MAR, Emmanuel Cortes & More Emerging Latin Artists on Our Radar
Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Espa?ol 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 either by networking or coming across their music at a showcase, and beyond. See our recommendations this month below:
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Artist: Emmanuel Cortes
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: In recent months, Emmanuel Cortes has captivated the social media realm with his viral “Amor.” In true fashion, I discovered Cortes while scrolling on TikTok, where his catchy norte?o-cumbia track backed by his smooth tenor vocals has garnered nearly 500k video creations of couples of all ages dancing to the feel-good bop. Boasting over 180K followers on TikTok and more than 70K on Instagram, with only one post on the latter, Cortes marks the new wave of Música Mexicana gems. On his YouTube channel, you will only find one music video (“Amor,” with over five million views), but on his Spotify, you’ll come across his nine-song album Memorias <3, where he has a selection of romantic corridos and sad sierre?os. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song for Your Playlist: “Amor”
Artist: HeyBroders
Country: Venezuela/Nicaragua
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: During a spontaneous visit to the studio of my friend and producer/composer Frank Santofimio, I had the chance to happily witness the debut of a talented young group based in Miami but hailing from Venezuela and Nicaragua called HeyBroders. Made up of Ignacio Mendoza, Michael Reyes, Antony Tijerino and Juan G Dominguez, the emerging “boy band” mixes refreshing cumbia rhythms and tropical pop. Their latest single, “La Influencer,” in collaboration with the talent and charisma of the Venezuelan singer Briella, fuses modern cumbia rhythms with social criticism and a dose of melancholy. The song is helmed by renowned producers DeMasters, Frank Santofimio and Ender Thomas, creators behind hits from Camilo, Sebastian Yatra, Anitta, Ricky Martin and Sting, among others. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song for Your Playlist: “La Influencer” (feat. Briella)
Artist: Las Prez
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Las Prez was put on my radar thanks to a close friend from Guatemala, who also happens to be their long-time producer. I was instantly captivated by their ability to create unique versions of popular songs and was charmed by the sweet, harmonious quality of their voices. Twins Valentina and Regina helm the project. They were born in Mexico City, graduated from Televisa’s children’s CEA, started their careers in acting, dancing, voice-over, and music, and were part of popular children’s groups. Las Prez’s latest single, “Traicionero,” brings together Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Guaynaa, and the Mexican group Fullbrand in a cumbia fusion with Reggaeton-Mexa beats, creating a perfect blend of thumping rhythms. — I.F.
Song for Your Playlist: “Traicionero” (feat. Guaynaa, El Gudi, Jey F & Alan Dazmel)
Artist: MAR
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Earlier this month, Mar released “No Te Vas,” a buoyant pop-cumbia enriched with sparkly synths in true grupera fashion — a subgenre of regional Mexican music popularized globally by her father, Marco Antonio Solís. Although I first noticed her during a heartfelt performance at the 2022 Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year Gala honoring the Mexican icon, Mar swiftly captivated attention on her own merits. Her prowess was evident with her song “Más Que Tu Amiga,” which climbed to No. 12 on the Tropical Airplay chart in January 2023.
“No Te Vas” is particularly compelling — an energetically catchy and emotionally charged track equipped with heartfelt lyrics about reclaiming self-worth after a disappointing love affair. The playful music video showcases the Monterrey-born singer and her friends in stylish ranchera outfits, enjoying a spirited day out at a rugged ranch. Mar is a rising star with a bright future ahead, blending legacy with her cheeky artistic flair. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “No Te Vas”
Artist: Marky
Country: Cuba
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: A former pastor-turned-singer, Marky is a Cuban-born, Florida-based artist with the mission of shedding positivity and light with his musical project. On his debut EP, Verdades (Truth) — helmed by Latin hitmakers Nando Pro and La Companioni — Marky delivers seven songs packed with optimistic and motivational messages about life and praise. Sonically, the album includes an array of genres from Cuban reparto to reggaetón-with-flamenco fusions to electronic and rap music. On the focus track “Me Siento Bien” (I feel good), Marky taps into breezy, tropical Calypso melodies to narrate the story of a person who feels blessed to be alive. “With the same smile and stronger than yesterday/ I feel good/ My moment is today,” he chants. — J.R.
Song For Your Playlist: “Me Siento Bien”
Billboard Latin Music Week is returning to Miami Beach on Oct. 14-18, with confirmed superstars including Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Sanz and Peso Pluma, among many others. For tickets and more details, visit Billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
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