Brazilian Music Awards 2026: Joao Gomes and Luedji Luna Lead

BRAZIL · CULTURE

The Brazilian Music Awards return to Rio de Janeiro on June 10, with Joao Gomes and Luedji Luna leading the nominations and the ceremony set to honor the late rock icon Cazuza.

Who leads the Brazilian Music Awards nominations

The 33rd edition will be held at the Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, recognizing the best of Brazilian music from 2025. Joao Gomes and Luedji Luna lead with four nominations each, according to the organizers.

They are followed by names including Baco Exu do Blues, BaianaSystem, Lenine and Mestrinho. The nominees were announced in late March in Sao Paulo, presented by the comedian and host Fabio Porchat.

Luedji Luna, a singer and songwriter from Salvador, arrives on a strong run, having won a Latin Grammy in late 2025. The field reflects a year that mixed established artists with rising voices across genres.

The tribute, the backing and the broadcast

This year’s honoree is Cazuza, the singer and songwriter whose work remains a touchstone of Brazilian rock. The award traditionally builds its ceremony around the honoree, with multiple artists performing the figure’s songs.

It is the second edition under naming rights from the bank BTG Pactual, which took on the sponsorship in 2025. The ceremony will be broadcast on YouTube, widening access beyond the theater.

The event arrives as Brazilian music enjoys a strong commercial moment, with the country among the leaders of a fast-growing regional industry. That backdrop gives the awards added weight as a showcase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where are the Brazilian Music Awards?

The 33rd edition takes place on June 10 at the Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro and will be broadcast on YouTube.

Who leads the nominations?

Joao Gomes and Luedji Luna lead with four nominations each, followed by names such as Baco Exu do Blues, BaianaSystem, Lenine and Mestrinho.

Who is being honored this year?

The 2026 ceremony pays tribute to Cazuza, the late singer and songwriter celebrated as one of the defining voices of Brazilian rock.

Connected Coverage

The awards fit the broader picture in our coverage of Latin America as the fastest-growing music region and the streaming debate in our report on the Spotify and Universal AI covers and remixes deal.