Every month, Billboard 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:
Name: Ambik
Country: Argentina
Why they should be on your radar: She is the younger sister of Argentine star Tiago PZK, but since starting her career in 2023, Ambik has made a name for herself with her own lyrical ability and style. At just 16 years old, the artist – whose real name is Ambar Pacheco Lezcano – released innovative urban-R&B songs such as “Crucigrama”, “Sha La La” and “Náufrago”. Her most recent release is “Rápido,” a sultry, club-ready electro-pop single that continues to experiment and offer an uplifting vision of the future of music. And this is just the beginning for Ambik. with Grand Move Records and Warner Music Argentina, we're sure to hear a lot more from her. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song for your playlist: “Rápido”
Name: papa Joazinio
Country: Brazil
Why they should be on your radar: Papa Joãozinho made his solo debut last year after appearing with an art collective called ROSABEGE that he created with some friends in his hometown of Niterói, Brazil in 2017. Taking from Música Popular Brasileira, hip-hop, baile funk, indie and experimental electronica, the São Paulo-based artist created a sound of his own for his debut album, tds bem Global (which translates to “all too global”), released last fall through Innovative Leisure. The video for the set's “Sem Limitessssss,” a psychedelic track that weaves through dub reggae, hip-hop, punk and samba, has just been released. “Being in São Paulo inspired me to push myself beyond my limits, to grow, to learn things about myself that I couldn't see,” papa Joãozinho says in a statement. “It's a song about desire really, about transformation.” — SRA
Song for your playlist: “Sem Limitessssss”
Name: WE GIVE
Country: Argentina, Cuba and Haiti, but based in the US
Why they should be on your radar: Named after the traditional Japanese daruma doll meaning perseverance and good luck, DARUMAS is an electrifying trio with immense girl power. Led by Aldana Aguirre on bass (Argentina), Ceci Leon on vocals and guitar (Cuba), and Haitian-born, Chilean singer Vedala Vilmond, the group officially debuted this year with their single “Daruma.” The best representation of their work, the track is a soulful R&B bop mixed with old-school funk melodies, supporting their mesmerizing and powerful vocals.
DARUMAS, who already opened a show for Argentinian pop star Emilia, has signed to Sony Music Latin for recordings. Walter Kolm Fun to manage? Agency TBA for tours? and FRAZES CREATIVE for publicity collaborations. “Darumas is a breath of fresh air for the music industry,” said Alex Gallardo, president of Sony Music Latin in a press statement. “Three women, musicians, with enormous talent who bring an artistic proposal very different from anything else out there. The greatest artists are characterized by being unique and different from the rest.” — JESSICA ROSE
Song for your playlist: “Daruma”
Name: Latin Mafia
Country: Mexico
Why they should be on your radar: I first heard about Latin Mafia last year after discovering their music on TikTok. Their song 'Julieta' caught my attention with its fun, catchy beats and confidence-boosting vibes. Creating music that blends reggaetón, dream pop, R&B and house, the brother trio – Mike, Milton and Emilio de La Rosa – have a unique essence that sets them apart. Even a song that seems to be about frustration can quickly immerse you in a lively and energetic “llorar y perrear” atmosphere, as in their song “Perlas”.
In late December, Latin Mafia teamed up with Mexican singer-songwriter Humbe for “Patadas de Ahogado” and delivered another highly instrumental masterpiece. The song is backed by keyboard notes that blend their soft vocals, while the lyrics talk about finding that special love. The Mexican group recently signed with Rimas Entertainment and has performed at various music festivals in Latin America and the United States, including a major debut at Coachella. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song for your playlist: “Patadas de Ahogado” (feat. Humbe)
Name: Lucky Ra
Country: Argentina
Why they should be on your radar: Luck Ra (real name: Juan Facundo Almenara Ordóñez) was put on my radar thanks to my best friend, who first discovered him on Spotify. I was immediately drawn to his track 'Hola Perdida', a collaboration with Argentinian rapper Khea, where the two deliver a fast-paced cumbia villera mixed with sensual bachata beats, to call an ex back with them. Luck Ra released his first recordings in 2017, but it was “Te Mentiría” (a smooth Afrobeats single) in 2020 that finally brought him to a wider audience. Luck Ra has also collaborated with acts such as Bersuit Vergarabat, Abel Pintos, Ke Personajes and Rusherking and released his debut studio album. Que Nos Falte Todo This year. — JR
Song for your playlist: “Hola Perdida” (feat. Khea)
Name: RoyalLive
Country: Venezuela
Why they should be on your radar: Born in Catia La Mar, Venezuela and based in Miami, RoyalLive — also known as Royal and his real name is Ibraham Ríos — blends genres like R&B, soul and urban tropical into songs that include lyrics in Spanish, English and Portuguese. The 23-year-old artist started writing music at 16 and, during the pandemic, after he and his father were left homeless and had to live temporarily in a church, he used the ordeal as inspiration for his song 'Chain'.
Since then, he has released singles, including “Báilame Que Luego Te Vas”, a TikTok hit that reached the ears of Colombian singer Beéle, who also recorded a cover version. and “Ocean Drive.” This Friday (April 26) sees the premiere of “Baby G,” a song infused with Brazilian beats and a melodic drill “dedicated to the female warrior who fears nothing,” according to a press release. The track is part of his upcoming debut album, LOVESTAR, due out this summer under MusikLab. — SRA
Song for your playlist: “Báilame Que Luego Te Vas”
Name: Vanita Leo
Country: USA (Mexican descent)
Why they should be on your radar: While the Tejano music scene has seen the rise of acts like Grupo Frontera and the enduring legacy of icons like Intocable, the presence of female Tejana artists has been particularly rare since the Selena era in the mainstream. However, emerging from San Antonio, Texas, with roots in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, is Vanita Leo, a promising singer who jumped onto our radar via social media. “I make music that reflects these cultures,” he says Billboard Español. It is worth noting that he has attracted the attention of great musicians such as Ramon Ayala and Ramona, with whom he opened in Texas.
She started gaining a steady following from her 2023 EP, Historia de una Amor, featuring the corridos tumbados-infused “Arrepentida” and the kiss-off ballad “Marchate.” Her upcoming single 'Slo Tú BB' (out May 3rd) is a treat with sultry R&B vocals, echoing the footsteps of her Tejano predecessors. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song for your playlist: “Arepentida”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/on-the-radar-latin-emerging-artists-april-2024-1235663839/
