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 May 2024 recommendations below.
Artist: Alex Ponce
Country: Ecuador
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Hailing from Cuenca, Ecuador, emerging artist Alex Ponce has put himself on the radar for the quality of his voice and emotional performance, earning a place on the NEON16 artist roster. Among his most popular songs on Spotify are “Plan”, with more than 70 million plays, as well as “Traición”, “Fuiste,” and “Cerrando Ciclos.” On his latest EP Ruido, released this month, Ponce delves into contemporary pop, acoustic balladry and regional Mexican, showcasing the versatility of his voice and his adaptability to various genres. “Daría Todo,” a song with regional Mexican elements, stands out as one of the highlights of the EP. Alex Ponce is poised to become one of the outstanding voices in Latin pop. — LUISA CALLE
Song for Your Playlist: “Daría Todo”
Artist: Delilah
Country: Mexican-American
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: In the chaos of Sueños’ festival day two on May 26 — which was ultimately canceled due to severe weather — Delilah offered an oasis for disgruntled festival-goers who really just wanted to enjoy good music. After a lineup shuffle, the 16-year-old corridos tumbados singer — who released her first single, titled “Amor Perdido,” earlier this year — ended up taking the stage at 4:00 p.m. (instead of her original time of noon), just as doors were opening.
While extremely short, her 10-minute set showcased why she represents the future of regional Mexican music. The Mexican-American artist, who is signed to Natanael Cano’s Los CT label, combines prickly guitar notes — signature to the Mexican subgenre — with emotive lyrics, which she sings with such pathos in her delicate yet puncturing vocals. At Sueños, it’s safe to say that those in attendance got just a preview of Delilah’s full abilities, as she is definitely one to watch. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for Your Playlist: “Modelo”
Artist: Fabiola Roudha
Country: Guatemala
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I first discovered Fabiola many years ago in Guatemala. I will never forget that little girl who came on television to sing with a sweet smile but with a grown-up, deep voice during her interview with Telehit’s Black and White TV series. She never gave up and has done significant work over the years, performing at festivals, gaining recognition. She was also the first Guatemalan artist to win a reality competition series (El Desafío de Estrellas in 2009). Her voice is a blend of blues, soul-pop, and Gospel that matcher her sweet and humble charisma. Her most recent release is her first collaboration with one of Mexico’s icons, Daniela Romo. The harmony of both voices and the depth of the lyrics are a testament to her unwavering talent. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song for Your Playlist: “Nada” (with Daniela Romo)
Artist: Lismar
Country: Dominican Republic
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Dominican lyricist and rapper Lismar dropped not one but two Bizarrap sessions last week. Both “BRRP Music Session Vol 60” and “Subió La Temperatura” premiered at the Argentine producer’s show in New York on May 23. I first heard her previous single, “Delincuente Con Traje,” through her publicist and was amazed by her powerful, rapid-fire, compelling rap verses. The swag in her voice and storytelling make her unique and help her stand out — even Bizarrap says she’s the future of music. Honing her skills as a freestyler during the pandemic lockdown, she developed a unique skill that allowed her to create concise and relatable writing material around personal challenges. — I.F.
Song for Your Playlist: “BZRP Music Sessions #60”
Artist: Nino Augustine
Country: Panamanian-American
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Nino Augustine arrived on my radar from the underground Latinx scene bridging Atlanta and New York, and he stood out for numerous reasons. His intriguing blend of Afro-Latin beats with the soulful vibes of the Georgian capital, his hometown, has resonated within his musical creations. Influenced by his Panamanian roots, he began releasing a string of singles in 2017, culminating in his debut album Me Toca a Mi in 2019, a project that solidified his distinct sound. With subsequent albums, the singer/rapper continued to evolve, leading to his fourth LP, 100%, released this month — a melting pot of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and soul-stirring lyrics in Spanish.
The opening track, “Encendido,” is a powerful display of the singer’s prowess, seamlessly transitioning from dancehall to reggaetón and amapiano. Another track, “Nirvana,” captivates instantly, glimmering with the luscious terrain of Afrobeats. “100% showcases me fully, encompassing everything I hold dear”, the artist says in a press release. “It’s a reflection of my current journey in life, authentically representing who I am and reflecting the sounds I love.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song for Your Playlist: “Sóltate” feat. Bomby, Landa Freak, Robbie Vida & Buay Press
Artist: Yellow Outlet
Country: Dominican Republic
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: From the Dominican Republic, the pop-rock duo Yellow Outlet, formed by singer-songwriter María Taveras and producer Cristian Guillen Santillan, offers a perfect combination of talents that captivates from the first listen. The unique color of Taveras’ voice and her ethereal performance, coupled with Guillen’s futuristic pop sound with electronic elements, create an experimental but well-structured mix that results in a magnificent contrast. His debut album, No Es Muy Tarde (2022), includes standout songs like “Sueños Sobre Ti” and “Lluvia Eléctrica”, which serve as a good introduction to their music. They recently released their new album Carrusel, which features songs like “222”, “Donde Empieza,” and the album’s eponymous track. Yellow Outlet proposes a sound that is urgent to know to break the stereotypes of Latin pop and draw a broad panorama of creativity. — L.C.
Song for Your Playlist: “Lluvia Eléctrica”
