On the Radar Latin: Ingrid Jasmin, NUNNE, ElArturo & More Artists to Discover
Written by djfrosty on August 30, 2023
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 five emerging artists, who we might’ve found anywhere from a Spotify playlist to a music showcase. See our recommendations below.
Artist: Ingrid Jasmin
Country: Norway
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Possessing a bewitching melisma that harkens back to bygone bulerías, Ingrid Jasmin’s music dives into the depths of Spanish folklore with a grip on música urbana sensibilities. Although this uncanny fusion brings to mind the likes of Rosalía, the Norway-bred singer of Costa Rican descent brings a refreshing proposal that draws from Nordic folk, Latin and R&B in three languages: Norwegian, English and Spanish. She studied in Cuba and Spain and immersed herself in traditional music, yet carefully mixes her work with elegant electronic flourishes and supreme production, as heard on Luna, her 2022 debut album which earned her a Spellemannprisen (a Norwegian Grammy) award. This year, she’s released a string of singles — including her latest, “Safir,” a song about the “value of the human being, which violence against women can never take away,” she tells Billboard Español. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “M.U.E.R.T.O.”
Artist: NUNNE
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: With a vocal maturity that goes beyond her 21 years and a complex musical mix of traditional genres such as Cuban son, bolero, bossa nova and merengue with contemporary urban elements, NUNNE debuted last month with the nine-track EP La Selenita. The set — which includes the singles “Ojos de Plata,” about pursuing your dreams relentlessly despite detractors, and “Náufragos,” described as “a window into her fears and uncertainties” — is an introspective journey that delves into topics like longing, forgiveness and healing. The Mexican artist (real name: Yosune Yáñez), who moved to Montreal three years ago, is a singer, songwriter, producer and sound engineer, and that skill set is evident in the quality of her proposal. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song For Your Playlist: “Ojos de Plata”
Artist: ElArturo
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Arturo Venegas, a.k.a. ElArturo, caught my attention while scrolling on TikTok. The clip I stumbled upon was a few seconds long, but that was enough to display his hooky melodies and an earworm chorus for “Retroenculado.” “‘Toy turbo retroenculado, uh uh uh, me siento como embrujado, y yo no soy de esos vatos no sé ni qué está pasando pero ya me está gustando uh uh uh,” he sings, wondering if he’s fallen under a spell. With an accordion and a bajo quinto, the cumbia-norteña song is modernized with his witty and fast-paced lyrics about a girl that’s got him falling in love. The singer-songwriter released a nine-song album earlier this year, Raro, via Warner Music México. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song For Your Playlist: “Retroenculado”
Artist: Musiko
Country: Puerto Rico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Born in Puerto Rico, Billy Perez, better known as Musiko, is a Christian urban music singer-songwriter. Although he has been making music for several years now, his career has been reaching new heights as of late. From reggaeton and hip-hop, to a fusion of Latin rhythms, Musiko has many styles in his repertoire, and collaborations with well-known artists of the genre such as Funky and Alex Zurdo, as well as emerging artists. Although I had known his music for years, my admiration deepened when I had the opportunity to watch him perform live a few months ago; seeing his charismatic personality both on and offstage, and the audience connecting and chanting each of his songs, was a pleasant surprise. “Todo empezó” with Funky, “A Ciegas” with Indiomar, “Ya No Soy Igual” and “Contigo,” to mention a few, feature melodies that effortlessly infuse the listener with motivation and, without a doubt, a surge of faith. Musiko is touring in Latin America, the United States and Spain while preparing to release his upcoming album. — LUISA CALLE
Song For Your Playlist: “Enamora” ft. Kim Richards
Artist: Jalil Lopez
Country: U.S.
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I first met Jalil in Miami years ago, around 2011, when he was promoting his single, “Princesa Mía.” I was impressed by his vocal skills and the freshness of his sound. Recently, I stumbled upon his latest release and instantly recognized that signature sound: “Yo Quiero El Amor” is the title of his new single, and it’s clear that Jalil is making a solid comeback. His unique blend of raspy yet smooth vocals and sugary bachata sounds sets him apart. This New Jersey native, born to a Puerto Rican mother and Honduran father, is determined to continue blessing his fans with the bachata genre they have identified him with. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song For Your Playlist: “Yo Quiero El Amor”
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