Grupo Entrego Earns Three Nominations at 46th Annual Tejano Music Awards

BIG SPRING, Texas — Grupo Entrego is bringing hometown pride to the 46th Annual Tejano Music Awards after earning three nominations, including individual recognition for father-daughter vocalists Chris Martinez and Amber Martinez.

The West Texas-based group is nominated in three categories for the awards ceremony, scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, at Texas Rodeo Saloon in Katy, Texas.

The nominations include:

• Best New Artist – Group: Grupo Entrego
• Best New Artist – Male: John “Chris” Martinez
• Best New Artist – Female: Amber Martinez

The recognition marks an important milestone for the group, which was founded in 2023 by Chris Martinez and his daughter, Amber, bringing together their shared passion for music and a lineup of eight musicians representing the West Texas Tejano scene.

For the father-daughter team, the nominations recognize not only their individual contributions but also the musical partnership that helped establish Grupo Entrego.

A Musical Journey That Began With Family

Grupo Entrego’s story is rooted in family, perseverance and a renewed passion for music.

During a recent interview with Ro-Z at Tejano Nation Radio affiliate La Voz 93.3 FM in Abilene, Chris Martinez shared the personal journey that led to the band’s formation.

Chris had been performing and recording music during the early 2000s when his mother became ill in 2004. He returned home to be with his family, losing his mother just two weeks later.

The experience led him to step away from music for more than 20 years.

His return came in 2023 when his oldest daughter, asked him to bring the band back together for her wedding.

“That just kind of gave me the spark again to start again,” Chris recalled during the interview.

He eventually reconnected with musicians he had known through the West Texas music scene and teamed up with drummer, producer and co-owner Erick Martinez, who had previously performed with several of the musicians.

Together, they established Grupo Entrego, giving Chris an opportunity to revisit original songs he had written years earlier while creating a new musical future with his daughter.

An Eight-Member Band Representing West Texas

Based in Big Spring, Grupo Entrego blends Tejano, Norteño, conjunto and cumbia influences, bringing a diverse musical approach to its performances.

The eight-member lineup features:

• John “Chris” Martinez: Lead vocals and songwriting
• Amber Martinez: Vocals and songwriting
• Erick Martinez: Drums, production and co-owner
• Michael Ramos: Saxophone
• Leo Amador: Bass
• Albert “Birdy” Moncibais: Bajo sexto and vocals
• Richard Losoya: Accordion and keyboards
• Tony Castro: Percussion

The group brings together musicians from Big Spring, San Angelo, Odessa, Colorado City, and surrounding West Texas communities.

During the interview, Chris emphasized the importance of recognizing the region’s strong Tejano music culture, particularly in communities such as Abilene.

He also credited his bandmates for helping bring the group’s musical vision to life, while Erick’s experience behind the drums and in the recording studio has played an important role in shaping its sound.

Father-Daughter Songwriting Partnership Takes Center Stage

One of the clearest examples of the group’s family-driven musical identity is “Adónde,” a song written by Amber Martinez, composed by Chris Martinez and produced by Erick Martinez.

The collaboration highlights the creative contributions of both father and daughter, with Amber developing her own songwriting voice while Chris helps shape the musical arrangements.

Amber’s growing involvement in songwriting represents another important step in the group’s development and gives the band an opportunity to showcase different perspectives and vocal styles.

The group’s catalog also includes original releases such as “Dame,” its collaboration with last year’s Best New Female Artist winner Jenny B, and “Regresa,” Chris Martinez’s deeply personal tribute to his late mother.

Speaking about the inspiration behind “Regresa” during his interview with Ro-Z, Chris explained: “It’s for, if you lost someone and you really, really miss them and you wish you had one more moment with them, this is a song for you.”

The song reflects the personal experiences that helped bring Chris back to music and continues to connect with listeners through its emotional message.

Keeping the Music Coming

Grupo Entrego has continued building its catalog with original music that balances heartfelt storytelling and dance-floor energy.

Chris previously identified the group’s cumbia “Aquí Estoy” as one of his personal favorites, describing the song as having a Southern San Antonio-inspired sound.

“Cumbia is always a good vibe,” Chris told Ro-Z. “That’s one of those party songs. It’ll get people up on the dance floor.”

The group has also explored its versatility through its cumbia rendition of “Yo Sí Te Puedo Amar,” giving a familiar song a different musical approach after receiving positive reactions from audiences at live performances.

Erick explained that the decision to record the cover came after fans repeatedly encouraged the group to release its version.

The band’s ability to move between original rancheras, emotional ballads and upbeat cumbias has helped establish its musical identity.

Looking Ahead to 2027

With three Tejano Music Awards nominations adding to its momentum, Grupo Entrego is already looking toward its next chapter.

The band plans to showcase more of the individual musical talents within its lineup through several projects targeted for 2027.

Among the planned releases are a country song featuring Albert “Birdy” Moncibais on vocals, a conjunto recording, a solo song highlighting Amber Martinez, and a new collaborative single.

The projects will give listeners an opportunity to hear more of the different voices and musical influences that contribute to the group’s overall sound.

The band is also working on its 2027 performance schedule, with plans to bring its music to additional festivals, community celebrations and live music venues.

Fans can follow the group’s upcoming performances, watch videos, explore its members’ biographies and find booking information through its official website, GrupoEntrego.com.

A West Texas Milestone

For Grupo Entrego, the three nominations represent a shared accomplishment extending beyond the musicians themselves.

The band credited its families, fans, promoters, DJs and supporters for helping it reach this point in its musical journey.

From Chris Martinez’s return to music after more than two decades to the growing contributions of his daughter Amber, Grupo Entrego has built its foundation around family, original songwriting and a commitment to representing West Texas.

Now, the group will take that hometown pride to Katy as it celebrates its first recognition in three categories at the 46th Annual Tejano Music Awards.

For the musicians of Grupo Entrego, the nominations are another reason to keep making music and bringing their West Texas sound to new audiences.

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