The Cuban duo Gente de Zona starred in one of the special moments of the 2026 Person of the Year gala hosted by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, held on Wednesday, November 11, in Las Vegas, as they took the stage to pay tribute to the Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee.
Alexander Delgado and Randy Malcom brought Cuban flavor to the night with a performance of “Sabor a Melao”, a song from the album Barrio Fino (2004), recorded by Daddy Yankee alongside the renowned salsa artist Andy Montañez.
With their characteristic energy, the members of Gente de Zona got the audience dancing and adapted part of the lyrics for the occasion, including the phrase "the party originated in Puerto Rico."
But the tribute also had a particularly significant moment for Cubans. While addressing Daddy Yankee, the duo thanked him for his influence on generations of artists and expressed a wish related to their homeland: "Thank you for what you have represented for so many generations, for us, the Cubans. May the day Cuba is free, you pass through there."
After their performance, Gente de Zona shared on their social media an emotional message dedicated to the performer of "Gasolina," expressing their admiration for his career.
"What an honor to pay tribute to Daddy Yankee, a pioneer who took urban music to the entire world and paved the way for so many generations of artists. Thank you, maestro, for the legacy you continue to build. May we keep celebrating your story and enjoying your music for many more years!" they wrote.
Alexander Delgado also had words of recognition for the Puerto Rican artist, whom he described as an example of "persistence, modeling, and discipline."
The gala was dedicated to celebrating Daddy Yankee's career, whose real name is Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, and his immense contribution to the international expansion of reggaeton. The Puerto Rican made history by becoming the first reggaeton artist to be recognized as Person of the Year by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, a distinction announced in April.
The celebration brought together many stars of Latin music, who performed some of the greatest hits of the honoree. Tito El Bambino, Jowell & Randy, Feid, and Trueno came together to sing "Gasolina," while Jorge Drexler, Nathy Peluso, and Óscar D'León were also part of the tribute.
DJ Playero, one of the key producers in Daddy Yankee's early career, contributed a musical selection that reminisced about the formative years of reggaeton.
During his acceptance speech, the singer shared three lessons that have shaped his life and career: "Talent opens the door, but character is what keeps you in the game," "He who does not know how to serve, does not know how to lead," and "Take care of your soul."
For Gente de Zona, whose career includes six Latin Grammy Awards and twelve Billboard Latin Music Awards, participating in this tribute marks another highlight in their international career.
The Cuban duo, linked to the "Patria y Vida" movement and based outside of Cuba, has expressed on numerous occasions their desire to see a free Cuba and to return to their homeland.
The tribute to Daddy Yankee took place a day before the main ceremony of the Latin Grammy 2026, which was held on Thursday, November 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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