For J Balvin, it’s all about giving back to “Mi Gente.”
The Grammy-nominated reggaeton singer was honored at Sunday’s Billboard Latin Music Awards with the Spirit of Hope Award for his philanthropic work. “I’ve always liked to help my people quietly because those are the awards that one carries forever,” he said onstage after Maluma gave him the award. “These awards come and go, but the awards of the soul, helping a friend, serving others, those are the ones that are most worthwhile.”
The “En Alta” singer received the Spirit of Hope Award for his nonprofit organization Vibra en Alta Foundation, which strives to improve youth development and education in Balvin’s native Colombia through various arts-based initiatives.
He dedicated the award to his partner Valentina Ferrer and his son Río.
“At the Vibra En Alta Foundation, that’s really what we do, look for ways to help elevate the aspirations and dreams of others, children, single mothers, people who have suffered from abuse — we always want to help them raise their vibes so that they can find their way,” Balvin said.
He added: “Now that I am a family man, I am getting involved in a job that is quite complex which is (the fight against) child trafficking. It’s something very few talk about, and I’ve been told to be very careful, but I prefer to die for our children and our families rather than stay silent.”
Last year’s recipient of the Spirit of Hope Award was fellow Colombian popstar Karol G.
Earlier in the night, Balvin lit up the stage in Miami Beach, Florida, with an electrifying performance of “Cosa de Locos,” off his latest “Rayo” album. The awards show ceremony Sunday also featured performances by Grupo Niche, Pepe Aguilar, Gloria Trevi, Maria Becerra, Xavi, Chencho Corleone, Prince Royce, Gabito Ballesteros and more.
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Balvin’s foundation partnered with Corporación Hogar to build a comprehensive service center in Balvin’s hometown of Medellín, which has helped 500 children and teens. Additionally, Vibra en Alta built the Tarima Arte Vivo stage to support emerging artists and created the El Balcón de Los Artistas dance school in Manrique.
“I’m so grateful and so honored to be recognized with such a special award,” said Balvin in a statement ahead of the award show. “It’s important for me, as the artist I am today and that little kid with dreams I once was before – and still is to this day – to be able to support and guide the next generation into realities of their own.
“I am proud to be able to help the youth and new wave discover their passions through the Vibra en Alta Foundation and help turn those very dreams into realities.”
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The award follows the August release of Balvin’s sixth album “Rayo.” The 15-track LP, which features collaborations with Feid, Carín León and Chencho Corleone, peaked at No. 5 on Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Albums chart and spawned the No. 1 hit “Polvo de Tu Vida” with Corleone.
Balvin also recently completed the Australian and New Zealand leg of the Que Bueno Volver a Verte tour, which visited Europe earlier this year.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: J Balvin honored at Billboard Latin Music Awards with Spirit of Hope
