The music landscape is in a constant state of flux, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Latin music is poised for a massive renaissance in 2025. After a year spent meticulously tracking emerging talent, the editors at Billboard Latin and Billboard Español are buzzing with excitement about the wave of fresh sounds and innovative artists ready to explode onto the scene.
Forget the formulaic; 2025 promises a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse backgrounds, surprising collaborations, and a fearless embrace of genre-bending creativity. We’re not just talking about chart toppers; we’re talking about artists who are redefining what “Latin music” means in the 21st century.
What does this mean for music lovers? Prepare to be blown away. 2025 will be a year of discovery, a year of unexpected collaborations, and a year where Latin music will push creative boundaries further than ever before. From the gritty realism of corridos tumbados to the poetic introspection of Latin Grammy winners, and the infectious energy of social media sensations, there’s something for everyone in this upcoming Latin music renaissance.
Get ready to add new names to your playlist, explore uncharted sonic territories, and witness the evolution of a genre that is captivating the world. Mark your calendars, because 2025 is about to be a monumental year for Latin music. You heard it here first.
Bellakath: The Rising Queen of Mexican Reggaeton
Katherinne Huerta, the Mexican powerhouse known professionally as Bellakath, is taking the reggaeton world by storm. Born on October 5, 1997, this singer, songwriter, and record producer is proving to be a force to be reckoned with, capturing the hearts and ears of a rapidly growing fan base.
Bellakath’s journey began in 2020, marking the start of her musical career. While she worked to hone her craft, it wasn’t until 2022 that she truly exploded onto the scene. Her single “Gatita” resonated with listeners, going viral and solidifying her position as an artist to watch. The infectious beat and catchy lyrics cemented her signature style – a blend of raw energy, playful sexuality, and an undeniable connection to the sounds of Mexican reggaeton.
Following the success of “Gatita,” Bellakath continued to climb, solidifying her status as a key figure in the Latin music scene. In 2023, she collaborated with Dani Flow on the electrifying single “Reggaeton Champagne,” a track that further amplified her popularity and showcased her collaborative spirit. The song became an instant hit, cementing her place among the top artists in the genre.
Bellakath’s meteoric rise culminated on her birthday, October 5, 2023, with the release of her debut studio album, Kittyponeo. This album marks a significant milestone in her career, offering a comprehensive collection of her sound and demonstrating her evolution as an artist. Kittyponeo is a testament to her hard work, showcasing her unique blend of street-savvy lyrics, infectious rhythms, and undeniable charisma.
Bellakath’s success is more than just catchy tunes; it’s a reflection of her connection with her audience. Her music speaks to a generation craving authenticity and unapologetic self-expression. She embodies the energy and spirit of modern Mexican reggaeton, offering a fresh perspective and a distinct voice.
From releasing her first tracks in 2020 to launching her debut album in 2023, Bellakath’s trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. With a rapidly growing following and a signature sound that is captivating listeners, Bellakath is undoubtedly one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the Latin music scene in recent years. Keep an eye on this rising queen – she’s just getting started.Edit
Cris MJ: The Architect of Chile’s Reggaeton Explosion
Chile’s reggaeton scene is exploding, and at the forefront of this musical revolution is Cris MJ. A self-taught musician with a keen ear for both Latin and American influences, Cris MJ is forging his own path, drawing inspiration from reggaeton giants like Daddy Yankee and Ñengo Flow, as well as trap innovators like Lil Baby and Travis Scott.
While “Gata Only” is currently setting the charts ablaze, Cris MJ’s impact goes far beyond a single viral sensation. In 2023, he secured a career-defining collaboration with two of the biggest names in Latin music, Karol G and Ryan Castro. This dream team hopped on the remix of his track “Una Noche en Medellín,” a performance he later shared with Karol G on stage at Viña del Mar. This collaboration wasn’t just a high-profile moment; it marked Cris MJ’s official arrival on the international stage, earning him his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 68.
The success of “Una Noche en Medellín” and other tracks propelled Cris MJ to new heights, culminating in a remarkable achievement: landing at No. 3 on Billboard’s Year-End Top Latin Artist – New chart. This recognition solidified his position as one of the leading voices in the burgeoning Latin music scene.
But Cris MJ isn’t just confined to the digital realm. Last year, he embarked on extensive tours in Mexico and Europe, proving his appeal transcends viral fame. He’s connecting with audiences worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a rising global star and a key player in shaping the future of reggaeton.
Ella Taubert
Ela Taubert is a Colombian singer-songwriter born on September 11, 2000, in Bogotá. She has rapidly emerged as a prominent figure in Latin pop and indie pop music, known for her emotive vocals and introspective songwriting
Ela’s musical journey began with viral covers on TikTok, including renditions of Feid’s “Si Te La Encuentras Por Ahí” and Adele’s “Don’t You Remember,” which garnered attention from both fans and industry professionals.
In 2023, she released her debut EP, ¿Quién Dijo Que Era Fácil?, under Universal Music Latino, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her breakout single, “¿Cómo Pasó?,” achieved over 25 million streams and reached #7 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart. This success led to a memorable performance at the 2024 Latin Grammy Awards, where she delivered a bilingual version of the song alongside Joe Jonas.
Ela’s musical style blends Latin pop with indie and electronic elements, drawing inspiration from artists like Adele, Taylor Swift, and Miley Cyrus. In 2024, she was honored with the Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Her latest single, “¿Es en serio?,” produced in collaboration with Max Martin, explores themes of love and trust, influenced by the “February theory”—a concept suggesting emotional shifts during that month.
Ela has expressed admiration for Spanish pop star Aitana and has hinted at a potential collaboration in the future. With her emotive songwriting and distinctive sound, Ela Taubert continues to captivate audiences and solidify her place in the Latin music scene
Luis Alfonso
Colombian singer renowned for his contributions to regional Mexican music, including genres like banda, ranchera, and corridos. Born on November 8, 1993, in Popayán, Cauca, he began his musical journey with covers before transitioning to original compositions. His recent single, El niño del barrio, is an autobiographical piece reflecting on his upbringing and aspirations, filmed in the very streets where he grew up . In 2025, he announced his upcoming album Descriterio, featuring the single Stylacho, which delves into themes of heartbreak and personal experiences
RaiNao
RaiNao is a name you should keep an ear out for. This rising Puerto Rican artist launched her professional music career in 2020 with a captivating, reggae-infused cover of Víctor Manuelle’s classic “He Tratado” on YouTube. This initial foray into the music scene offered a glimpse into RaiNao’s potential and her penchant for reimagining familiar sounds.
Born Naomi Ramírez Rivera in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1994, RaiNao is a multifaceted singer, songwriter, and producer known for her innovative fusion of reggaeton, jazz, R&B, and alternative pop. Her music, often described as “alt-perreo,” which is a blend of traditional urbano rhythms with experimental sounds. Her musical sound reflects her diverse musical background and personal experiences.
However, it was the release of her debut EP, “Ahora A.K.A. Nao,” in 2022 that truly solidified her presence and showcased her unique artistic vision. Released under Sonar, Rimas Entertainment’s independent label, the EP is a testament to RaiNao’s genre-bending style. It’s a sonic exploration that refuses to be confined by traditional labels, incorporating elements of R&B, pop, and even hints of her initial reggae influences.
Tracks like “Plug” and “Un Amarre” from “Ahora A.K.A. Nao” highlight RaiNao’s ability to craft catchy hooks and deliver them with a captivating vocal performance. These songs, along with the rest of the EP, demonstrate an artist who is not afraid to experiment and push boundaries.
RaiNao’s journey, from her reggae-infused cover to her genre-bending debut, paints a picture of a promising artist with a clear vision and a dedication to her craft. Keep an eye on RaiNao, as she is surely one to watch in the evolving landscape of Latin music.
