Meet the Latinx artists taking up space in the music scene
photo courtesy of Bad Bunny/YouTube
As Latinx Heritage Month wraps up—although, if we’re being honest here, Latinx culture should be celebrated all year long—we’ve decided to keep the celebration going by highlighting some of our favorite Latinx artists leaving their mark and taking up space in the music industry.
We can’t talk about Latinx artists taking up space in the music industry without mentioning Bad Bunny. The reggaeton superstar (and everyone’s future baby daddy) has become one of, if not the, biggest artists in the industry. Through his music, such as anthems like “El Apagón”, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio has become a vital voice for his home, Puerto Rico. In the music video for the summer hit, the Puerto Rican included an insightful documentary detailing the gentrification and displacement locals on the island are facing. (An added bonus: The lead journalist in the doc, Bianca Graulau, is an SU alumnus.)
Another artist making big moves in the industry is Omar Apollo. The first-gen Mexican American artist has transcended genres and quickly become a role model for the Latinx LGBTQ+ community, unapologetically embracing his sexuality and inspiring others to do the same. Apollo doesn’t shy away from honoring his Mexican roots, producing songs like “En El Olvido” (this song gets you in the feels every time) and “Dos Uno Nueve,”, which both taps into the traditional rancheras and corridos heard in Mexican music.
This next artist transports us into a different dimension every time she pops up in our queue. Canadian-Colombian artist Lido Pimienta pushes the boundaries, experimenting with Afro-Indigenous and Latin beats mixed with electro-pop elements. Her music often discusses the issues of race and indigenous inequality. In addition to music, Pimienta is adding variety show host to her resumé. Her new show LIDO TV premiered in Canada on Sept. 23, and is set to tackle topics like feminism, colonialism and privilege.
From one Colombian powerhouse to another, the name Kali Uchis might ring a bell. If not, you’ve probably heard her hit song “Telepatía.” The Colombian singer has always fought to incorporate her Latin roots in her music, expressing that label execs discouraged her from recording an album in Spanish at one point. But being the badass that she is, Uchis defied them and created Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios).
Last but certainly not least is the queen, Ivy Queen. The Puerto Rican native is one of the pioneers of reggaeton and one of the first women to break into a male-dominated genre. She’s paved the way for artists like Bad Bunny, Karol G, and many more to push the boundaries in the genre. Ivy Queen is also the host of the podcast LOUD on Spotify, detailing the genre's origins and honoring its Afro-Latinx roots.
These are only a handful of Latinx artists leaving their mark on the music industry and honoring their culture and its people through music. Check out our playlist to hear more from these talented artists!