Colombian Artists Nominated for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards
Colombian music will have a strong presence at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, with Shakira, Karol G, Ryan Castro, Kapo, and producer Gangsta among the Colombian names featured in this year’s nominations. The artists are represented mainly in categories related to Latin music, offering another example of the international reach achieved by Colombian pop and urban sounds.
The ceremony will take place on September 27, 2026, in Los Angeles, where the Colombian artists will compete alongside some of the biggest names in the international music industry. The artist leading this year’s nominations is Madonna, with 11 nods, followed by Taylor Swift with nine. Colombia’s representation brings together both an artist with a career spanning several decades and members of a new generation that has taken Colombian reggaeton and urban music to audiences in different countries.
The nominations also reflect different stages in the evolution of Colombian music. While Shakira continues to rank among the most internationally recognized Latin artists, Karol G continues to expand her influence, while Ryan Castro, Kapo, and Gangsta represent the growth of the country’s urban music scene.
Shakira and Karol G lead Colombia’s representation at the MTV Video Music Awards
Shakira arrives at the 2026 MTV VMAs with nominations in the Best Latin category for “Choka Choka,” her collaboration with Anitta, and “Dai Dai,” a song recorded with Burna Boy.
@anitta Choka choka cuerpo con cuerpo boca con boca @Shakira ♬ Choka Choka – Anitta & Shakira
The latter also earned her a nomination in the Best Collaboration category, expanding her presence at the ceremony. The song is part of the music associated with the 2026 World Cup and adds another international milestone to the Barranquilla-born artist’s extensive career.
Shakira’s participation in the MTV VMAs also carries historical significance. The Colombian singer has been a recurring presence at the awards and has been part of some of the ceremony’s most memorable moments.
@shakira 🔥⚽️
Meanwhile, Karol G received a nomination in the Best Latin category for “Papasito.” The recognition adds to a career that in recent years has established her as one of the leading figures in Latin urban music.
@karolg PRIMER PERFORMANCE DE PAPASITOOOOOO !!! Fui muy feliz 🥹🥹🥹🧡✨ GRACIAS A TODOS POR TANTO AMOR WOWWWW!!!
Her nomination comes as she continues to maintain a strong international presence through her music releases and major tours. The MTV VMA recognition once again places her alongside some of the most important artists in the Latin music scene.
Ryan Castro, Kapo and Gangsta represent a new generation of Colombian talent
Colombia’s representation also includes three names associated with the new generation of urban music. Ryan Castro, Kapo, and producer Gangsta are represented through “La Villa,” a production competing in the Best Latin category.
The nomination is significant because it recognizes different roles in the creation of a song. Ryan Castro and Kapo appear as performers, while Gangsta represents the production work that helps shape the track’s sound.
Ryan Castro has established himself as one of the prominent artists emerging from Medellin’s new urban music scene. His career is primarily associated with reggaeton and other urban sounds, genres that have helped several artists from the city reach international audiences.
Kapo, meanwhile, represents an emerging generation of Colombian musicians finding opportunities in the international music industry. His participation in “La Villa” gives him a place alongside major artists at one of the most prominent music awards in the United States.
Gangsta’s inclusion also draws attention to the role producers play in the growth of urban music. While performers often receive most of the public attention, producers are essential to developing the sounds, arrangements, and structures that ultimately define a song.
@yosoytukapo 🌎🏝️🖤🔥
Other Latin artists also arrive at the 2026 MTV VMAs
This year’s edition will also feature nominations for artists from different countries and musical genres, including Bad Bunny, Rosalia, Anitta, Fuerza Regida, and Bruno Mars, further expanding the presence of Latin music at one of the industry’s major award ceremonies.
The Best Latin category features artists representing a range of musical styles. Bad Bunny is nominated for “NUEVAYoL,” while Rosalia is recognized for “La Perla,” featuring Yahritza y Su Esencia. The Spanish artist once again brings her distinctive combination of flamenco, pop, and urban sounds to an international stage.
Anitta, one of the leading figures in contemporary Brazilian music, is also among the nominees for “Choka Choka,” her collaboration with Shakira. Meanwhile, Fuerza Regida competes with “Tu Sancho,” bringing corridos tumbados and regional Mexican music into the competition.
One of the most prominent names is Bruno Mars, who has five nominations across different categories. The artist, who has Puerto Rican heritage on his father’s side, is nominated for “I Just Might” and also appears in major categories such as Video of the Year and Artist of the Year.