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Calle 13 wins 5 Latin Grammys in Las Vegas

By RAQUEL MARIA DILLON Associated Press Writer The Associated Press
Thursday, November 5, 2009 11:43 PM EST
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LAS VEGAS (AP) — Puerto Rican duo Calle 13 won all five awards it was nominated for Thursday at the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas, including two of the top awards of the night and honors in both urban and alternative categories.

The awards show ran late because Mexico's "Divo of Juarez," Juan Gabriel, sang for 40 minutes straight while mariachis stomped on stage and the audience clapped and sang along.

Calle 13 won album of the year for its innovative collaborations and politically charged reggaeton. Left with little time to accept the golden gramophone for the top honor, lead singer Rene Perez, who raps as "Residente," dedicated the award to Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa, who died in October at age 74.

"May she rest in peace. An applause for Mercedes Sosa, please," he said.

Later in the pressroom, Residente explained his admiration for the woman who helped found the "Nueva Cancion" movement, which merged folk traditions and leftist politics in the 1960s. "She is a voice who should never die, and young people should listen to her," he said. "In an era of dictatorship and difficult times, she wasn't afraid. That's why I dedicated it to her."

Residente and his half brother Eduardo Cabra, who goes by "Visitante," also won recording of the year for "No Hay Nadie Como Tu," their collaboration with Mexican rockers Cafe Tacuba, aka Cafe Tacvba. Their album "Los de Atras Vienen Conmigo" also won best album in the urban category, competing against other reggaeton acts.

During the ceremony, Calle 13 performed "La Perla," an ode to a seaside slum in San Juan, with salsa legend Ruben Blades, while dancers from Cirque du Soleil's "Mystere" leaped across the stage. "La Perla" won the award for best short-form video.

The Latin Recording Academy also paid homage to Sosa with a brief video set to the gentle anthem "Gracias a la Vida."

"Mercedes Sosa represents courage and strength for those of us who continue to support her efforts" for social justice in Latin America, Blades said in his introduction.


Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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