Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español 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 by scrolling on social media, networking, or coming across their music at a showcase, for example. See our March 2025 — in honor of Women’s History Month — recommendations below.
Artist: Chicarica
Country: Chile
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: What happens when shimmering synths, poetic longing and electro-dance beats collide? You get Chicarica, a band that’s resurrecting the golden age of Chilean indie-pop, championed by acts like Javiera Mena, Alex Anwandter and Dënver. Composed of frontwoman Lorena Pulgar, Martín Pérez Roa and Felipe Zenteno, all masters of synths, this Chilean trio has spent years crafting a sound that’s equal parts introspective and euphoric — a delicate balance of dreamy textures and irresistible pop melodies.
Following its debut album Arde Lento (2021), released via the renowned Santiago-based label Quemasucabeza (Gepe, Ases Falsos, Fernando Milagros), Chicarica is readying for its big moment. The band’s latest single “Antes del día,” which dropped earlier this month, is a lush and captivating prelude to sophomore album, Invierno en la Playa (out May 30). According to a press release, the new album “raises the group’s BPM, where elements of 2-step and ‘80s synthpop breathe extra life into the band’s atmospheric sound.” And the single perfectly sets the tone for a bold new chapter in Chile’s synth-pop evolution. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Antes del Día”
Artist: Jacqie Rivera
Country: U.S.
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Five years ago, Jacqie Rivera stepped into the music realm, following the footsteps of her famous late mother, Jenni Rivera, and award-winning sister Chiquis. With her soft yet captivating voice, Rivera has released music in English and Spanish, primarily in pop, R&B, and Regional Mexican. Her latest single, “En Otra Vida,” honors her family’s legacy — blending banda, mariachi and norteño with a contemporary pop sound. The heartfelt tune is part of Rivera’s debut studio album of the same name that explores themes of love, heartbreak, healing and self-discovery. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song for your Playlist: “En Otra Vida”
Artist: Soley
Country: Colombia
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Soley (full name: Soley González Jaramillo) kicked off her career in 2019, first delivering Latin EDM and Guaracha tunes (an electronic music genre from Medellín, not connected with the traditional Cuban genre) before embracing reggaetón in 2021. The following year, the Colombian artist — known for her sensual vocals and coquettish aura — released “La Reina de la Noche,” her debut single under Sony Music Colombia. In 2023, Soley — who is signed to La Industria, Inc. for management — released her debut album La Bellakita, powered by hard-hitting perreos and trap songs while last year’s Sol EP is home to chill and breezy Afrobeats. After opening shows for artists such as Ryan Castro and Blessd, Soley will drop her next single “Lección” on Thursday (March 26). — J.R.
Song for your Playlist: “Coco Loco” (feat. Zaider & The Prodigez)
Artist: Sophie Castillo
Country: U.K.
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Just after one of my South by Southwest (SXSW) panels earlier this month, Sophie Castillo and her team approached me to introduce themselves. With a thick British accent, Castillo — whose mom is Colombian and father is Cuban — spoke to me about her efforts to help grow the Latin music scene in London with her indie-pop sound laced with beats of reggaetón and bachata. Although I didn’t get a chance to check out her showcase at SXSW, I found her on Spotify and her the first song on her profile, “Call me By Your Name,” really hooked me. Released in 2022, the bachata song is bilingual (Spanish and English), like a lot of her songs, a testament to her commitment to popularize Latin music in the U.K. Castillo has an upcoming EP due in April. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for Your Playlist: “Call Me By Your Name”
Artist: Suanny
Country: Honduras
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: As an indie artist born in Tegucigalpa and based in Los Angeles, Suanny seeks to bring together the best of both worlds by fusing hip-hop and Latin urban music with R&B, pop and other rhythms. In recent months, she’s released singles including “Catracha,” “Pegaíto,” “Mala” and “Musa,” all featuring bilingual (Spanish/English) lyrics of female-empowerment. After a couple of decades paving her way in the entertainment world as a model and actress (she participated in Univision’s reality show Nuestra Belleza Latina in 2006 and appeared in an episode of the TV show Gentefied in 2020), Suanny is now fully committed to music, getting ready to release her debut EP. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song For Your Playlist: “Pegaíto”
