Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors spotlight a group of rising 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 who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.
Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered by scrolling on social media, networking, or coming across their music at a showcase, for example. See our March 2024 — in honor of Women’s History Month — recommendations below.
Artist: Alé Araya
Country: U.S. (of Chilean descent)
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Whether embodying a fairy-like figure in music videos (see below) or channeling the essence of a mythical forest creature, as depicted in her vinyl artwork for in visions, Alé Araya stands out with her captivating imagery. However, it’s her music that truly enchants. As a singer-songwriter and producer, her compositions exude R&B sensuality infused with atmospheric yet jittery productions, reminiscent of artists like Kali Uchis, Ibeyi, or PinkPanthress.
Her latest single, “Bella,” released on International Women’s Day, serves as an homage to “divinity, female ferocity, and female transgression,” as highlighted in her press kit; in just two and a half minutes, the Chilean descendant mesmerizes listeners by layering her serene vocals with the potential to spellbind. Now signed to Rostrum Records, Alé has spent recent years honing her craft, writing and producing for notable figures such as Alice Glass of Crystal Castles fame, Saba, Joseph Chilliams and Lexa Gates. With a classical jazz background and a deep understanding of digital composition, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Alé is poised to release her next EP this May. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song for Your Playlist: “Bella”
Artist: Greyvi
Country: Honduras
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I discovered Greyvi while she performed at the renowned Calle Ocho Festival in Miami earlier this month. With such edge and grace, the young artist — who was born in Honduras to Colombian parents and resides between Guatemala and Miami — can easily navigate from Latin pop to urban music with her sweet vocals and fierce dance moves. Further demonstrating her hunger in the music industry and effortless versatility, her latest single “El Luto” is a catchy salsa bop co-produced by Colombian hitmaker Saga WhiteBlack, which narrates the story of a girl who’s over an ex and is not mourning the heartbreak anymore. In 2022, she collaborated with Dominican rapper Mozart La Para on “Nos Fuimos Mundial” and released her debut EP Soy Greyvi in 2023. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song for Your Playlist: “El Luto”
Artist: Irepelusa
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Venezuelan singer/songwriter Irepelusa just debuted in Bogota’s Estero Picnic Festival, her latest notch in a career that’s been rising slowly and steadily and surrounded by fine musicians. Now based in Colombia, Irepelusa plays a mix of atmospheric electronica, pop, soul and R&B with frequent touches of Caribbean and urban beats. But she’s also capable of switching to a pure acoustic sound with a beautiful, bell-like voice. Irepelusa (real name Irene Alejandra) is prepping an upcoming album produced by Juan Pablo Vega, with a new single “Los Domingos la Paso Solita,” released February on indie Discos La Piña. — LEILA COBO
Song for Your Playlist: “Nervios de Acero”
Artist: NXNNI
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I’m always on the hunt for up-and-coming talent in regional Mexican and, not surprisingly, when I do find new names they are almost always men. So, when sierreño artist Ivonne Galaz unleashed “Fumar Beber” earlier this month featuring only emerging women in música mexicana on her track, it made me really excited. One of those featured is NXNNI, a corridos bélicos singer-songwriter from Monterrey, Nuevo León, a Mexican state that borders Texas.
Like most of this generation’s regional acts, NXNNI is also a gifted guitar player, with which she powers her prickly corridos, along with her deep and rich vocals that demand attention. After launching her career in 2021 singing corrido covers and rapping alongside local artists, she scored a record deal with Fonovisa (the Mexican music imprint under Universal) and was part of its 2023 compilation album Bélico Indie (Vol. 1). Most recently, she released a cover of Belanova’s 2000s pop anthem “Rosa Pastel,” giving it a corridos bélico twist. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for Your Playlist: “Rosa Pastel”
