Mexican rock band Maná has become the first Spanish-language group ever nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone for Latin music.
“We’re four guys who grew up in Mexico listening to rock and roll. We dreamed of sharing our lyrics and music with the world,” lead singer Fher Olvera told Billboard. “To be nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is almost impossible to imagine.”
This nomination ends a decade-long absence of Latin artists in Rock Hall consideration, with Los Lobos being the last nominee in 2016. Only three Latin artists who primarily record in English have been inducted since 1986: Santana, Ritchie Valens, and Linda Ronstadt.
Formed over 30 years ago in Guadalajara, Mexico, Maná has become one of Latin America’s most successful rock bands. They hold the record for most No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart among rock groups and remain a powerful live act, selling over 220,000 tickets during their 2023 Los Angeles residency alone.
The band dedicated their nomination to Latino immigrants, with Olvera stating, “We want to share this recognition with all Latinos everywhere, especially the immigrants who are suffering right now.”
Maná joins 13 other nominees for the Class of 2025, including Mariah Carey, Oasis, OutKast, and The White Stripes. Winners will be announced in April, with the induction ceremony scheduled for Los Angeles this fall.
Source: Billboard
