Latinx Artists To Watch In 2022 By: Lupe Llerenas

2021 was an eventful year. Music returned in a big way after its 2020 hiatus. Virtual shows made their return along with concerts and festivals, which allowed us to celebrate some of our favorite artists.

With the new year here, it’s time to discover a new set of Latinx artists. From Argentina to Colombia and Mexico, we think these artists will have a major impact this year. Some of these Latinx artists may already be on your radar, but if they’re not, they are ready to make a lot more noise in 2022.

Check out these 12 Latinx artists you need to watch for 2022.

Jay Wheeler

Jay Wheeler is a Latinx urban singer from Puerto Rico. Wheeler uploaded his self-produced “Ahora Estoy Mejor” in 2015 and the single went viral. In 2020, “Me Enamoré,” his hit single with DJ Nelson, reached No. 23 on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart. That same year, he dropped his sophomore album, “Platónicos.” Earlier this month, Apple Music added him to their Up Next program, which is geared towards identifying, showcasing, and elevating rising talent.

YENDRY

Yendry is a singer-songwriter who grew up in the Dominican Republic and in Italy. She is currently working on her debut solo project. She just released her first single “Barrio” in December and definitely evokes a fusion of Latin and Electronic vibes. She refers to herself as a cultural mix. She previously linked up with Damian Marley for her single “You.”

Eslabon Armado

Formed in 2017, sierreña band Eslabon Armado is a trio featuring two brothers and a friend, who recorded their debut album live in a garage. Their songs “Vibras de Noche” debuted on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart at No. 1 and “Corta Venas” landed at No. 2. Most recently their song “Jugastes y Sufri” with DannyLux went viral on social media.

Jhay Cortez

Puerto Rican-born artist Jhay Cortez is the leader of a new generation of Latinx artists. Jhay has shown the world that he is a talented songwriter and singer. He’s the mastermind behind some of the biggest Latin hits in the world, including DÁKITI and No Me Conoce (Remix), among others. He’s been working on his upcoming sophomore album “Timelezz,” set to drop this year.

Alaina Castillo

Pop singer Alaina Castillo got her to start posting cover songs online before she began introducing original material in 2019. Her first original song “I Don’t Think I Love You Anymore,” became a hit in 2019. The tune also appeared on her debut EP, “antisocial butterfly,” a six-track release featuring lyrics in English and Spanish. In 2020, she released “the voicenotes” and “mensajes de voz,” English- and Spanish-language versions of the same four-song EP.

Lali

Lali Esposito is an Argentine actress turned pop singer. Her single 100 Grados,” a duet with Peruvian hip-hop singer A.CHAL made Argentina’s Top Five chart. In 2020, she released her album “Libra,” which was home to “Ladron,” “No Puedo Olvidarte” and “Como Asi” featuring Latin boy band CNCO.

Farina

Singer/songwriter Farina became the second Colombian artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. She’s currently a part of FloWres with legendary Reggaeton artist, Arcangel. Their EP made Latin urban music history by becoming the first EP by a man and a woman. Farina will also be in the upcoming film, “Flow Calle” to be released in 2022.

Evaluna Montaner

Evaluna Montaner is a Venezuelan actress, YouTuber, and singer, daughter of legendary singer Ricardo Montaner and younger sister of Mauricio and Ricardo Montaner, known as Mau y Ricky. Previously, she’s teamed up with Colombian singer Camilo (who’s also her husband) for several songs including “Indigo.” She is also expecting her first child with Camilo.

Manuel Turizo

Manuel Turizo has proved that there’s no formula to making it in the reggaeton business. Turizo takes his time. His debut album, “ADN,” shows his versatility, with a mix of Latin urban, trap, and R&B. He released his album “Dopamina” in 2021, along with his single “Te Olvido.”

Mariah Angeliq

Puerto Rican-Cuban pop star Mariah Angeliq, fuses reggaetón, R&B, and Latin trap in her music. She was discovered at age 16 by notable reggaetón producer Nely and her breakout hit, 2019’s double-platinum “Perreito,” charted in 16 countries. She released her debut EP, “Normal,” in 2020, including the hit single “Taxi” with Puerto Rican rapper Guaynaa. Earlier this month, she dropped her latest single of 2022 “La Toxica.”

Alex Rose

Alex Rose has been hailed as part of a new class of R&B-influenced Latin trap artists. His debut EP, “Sexflix,” samples heavily from tracks by Akon, Mario, PnB Rock, and Ray J. Rose has collaborated twice with reggaetón artist Arcángel, whom he’s called one of his greatest musical influences. Just a few months ago, he teamed up with Latin group sensation CNCO for “Pa’Qye Guaye.”

If you have any new Latinx artists you’re currently listening to, let me know in the comments below. I’d love to add them to my music playlist!