Every month, Bulletin board Latin and Billboard Español Editors highlight a group of up-and-coming artists whose music we love. Think 'diamantes en bruto' or 'diamonds in the rough'. These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us and we think our readers should do something to discover.
Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin features a wave of up-and-coming artists that we've discovered either through networking or coming across their music at a showcase and beyond. Check out our picks this month below:
Artist: DFZM
Country: Colombia
Why they should be on your radar: Hailing from Buenaventura (a coastal town in Colombia), DFZM first caught our attention on Mike Bahía's salsa tune 'Cali Buenaventura', a tribute to both artists' homeland. At just 18 years old, the artist born Dylan Zambrano can easily navigate from a strong freestyle to a mesmerizing hello — all supported by his smooth, deep vocals. In 2023, he signed with Seven Music, Inc. and is also part of Keityn's management center, La Creme. As a singer-songwriter, the newcomer has two verses on “+57”, the recent hit featuring Karol G, Feid, J Balvin, Maluma, Ryan Castro and Blessd, and produced by Ovy on the Drums. The virality of the song won DFZM for the first time Bulletin board chart entries on Hot Latin Songs, Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. USA — JESSICA ROSE
Song for your playlist: “Cali Buenaventura”, Mike Bahía & DFZM
Artist: DREILU
Country: Ecuador
Why they should be on your radar: “From Guayaquil to the world”, as he describes on his YouTube channel, DREILU (real name: Omar Quiz) is an independent artist based in Miami with an accessible vocal tradition and an interesting mix of genres such as bomba, Afropop and urban rhythms. , with lyrics that reflect his personal experiences. This month he released his debut EP, titled 999which includes the previously released singles “No Soy de Aquí” and “Barcelona”. Dedicated to his craft, he has new releases planned for the coming months. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song for your playlist: “Contando Estrellas”
Artist: Nia Schaefer
Country: Cuba
Why they should be on your radar: You've heard the work of Cuban-American Nia Skyfer (real name Stephanie Concepción) on songs written for CNCO, Young Miko and Kim Loaiza. And you've heard her powerful vocals in the 2022 season The Voicewhen he joined John Legend's team. Now, Miami-based DJ Bresh is steadily releasing her solo track, a mix of pop and R&B bolstered by a soulful voice that can go from ethereal to commanding. Check out our latest single, the mid-tempo rock track “Mejor no contesto”, with more singles planned for steady release next year. — LEILA COBO
Song for your playlist: “Major No Contesto”
Artist: Os Garotin
Country: Brazil
Why they should be on your radar: When it comes to rising talent in Latin music, Os Garotin is quickly carving out a niche for itself. I first came across this dynamic trio at the Latin Grammy's Best New Artist Showcase 2024 in Miami, and it was nothing short of electrifying. Hailing from São Gonçalo in Rio de Janeiro, Os Garotin — made up of Anchietx, Cupertino and Leo Guima — brings a refreshing mix of funk carioca, soul and rap to the stage, combined with infectious dance moves. In May, they introduced themselves to the world with their debut album, Os Garotin de São Gonçalowhich condenses their energetic essence and abundant passion. This Latin Grammy-nominated band is definitely a must-have for any music lover looking to spice up their playlist with fresh, lively tunes. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song for your playlist: “Garota”
Artist: Sophie Saar
Country: Mexico
Why they should be on your radar: Sofi Saar came onto my radar during Latin Grammy Week in Miami, Florida earlier this month, where she was nominated twice. With her aura and stoic attitude, the Monterey artist turns her personal stories into healing music. Once engaged to be married, Saar – who launched her career during the pandemic – used the wedding money to invest in studio recording time when she broke up with her ex-fiancé. The songs born during that time gave life to her debut album, Terca (“Stubborn”), earning her a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Norteño album. Her popteño fusion and relatable lyrics also earned her a Best New Artist nomination. — JR
Song for your playlist: “Qué Perro Aguante (Emperrada)”
Artist: So
Country: Venezuela
Why they should be on your radar: With releases like 'Wow', 'Lofi' and 'Cuchi Baby' in the last year alone, Yetsi – a Caracas native currently living in Miami with a sweet, powerful voice – has demonstrated a unique ability to combine rhythms while showing off her vocal prowess. Her most recent release is “LPC,” an infectious drum-n-bass reinterpretation of Amanda Miguel's classic “Las Cosas Pequeñas.” Yetsi, who has also directed some of her own music videos, is an artist with a global sound. — SRA
Song for your playlist: “Cuchi Baby”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/on-the-radar-latin-emerging-artists-november-2024-1235840277/
