As insightful interviews and industry conversations took place inside, a handful of emerging artists hit the outdoor Mohawk stage at Billboard House @ SXSW.
It was a hip-hop and R&B-themed day one to kick things off on Friday afternoon (March 13) in Austin, as Dizzy Fae took the stage shortly after noon CT following DJ Cortez’s set to warm up the crowd.
The Minnesota native’s luscious vocals had the audience in a trance with her SWV cover of “You’re Always on My Mind.” She dipped into various avenues of her discography with emotional ballads like “Try,” “Magnify,” “I Can’t Lend You My Heart,” and her newest track, “Cupid’s Call,” which she bills as a “rediscovery of self-love.”
Alicia Creti is a vocal powerhouse and her candid ballads stole the show at Billboard House. She introduced a pack of new fans to the carnal desires of the weighty “Strange,” which found the Montreal native grappling with love. Creti also welcomed Mohawk attendees to the world surrounding her potent MINDFIELDS project, which arrived earlier in March.
Kairo Keyz brought his frenetic energy across the pond to SXSW. The British rapper turned the crowd up with his “Went Up” anthem and a handful of bustling tracks before passing the baton to Babyfxce E, who closed the showcase. The Michigan resident continued to build on the momentum from his 2026 Da Realest album, while solidifying himself as next up on the Flint scene.
Up-and-coming Latin artists took center stage at Billboard House on Saturday (March 14), while Sunday (March 15) saw a mix of talent highlighted by Infinity Song’s Momo Boyd, who performed an unreleased track titled “Cold Hands” for the crowd.
