Esau Ortiz, Jombriel & More

Since reaching virality in 2024 with the hit “Capaz (Merenguetón),” which quickly debuted on the Billboard charts, singer Alleh Mezher and producer and singer Yorghaki Yacoub — who joined forces for a series of projects as Alleh & Yorghaki — have made it clear that they are not one hit wonders. With their blend of merengue, afrobeats and urban rhythms, they have steadily gained popularity among fans and critics, achieving not only streams but also recognition within the industry. After climbing the Latin music charts with “Capaz (Merenguetón),” which still holds a spot on Latin Rhythm Airplay at No. 16 as of January 2026, their joint album La Ciudad (released in Dec. 2024) led them to debut on Top Latin Rhythm Albums, reaching No. 23 last February.

At the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards, Alleh was nominated for best new artist, while together they competed in the best urban performance/urban fusion category with “Capaz (Merenguetón).” At Premio Lo Nuestro 2026, they are contenders for album of the year with La Ciudad, and compete separately in the male new artist of the year category. Additionally, Yorghaki appears in the collaboration of the year – pop/urban category with “Samaná,” alongside fellow Venezuelans Mau y Ricky and Danny Ocean. We expect more exciting music from both of them this year. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, the Colombian artist Annasofia is part of a young generation of Latina songwriters and performers who are redefining the music scene in the region, challenging norms and crossing musical genres without prejudice. Her alternative pop style fuses urban music with electronic rhythms, which she complements with empowering lyrics and a captivating stage presence. Her talent as a songwriter and performer has led her to tour with artists such as Greeicy, Mike Bahía and Andrés Cepeda.

Although not from a musical family, she showed an interest in music from a young age, which led her to learn to play the drums at seven years old. Later, she learned to play the piano and guitar. She has been nominated for the Heat Latin Music Awards and the Nuestra Tierra Awards, and is part of the prestigious Art House – Universal Music Latino program, spearheaded by Julio Reyes Copello and Abbey Road Studios. In 2025, she was nominated for a Latin Grammy for best new artist. — NATALIA CANO

After making waves as a prolific songwriter for Street Mob’s clan, Armenta made a stunning leap into the spotlight with his debut album Pórtate Bien. The project cemented his status as a standout voice in música mexicana, weaving aching indie rock, steely corridos tumbados, flirtatious reggaetón Mexa, and tender boleros into a genre-defying masterpiece. The Sinaloense’s songs radiate unfiltered emotion and raw authenticity, making him an artist who doesn’t just cross boundaries — he demolishes them. Since then, Armenta has solidified his place as one of Latin music’s most exciting rising singer-songwriters, with a string of high-profile collaborations alongside artists like Fuerza Regida and Chino Pacas. With a trailblazing debut and noteworthy creative partnerships, Miguel Armenta (real name) proved his reign even further as 2025’s No. 1 Latin Songwriter. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Last August, Bebeshito made history as the first artist of reparto music to sell out the coveted Kaseya Center in Miami, Fla., where he performed for 20,000 people. The concert, which defeated all odds, occurred less than a year after the emerging artist migrated from Cuba to Miami. Bebeshito (real name: Oniel Ernesto Columbie Campos) became a household name in his native Cuba doing reparto covers. [Reparto is a musical genre that derives from the “repartos/barrios” or housing projects in Cuba that fuses urban music with traditional Cuban rhythms and is powered by the clave instrument.] His first breakout hit was “Una Pila de Partes,” his version of Aitana’s 2021 hit “Berlín.” 

Since signing a record deal with Planet Records in 2022, Bebeshito has placed various entries on the Billboard charts including his viral tracks “Marca Mandarina” and “Tacto Que Llegó El Reparto,” which entered Hot Tropical Songs last Spring. “It has everything: feeling, joy, and the guaracha, as we Cubans say. Many people relate to it because it’s a genre made in Cuba. Reparto is lived [on the island] and sung in the streets. This song is like saying, ‘Watch out, the Cubano is here,’” the former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise said of the rhythmic “Tacto.” Bebeshito was also a speaker at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Week, where he joined Olga Tañón, Luck Ra, Grupo 5 and Guaynaa to talk about the explosion of cumbia and tropical music. — JESSICA ROIZ

They rose to fame thanks to Bad Bunny, who invited them to collaborate on the hit “Weltita,” leading them to debut on the Billboard charts in January 2025. But Puerto Rican quartet Chuwi began years earlier, in 2020, formed by siblings Lorén, Willy, and Wester Aldarondo, along with their friend Adrián López. With a unique style that blends traditional rhythms like plena, bomba, and salsa with alternative melodies, the indie group from Isabela, Puerto Rico, sings primarily about their island and also about love, shining in songs like “Tierra,” “Bipartidos,” and “Escúchame” featuring Pj Sin Suela. So far they have released two EPs — Pan (2022) and Tierra (2024) — in addition to “Falta Algo,” their most recent single.

In December 2025, after a remarkable year that also saw them perform alongside Bad Bunny during his historic residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, Chuwi signed a deal with Double P Management, the company co-founded by Mexican superstar Peso Pluma and visionary executive George Prajin. The group is currently on the road with Bad Bunny as the opening act for his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour — and they also share a Premio Lo Nuestro nomination in the perfect mix of the year category for their successful collab. We appreciate the well-deserved visibility Benito has given them and can’t wait to hear new music from the quartet in 2026. – S.R.A.

Clarent first gained attention with his future-forward, Afrobeats-tinged hit “IA” in 2024, featuring Mora, a track that has amassed over 145 million streams on Spotify to date. Jumping ahead to 2026, the rising Puerto Rican artist has already leveled up with No Vuelve a Suceder, an ambitious 10-track EP that highlights his genre-bending versatility. Effortlessly navigating booming trap, eerie reggaetón, and atmospheric EDM, Clarent is cementing his reputation as one of Latin music’s freshest voices. Standout tracks include “Esta Vida,” an introspective collab with Spain’s Morad, and “Otro Momento,” where he drops his bravado to lay bare raw vulnerability. The EP made waves across the Billboard charts, debuting at No. 49 on Top Latin Albums and No. 23 on Top Latin Rhythm Albums. If this is just an “EP,” we can’t wait to hear what he’ll do with his album. — I.R.

Clave Especial was undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing groups in Latin music in 2025. The trio from Salinas, California — discovered by Fuerza Regida’s leader Jesús Ortiz Paz and signed to his label Street Mob Records — represents a bicultural generation that has immediately connected with young people globally, amassing 14 million listeners across different platforms. The success of their album Mija No Te Me Asustes, released in February last year, was a major hit, earning gold, platinum, and diamond certifications from RIAA. The set, which includes hits like “Tu, Tu Tu,” that earned them their first No. 1 on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, led them to embark on their first tour with 15 shows in the U.S.

They also were four-time finalists at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, and opened for Fuerza Regida before more than 50,000 people at the GNP Seguros Stadium in Mexico City. They are currently working on new music that they will release in the coming months. — TERE AGUILERA

Last year, Myke Towers told me personally that he sees DFZM as the next big force in urban music, a sentiment he shared during a Billboard interview where he also discussed their first collaboration, “La Despedida,” which opens Towers’ Island Boyz album. Hailing from Buenaventura, Colombia, the artist born Dylan Zambrano burst onto the scene in late 2024 with “+57,” a star-studded Colombian track featuring Karol G, Feid, J Balvin, Maluma, Ryan Castro, Blessd, and Ovy on the Drums. The song’s explosive popularity catapulted DFZM onto the Billboard charts, including Hot Latin Songs, the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S. At just 19, DFZM is carving out a unique space in the genre, fusing rap, trap, and reggaetón with his unmistakably deep vocals. His momentum keeps building, with recent viral hits like “Vitamina” with Jombriel and collaborations with Mike Bahía, Jowell & Randy, Ryan Catro, and Nanpa Básico. — INGRID FAJARDO

At just 19 years old, Emmanuel Cortes is on his way to becoming a key representative of regional Mexican music. The singer-songwriter born in Arkansas has found success with a style he defines as “cumbia tumbada,” in which he uses technology to create different sounds, with lyrics about love and joy based on his own experiences and those of close friends. His collaborations include “No Me Equivoco” with Conjunto Amanecer, “Lo Que Me Mata” with Diego González and “Amor” with Santa Fe Klan, the latter an interesting fusion in which he stayed true to his identity. “Amor” also took him to new heights, positioning him among the most successful young producers, as it reached No. 4 on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Airplay chart. His most recent album, Amor x Dosis, released on Dec. 4, 2025, features 12 songs that showcase a clear evolution as both a songwriter and performer, reaffirming his versatility and ability to blend different musical styles. — T.A.

Mexican artist Esaú Ortiz has gone slow and steady in his career. In his early years in music, he focused on his role as a songwriter, achieving success as his songs were recorded by regional Mexican artists who turned them into major hits: “Voy a amarte” (Perdidos de Sinaloa), “De Fresa y Coco” (Luis R. Conriquez), “Tronando Ligas” (Grupo Firme and Junior H), “De Compas” (Carín León), “VVS” (Peso Pluma, Edgardo Nuñez, and Los Dareyes de la Sierra). With a solid reputation earned, he decided to take the next step and became the voice of his own creations, infusing them with a style that combines Mexican music with pop, rap, and even funk — which he has called “retrobélico.” With this fusion came “Triple Lavada,” a track that put him on the map by going viral in Latin America and Spain, amassing millions of streams. In October 2025, the innovative 27-year-old singer-songwriter from Monterrey — who now boasts 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify — released Discontrol, his debut album under Sony Music Latin. — T.A.

Estevie first caught our attention in 2023 with her Cumbialicious debut album, introducing herself as a budding Mexican-American artist from SoCal with a sultry rasp and an undeniable sparkle. Hailing from Beaumont, Calif., the curly-haired cowgirl quickly proved her star power with coveted collaborations alongside Christian Nodal (“Un Besito Más”), Cuco (“el paso”), and Saul Villarreal (“Perdón”). Last month, Estevie cemented her place among música mexicana’s brightest voices with her second album, La Traición y el Contrabando. Seamlessly blending cumbia-pop with her haunting falsettos and evocative storytelling, she’s quickly asserting her place as a fearless artist who’s here to stay. — I.R.

Dubbed the Afro Rockstar of Colombia, Hamilton has stood out as a key figure in the afrobeats scene in his country, including through collaborations with Ryan Castro (“A Poca Luz”), Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez (“Atardecer”). With a velvety voice and a pleasant afro-tropical vibe, the artist born in Cartagena de Indias in 1999 released his first EP, Los Reyes del Mar, in early 2024, followed by his debut album Afro Rockstar in the summer of 2025. The 21-track set features singles like “Besitos Dulces” and “La Favorita de Mi Mamá,” as well as collabs such as “La Ruta” with Farruko and “Chalala” with De La Ghetto. Nominated for male new artist of the year and Afrobeats song of the year for “Mi Reina” alongside Nanpa Básico at the 2026 Premio Lo Nuestro, Hamilton has continued releasing singles and collaborations in recent months — a testament to his boundless creativity, which we hope will persist throughout the year. — S.R.A.

With an innovative fusion of dancehall, ragga and reggaetón, Jombriel (a.k.a. La Sangre Nueva) has paved the way for the rising urban movement in Ecuador. Last year, his viral track “Parte & Choke,” in collaboration with Alex Krack and Jøtta, received the remix treatment from Ryan Castro, and ultimately reached No. 1 on Billboard Argentina Hot 100. Its follow-up track, “Vitamina,” alongside Colombian newcomer DFZM and Jøtta, also shattered records as the most-streamed song in a single day in Ecuador, and surprisingly formed part of Barack Obama’s “Favorite Music of 2025” list, joining other Spanish-language acts including Rosalía, Mora, De La Rose, Xavi and Manuel Turizo. Jombriel (real name: Jonathan Gabriel Cedeño Romero) both signed a deal with Warner Music Latina and released his debut studio album Jombriel de la Suerte last year. — J.R.

Juan Duque—who kicked off his career in 2018 and signed a record deal with Warner Music Latina in 2024—had a very fruitful 2025, starting off with the pop Afrobeats “Solcito,” his feature on Miguel Bueno’s single that went viral on social media and was named one of Billboard’s Best Latin Songs of 2025. Powered by that momentum, Duque then released singles “Un Afrito,” “Flow Diferente”, “Rayitos”, and “Ojalá” with Nanpa Básico, introducing his sweet and romantic afrobeats melodies to the world. Duque also performed at the Warner Music Latina showcase at the 2025 LAMC in New York and wrapped a successful Latin American tour with sold-out shows in cities such as Bogotá, Lima, Quito and Guatemala City, and continued solidifying his presence on an international stages when he performed at the Billboard Latin Music Award last year. — I.F.

Kenia Os has built her own path to fame, first captivating audiences as a trendsetter in fashion and digital culture while winning fans of every generation. In 2018, she shifted her focus to music, debuting with the single “Por Siempre,” but it was the 2022 hit “Malas Deciciones” that truly defined her pop sound and propelled her onto the Billboard Global 200 charts that same year. Building on this momentum, her project K23 earned her a Latin Grammy nomination, as her short film “Universo K23” was honored in the Best Long Form Music Video category. The Mexican artist has collaborated with stars like Rels B, Peso Pluma, Anitta and Danny Ocean, and is now headed in a new era with the releases of “Belladona” and “Una y otra vez,” both featured on her highly anticipated album K de Karma, set for release on March 19. — I.F.

After the whirlwind of going viral and sharing his music with millions while he worked as a street sweeper in Mexico, Macario Martínez found himself at the heart of a dream. His uplifting song “Sueña Lindo” and his heartfelt story resonated far and wide, not only in his lyrics and guitar, but also in that beautiful way of seeing life and enjoying the simple things. Last year was a year of many firsts for Macario: he released his first album Si Mañana Ya No Estoy — a flawless fusion of huapango-folk-rock that creates a sort of internal journey through memory; he made his debut at NPR’s iconic Tiny Desk; and closed the year with his first Lunario at the National Auditorium in Mexico City. In his music, Martínez ingrains the sounds he heard while living in Veracruz, where he discovered the jaranas (a string instrument mainly used in the jarocho style): “I try to blend both traditional sounds and the sounds of bands like Beach House or alternative rock sounds,” he previously told Billboard. — I.F.

After a five-year hiatus, Dominican-American R&B singer María Isabel is stepping back into the spotlight — this time, fully embracing her Latin roots with unabashed creative energy. The Queens-born first-gen artist captivated listeners over the years with her smooth, soul-baring sound, but 2026 marks a transformative chapter. With a full-length set to drop this spring, fully crafted by Spanish superproducer El Guincho (best known for his groundbreaking work with Rosalía), María Isabel ventures deeper into the dualities of her identity, weaving together genres and cultures in ways that feel personal and bold. She gave fans a taste of what’s to come with her fall single “Bien Bien,” a sultry, rhythm-forward track that subtly introduces elements of dembow into her atmospheric R&B. By pushing the boundaries of her sound and tapping into unexplored facets of her artistry, María Isabel is staking her claim as one of the most compelling voices of the new Latin music wave. — I.R.

Peruvian singer-songwriter NIC (formerly known as Nicole Zignago) was born and raised in a very musical family, with a singer-songwriter father — the iconic musician Gian Marco — an actress grandmother, and a musician and actor grandfather. This artistic and music-loving background has led her to become one of the most promising emerging voices in Latin America, with a pop sound that fuses sensitivity, identity and a refreshing approach to queer music. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, she was signed by a record label as a songwriter, a period during which she worked with artists such as Sofía Reyes, Mariah, Guaynaa, and Greeicy.

In 2019, she wrote “Mimos,” which five years later she recorded with Colombian artist Camilo, a beautiful ballad with urban influences included on her debut album, Escrita (2024). A four-time Latin Grammy nominee, NIC returned to the recording studio a few months ago to work on what will be her second album, scheduled for release in 2026. As a preview of her new compositions, she released her first single, “Feliz por ti,” followed by “Favorito.” Undoubtedly, this new phase reaffirms the Peruvian artist as one of the brightest voices of her generation. — N.C.

Oscar Ortiz, born into a family of successful artists in regional Mexican music, has been surrounded by music from a young age. Beyond the example set by his brothers Kevin and Gerardo, he has sought to shine on his own terms — and he’s achieving it. His lyrics, fused with cumbia and modern corridos, have been the key to his success. In 2023, he surprised everyone by breaking into the music scene with “El del C8,” but the best was yet to come. The following year, he released “FIRST LOVE” alongside Edgardo Nuñez, a global hit that has surpassed 360 million streams and earned double-platinum certification (2X) from the RIAA.

Since then, he has recorded other major collaborations like “Y Si Te Vas” with Carín León and “Aplauso” with Matisse, as well as solo tracks such as “Amigos Para Qué,” “Caro,” and “Last Kiss,” all featured on his debut album Silencio Habla, released on January 23 under Sony Music Latin. With songs that delve into love and heartbreak over rhythmic norteño beats, the 23-year-old artist is steadily growing his fanbase, boasting nearly 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. — T.A.

Originally from Naranjito, ROA is considered one of the most innovative voices of the new wave of Puerto Rican trap music, thanks to his distinctive sound that fuses reggaeton with R&B, complemented by straightforward lyrics and captivating live performances. In recent years, his name has resonated strongly as one of the fastest-rising urban artists with songs like “Me Gustas CC,” “Never 2 Late,” and “777.” Since 2023, when he officially emerged on the scene with his album Private Suite, Vol. 1, followed by the 2024 and 2025 albums Private Suite, Vol. 2 and Private Suite, Vol. 3, respectively, he has collaborated with artists such as Luar La L, De La Rose, Yanblock and Omar Courtz, among other up-and-coming Puerto Rican urban artists in the industry. — N.C.

At just 21, the Bronx-born singer-songwriter turns her deepest experiences into heartfelt songs, each one like a page ripped from her journal. Raised in a Mexican-American household by parents from Puebla and Veracruz, Selines grew up immersed in her family’s rich musical traditions while grappling with the duality of life between cultures. These themes come to life in her forthcoming sophomore album, due later this year. In 2024, the artist first revealed her gift for connecting with listeners through her stripped-back debut Circo de Amor. Inspired by fellow Mexican singer-songwriters like veterans Julieta Venegas, Natalia Lafourcade, and Ed Maverick, Selines channels themes of love, loss, and self-discovery through atmospheric, genre-bending arrangements. With her poetic lyricism and unguarded emotion, she continues to build her world, offering comfort and connection to those navigating their own complexities. — I.R.

The Christian group Un Corazón, originally from the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, has been transforming praise and worship music in the Hispanic world for over a decade with its ability and talent to touch lives with every note and every word written in their songs. Led by singer Kim Richards, the group promotes faith and hope with songs like “Jesucristo Basta” and “Salmo 23.” In 2024, they won their first Latin Grammy for Best Christian Album with Kintsugi, which features songs that speak of human fragility and the beauty that can be found amidst imperfection. — N.C.

Victor Valverde is carving out a distinct space in música mexicana with his hip-hop-infused corridos and relentless creativity. A prolific force, the singer-songwriter has dropped six albums since 2021 — two alone in 2025 (Con Tokio in Jan. and Plomo y Letra last month). Yet it’s his viral single, “El Mayor de los Ranas,” featuring JR Torres, that’s cemented his status as a genre-bender. The cheeky, no-frills track weaves punchy rap bars with a regional Mexican backbone, peaking at No. 18 on Hot Latin Songs, No. 86 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart — and even cracking the Billboard Global 200 at No. 97. With his mischievous swagger and street-wise flair, the 21-year-old Sinaloense is quickly establishing himself as one of música mexicana’s most fearless disruptors. — I.R.

Wampi’s class-act musicianship and suave vocals is what truly makes him a standout artist. Born Dasiel Mustelier Oruña in La Habana, Cuba, Wampi is a studied musician and professional saxophone player, who through his progressive vision has effortlessly meshed Cuba’s traditional reparto music with Brazilian funk, R&B, salsa, and cha cha cha, among other rhythms. In 2019, he dropped his debut studio album Ya Llegué, followed by his 2022 sets Mama Eh and Wampi Hitz. In 2024, Wampi formed part of El Chulo’s viral TikTok hit “Tienes Que Nacer de Nuevo” alongside Dany Ome y Kevincito El 13, which later landed him a global agreement with Virgin Music Latin for the release of his latest album, El Rey de la Habana — one of Billboard’s Best Latin Albums of 2025. — J.R.

Her stripped-down acoustic pop style, soulful lyrics, and soft but poignant vocals is what turned Yami Safdie into a household name. Like most aspiring artists, the Argentine singer-songwriter began singing covers and uploading them on social media. Among them was her cover of Netflix’s Money Heist theme song, which went viral in 2018. After keeping the momentum with a strategy that best worked for her, Safdie signed a record deal with Warner Music Argentina in 2021 and has since released her debut album Dije Que No Me Iba a Enamorar in 2022, her sophomore LP Sur in 2023, and her third set Querida Yo last year. The latter of the three is home to her notable collaborations: “Querida Yo” with Camilo, “En Otra Vida” with Lasso, and “Amor Prestado” with Manuel Turizo, to name a few. 

Additionally, her team up with Camilo on the title track scored Safdie — a former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise — her first entry on the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 15 on the Latin Pop Airplay chart last May. Over on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100, she had already entered three songs, including “En Otra Vida,” her highest charting song on that tally, which peaked at No. 6.  — J.R.

At 30 years old, Yerái Cortés has become one of the leading figures of contemporary flamenco. Since his 2024 debut with “Sonar Por Bulerías,” Cortés has demonstrated his ability to evoke powerful emotions with just his guitar and no lyrics. “This type of music isn’t just a trend; it’s a monument that will last a lifetime,” he previously said to Billboard. “I have a method—how do I put music to a film scene? I don’t have any lyrics, but I do have the power to create an auditory scene.” In 2024, Cortés released his documentary The Flamenco Guitar of Yerai Cortés directed by C.Tangana (real name: Antón Álvarez) in his directorial debut. Considering himself a traditional and classical musician, who’s eager to continue experimenting with new flamenco, Cortés made history as the first guitarist to be nominated for best new artist at the 2025 Latin Grammys. — J.R.