Andre, Maruja Limón & More

Ada Linares Torres

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 either by networking or coming across their music at a showcase, and beyond. See our recommendations this month below:

Name: Alvaro Rod

Country: Peru

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: With a demanding stage presence, but even more powerful vocals, Alvaro Rod instantly caught my attention at the 2024 Heat Latin Music Awards (a.k.a. Premios Heat), where he was nominated for best salsa artist, and performed alongside other talented Peruvian artists. Rod unleashed his debut single “Vamos a Escapar” in 2019, and since, has established himself as a promising artist in the salsa music scene, along with the likes of Christian Alicea, Luis Figueroa, and Daniela Darcourt. The singer-songwriter has taken his intense eyes to the masses, sharing stages with El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and La India. He’s also gotten traction on social media thanks to his four-part Live Session album, where he covers timeless hits from Camilo, RBD, and Luis Enrique, giving them a modern twist. — JESSICA ROIZ

Song for Your Playlist: “Dime Cómo Hago”

Artist: Allyson Menrod

Country: Mexico

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Watching Allyson Menrod’s latest music videos, it’s hard to imagine her leading a professional double life. “I am a ‘Hannah Montana’: In the mornings I am a pharmaceutical chemist, biologist, and in the afternoons/nights I am a pop singer,” she tells Billboard Español. But with nearly 15 years in singing (including a stint on 2019’s The Voice Mexico) and writing her own songs, it is evident what her true passion lies. Her most recent release is “Sin Tu Amor,” an empowering self-love track about how good it feels to get out of a toxic relationship. Menrod, whose musical influences lie primarily in ’80s American pop and R&B, has something to say, and does so in a fun and sincere way. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Song for Your Playlist: “Sin Tu Amor”

Name: Amy Gutiérrez

Country: Peru

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I first met Amy Gutiérrez when she approached my colleague and I at the 2024 Heat Latin Music Awards in Punta Cana (The Dominican Republic), where Billboard comprised part of an educational panel. After the conversation, Gutiérrez came up to us to introduce herself and thank us for such an inspirational panel. Little did I know that she was a force to be reckoned with: she sings, she dances, she’s humble, she’s sweet and she was the winner of La Voz Kids Perú 10 years ago. Hailing from Callao, Gutiérrez’s talent shined at the awards show, where she took center stage to perform alongside other Peruvian acts including Yahaira Plasencia and Alvaro Rod. In 2023, she launched her debut album Valiente, showcasing her ability to navigate from salsa to romantic ballads, and is currently making the rounds on a sugary cumbia called “Cuando me veo en tus ojos” — part of hitmaker Master Chris’ La Nueva Cepa album, released in June. — J.R.

Song for Your Playlist: “Cuando Me Veo en Tus Ojos” (Master Chris feat. Amy Gutiérrez)

Artist: Anabella Mondi

Country: Venezuela

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Anabella Mondi is an independent artist and producer based in Miami who fuses Venezuelan folk with electronic beats and other modern rhythms. The self-proclaimed Llanera Global, as her most recent album is titled, has been developing her style for years under her own label, Tactus Pro, with more than 40 songs published — with the intention of bringing the music of her land to new generations and audiences. She has an interesting approach, which she conveys with poise and coherence. — S.R.A.

Song for Your Playlist: “Meaculpa”

Artist: Andre

Country: Peru-Spain

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I met Andre earlier this month at the Latin Alternative Music Conference in New York where, after the Wonder Women in Latin Music panel I moderated, she approached me and began explaining the concept behind her music. As a trained opera and classical artist, and also a proud Peruvian-Spanish singer-songwriter, Andre has placed all bets on a more regional approach to alternative music, to stand out with a signature sound that fuses folkloric genres such as Creole music, Peruvian polka and marinera, and Afro-Peruvian rhythms such as festejo and landó. (All while also incorporating classical and contemporary pop elements.) Her debut album Sagrado Corazón, released in May, showcases Andre’s uniqueness, as she sings in Spanish and the indigenous language of Quechua, native to Peru. Throughout the album, which is broken down into different acts, Andre sings emotively about love that is no longer reciprocated. — GRISELDA FLORES

Song for Your Playlist: “Pisco y Hielo (Acto: 1 Escena: 1)” (feat. Wariwillka)

Artist: Gigi Méndez

Country: Venezuela

Why They Should Be on Your Radar:  Gigi Méndez became the first woman to write the official song of La Vinotinto — as the Venezuelan national soccer team is known — for the Copa América 2024. With an exciting music video directed by Poe Polanco and Edixon Ochoa, which has more than 5.7 million views since its June 28 release, “Somos Vinotinto” injected her compatriots with joy and excitement inside and outside Venezuela, where she is known as “the toughest of the new school,” and put her on the international map. “I live this moment in my career with enthusiasm, focus and, above all, discipline,” she said then in a press release. “My team has done an exceptional job, and this achievement is thanks to them.” We are looking forward to seeing what she will bring us next. — S.R.A.

Song For Your Playlist: “Somos Vinotinto”

Artist: Jhon de La Torre

Country: Colombia

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: With his tejana and tailored suit representing the regional Mexican genre, I met Jhon de la Torre after this year’s Masterclass: Optimizing Your Relation with the Billboard panel for Premios Heat 2024. He humbly and sweetly introduced himself, sharing everything about his new album, Más Ranchero Que Nunca, where he combines rachera with a hint of música popular powered by acoustic guitars and country music elements that make it stand out. Clear examples of that are “La Miradita,” Lo Que Duele” and “Que Importa Ya,” captivating us also with his powerful vocals. Like Amy Gutiérrez, De la Torre also takes part in La Nueva Cepa, renowned producer Master Chris’ new set featuring 12 artists from different regions and musical genres. — INGRID FAJARDO

Song For Your Playlist: “Ni Plata Ni Nada”

Artist: Maruja Limón

Country: Spain

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: With their recent showcase at the Sounds From Spain event at DROM during the 2024 LAMC, Maruja Limón dominated the stage, breathing new life into flamenco with a captivating fusion. This Barcelona quintet — composed of Esther González and Sheila Quero on vocals, Vicky Blum on guitar, Eli Fàbregas on percussion, and Milagros González on trumpet — intertwines the soulful strains of traditional style with an audacious blend of rumba rhythms and a burst of gypsy punk zest. Their latest EP, Te Como La Cara (A), released in March, is an invigorating showcase with fervent guitar hooks and mighty brass that splendidly clash, complemented by animated percussion. The raspy vocals oscillate between playful teases and deep, poignant bouts of storytelling, capturing the time-honored spirit of flamenco and propelling this storied art form into an exhilarating, contemporary spotlight. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Song For Your Playlist: “Míralas”