Salsa icon Luis Enrique, often known as the “Prince of Salsa,” is celebrating a significant moment in his career. His song ‘Aguacero’ has earned a nomination for the Latin GRAMMYs 2025 in the ‘Best Roots Song’ category. The artist expressed surprise and immense gratitude for the recognition.
“Totally new and surprisingly it was the first song announced as nominated in that category,” Luis Enrique stated in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly en Español. “I feel very happy and grateful for that.” He describes ‘Aguacero’ as an important song, filled with love and good wishes for people across Latin America and the world.
The ‘Best Roots Song’ category specifically honors compositions that preserve and celebrate the indigenous sounds and musical traditions of Iberoamerica. ‘Aguacero’ embodies this spirit with its rich melody and message of hope. Luis Enrique views the nomination as an affirmation of the value of roots within popular Latin music.
“I think it is a very necessary category,” he said. “Roots music reminds us where we come from and invites us not to forget the soul of our rhythms.”
The Nicaraguan singer-songwriter also celebrates the current revival of salsa, driven by young talents embracing the genre with fresh approaches. He notes that new generations have worked for years to carve out a space in an industry often dominated by urban music.
“However, this moment is very important for salsa,” he explained. “There is a lot of new and young talent doing incredible things. I invite everyone to support them because we cannot continue to live only from what we did or what was done in the 70s.” Luis Enrique believes music is cyclical, stating, “Now it’s time for roots to flourish again.”
Despite a career marked by numerous successes, Luis Enrique emphasizes that he does not compose with the intention of creating a “hit.” His primary goal is to forge an honest emotional connection. “The first thing I do is not think that I’m going to create a hit,” he confessed. “I’m going to create a good song. And from that good song, the same emotion will be generated in others that was generated in me.”
His inspiration can emerge from anywhere, whether a word, a phrase, a conversation, or even someone else’s story. “Not all songs have to do with me specifically,” he clarified. “They are also based on things one sees: life itself.”
Luis Enrique appreciates that award ceremonies like the Latin GRAMMYs offer a chance to connect with artists he deeply admires. “That’s the beauty of these celebrations,” he affirmed. “It makes you coincide with many people you love and admire.” While he finds it difficult to pick just one artist, he recently sought a photo with Ale Seger, whom he respects for her talent and authenticity. He also cited Rubén Blades and Alejandro Sanz as musical heroes.
Reflecting on his childhood in Nicaragua, Luis Enrique recalled a home filled with diverse sounds. “The first music was that of my uncles, Carlos Mejía Godoy and Luis Enrique Mejía Godoy,” he proudly shared. “But we also listened to a lot of music from Mexico, including boleros and rancheras. We heard music from Colombia and Venezuela too. My house was a jukebox of diverse music.”
He credits this rich cultural exposure for shaping him into an artist with deep roots and a universal outlook. “My grandfather liked to listen to Gardel’s music… boleros, trios. All that was part of my musical DNA.”
Luis Enrique succinctly defines himself with a single phrase: “What defines me is music, undoubtedly.” When asked for a quick summary of who he is, he responds, “The creative musician.”
At 62, Luis Enrique continues to innovate, maintaining an unwavering passion for the art form that has given him everything. With ‘Aguacero’, he honors his heritage and reaffirms his commitment to the emotion, honesty, and truth within each song, beyond any accolades. As he puts it, “Music is what defines me. And as long as I have something to say, I will continue creating.”