INTRODUCTION
OFFICIAL RULES FOR THE TAINONATION ENTERTAINMENT (TANAÉ) DIGITAL MEDIA AWARDS.
All TainoNation Entertainment Digital Media Awards (TDMA) nominations are cast by TANAÉ Paid Registered Members in good standing and are subject to classification and qualifications under rules or regulations approved by the Board of Trustees (the Board). From time to time, the Board may vote to amend the qualification criteria for consideration for a “Mocolo Crystal” or other award. Voting is opened to all registered members of TANAÉ.
TANAÉ DIGITAL MEDIA AWARDS YEAR CALENDAR
Dec 01, 2024 – Dec 31, 2025 = Eligibility Period
Jan 01, 2026 12 A.M. Registration and Nomination Process Begins (Music Industry Only)
Feb 15, 2026. Midnight. Registration and Nomination Process Ends
Feb 25, 2026. Deadline for errors and omissions to nominations.
Feb 28, 2026. Nominees Announced
Mar 1-31, 2026. Voting Begins (TANAÉ Members)
Mar 31, 2026. Final Round Voting Ends
TBA, 2026. The 7th Annual TANAÉ Digital Media Awards Ceremony
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
1 TANAÉ DIGITAL MEDIA AWARDS CALENDAR
2 RULE UPDATES
2 GENERAL ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
3 Singles and Tracks
3 Featured Artists
3 CATEGORY ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
3 Category Screening
3 SUBMITTING ENTRIES FOR GRAMMY CONSIDERATION
3 TANAÉ Rights and Regulations
4 How to Make Entries, Who May Enter and When
5 Registration Fees / Entry Fees
5 Entry Limits
5 Number of Nominations
5 Entry List — Type/Font Treatments
5 Streaming Requirements for TDMA Entries
6 NOMINATING PROCESS
6 Nominating Committee Guidelines
6 Deadline for Claiming a Nomination Before Telecast
7 Challenges to “MOCOLO CRYSTAL” Entitlement
7 Number of Nominations Any Nominee May Receive
7 Number of Nominations by Category
7 VOTING AND SOLICITATION GUIDELINES
7 Preserving the Integrity of the TANAÉ Digital Media Awards
8 Voter Code of Conduct
8 Bloc Voting
8 Final Voting to Select TDMA Winners
8 Rescindment of a MOCOLO CRYSTAL
8 For Your Consideration (FYC) Policies
9 FYC Communications and Advertisements
9 Hosting FYC Events
10 Attending FYC Events
10 Gifting Event Tickets
10 TANAÉ Office Mailings
10 Telephone Lobbying
10 Third-Party Solicitation by Independent Contractors
10 TANAÉ FYC Website Feature
10 TANAÉ Academy-Hosted Activities
11 FYC Information Contact
11 AWARDS, CERTIFICATES AND EVENT TICKETS
11 Accepting the Award
12 MOCOLO CRYSTAL
12 Large Group Pins/Certificates/Ticketing
RULE UPDATES FOR 7TH TANAÉ DIGITAL MEDIA AWARDS (TDMA)
The Board of Trustees ratifies all changes to the TDMA process each summer. The following shows the rule changes for the current year:
TITLE of ACTION 2021 2022 2024 NOTES
Change of Category REPORTER of The YEAR LATIN POP MUSIC None Required
Registration Fees None Required PAID MEMBER PLANS None Required
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
The 7th TDMA eligibility period is Dec 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2025. The TDMA are open to entries released during the eligibility period, and include Internet broadcasts of radio, programming, instructions, performances, and events that enrich the Latin community. Entries must be available from any date within the eligibility period and must be non-infringing, original works of authorship. To the extent a recording embodies in whole or in part the copyrighted work of a third party, appropriate authorization to use and incorporate such copyrighted work must have been obtained. If allegations are made that a nomination is unauthorized and does not meet these criteria, TDMA Board will consider the allegations and determine, in its sole discretion, the eligibility of such nomination.
SINGLES AND TRACKS (SONG of the YEAR)
A single is a song or instrumental recording that is released separately from an album, while a track is an individual song or instrumental recording released as part of an album. A single will often appear as a track on a subsequent album release and a track from a released album can be issued as a single. The rules describe eligibility for tracks and singles in terms of different release structures but the two are judged identically in the Song of the Year Category.
FEATURED ARTISTS (MALE/FEMALE Artist of the Year)
To be recognized as a nominee, a featured artist must be credited as a featured artist; and make a significant and artistic contribution beyond accompaniment. Featured artists are eligible in Song of the Year; if they perform greater than 50 percent of playing time; and are eligible in performance Categories if they are credited as a featured artist on the track/single
CATEGORY ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
Screening for eligibility and Category placement occurs from the time entries are first received until the first ballot is finalized.
CATEGORY SCREENING
Entries in most Categories are screened by committees of subject experts to determine appropriate category and placement. If a Screening Committee determines that an entry should be moved to another category, the entry is forwarded and screened by that categories committee.
The Screening Committee is expected to consider the entry’s intent as part of the decision-making process. In cases where a Screening Committee is unsure whether to move the entry to another category, the intent (as indicated by the Category in which the entry was initially entered) should be considered as the deciding factor in the appropriate Category placement.
The Screening Meeting process brings together experts in all the various Fields, including individuals from all parts of the country, to listen to recordings and make Category determinations.
SUBMITTING ENTRIES FOR CONSIDERATION
TANAÉ RIGHTS AND REGULATIONS
TainoNation Entertainment reserves these rights regarding entries:
• To disqualify the affected entry without liability if information is incorrect or incomplete.
• To disqualify the affected entry without liability if the signer fails to send the required product for entries by the due dates.
• To place any selection into the Category it deems appropriate; to pass on the eligibility of any selection.
• To designate the classification of achievement (such as performing, songwriting, producing, etc.) to be recognized in the Categories.
• To make the final determination of the persons entitled to awards recognition.
• It is TANAÉ’s policy that the “MOCOLO CRYSTAL” be awarded to the person who, at TDMA’s sole discretion, is properly entitled to it.
• To withdraw any Category in any one year if the board determines that there is an insufficient number of entries in that Category, and, at the board’s discretion, to place the affected entries in one or more other Categories.
• To disqualify without liability what the board considers excessive entries.
• To take whatever measures it deems necessary to protect the integrity of the TDMA from outside influence, bloc voting or any other factors that could jeopardize this process.
• If an entry is entered inappropriately, and if the error in entering is not discovered before the First Ballot, the entry will be disqualified from the process without any liability for further action from the TDMA.
• TDMA, TANAÉ assumes no liability with respect to Craft entries.
• An ineligible entry (incorrect release date) that is processed during an awards year will be disqualified the following awards year.
• User agrees to review Artist/Category List of Entry Submissions prior to final-submitting in the online process.
• To disqualify an entry; if the TDMA comittee finds any violation of the Voting And Solicitation Guidelines or violation of the TANAÉ member website’s, a board For Consideration (FC) with guidelines will be formed and a final desision of judgement will be entered . A rebuttal of the decision must be made with 7 Days.
• Participation in the Online Entry Registration Process of TANAÉ does not guarantee a nomination or MOCOLO CRYSTAL award.
HOW TO MAKE ENTRIES, WHO MAY ENTER AND WHEN
Entries are submitted for consideration through the TANAÉ Online Registration Entry Process (OREP).
ONLY Paid Professional TANAÉ Members may make nomination entries. This also includes registered media companies, organizations that produce material released during the eligibility period, and recordings that meet TDMA eligibility requirements.
In advance of the entry period, members must receive their Online User IDs and passwords to access the Online Registration Entry Process. Voting and Professional Members use their members site user ID and password to access OREP online.
For the 7th Annual TANAÉ Digital Media Awards, the TANAÉ OREP is open to organizations and TANAÉ members from January 1, 2026 until March 31, 2026.
REGISTRATION FEES
Voting Members pay an annual fee to register with TANAÉ as voting members. This fee is $20 for three (3) Registrations (as in the case of a corporation, business, firm, etc.) and $10 single (1) Registration (single member) in each of the categories during the 6th Annual TDMA and is non-refundable. The fee structure encourages entrants to consider the value of each entry and make mindful decisions to put forward work that they truly believe is worthy of the Mocolo Crsytal. All Corporate Members of the TANAÉ will receive three (3) entries. One primary and two alternates. Any member who would be burdened by the entry fees can request the fees be waived by E-mail to the Awards Department at frontoffice@tainonationentertainment.com
ENTRY LIMITS
The Online Entry Process is programmed such that it
1) limits entries in each of the categories
2) limits nomination/voting per instrument to ten (10) during the nomination/voting period to all members . (i.e. 10 cell phone; 10 email entries; 10 via IP address etc.)
NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS
The number of nominees in each Category is five (5). In the event of a tie, there shall be no more than six and no less than three nominations in each of the Categories.
ENTRY LIST — TYPE/FONT TREATMENTS
Entrants are allowed the use of special characters and unusual typographical treatments in names and titles that appear on our ballot entry lists, so long as the characters used may be found on a computer keyboard or through standard diacritical markings.
STREAMING REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRIES
TANAÉ members and media companies are required to provide several eligible streaming links for each entry they make. TANAÉ does not monitor how Voting Members listen to entertainment in their home while voting in both the first and second rounds. Providing a variety of streaming links is recommended for the listening function and becoming familiar within the voting ballot system.
If required streaming link or retail-ready product is not received by the deadline (February 15, 2026), the entry or entries may be disqualified. If the media for an entry are not received in the quantity required, the Board may disqualify the affected entry without liability.
Entries in certain Categories are judged by special committees and require additional product as below:
SONG of The YEAR: One (1) copy (DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, flash drive, or burned download)
BAND of The YEAR: One (1) copy (DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, flash drive, or burned download)
MALE/FEMALE of The Year: One (1) copy (DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, flash drive, or burned download)
LATIN POP MUSIC: (1) copy (DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, flash drive, or burned download)
ALL OTHER ENTRIES MUST PROVIDE 30-45 SECONDS OF MEDIA THAT SHOWS/PROMOTES ENTRY
If an entry is made for the same recording in more than one of the other categories, the entrant must send the additional number of copies required per additional Category.
A packing list should be generated upon completion of online entries. Entrants are advised that a copy of the packing list and product media should be sent immediately to:
frontoffice@tainonationentertainment.com. Failure to do so may be grounds for disqualification.
NOMINATING PROCESS
Nominations are determined by the first round ballot in preparation for the Nominating Committee processes. All Members are encouraged to vote in all Categories of the general field. Additionally, voters may vote in Categories — based on areas in which the voter is actively engaged as a peer (thus, the name for this voting change).
NOMINATING COMMITTEE GUIDELINES
Categories recognize excellence in highly specialized crafts. Category Committee members must be Voting Members of TANAÉ in the membership class which corresponds to the field they are being submitted to judge. Each must fill out a Form listing six credits for which they have the nomination-eligible credit corresponding to the category they are being submitted to judge. The credits must be for the previous five years. The form remains on file at TANAÉ and is valid for five years.
Populating the Category Committees.
Each Committee will have an Executive Director appointed who works in concert with the Category Committee and TANAÉ President to develop a slate of recommendations. These recommendations can be supplemented, if necessary, by the President/CEO and in consultation with the Executive Director and the Category Committee and balance considerations. The final slate is submitted to the Board for ratification. Furthermore, Category Committee members are solicited for their recommendations of appropriate committee members, and no person would serve for more than three consecutive years without a break. If deemed necessary to the process, a committee member selected to chair may serve up to an additional three consecutive years.
Nominations in Categories are determined as described below.
To Be PUBLISHED (TBP)
DEADLINE FOR CLAIMING A NOMINATION BEFORE TELECAST
A deadline has been established for those not credited appropriately to claim status as a nominee: 7 Days after the announcement of the nominations..
The process for corrections to be made to nominations is to have the potential recipient inform the TDMA of the correction, specifically detailing what was inaccurately submitted or omitted, an explanation as to why the error took place, and what steps are being taken to correct the mistake. The Board may also in its due diligence require further documentation regarding the inquiry as it sees fit to substantiate its authenticity. Once the information is reviewed and approved by the head of the TDMA, the correction is then made and the nomination corrected.
Any individual not included in the Final Nominations List who claims a nomination after the 7 Day deadline will be informed that all official changes have been and are final. Only Chaallenges made will be conssidered after the awards presentation telecast.
CHALLENGES TO MOCOLO CRYSTAL ENTITLEMENT
Decisions regarding Mocolo Crystal entitlement are made by the Board of the TANAÉ Digital Media Awards and the President of TANAÉ.
Any challenge to a final entitlement decision by the TDMA shall be made in writing and addressed to the Executive Committee of the TDMA . The Executive Committee is empowered to investigate, consider and decide the challenge, and shall have the authority to act with the power of the Board of Trustees for that purpose. The Executive’s decision shall be communicated to the challenger in writing and shall be final.
NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS ANY NOMINEE MAY RECEIVE
To Be PUBLISHED (TBP)
VOTING AND SOLICITATION GUIDELINES
PRESERVING THE INTEGRITY OF THE TANAÉ DIGITAL MEDIA AWARDS
It is the goal of the TANAÉ to ensure the TDMA process is led in a fair and ethical manner and that Members make their choices based solely on the artistic and technical merits of the eligible entries. In an effort to maintain a high degree of integrity and transparency, it is crucial that the following guidelines be understood and followed by all Voting Members.
If any activity is determined to work in opposition to the TANAÉ Digital Media Awards guidelines, the Board may take any corrective actions, including disqualification of entries. Furthermore, any member who has authorized executed or otherwise enabled a voting solicitation activity that is deemed to have undermined the letter or spirit of the TDMA’s regulations may be subject to suspension or termination of TANAÉ membership.
VOTER CODE OF CONDUCT
Voters shall not allow their choices to be suggested, directed or influenced by anything other than their own analysis of merit, including, but not limited to: personal friendships, company loyalties, regional preferences, or sales volume/popularity.
Voters shall not accept money or anything of value in exchange for votes, access to other members (member lists and contact information are confidential), submission of materials for MOCOLO consideration, or any other privilege of TANAÉ membership.
Voters shall not enter into any agreements or understandings on how to vote. This includes without limitation:
1-“Voting Blocs,” or groups of voters who agree to vote together. Such groups may include but are not limited to: voters affiliated with a particular group or management company, or voters linked through social media.
2-“Vote Trading,” or offering to vote in any manner in exchange for another’s vote.
BLOC VOTING
TainoNation Entertainment reserves the right to establish guidelines for its independent accountants to take confidential corrective action on behalf of the TDMA as they may deem appropriate.
FINAL VOTING TO SELECT “MOCOLO CRYSTAL” WINNERS
After the announcement of nominations, the final list of names is made available to all current Voting Members to select their choice for MOCOLO Crystal. All ballots, including those from special committees, are tabulated confidentially by an independent firm.
Results of the final voting are not known until the day of the MOCOLO CRYSTAL announcements, when the sealed envelopes with names of the winners are delivered.
RESCINDMENT OF A MOCOLO CRYSTAL
The TDMA process does not produce a ranked result with a winner and ordered runners-up. In any situation where a Mocolo Crystal is withdrawn following the presentation, no award is given in that Category for that year.
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION (FYC) POLICIES
While FYC-type events and formal communications are not prohibited outside of TANAÉ, the numbers specific to an official awards Category, Field and/ or balloting, entry lists, and finals lists are proprietary information belonging to TANAÉ; such information may not be used, disclosed, published, or otherwise distributed in connection with any event, advertisement or for any other purpose.
FYC COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVERTISEMENTS
For Your Consideration (FYC) marketing communications (“communications”) include, but are not limited to: emails, mailings, invitations, social media, websites, and print ads. Such communications are prohibited unless they include an opt-out option. Members or their designated publicists are restricted to promoting only their own recordings. There shall be no lobbying on behalf of other members. Also, be advised that TainoNation Entertainment does not release the contact information of its members, therefore you should exercise caution if doing business with any vendor claiming that the vendor has accurate contact lists of TANAÉ members (see Third-Party Solicitation by Independent Contractors below).
FYC communications can include:
• Artwork related to product under consideration
• Brief, unembellished descriptions of the recording, product or creators
• Copies or links to product
• Links to websites that promote eligible recordings or product
• Link to TANAÉ website where Voting and Solicitation Guidelines are posted
• Lists of the creators who worked on the entries
• Reference to nominations, once nominations are announced. List Category(s) by full name
• Reference to the MOCOLO CRYSTAL with proper registered marks. Reference can be made by name only.
Use of logo or trade mark is prohibited.
FYC communications cannot:
• Cast a negative or derogatory light on a competing nominee. Any tactic that singles out the “competition” by name or title is not allowed
• Exaggerate or overstate the merits of the nominee, an achievement or an individual
• Include any TANAÉ trademarks, logos or any other protected information.. Logo use is reserved for paid sponsors or partners
• Include entry list numbers or Category numbers
• Include chart numbers, number of streams, sales figures, or awards
• Include personal signatures, personal regards or personal pleas to listen to the eligible recordings/programs
• Misrepresent honors or awards, past or present, received by either the nominee or those involved with production
• Reference the year or the telecast number (i.e. 2023 or The TANAÉ Digital Media Awards))
HOSTING FYC EVENTS
Independent FYC events, programs or activities may be hosted if they adhere to the guidelines set forth in this document. FYC activities may not include any complimentary meals, alcoholic beverages, gifts, or any other hospitality that could be inferred as a value in exchange for vote consideration. Anything considered by the TDMA Board, in its sole discretion, as unreasonable promotion or gifting is prohibited.
ATTENDING FYC EVENTS
If members are invited to a ticketed FYC event or program, they must purchase tickets at full price (no comps or discounts).
GIFTING TICKETS
To Be PUBLISHED (TBP)
TANAÉ OFFICE MAILINGS
Any mailing of FYC product or marketing materials to any of the TANAÉ offices is prohibited, and will not be distributed to members, Governors or Trustees. Such mailings will be disposed of or returned to sender, in the TDMA’s sole discretion. All entries must be file through frontoffice@tainonationentertainment.com.
TELEPHONE LOBBYING
Contacting TANAÉ members by phone to promote a MOCOLO-eligible product or achievement is prohibited, even if such contact is in the guise of checking to make sure a sample product or other product was received.
THIRD-PARTY SOLICITATION BY INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS
There are several marketing companies that claim to have authorized access to TANAÉ and TDMA member lists and/or staff. There are no such businesses. If a vendor has obtained, through wrongful conduct, an accurate member list, we will disqualify any entry that used the vendor’s services.
TANAÉ DIGITAL MEDIA AWARDS FYC WEBSITE FEATURE
For Your Consideration promotional listings are available upon your request, free of cost. These listings are intended to provide a fair and equal platform for members to showcase their releases that have been accepted as official entries in the TDMA balloting process as specified in the Entry List. The duration for the feature is the first round voting period only. This feature is not available for the final round voting period.
Members whose votes have been accepted as official entries, or members who made entries on behalf of others, as specified in the Entry List, are permitted to post a link or upload their entries. These entries may only be posted once in each of the approved FYC Categories, as specified in the Entry List. If an entry has been accepted in multiple Categories as specified by the Entry List, posting the release once in each of the accepted Categories is permitted. Duplicate posts of the same entry in a FYC Category, entries posted in the wrong Category (aka “miscategorized”) and promoting entries outside of the For Your Consideration groups are considered violations of these guidelines. Content will be removed, and members are subject to additional penalties should violations continue.
TANAÉ MEMBERSHIP-HOSTED ACTIVITIES
MOCOLO CRYSTAL-submitted product cannot be the topic of any TANAÉ Nomination Voting Member activity or promotion. Anyone who has submitted product for awards consideration during the then current voting cycle will not be featured by the Board at Nomination Voting Member events, in social media, in recorded/streaming content, or in any other context where it may be perceived the TANAÉ Digital Media Awards is promoting an eligible product to other Voting Members.
Talent not submitting product for awards consideration during the then-current voting cycle are eligible to participate in all TDMA activities, including membership events and digital or social content. Once your product has been submitted for awards consideration, FYC product distribution at TANAÉ-hosted events is prohibited. Anyone who violates this will be asked to leave the event and is subject to additional penalties should violations continue.
FYC INFORMATION CONTACT
For further information about these guidelines and regulations, please contact us: 732-610-2050 / frontoffice@tainonationentertainment.com. It should not be assumed that any tactics or activities not specifically prohibited by these regulations are acceptable. TANAÉ is willing to review any materials or answer any questions that arise in advance.
We encourage our community to help us avoid and remedy violations of these guidelines and ask that you report any findings to: 732-610-2050 / frontoffice@tainonationentertainment.com..
AWARDS,CERTIFICATES AND EVENT TICKETS
ACCEPTING THE AWARD
Acceptance of any award bestowed by TANAÉ shall be deemed to constitute acceptance by the recipient and their successors and assigns, of all terms and conditions of the TANAÉ Digital Media Awards under which such award was given, including rules or regulations approved by the Board. In order to protect and maintain the integrity and prestige of the TDMA and to ensure that all “Mocolo Crystals” are used solely for the intended purpose of honoring creative contributions, TANAÉ requires all recipients to acknowledge and agree to certain terms. Such terms and conditions shall accord with policies adopted by the Board, and shall include a policy regarding recipients furnishing written acceptance of such terms and conditions.
Award recipients acknowledge and agree that possession of the “Mocolo Crystal”(s) is granted upon the express condition that the recipient will not use the Crystal(s) other than for their own personal, non-commercial purposes. Without limiting the foregoing, any sale, auction, public exhibition, reproduction, or other public or commercial exploitation of the ‘Mocolo Crystal” by the recipient or any third party, without the express prior written consent of TANAÉ, is strictly prohibited. Any such actions will be null and void, will not serve to grant to any third party any right, title or interest in the crystal, and will result in the immediate right of TANAÉ to repossess the crystal, which right TANAÉ may exercise at any time in its sole discretion. In the event that the “Mocolo Crystal” is transferred by the recipient, including by operation of law, the transferee shall be subject to and bound by all of the terms set forth as if such transferee were the original recipient of the crystal.
Such rules, regulations or policies may provide that particular awards or Categories of awards bestowed by TANAÉ
(a) shall be the property of, and all rights therein (except the right of possession as may be set forth in such rules, regulations or policies) are reserved by TANAÉ,
and
(b) shall not be sold, transferred or assigned by the recipient or the recipient’s authorized successors without the express written consent of TainoNation Entertainment LLC..
MOCOLO CRYSTAL
Individuals and eligible members of groups of nominees on a winning project receive a Certificate of the Mocolo Crystal Award.
Groups will receive one crystal for the entire group/ensemble. The individual group members are not Crystal winners, only the group itself is the winner. Individuals may purchase their own crystal with their name engraved on it by contacting TANAÉ and providing their unique certificate number. Cost will be at market value plus shipping and handling.
LARGE GROUPS/ PINS/CERTIFICATES/TICKETING
For large groups, the TDMA provides a special certificate to each member of the group. The certificates indicate members are part of a large group on a nominated project. (NOTE: Individual members of a large group can purchase a personalized crystal at cost by contacting TANAÉ)
For these groups, TDMA Event tickets, are made available to the group members even though they are not nominees.
For large groups/ensembles/organizations, only the group leader is designated as a nominee. Certificates, tickets, or statuettes are available to the group members, as mentioned above.