La Mafia

Pura Vida Announces Special Award Recipients La Mafia to be Recognized with "Decade Award"

June 25, 1997 SAN ANTONIO: Officials representing the Pura Vida Music Awards unveiled the nominees in various categories to be recognized during the 6th Annual Pura Vida Music Awards which will be held on July 15 at the famed Majestic Theater. Recipients who will be honored with special awards were also announced as was this year's addition of two new special award categories.
According to Pura Vida Music Awards Executive Director Waldo Cedillo, the newly created Decade Award is being given to Sony recording artist La Mafia. Nominations and special awards, said Cedillo, are determined by a ballot mailed to music industry people.
"We're pleased to announce that La Mafia will receive the first ever Decade Award, for being el grupo de la decada," said Cedillo during a press conference held in the historic Market Square. "Their achievements and musical endeavors have propelled them to the highest levels of the industry. La Mafia has taken Tejano music beyond what many of us could ever have imagined."
La Mafia, recently recognized by the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (N.A.R.A.S.) with a Grammy, was unable to attend the press conference as a result of a strenuous promotional and concert tour that coincides with the recent release of their newest album blockbuster titled En Tus Manos which currently sits at number six on the Billboard Latin 50, less than a month after its launch.
From their base in Houston, however, La Mafia lead vocalist, Oscar De La Rosa graciously expressed surprise and gratitude when told that his group would be honored with the Decade Award.
"We've been on tour in Mexico and across the U.S. for over a month so we haven't really had a chance to check in with the scene here at home," De La Rosa said. "I'm very honored that weÕve been chosen to represent the decade by the industry professionals who participated in the selection process, and I'm looking forward to the Pura Vida Awards ceremony. It will be nice to see some old friends as well."
To schedule an interview or request a current La Mafia biography, photo or review CD, contact Abel Salas at (713) 224-3427. For information on the Pura Vida Music Awards , contact Waldo Cedillo at (210) 967-6536.