Whether the industry wants to fully accept it or not, Latino musical talent is nothing short of impressive. No matter the hurdles, Latina artists, in particular, are breaking down barriers and making spaces for themselves. There’s just no holding back their creativity, voices, and multitalented approach to music, and we love to see it. While there are plenty of established Latina artists to gush about, like Becky G, there are also rising stars that deserve much more attention. To celebrate World Music Day, here are 8 rising Latina artists you need to check out ASAP
RaiNao
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RaiNao is a very interesting artist and she’s out there blending urban beats, jazz melodies, and pop sounds like no other. Her journey started with a solid foundation in music theory and saxophone training in Puerto Rico, setting the stage for her versatile music style. She was a backup vocalist for Rafa Pabon, but she has struck out on her own. RaiNao is known not just for her technical skills, but also for her production level and knack for bending genres. She has created an identity that’s very unique to her and it’s exciting to see what boundaries she’ll continue to push in 2024.
Joaquina
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Joaquina is a Venezuelan singer and songwriter whose music resonates deeply because it captures teenage angst perfectly. Her indie pop-rock songs are also authentic and vulnerable, which is something everyone can connect to. Tracks like "Rabia" and "Niñas de Instagram" have struck a chord with young audiences and they’ve impressed industry veterans. Joaquina won the 2023 Latin Grammy for Best New Artist and that was just the beginning. Her latest single is “escapar de mi” and she has an album on the horizon, so it will be fun to see how her music evolves as she grows.
Kenia Os
Kenia Os is a Mexican singer-songwriter who went from YouTube content creator with 5.8M subscribers to pop star. Her breakout track "Malas Deciciones" marked a turning point in her career and, so far, she has collaborated with Latino artists like Thalía and CNCO. She’ll be touring in 2024 and 2025 all over Mexico, so it’s going to be a big year for her. Kenia Os is definitely one of the rising stars in the Mexican music scene and you should check out her YouTube channel if you want to find new favorites.
J Noa
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J Noa is a Dominican rapper who has been rising the ranks in the hip-hop scene. Her sharp and clever lyrics, combined with a breakneck delivery are nothing short of impressive. J Noa’s talent earned her a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Song in 2023 and her Tiny Desk concert also earned her a lot of recognition. It’s clear that J Noa is just getting started and her EP, “Autodidacta,” is only a taste of what’s to come for this Dominican rapper.
Nicki Nicole
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Hailing from Argentina, Nicki Nicole has amassed 22M followers on Instagram and her rise to fame has been incredible. Her collaborations with artists like Rauw Alejandro and Tiago PZK have catapulted her into the international spotlight, establishing her as one of the top Latin R&B, reggaeton, and Latin hip-hop Latina artists. With hits like "Colocao" and "Mamichula," Nicole’s talent is undeniable and the way she navigates different musical styles is very interesting. She also has a great Tiny Desk concert and has even appeared on The Tonight Show, so check out her YouTube channel to see what she’s got.
Ludmilla
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The way Brazilian singer-songwriter Ludmilla combines funk, pop, trap, and R&B is insane! In 2020, she became the first Afro-Latina to reach a million streams on Spotify with her song "Fala Mal de Mim" and that would only be the beginning. Only two years later, she won a Latin Grammy in 2022 for Best Samba/Pagode Album and became the first Afro-Latina artist to get the honor. She’s a dynamic artist and is known for her versatility, which has influenced the Latino music scene. Ludmilla is one of the Latina artists who’s rushing in a new generation and her music transcends language barriers.
Girl Ultra
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Girl Ultra's journey from dreaming of Coachella to performing on its stage in 2024 is a reminder that dreams can come true with perseverance and talent. This Mexican musician is known for her versatility as an artist, ranging from electronic dance beats to soulful ballads. She has captivated audiences all over the world and she’s one of the most interesting young Latina artists in the scene. Girl Ultra is also known for her dynamic performances, so keep an eye on her socials if you want to catch one of her shows in the U.S.
Ice Spice
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Last but certainly not least, Ice Spice is an American rapper of African-American and Dominican descent with an impressive rise to fame. Her Grammy nominations and chart-topping collaborations with artists like Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Rema, and more, speak volumes about her talent and her future in the industry. Ice Spice has had many viral hits, including “Barbie World,” "Boys A Liar Pt. 2,” "In Ha Mood,” and more. Her debut album "Y2K" is on the horizon for 2024, so we suspect she’ll make an even bigger impact in the industry with her blend of Hip hop, drill, Jersey club, and pop rap.
