If quarantine has given us anything during these trying times, it’s time. All of a sudden, we have time to read a book, enjoy old and new music and discover fresh artists who weren’t on our radar and should be.
While they might not be topping the charts (yet) nor have a huge following, these 17 Latin duo or groups that are kick-starting their careers have gifted us with their beautifully-crafted music and distinct voices that we want to share with our readers.
Below, check out the new hidden gems, in alphabetical order, we discovered during the quarantine.
2B
This up-and-coming duo is among the rockeros reviving the rock scene in Colombia. Their debut single “Ella Fuego” is powerful song that takes a stand against violence and their message is loud and clear: no one should tolerate an abusive or toxic environment.
Buscabulla
The Puerto Rican duo Buscabulla, which translates to troublemaker, composed of wife and husband Raquel Berrios and Luis Alfredo del Valle recently dropped their debut album Regresa showcasing their indie dance-pop experimental tunes fused with Caribbean beats.
Chiquito Team Band
Chiquito Team Band, formed by Rafael Berroa and Enmanuel Frías, is an orchestra from the Dominican Republic, keeping the salsa scene alive with their refreshing fusions of salsa with other tropical genres. During quarantine, the group is keeping fans entertained with their inspiration at-home performances.
Domino Saints
Bringing their caribbean flow to the scene, Domino Saints, composed by Gigi Ojeda and David Leal, is a Miami-based Puerto Rican duo who fuse reggaeton, dancehall, and Afrobeats in their music. The duo, which showcased their talent at Chile’s renowned Viña del Mar Festival in 2018, is making the rounds with their new EP’s Island Kings Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.
Grupo Vanguardia
Hailing from Chicago, Grupo Vanguardia is a standout in a crowded field of up-and-coming regional Mexican artists. Signed to Rancho Humilde, the group is betting on the traditional sounds of corridos and norteñas while paying homage to their bicultural upbringing.
Kanaku y el Tigre
From Lima, Peru, Kanaku y el Tigre caught our attention thanks the indie-folk duo’s eclectic, esoteric sound and to their wild experimental tunes that feature a range of instruments like ukuleles, toy synthesizers and acoustic guitars.
La Isla Centeno
Composed by Maria Centeno and Lito de la Isla, La Isla Centeno is a Guadalajara-based project that derived from two musically-inclined neighbors. After making the rounds in 2019 with their first set dubbed Miocarditis, the Mexican duo presents “No Te Culpo,” an enchanting track that highlights their indie-folk melody.
Lagos
After kicking off their careers as producers and composers over 10 years ago, Venezuelan artists Luis Jimenez and Mr. A on the Beat teamed up in 2018 to form LAGOS. The pop-urban duo released their infectious singles “Reset,” “Guerra,” and “Fria,” before dropping their recent collaboration with Las Villa called “Cuerno” under Warner Music Mexico.
Las Fenix
Proud of their Mexican-American roots, Las Fenix is an all-girl norteño group based in Texas. The group, which pen lyrics about love, heartbreak, and women empowerment, is comprised of five sisters Berna (lead singer, accordion), Adela (drums), Lesli (lead vocalist), Nadia (bass), and Anahi Quintanilla (timbales).
Las Villa
Signed to Warner Music Latina, Colombian twins Las Villa are among the new faces of the urbano genre. Las Villa made their debut in October with “Nadita” which has over 15 million views on YouTube. Laura and Lucía recently collaborated with Tainy on “Si La Vez” featured on Tainy’s new album.
Lérica
Tony Mateo, Juan Carlos Arauzo, and Rubén Noel bring to life Lérica. With their sugary vocals and pop-urban melodies, the Spanish trio has garnered collaborations with artists such as Abraham Mateo, Juan Magan, Gente de Zona, Leslie Shaw and Belinda, with whom they have two tracks, most recently “Flamenkito.”
Marineros
Marineros, comprised of Soledad Puentes and Constanza Espina, is a mighty duo from Chile singing powerful and honest lyrics about falling in and out of love. The duo was featured on the international streaming festival Cuarentena Festival along with other indie acts in Latin America.
REYNA
Indie duo REYNA, composed of sisters Vic and Gab Banuelos, are two of the freshest voices in pop dropping back-to-back anthems. Hailing from the Midwest, the pair have already toured with the likes of CHVRCHES and Kesha.
Suenatron
Known for their popteño sound, a term they coined to describe their music, the Mexican-American quartet was founded by Hernán and Giovanny Hernández, the sons of Los Tigres del Norte’s Hernán Hernández, who are joined by two of their childhood friends, Matt González and Eduardo Montelongo. Catering to the bilingual generation in the U.S., Suenatron is leaving a mark with their modern take on cumbias and norteñas.
Simone & Simaria
Simon & Simaria is a Brazilian duo formed by sisters Simone Mendes Rocha Diniz and Simaria Mendes Rocha Escrig, which fuses traditional forró rhythms with Latin pop and urban beats. . Already an international hit, the Latin Grammy-nominated act formed part of Karol G’s album Ocean on the track “La Vida Continuo.”
Ventino
Latin pop girl groups are rare nowadays. But Ventino, from Colombia, have filled in the empty spot with their unique sound. The quintet gained popularity on Youtube — where they have over one million subscribers — by singing covers. In 2018, they dropped their self-titled debut album under Sony Colombia. After group member Juliana Pérez announced she was leaving the group, the now-quartet is making the rounds with their single “Vente Conmigo.”
Vice Menta
Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, twin brothers Marcelo and Eugenio Garza bring to the forefront their musical project Vice Menta. With songs such as “Granda,” “Rosé,” and “Fusilando tus Memorias,” the bilingual duo flaunts their experimental hip-hop-meets-R&B-meets-trap sounds.
