Latin America has always been a region with incredible music artists that have mesmerized listeners and got us dancing, whether in the streets or in our kitchens! Latin music’s increasing popularity in North America, Europe, and Asia has only increased this trend.
Here’s a countdown of our top five picks! Keep reading to find out who’s No. 1!
5. Karol G
The so-called Medellin Queen is known as an incredible performing artist but has also won acclaim for the superb mixing and mastering services her producers provide.
And, of course – that voice.
Along with Spaniard superstar Rosalia, Colombian Karol G can be considered the most influential female artist of Spanish urban music. This year, her song “Provenza” was such a hit that you could hear it on every radio station in Latin America and in every nightclub in Latin America, the United States, and even Europe.
If 2022 was the most important year of her career, this one promise to be even more successful.
4. Shakira
Also from Colombia, Shakira is on the top list of the most famous Latin artists right now because of her unmatchable voice and her mesmerizing dance skills.
Born in the city of Barranquilla, Shakira has proved to be one of the most eclectic music artists the region has seen in its recent history, thanks to her wide variety of influences. She can sing romantic ballads, strong rock songs, and even Reggaeton, such as her legendary hit “Hips Don’t Lie.”
She was recently in the spotlight after her divorce from Barcelona soccer star Gerard Pique, with whom she has two kids. Following the breakup, Shakira published a song called “Monotonia,” where she exposes her feelings.
3. Daddy Yankee
He’s perhaps the most important Reggaeton artist of all time. He turned a promising music genre into a massive boom and a billionaire business for the music industry. Thanks to him, Latin America conquered the world with its own music genre after the previous Salsa boom.
Daddy Yankee’s 2022 was important because of his songs and collaborations with several artists and because he announced his retirement. He concluded a stunning career with a tour around several countries to say goodbye to his fans.
2. J Balvin
Over the last few years, Medellin has become the Reggaeton capital of the world, thanks to the wide variety of famous “Reggaetoneros” from this Colombian city.
Right now, the most important and famous of all is J Balvin, to the point where many known artists, such as Puerto Rican Residente, create songs to mess with him, wanting to grab his attention. J Balvin was also the lead singer of the song “Ritmo,” with the Black Eyed Peas that was featured as the theme to Bad Boys 3.
Believe it or not, legendary rock band Metallica even invited the Colombian singer to be part of the album The Metallica Blacklist, an innovative project where different artists from all around the world create a cover of a Metallica song. J Balvin chose “Wherever I May Roam.”
1. Bad Bunny
Benito is simply the most famous Latin artist in the world right now. He reached a historic milestone last year after becoming the first Spanish-speaking artist to reach first place on Billboard because of his album Un Verano Sin Ti.
What’s even more incredible about Puerto Rican Bad Bunny is that his career is just starting. We’re expecting great things in the years to come.
Final Thoughts
While many other Latin artists could be on this list, such as Maluma, Camilo, Eva Luna, Juan Luis Guerra, or Pitbull, the five mentioned above are the most famous right now. Latin music has established itself on the world stage.
