of Fame

She’s the woman behind the song of the summer… And, now Erika Ender has earned her place in Latin music history.

At the fifth annual La Musa Awards gala last week — hosted by Jane the Virgin‘s Jaime Camil – the Panamanian-Brazilian singer/songwriter was inducted into the prestigious Latin Song Writers Hall of Fame, the youngest inductee in the hall’s history.

 Erika Ender

Along with Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, Ender is co-writer of the biggest hit of the year, “Despacito,” featuring Justin Bieber, which spent 16 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.

Born in Panama to a Brazilian mother and a U.S.-born father of German ancestry, Ender speaks fluent Portuguese and Spanish, and moves easily between cultures.

Before “Despacito,” she had written hits for ChayanneGilberto Santa RosaGloria TreviEdnita Nazario and Los Tigres del Norte. She also is a TV personality in Latin America, where she has been a judge for a Latin version of American Idol.

Along with Ender, Ana GabrielRoberto LiviMartin UrietaCarlos Vives and Camilo Sesto were also inducted into hall of fame.

Each was presented at the James L. Knight Center with the coveted hand-crafted trophy, originally inspired by “the muse” of the late Cuban songwriter and poet, Elena Casals.

Additionally, Vives was presented with the Icon Award, while Wisin, the late Julio Jaramillo and “La Bamba” garnered the Victory Award, Legacy Award and Song of All Time, respectively.

Amid a political climate currently riddled with anti-immigrant rhetoric, as well as the devastating aftermaths of hurricanes Irma and Maria throughout the Caribbean, Urieta offered words and sentiments in support of immigrants, while  Nazario performed a brilliant tribute to the island of Puerto Rico.

The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame is dedicated to educating, preserving, honoring and celebrating “the lives and music of the world’s greatest Latin songwriters, composers and lyricists in every genre while developing and inspiring new generations of music creators through master classes, workshops, scholarships and digital initiatives.”

Venegas to Receive Special Award at This Year’s La Musa Awards

Julieta Venegas is the ultimate musa

The 45-year-old Mexican singer is set to receive the special La Musa Elena Casals award at this year’s La Musa Awards during the October 13 ceremony.

Julieta Venegas

Venegas will receive the prize named after the Cuban poet and singer/songwriter, which recognizes young musicians who have an outstanding career in contemporary Latin music.

“Julieta Venegas is one of the most influential voices in Latin music and we are absolutely thrilled to give her this award,” said Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame co-founder Desmond Child in a statement.

“Venegas makes everyone in the Latin music industry proud. She is a true artist who inspires and moves. Her music has captivated all generations,” added fellow LSHOF co-founder Rudy Pérez.

The Grammy and Latin Grammy award-winning artist is known for her hit singles like “Limón y sal,” “Andar conmigo,” “Lento,” “Algo sucede,” among others.

The fourth annual La Musa Awards will take place in Miami where urban superstar Yandel will be given the Premio Triunfador honor and six Latin artists — Los Temerarios, Robi Draco Rosa, Cheo Zorrilla, Miguel Luna, Claudia Brant and Alejandro Jaen — will be inducted into the hall of fame and honored with the silver La Musa trophy statuette.