A young Venezuelan songwriter takes center stage in Latin music.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada. Venezuelan songwriter Sara Schell has won the Songwriter of the Year award at the 2026 Latin Grammys, marking a major breakthrough for the 23-year-old musician whose compositions have reached international audiences through artists including KATSEYE, J Balvin, Becky G and Kany García.
Born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Schell defeated an established field of nominees that included Edgar Barrera, Iván Gámez, Yoel Henríquez and Jenni Mosello. Barrera had previously won the category three consecutive times, making Schell’s victory particularly significant for an emerging songwriter.
Her musical journey began at age four, when she entered the Vicente Emilio Sojo Conservatory to study cello. She later developed skills in piano, singing and composition, writing her first song at 15.
Yet a career in music was not always her plan. After graduating from high school in 2020, Schell intended to study business in London. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those plans, and her family relocated to Mexico, where she began sharing cover performances on Instagram and connecting with other musicians through virtual songwriting sessions.
Her professional breakthrough came after a 2024 trip to Miami, where she participated in writing sessions that attracted the attention of music industry executives.
Schell subsequently contributed to several commercially successful recordings. Her credits include “Gabriela” by KATSEYE, which reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Mercedes” by Becky G and Óscar Maydon, which topped Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart.
She also contributed to “Ojos Verdes” by Nicki Nicole, “Si Te Vas” by J Balvin and Jay Wheeler, and “Bendito” by Rawayana.
Her Latin Grammy recognition was supported by an extensive songwriting portfolio, including collaborations with Fonseca, Diego Torres and Kany García. The latter’s “A La Niña Que Fui” also earned a nomination for Best Pop Song.
Schell’s achievement illustrates the increasingly international nature of Latin music production, where songwriters collaborate across countries, languages and musical genres.
Her success also brings attention to the creative professionals working behind major recordings, whose contributions can shape global hits without receiving the public visibility enjoyed by performing artists.
At 23, Schell has established herself among Latin music’s recognized composers, demonstrating how early musical training, digital collaboration and international professional networks can create opportunities for emerging talent.
Behind Every Success, a Story Worth Telling.