Every month, the editors of Billboard Latin and Billboard Español turn their attention toward a select group of rising acts whose music demands wider recognition. Often described as diamantes en bruto, or diamonds in the rough, these are newcomers who have yet to fully penetrate the mainstream global market, but whose creative output already excites industry insiders. Editors curate these monthly lists to give readers a definitive guide to the fresh voices they believe are worth discovering before anyone else catches on.
The latest edition of On the Radar Latin highlights an exceptional wave of emerging talent that editors encountered firsthand at the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami. Held from October 19 to 22 at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach, the annual gathering serves as a crucial incubator for new sounds, networking, and industry panels. From singer-songwriters blurring genre boundaries to multi-instrumentalists stepping out from behind the scenes, this month’s selection captures the vibrant and unpredictable state of contemporary Latin music. Below are the standout recommendations featured in this month’s spotlight.
ANASOF
Country: Mexico
Hailing from Oaxaca in southern Mexico, ANASOF stands out as one of the most innovative and freshest voices currently operating within the Mexican pop landscape. A gifted singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, her music defies easy categorization by seamlessly blending urban beats, pop hooks, regional Mexican traditions, alternative rock, and even traditional bolero rhythms. Her lyrical content is equally diverse, ranging from deep existential queries to clever, humorous observations filled with unexpected imagery. Beyond her solo work, ANASOF is an accomplished songwriter who has penned tracks for notable acts such as Adriel Favela, Camila Fernández, and Mar Lucas.
In 2025, she released her second studio album, Preciosa, via Universal Music México, a project that cemented a signature sound oscillating gracefully between delicacy and strength. Her growing catalog of hits includes "Las Fotos de la Playa" and "SOY," the latter stemming from her 2024 album TODO (y nada). Earlier this year, she captured international attention by delivering a Spanish-language cover of "Dreams"—originally by the iconic Irish alternative rock band The Cranberries—which was featured on a deluxe edition of their celebrated album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?
Following the release of her romantic pop anthem "Tú, mi bb," ANASOF dropped "Palomitas en la muela," a track that dives headfirst into the chaos and profound unpredictability of everyday life. She also brought her dynamic stage presence to the Billboard Latin Music Week showcases, presented by peermusic at the Faena Theater, where she performed alongside fellow rising acts ISADORA and Pututi & Nesty.
Song for Your Playlist: "Palomitas en la muela"
Agustina "TINNA" Bruenner
Country: Argentina
Many music fans might already recognize Agustina "TINNA" Bruenner from her high-profile appearance as the lead model in the music video for "Amor Fortuna," a collaboration between Grupo Firme and Ricardo Arjona. The narrative of that video relies heavily on her striking blue-eyed gaze, distinctive blonde hair, and magnetic screen presence that naturally draws the viewer’s attention. However, Bruenner is far more than a face in front of the camera; the model from Misiones, Argentina, is now making a bold and deliberate transition into the music industry.
Operating under the artistic moniker TINNA, she brings an authentic, empowered artistic vision to her work, exploring a contemporary pop sound infused with subtle hints of flamenco. Her debut single, "Pasarela," represents the foundational step of a promising career designed to invite listeners into new emotional and sonic territory within the Latin music sphere.
Song for Your Playlist: "Pasarela"
Kri Blandon
Country: Nicaragua
A natural-born songstress from Matagalpa, Nicaragua, Kri Blandon possesses a velvety, sweet, and ethereal voice that immediately captures the listener’s attention. Blandon first planted her flag in the music world more than a decade ago by uploading acoustic guitar covers of reggaetón hits to her social media accounts. In the early days of digital music sharing, she quickly cultivated an online community that earned reposts and enthusiastic reactions from prominent industry figures, including Karol G, Chyno y Nacho, Baby Rasta & Gringo, and Juanes.
Early in her trajectory, she even performed as the opening act for a private Juanes event in Miami. After taking a temporary hiatus from the spotlight, the Miami-based Nicaraguan singer has returned with a slate of original material, highlighted by her Afro-beats-infused pop debut single, "Adictivo," with a promising EP waiting on the horizon. Holding a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Akron, Blandon is now dedicating herself fully to her musical ambitions and attended her inaugural Billboard Latin Music Week this year to forge industry connections.
Song for Your Playlist: "Adictivo"
Kakush
Country: Argentina
Kakush initially turns heads with a distinct retro superstar aesthetic, complete with long hair, a beard, a hat, and a carefully curated vintage wardrobe. Yet, it is his sound that truly captivates audiences—a rich synthesis of 1960s and 1970s rock and folk music infused with a distinct Latin American and Caribbean flair. His songs function as deep storytelling vehicles delivered in both Spanish and English, encompassing a mix of thoughtful covers and original compositions.
Currently based in New York City, the Argentine singer-songwriter and producer began his professional journey as a street busker before achieving broader public recognition last year on La Voz Argentina. During his appearance, he secured a coveted four-chair turn with a stirring rendition of Cat Stevens’ "Father and Son," ultimately choosing to join coach Lali’s team. Represented by the CROING agency and recently signed to Warner Chappell Music for global music publishing administration, Kakush is also an accomplished producer who contributed production work to Joaquina’s track "Ya No Estoy."
His single "El Pibe" showcases a Latin rock foundation interwoven with subtle salsa touches and guitar melodies reminiscent of Carlos Santana. Describing the track as his personal life philosophy delivered with a touch of shamelessness, Kakush notes that the song draws inspiration from his early days playing music on the streets of Argentina. The track arrives alongside Las Canciones Que Canta El Pibe, a 28-track collection featuring stripped-down covers of the music that soundtracked his busking years, while he simultaneously prepares a new studio album titled Los Rugidos del Mundo.
Song for Your Playlist: "This crazy Rock & Roll dream"
Camila Ramón
Country: Argentina
Camila Ramón first established a devoted following as a Peloton instructor, where she broke barriers as the brand’s first instructor to teach bilingual classes in both Spanish and English across cycling and tread disciplines. Hosting high-profile guest takeovers featuring artists such as Feid, Yailin La Más Viral, T-Pain, and Lil Jon, the Argentine-born, Miami-raised personality successfully bridged the worlds of Latin music and fitness. Now, she is turning a lifelong aspiration into reality by formally launching her music career.
Ramón made her official debut as a singer in 2025 with the single "No Hay Fotos." Translating the high-energy vibe, strong Latina identity, and bold charisma that defined her Peloton sessions into the recording studio, her musical output proves just as engaging and relatable. Experimenting across pop, electronic music, and reggaetón with tracks like "Inténtalo," "24/7," and her most recent release, "Cuando Mañana Coincidimos," Ramón celebrated another major milestone this year by making her official debut on the blue carpet at Billboard Latin Music Week and the Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Song for Your Playlist: "24/7"
Pepe Walker
Country: Mexico
In an era where many emerging regional Mexican artists lean toward ostentation, Pepe Walker distinguishes himself through a commitment to simplicity. This minimalist approach defines his personal image, his romantic lyricism, and a musical hybrid he refers to as "norteño light." In practice, his style organically bridges traditional norteño music with elements of cumbia, country, and tex-mex, establishing him as a refreshing new voice within Mexico’s musical ecosystem.
Hailing from the central Mexican state of Hidalgo rather than the northern territories where regional stars typically emerge, Walker leveraged his songwriting acumen to build relationships with some of the scene’s biggest names. He has written tracks for top-tier artists including Natanael Cano, Gabito Ballesteros, and Oscar Maydón, most notably penning the global hit "Perlas Negras." Having bided his time behind the scenes, Walker has finally stepped into the spotlight as a performing artist, releasing his album Ruta 77 through the independent label Golden Ink Entertainment.
Song for Your Playlist: "Lo Que Sea Contigo"
Daniela Darlin
Country: Cuba
A true multi-hyphenate, Daniela Darlin is a dynamic performer who sings, dances, and plays the professional saxophone. For more than a decade, the Cuban-born artist has toured festivals and cultural events across Europe and the United States, showcasing a rare instrumental and vocal versatility. In addition to recording and releasing her own solo material—which fuses traditional tropical rhythms with modern urban and pop production—Darlin serves as the founder and bandleader of the all-female ensemble Sandungueras Band.
Despite boasting years of industry experience, Darlin maintains an insatiable drive for professional growth and creative expansion. After crossing paths with industry peers at the Latino Music Conference, she carried that momentum forward into the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Week, where she remained an active participant throughout the multi-day event.
Song for Your Playlist: "Aché"
CONOSUR
Country: Chile
Instantly recognizable by his long, curly hair, Nicolás "Dubi" Rubio Di Biase stood out immediately during the 2026 iteration of Billboard Latin Music Week. As the Chilean founder and frontman of the genre-bending project CONOSUR, he channels the passionate and authentic spirit of Chilean rock while fluidly integrating rap cadences and contemporary styles. The project’s visual presentation matches the ambition of its audio output, offering an immersive artistic dimension to his recorded work.
The name CONOSUR is a clever linguistic play, referencing both the southern geographic latitudes of his homeland (Cono Sur) and the refined ear of a musical connoisseur. The project delivers a potent mixture of classic rock attitude, modern synthesizer textures, and deeply poetic lyricism.
Song for Your Playlist: "HOME"
Alberto Jiménez
Country: Nicaragua
Alberto Jiménez’s journey to the spotlight took root earlier this year during a competitive talent showcase where industry editors served on the judging panel. Representing the Nicaraguan capital of Managua, Jiménez immediately set himself apart through his raw talent, rigorous work ethic, and clear ambition to become a leading voice in Latin ballads. Possessing an old-soul sensibility, his music relies heavily on acoustic instrumentation and deeply personal, real-life storytelling.
On his debut studio album, VENENO, which he entirely self-produced within his home recording studio, Jiménez confronts complex themes such as broken relationships, concealed truths, and the path toward psychological self-discovery. His work focuses on transforming life’s most formidable challenges into expressions of artistic strength.
Song For Your Playlist: "Veneno"
Oscar Carlin
Country: Mexico
Born and raised in Hermosillo, Sonora, Oscar Carlin has steadily built a reputation within the regional Mexican music sector. He initially gained traction on digital streaming platforms by recording well-received covers before transitioning successfully into releasing original material. His powerful and distinctive vocal delivery ultimately caught the attention of regional heavyweight Carin León, who has invited Carlin to share the stage during live performances.
Bolstered by this endorsement, Carlin records under the independent label Chalucas Music Records. His songs explore universal themes of love, heartbreak, and positive messaging, deftly bridging the structural standards of traditional Mexican folk music with contemporary production techniques, ensuring his continued ascent within the genre.
Song for Your Playlist: "Llévenme"
