How Latin Artists from Chile and Argentina Crossed into the Mainstream

Whereas Karol G, Unhealthy Bunny and Peso Pluma dominate the charts — and elevate Colombia, Puerto Rico and Mexico’s music scenes, respectively, to the world stage — a brand new wave of artists throughout different Latin American nations can also be in search of, and incomes, the highlight.

Earlier this yr, Chilean artists scored their first No. 1 Billboard hit since 1991 when newcomers FloyyMenor and Cris MJ’s viral reggaetón hit, “Gata Solely,” spent 14 consecutive weeks atop the Scorching Latin Songs chart — a feat that may have appeared unimaginable for the nation’s thriving native city motion simply 5 years in the past.

The brand new technology of Chilean artists has damaged out partially because of star-studded linkups: Pablo Chill-E on Unhealthy Bunny’s “Hablamos Mañana” (alongside Duki) in 2020; Paloma Mami on Ricky Martin’s “Que Rico Fuera” in 2021; and Cris MJ enlisting Karol G and Ryan Castro for his “Una Noche en Medellín (Remix)” in 2023. All of these tracks made main inroads on Billboard’s Latin charts.

“We imagine so much within the Chilean market, because it’s experiencing a unprecedented exploitation of music that’s nonetheless very younger,” says Emilio Morales, managing director of Rimas Publishing, which this yr expanded its companies to the nation by way of a strategic settlement with Chilean-based label Wild Firm, offering A&R companies, artist growth and extra. “Our curiosity in signing Chilean artists is not only to signal them. We’re searching for new horizons for them and for them to be consumed outdoors of Chile. We need to increase their music to European and worldwide markets.”

Argentina’s music scene has additionally stretched past the nation’s borders. Among the many audio system throughout this yr’s Latin Music Week, María Becerra lately recorded with Paris Hilton and Enrique Iglesias, and Luck Ra, an rising act from Córdoba, teamed with Chayanne for a revamped model of his 2003 hit “Un Siglo Sin Ti,” which peaked at No. 15 on the Tropical Airplay chart in September, Luck Ra’s first entry ever on the chart.

“I really like collaborating with artists from overseas,” the Argentine newcomer says. “I really feel that everybody of their nation grows up with totally different music, everybody has totally different rhythms of their blood, however the truth that folks from totally different ages and nations hearken to you is essentially the most lovely factor.”

As Chayanne places it, the music is proof that collaborations throughout the Latin world assist all of the artists concerned: “The music’s rhythm, so near Caribbean beats, as soon as once more demonstrates the deep brotherhood of all Latinos, mirrored in our cultural expressions, particularly in music.”

Throughout Latin Music Week, Morales will seem on the “Position of Music Publishers in Cross-­Cultural Collaborations” panel, Luck Ra on Billboard Argentina’s “Entre Amigos” panel and Becerra in a dialog with Thalia on psychological well being.

This story seems within the Sept. 28, 2024, problem of Billboard.