Emerging Artists: Brazil21 and Sarah La Morena Shine
Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors shine a spotlight on a selection of promising new artists whose music captivates our hearts. Think of them as “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These talented newcomers may not yet have made a significant impact on the mainstream music scene, but their innovative sound and creative expression truly excite us. We firmly believe that our readers should take the time to discover these artists, as they represent the future of music and the vibrant cultural landscape that is often found in the underground music scene.
Discover Exciting New Artists
Explore the Latest Talent
Discover the latest videos, charts, and music industry news
Discover the latest videos, charts, and music industry news
Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin features a dynamic lineup of emerging artists, each with a unique story. We discovered these talents either through networking opportunities or by encountering their incredible music at showcases and other events. This month, we encourage you to check out our carefully curated recommendations below, showcasing a diverse range of sounds and styles that are sure to resonate with your musical tastes.
Artist: aLex vs. aLex
Country: Guatemala
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: aLex vs aLex, whose real name is Sofía Insua, has been making waves well before she embarked on her solo journey. She previously led Easy Easy, one of Guatemala’s well-known alternative bands, taking over from former frontman Jesse Baez. Her experiences living in Berlin and New York have enriched her musical style, providing her with an eclectic and global perspective. Since adopting her new stage name earlier this year, she has begun releasing tracks that will be part of her highly anticipated EP, which is set to be released in February 2025. This project is a labor of love that she is producing alongside Gabriel Dinero, a fellow Guatemalan based in London. Her music features bilingual lyrics that blend smooth bass lines with her luminous melodic vocals. For instance, the track “Nadie lo Sabe,” featuring Tita, is a sultry R&B piece, while “see me 4 the first time” fuses drum and bass with innovative, experimental, and soulful elements. Moreover, her recent performance opening for Spanish singer Ralphie Choo in New York has solidified her reputation in the music industry. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “tener t”
Artist: Andrez & Yudy
Country: Colombia, Cuba
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Andrez & Yudy are a talented married couple, both in life and in their musical endeavors, whom I had the pleasure of meeting last October during Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami. During our conversation, they shared their excitement about their professional journey that began over 15 years ago in West Palm Beach, Florida, where they performed at various small events and restaurants. In 2022, they decided to elevate their craft by creating musical shows that pay homage to music legends from the past. Today, Andrés Zapata and Yudy Figueroa – with roots in Colombia and Cuba, respectively – are promoting their first original song “Será El Amor,” a heartfelt ballad that fuses regional Mexican elements, showcasing their remarkable vocal abilities. With new singles already scheduled for release in February and May 2025, their music promises to bring fresh sounds to the scene. — – SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song For Your Playlist: “Será el amor”
Artist: Brazil21
Country: Dominican Republic
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: One of the first things that grabs your attention about Brazil21 is his strikingly stylish appearance: think berets, sheer tops, and fur. But it’s the music that truly captivates, boasting a confident swagger that is both engaging and innovative. He’s rapidly gaining traction on SoundCloud, where his tracks are amassing a growing fan base drawn to their sandungueo and urban sound. Recently, he collaborated with Jean & Alex and sP Polanco on a sultry bachata track titled “Serenata,” which pays tribute to the rich musical heritage of his native island. Just earlier this month, the Santo Domingo artist joined forces with July’s Latin Artist on the Rise, Lomiiel, to create a tribute to “Selena” that features an infectious dembow rhythm. The accompanying music video showcases them cruising in luxury cars, with a model donning the late singer’s iconic purple suit, celebrating Selena’s unforgettable dance moves with a fresh and modern twist. This fusion of nostalgia and contemporary Latin music energy is truly a phenomenon that’s hard to overlook. — I.R.
Song For Your Playlist: “Selena” x Lomiiel
Artist: Sarah La Morena
Country: U.S.A.
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Born in Sacramento, California, and raised in Zacatecas, Sarah La Morena (real name: Sarah Palafox) is an up-and-coming Música Mexicana artist who is generating significant buzz on various social media platforms. With nearly one million followers across TikTok and Instagram, this talented singer, although not Latina, has dedicated herself to singing exclusively Latin music. Her impressive vocal range and fluent Spanish skills have earned her a loyal following. Since entering the music industry in 2019, she has showcased her emotive rancheras, including her rendition of Juan Gabriel’s “La Farsante” and Jenni Rivera’s “Que Me Vas A Dar.” Earlier this year, she gained widespread recognition after a surprise performance alongside Grupo Firme during their Ultima Peda tour, further solidifying her place in the Latin music community. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song For Your Playlist: “El Farsante”
