The Fifth Annual Premios REM de Sayce Celebrates Ecuador’s Thriving Music Industry

Guayaquil, Ecuador – The Sanchez Aguilar Theatre in Guayaquil shimmered with the brilliance of Ecuador’s burgeoning music scene on Wednesday night as the fifth annual Premios REM de Sayce (REM Awards) convened to honor the nation’s most accomplished artists, composers, and songs. The prestigious ceremony, presented by the Society of Authors and Composers of Ecuador (SAYCE), marked a significant milestone in recognizing and celebrating the country’s dynamic and rapidly expanding musical landscape.

Jombriel Dominates the Night, Securing Multiple Top Honors

Emerging as the undisputed star of the evening, Jombriel, whose real name is Jonathan Cedeño, swept the awards, clinching an impressive four accolades. His most significant victories included the coveted "Composer of the Year" award and "Song of the Year" for his hit track "Vitamina." This chart-topping single, a collaborative effort with fellow artists DFZM and Jotta, garnered widespread acclaim, even earning a spot on former U.S. President Barack Obama’s highly selective "Favorite Music of 2025" list, a testament to its international appeal and quality.

In his acceptance speech, Jombriel expressed profound gratitude, stating, "I am grateful to God, my team, and my family. I dedicate this to my son because I became a father in December. Cheers to being single!" This heartfelt declaration underscored his personal journey alongside his professional triumphs.

Beyond his songwriting prowess, Jombriel, a breakout artist hailing from Esmeraldas, was also recognized for his significant digital footprint and radio presence. He secured awards for "Most-Streamed Male Artist" and "Most-Played Male Artist on Radio," solidifying his status as a dominant force in the Ecuadorian music consumption landscape. His recognition at the REM Awards further amplifies his growing influence, having previously been highlighted by Billboard as one of their "Latin Artists to Watch in 2026."

Understanding the Significance of the REM Awards

The Premios REM, which stands for Ranking Ecuatoriano de la Música (Ecuadorian Music Ranking), serves as the definitive barometer of musical success in Ecuador. The awards are meticulously curated by SAYCE, an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the rights and works of authors and composers. Unlike purely popularity-contests, the REM Awards’ nominees and winners are determined by objective data compiled from local charts. This data is meticulously gathered by BMAT, a sophisticated Spanish music operating system that tracks music consumption across various platforms, including streaming services, radio airplay, and television broadcasts. This data-driven approach ensures that the awards reflect genuine audience engagement and industry impact.

Juan Fernando Velasco, president of SAYCE and a Latin Grammy-nominated artist himself, emphasized the awards’ crucial role in the Ecuadorian music ecosystem. "These are Ecuador’s most prestigious awards – the awards honoring the most-listened-to artists in the country," Velasco told Billboard. "We have been growing steadily over the past five years, successfully positioning these awards as the most significant element within Ecuador’s music industry, as well as an inspirational brand. This plays a fundamental role in the industry; these awards provide not only recognition but also validation and exposure." His statement highlights the REM Awards’ commitment to fostering a robust and supportive environment for artists and creators.

A Night of Diverse Talent and Memorable Performances

The 2026 Premios REM de Sayce was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a vibrant celebration of Ecuadorian musical diversity. The evening was punctuated by a series of captivating performances from a constellation of talented artists, including Dayanara, Andreina Bravo, Jossimar, and the legendary Don Medardo y Sus Players. These artists, representing various genres and generations, provided a compelling showcase of the depth and dynamism of Ecuador’s music scene, leaving the audience enthralled. The presence of established acts alongside emerging stars underscored the continuous evolution and vitality of the industry.

A Comprehensive Look at the 2026 REM Award Winners

The REM Awards recognized excellence across a wide spectrum of categories, acknowledging both established careers and breakthrough talents. The full list of winners for the 2026 Premios REM de Sayce includes:

• Audience Favorite: Andreína Bravo
• Female Trajectory Artist (Popular Genre): María de los Ángeles
• Male Trajectory Artist (Popular Genre): Gerardo Morán
• Group/Duo Trajectory Artist (Popular Genre): Don Medardo y Sus Players
• Most-Streamed Female Artist (Digital Platforms): Dayanara
• Most-Streamed Male Artist (Digital Platforms): Jombriel
• Most-Streamed Group/Duo (Digital Platforms): Unísono
• Most-Streamed Female Artist (Alternative): Luz Pinos
• Most-Streamed Male Artist (Alternative): Gonzalo Ávila
• Most-Streamed Group/Duo (Alternative): Estamos Perdidos
• Most-Played Female Artist on Radio: Dayanara
• Most-Played Male Artist on Radio: Jombriel
• Most-Played Group/Duo on Radio: Verde 70
• Composer Trajectory Award: Segundo Rosero
• Best New Artist: Machaka
• Composer of the Year: Jonathan Cedeño (Jombriel)
• Song of the Year: "Vitamina," Jombriel, DFZM, Jotta

This comprehensive list reflects the breadth of talent and the diverse tastes of Ecuadorian music consumers, from popular genres to alternative scenes, and from digital streaming dominance to traditional radio reach.

Analyzing the Impact and Future of Ecuadorian Music

The consistent growth and success of the Premios REM de Sayce over its five-year history are indicative of a broader trend: the significant expansion and professionalization of Ecuador’s music industry. The increased recognition and validation provided by these awards are likely to incentivize further investment in talent development, music production, and artist promotion. The inclusion of data-driven metrics by BMAT ensures that the awards are not only a celebration but also a valuable tool for understanding market trends and audience preferences, which can inform future strategies for artists and industry stakeholders.

The international recognition of songs like "Vitamina" on prestigious lists further suggests that Ecuadorian artists are poised for greater global impact. The awards ceremony itself, with its glitz and glamour, serves to elevate the profile of the music industry, attracting media attention and fostering a sense of pride and community among artists, fans, and industry professionals. As Ecuador’s music scene continues to mature, the Premios REM de Sayce will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, charting the course and celebrating the achievements of its vibrant artistic community. The event not only honors past achievements but also serves as a powerful catalyst for future innovation and success in the Ecuadorian music landscape. The sustained engagement from artists, the robust data collection by BMAT, and the vocal support from industry leaders like Juan Fernando Velasco all point towards a promising and dynamic future for music emanating from Ecuador.