Rising Latin Artists: Must-Listen Gems You Should Know
Discover emerging talents in Latin music with our curated list of artists poised to make a significant impact. From salsa to pop, these musicians bring fresh and exciting sounds to the scene.
Rising Latin Artists: Must-Listen Gems You Should Know
The editors of Billboard Latin and Billboard Español have spotlighted a select group of new or relatively unknown artists whose music is poised to make waves. These are artists who have yet to achieve mainstream success but whose work excites us, and we believe our readers should get to know them. Here are the latest picks from our “En Nuestro Radar” series, showcasing talent discovered everywhere from Spotify playlists to music showcases.
Artist: Alvaro Rod
Country: Peru
Why You Should Know Him: With an imposing stage presence and a powerful voice, Alvaro Rod instantly captured attention at the 2024 Heat Awards, where he was nominated for Best Salsa Artist and performed alongside other talented Peruvian artists. Rod launched his debut single “Vamos a Escapar” in 2019, quickly establishing himself as a promising figure in the salsa scene. He has shared the stage with legends like El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and La India, and his four-part Live Session album, featuring modern takes on classics by Camilo, RBD, and Luis Enrique, has gained significant traction on social media. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song for Your Playlist: “Dime cómo hago”
Artist: Allyson Menrod
Country: Mexico
Why You Should Know Her: Watching Allyson Menrod’s recent music videos, it’s hard to believe she leads a double professional life. “I’m a ‘Hannah Montana’: by day, I’m a pharmaceutical biologist, and by night, a pop singer,” she told Billboard Español. With nearly 15 years in music, including a stint on La Voz Mexico (2019) and songwriting, her passion is evident. Her latest release, “Sin tu amor,” is an empowering self-love anthem about breaking free from a toxic relationship. Influenced by ’80s American pop and R&B, Menrod delivers her message with a blend of fun and sincerity. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song for Your Playlist: “Sin tu amor”
Artist: Amy Gutiérrez
Country: Peru
Why You Should Know Her: I met Amy Gutiérrez at the 2024 Heat Awards in Punta Cana, where she approached my colleague and me after an inspiring panel discussion. Little did I know, she is a force to be reckoned with: a singer, dancer, and humble, sweet personality who won La Voz Kids Peru a decade ago. Originally from Callao, Gutiérrez shone at the awards, performing alongside fellow Peruvians Yahaira Plasencia and Alvaro Rod. In 2023, she released her debut album, Valiente, showcasing her versatility in salsa and romantic ballads. She is currently promoting a sugary cumbia titled “Cuando me veo en tus ojos,” part of the album La Nueva Cepa, led by hitmaker Master Chris. — J.R.
Song for Your Playlist: “Cuando me veo en tus ojos” ft. Master Chris
Artist: Anabella Mondi
Country: Venezuela
Why You Should Know Her: Anabella Mondi is an independent artist and producer based in Miami, blending Venezuelan folk music with electronic and modern rhythms. The self-proclaimed “Llanera Global,” as her latest album is titled, has spent years developing her style under her own label, Tactus Pro, with over 40 songs released. Mondi’s mission is to bring the traditional music of her homeland to new generations and audiences with confidence and coherence. — S.R.A.
Song for Your Playlist: “Meaculpa”
Artist: Andre
Country: Peru-Spain
Why You Should Know Her: I met Andre at the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) in New York earlier this month, where she explained the concept behind her music after the Wonder Women in Latin Music panel I moderated. A classically trained opera artist and a proud Peruvian-Spanish singer-songwriter, Andre stands out with her regional approach to alternative music, blending folk genres like criolla music, Peruvian polka, marinera, and Afro-Peruvian rhythms such as festejo and landó, with classical and contemporary pop elements. Her debut album, Sagrado Corazón, released in May, features songs in Spanish and Quechua, the indigenous language of Peru, emotionally narrating the story of unreciprocated love. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for Your Playlist: “Pisco y Hielo (Acto: 1 Escena: 1)” ft. Wariwillka
Artist: Gigi Méndez
Country: Venezuela
Why You Should Know Her: Gigi Méndez made history as the first woman to write the official song for the Venezuelan national soccer team, known as La Vinotinto, for the 2024 Copa America. “Somos Vinotinto,” with its thrilling video directed by Poe Polanco and Edixon Ochoa, has amassed over 5.7 million views since its June 28 release, spreading joy and excitement among Venezuelans at home and abroad. Known as “the toughest of the new school,” this achievement has put Méndez on the international map. “This moment in my career is filled with excitement, focus, and above all, discipline,” she said in a statement. “My team has done an exceptional job, and this achievement is thanks to them.” We eagerly await what she will bring next. — S.R.A.
Song for Your Playlist: “Somos Vinotinto”
Artist: Jhon de La Torre
Country: Colombia
Why You Should Know Him: With his cowboy hat and suit representing regional Mexican music, I met Jhon de La Torre after this year’s Masterclass: Optimizing Your Relationship with the Billboard Panel at the 2024 Heat Awards. De La Torre introduced himself with humility and sweetness, sharing details about his new album, Más Ranchero Que Nunca. The album combines ranchera with popular music enhanced by acoustic guitars and country elements, making it stand out. Clear examples include “La miradita,” “Lo que duele,” and “Qué importa ya,” showcasing his powerful voice. De La Torre is part of La Nueva Cepa, an album initiative led by renowned producer Master Chris “El Científico” and released through Warner Music Latina, featuring 12 artists from different regions and musical genres. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song for Your Playlist: “Ni plata ni nada”
These rising stars, with their unique sounds and compelling stories, are the future of Latin music. Each artist brings something special to the table, and their journeys are just beginning. Whether it’s the powerful voice of Alvaro Rod, the dual life of Allyson Menrod, or the groundbreaking achievements of Gigi Méndez, these musicians are sure to leave a lasting impact on the industry. Keep an eye on them as they continue to rise and redefine the landscape of Latin music.
