Argentina’s Daring Urban Star María Becerra Redefines Global Music Identity

María Becerra, an Argentine star, became prominent in today’s urban pop music. She built a special persona that combined genuine qualities alongside new sounds. Ten years have passed since her first YouTube video, but she still attracts fans globally.

From YouTube Beginnings to Musical Breakthrough

María de los Ángeles Becerra was born in Quilmes, Buenos Aires, in 2000. At first, she discovered her path on social media. As a young girl, she started uploading funny skits, imitations, and music renditions to Facebook and YouTube. Because of this, she quickly built a fan base. People liked her kindness and novel ideas. Though her early content focused on entertainment, it offered a glimpse into her musical aspirations, which blossomed when she transitioned into full-time music in 2019.

That same year, she self-released her first extended play, 222, an early experiment in what would become her signature urban pop style. The track “Dime Cómo Hago” debuted on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 and hinted at a fast rise. Due to Becerra’s internet popularity, she began a different style of Latin music. Becerra combined parts of pop, reggaetón and rap with R&B elements. This blend generated new sounds specific to her.

When Becerra grew in stature, the music industry acknowledged her growing influence. She secured an agreement with 300 Entertainment, a small record company that launched her onto the global stage.

Carving a Personal Style

Even as she entered the fast-paced world of Latin urban music, Becerra remained committed to expressing herself sonically and visually honestly. In an interview with EFE, she explained her philosophy: “I believe it’s a solid approach not always to follow trends. Having your style is always the best thing you can do—listening to your intuition and what your mind tells you. That’s how different proposals and personal identities are born.”

Known for effortlessly mixing oversized streetwear with heels and adding glamorous accents, Becerra credits her restless and impulsive nature for her ever-evolving look. “I get bored quickly,” the 24-year-old admits, “but some bases never change: the wide, urban clothing combined with more elegant touches.” This aesthetic underpins her campaign with Xti Shoes, promoted under the motto “Tu propio código” (“Your code”), further underscoring her commitment to individuality.

Visual presentation, however, is only one facet of the artistry that propelled her to the forefront of contemporary music. As her discography grew, Becerra continued expanding her social media presence, often conceiving the creative direction herself. “When an idea isn’t yours, it shows,” she told EFE. Yet she balances personal instincts with practical collaboration: her team helps to refine concepts and bring them to life without compromising her signature edge.

A Global Force on the Rise

When her second extended play, Animal, Pt. 1, arrived in 2021, Becerra’s name was synonymous with Latin pop’s new vanguard. The tracks “Animal,” featuring fellow Argentine star Cazzu, and the solo “Acaramelao” showcased her versatile fusion of hip hop, reggaetón, trap, and R&B, layered over themes of empowerment, love, and desire. The success of these singles laid the groundwork for her full-length debut, Animal, which arrived the same year with production by Big One, Subelo Neo, and Tatool.

Simultaneously, collaborations with artists such as Lyanno, Rauw Alejandro, Lenny Tavárez, Tini, and J Balvin introduced her to broader audiences. The “High” remix, which included Tini and Lola Índigo, reached number two on the Argentina Hot 100. In contrast, “¿Qué Más, Pues?” with J Balvin and “Miénteme” with Tini each got to the top of the charts. This reinforced her standing as a provider of catchy hooks. By the end of 2021, her collection of hits and remixes had racked up multiple chart triumphs across Latin America, and she was nominated for Best New Artist at the 22nd Annual Latin Grammy Awards.

Steadfast in her aesthetic vision, Becerra has spoken openly about the value of forging an identity that resonates globally while staying true to her Argentine roots. She frequently mentions “urban contemporary” music. This genre connects R&B, hip-hop, pop rap, and Latin pop. It delivers current, universal music and attracts many listeners. Because this accessibility influences her work, it covers music production and performances. This helped her global success.

Her album, La Nena de Argentina, appeared in December 2022. It built on her blending style. The record combined bachata, cumbia, trap, reggaetón, dancehall next to pop. Her early tracks, “Ojalá” and “Automático,” showed her skill. She merged catchy melodies with solid lyrics. As global awareness of her music grew, major labels took notice. In 2023, she signed with Warner Music Latina and Warner Chappell Music, securing representation with Wasserman Music for territories outside Latin America.

That same year, she performed at the Billboard Latin Women in Music event, receiving the Visionary Award for her strides in pushing the boundaries of urban pop. Her landmark achievements continued when she became the first Argentine female singer to sell out the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires—an accomplishment once reserved primarily for legendary rock acts. Reflecting on such milestones, she remains humble, crediting her parents (her father is a cardiologist, and her mother is a nurse) for instilling the perseverance required to flourish in a challenging industry.

Now, at the threshold of another chapter in her career, Becerra embraces her next creative challenge with characteristic boldness. She has hinted at a forthcoming “alter ego” concept that will feature prominently in her new music, teasing that this evolution will surprise fans and critics alike. Having performed her single “Imán (Two of Us)” on The Kelly Clarkson Show in late 2024, she is poised to kick off 2025 with the release of her anticipated third album—one she confidently describes as “finished and ready.”

During her talk with EFE, she expressed gratitude for the trip so far and mentioned how experiences such as internet fame, public examination, and changes in herself combined to mold her art. “I love to get ideas from my mind and turn them into something real,” she explained. Because of that, her music and look, in addition to who she is, come to be. Every day, I’m learning to trust my voice more and more.”

Also Read: Colombian Santiago Cruz: Fifteen Years of Musical Dignity

María Becerra’s refusal to conform has cemented her as a formidable force in Latin music in a genre often dominated by fleeting trends. By welding fearless experimentation with her Argentine heritage and an unshakable sense of self, she defies expectations—blazing a trail that resonates on stages worldwide, reminding us that authentic artistry is always worth the wait.