Music has always been a natural expression that speaks to who we are and the times we live in.
Sometimes it even offers glimpses into the near future.
As a reflection of our times, the female presence in the Latin American music market today is entirely different than it was just a decade ago when the prevailing musical styles were narrower and dominated by men.
Latinas in pop music today, especially in the US market, work in different genres and places.
But all have succeeded in transcending these boundaries to create a vibrant sound that keeps on producing massive hits for large audiences.
These ten women are currently at the peak of their popularity and, like their predecessors, they too are making history and proudly showcasing our roots, strength and talent.
1. Anitta
It's unusual for a Brazilian artist to hit the top of the charts around the world, especially with such a catchy, fresh and unabashedly sensual song.
A year shy of 30, Larissa de Macedo Machado — stage name Anitta — has been making music for 10 years.
Her de ella 2021 single de ella “Envolver” topped the Global Top 50 on Spotify earlier this year, with 6.4 million streams.
Anitta's secret?
A spot-on mix of pop, funk, dance and reggaeton performed by a pitch-perfect soprano with unusual warmth and charisma.
2. Nathy Peluso
Since she first showed up on the internet in 2017 with her powerful, rap-inspired music, all the way to the release of her full-length album Calambre three years later, the consensus is that this Argentine artist is a necessary and vital force in the Latin American musical landscape.
Nathy Peluso gives her all — creatively, physically and emotionally — both on and off stage.
Her music by Ella sends a message of female empowerment that Ella always seems to be on the verge of exploding.
She uses her musical range and daring to explore different musical styles, dabbling in rock, salsa, bachata, R&B, Latin jazz and even tango.
3. Karol G
Carolina Giraldo Navarro, better known as Karol G, is at the top of her game and is often ranked among the undisputed queens of reggaeton, pop and Latin trap.
The 31-year-old Colombian works hard at her craft de ella and is constantly evolving, leading to one hit after another since 2015, and winning the affection of all Latin American women.
Released as a single in April 2022, “Provenza” hit the top spot on Billboard's US Hot Latin Songs, and we're still singing along.
4. Angela Aguilar
Just 18 years old, this young Mexican has already claimed the regional musical legacy left behind by Antonio Aguilar, Flor Silvestre and Pepe Aguilar, her father.
Angela earned her rightful place in the hearts of the Latin American public during a brief sojourn in the United States, and she developed her own style that skillfully and playfully blends rancheras and mariachi with a soaring pop and country sound.
5. Kali Uchis
In a way, Kali Uchis represents the creative vitality of the contemporary Latin American woman through her songs about love, heartbreak and life.
But the Colombian singer-songwriter has also made her mark as a music composer and producer, clothing designer, and sharp businesswoman.
“Telepatía” (“Telepathy”), Kali Uchis' hit song from her second album, Sin Miedo – del Amor y otros demonios (2020), was the successful culmination of a lot of hard work to define her own style, one that resonated with the Latin American public, and prepared her to perform before large audiences around the world.
6. Natti Natasha
Raised in the rich cultural milieu of the Dominican Republic, Natti Natasha's career has been evolving since she was eight years old.
Now in her thirties, Natti's unique style and recent foray into reggaeton and urban pop have propelled her career to new heights, turning her into one of the most celebrated Latin American singers of our time.
7. Becky G
People often compare her with Karol G because of their similar style and name, and the two divas recently collaborated to produce a hit single, “Mamiii.”
But this Californian reggaeton singer draws on her Mexican roots from her to create a subtle but powerful style that distinguishes her from the vast majority of the singers of her generation.
Multifaceted, energetic and devoted to her fans, Rebbeca Marie Gomez (her real name) has successfully crossed borders, languages, genres and many other barriers, producing winning songs that sound different from all the others.
8. Chiquis Rivera
Following in the footsteps of her mother, Jenni Rivera, Chiquis has claimed her place among the great divas of Latin pop by putting her own stamp on Mexican banda and norteña music.
Her bold songs by Ella are always full of humor and sympathy, two necessary elements for making music that people love.
9. Camila Cabello
In 2016, this Cuban actress and singer-songwriter made one of the most important decisions of her career — leave her Fifth Harmony bandmates and strike out on her own.
The solo career that followed has been as atypical as it has been rewarding, revealing Cabello to be an artist with a genuine talent for pop and R&B.
Yet she remains firmly and proudly rooted in her cultural and musical heritage.
10. Tiny
Only 25 years old, this Argentine singer-songwriter and actress has spent more than half her life creating, exploring and perfecting her art.
She burst into stardom in 2016 with an eponymous debut album that proudly proclaimed her personal values and revealed her musical range.
Tini is not shy about creating catchy rock, pop, and cumbia songs, not to mention trap and reggaeton, the two big waves upon which a generation of Latin American divas is riding.