When you hear “Latin music,” what kind of music comes to mind?
As the term suggests, Latin music was born in Central and South America, and it encompasses many subgenres rooted in places like Cuba, the Caribbean, and Brazil.
So even though we call it all “Latin,” the styles are quite diverse.
In fact, there are many hit songs—not only in Western music but also in Japanese pop—that incorporate Latin elements, and Latin music artists enjoy worldwide popularity.
This article introduces artists who represent Latin music.
You might even discover, “Wait, this artist is Latin?”
Be sure to check it out!
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Music of Passion: A Roundup of Representative Latin Music Artists (1–10)
Amor ProhibidoSelena Gomez
Selena, an icon of Tejano music.
Born in Texas on April 16, 1971, she rose to prominence from a young age as the lead vocalist of the family band Selena y Los Dinos.
In 1989, she signed with EMI Latin and released her debut album.
Albums like Entre a Mi Mundo and Amor Prohibido became major hits, propelling her to widespread fame.
Her music pioneered a groundbreaking blend of Tejano, Tex-Mex, and Latin pop.
Her achievements were celebrated during her lifetime, and she has continued to receive many awards posthumously.
Her passionate voice and captivating performances continue to enchant countless fans to this day.
Bailando (ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zona)Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias, known as the “King of Latin Pop,” was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1975 and raised in Miami.
He launched his music career with his debut album Enrique Iglesias in 1995.
Characterized by light rock ballads, his songs have produced numerous hits in both English and Spanish.
He has scored five Top 5 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and an astounding 27 No.
1 hits on the Hot Latin Songs chart, cementing his immense popularity in the Latin music scene.
His sound blends a variety of genres—Latin pop, adult contemporary, Latin dance, pop, and dance-pop—earning support from a wide audience.
Be sure to check out Enrique’s tracks, where sophisticated Latin grooves meet catchy melodies.
Despacito (ft. Daddy Yankee)Luis Fonsi
Puerto Rican powerhouse singer Luis Fonsi has been showcasing his exceptional talent since his teens, becoming a darling of the Latin pop scene at a young age.
He released his debut album, Comenzaré, in 1998, instantly joining the ranks of top artists.
His catchy sound—an exquisite blend of Latin, pop, and reggaeton—is his signature.
In 2017, Despacito, his collaboration with Daddy Yankee, later featuring Justin Bieber, became a worldwide smash hit.
Honored with numerous accolades including the Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards, Luis Fonsi’s slightly wistful yet powerful voice and romantic lyrics continue to captivate listeners of all ages.
Con los Años Que Me QuedanGloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan, born in Cuba and raised in Miami, achieved worldwide hits in the 1980s with dance music rooted in Latin pop.
She debuted in 1977 as the vocalist of the Miami Latin Boys, which later changed its name to Miami Sound Machine.
She shot to fame with the 1985 single “Conga.” Her 1991 album Into the Light won a Grammy Award.
Known for her passionate sound and powerful vocals, she is a leading female figure in Latin music.
She’s an artist every music lover should listen to at least once.
Tusa (with Nicki Minaj)KAROL G
Karol G is a star of the Latin music scene from Colombia.
Active in genres such as reggaeton, Latin trap, and Spanish-language hip-hop, she made a breakthrough when her debut album Unstoppable, released in 2017, reached No.
1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart.
She achieved international success with hits like her collaboration with Bad Bunny, Ahora Me Llama, and has won numerous awards including Latin Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
Her music, which also incorporates elements of R&B and pop, is characterized by lyrics that explore women’s empowerment, love, and social issues.
She’s an artist recommended not only for fans of Latin music but for anyone looking for something new.
DuraDaddy Yankee
Known as a pioneer of reggaeton, Daddy Yankee is acclaimed for a musical style that fuses Latin, rap, reggaeton, urbano, and Latin rap.
He made his full-fledged debut in 1992 by appearing on DJ Playero’s mixtape Playero 37, and achieved a major breakthrough with Gasolina from his 2004 album Barrio Fino.
In 2017, his collaboration with Luis Fonsi, Despacito, reached No.
1 in the United States and became a global social phenomenon.
A proven talent who has won numerous awards, including Latin Grammys and Billboard Latin Music Awards, he’s a must-check artist for anyone who loves Latin music.
ChantajeShakira
Shakira, the Latin pop superstar born in Colombia, has enjoyed immense popularity across Latin America since the 1990s.
After entering the 2000s, she began releasing hit songs in English one after another, becoming an artist literally loved around the world.
Shakira made her debut in 1991 at the age of just 13.
Since then, she has consistently released Spanish-language albums, and works such as ¿Dónde Están los Ladrones? and Laundry Service have charted in the United States, demonstrating her cross-border appeal.
She has been highly acclaimed for her achievements, winning the Latin Grammy Awards 14 times and the MTV Video Music Awards five times.
Her sound, which distills musical elements from Latin America and the Arab world through her unique sensibilities, captivates listeners and won’t let go.
She is an artist I recommend to anyone, regardless of generation, who wants to discover the charm of Latin music.