SXSW is officially 23 days away! I am official press again this year and I want to do things a little differently. I am a lover of all music, films, and interesting sessions, but this is The Nueva Latina after all.
This year, for most of my SXSW coverage I will be focusing on Latinx artists, films, sessions, and more. Not to say that I won’t be covering other events, because it is SX after all and you never know where you will end up. Lol.
Today, I will be covering my top list of Latinx artists to watch in the “Latin Urban” category of SXSW. With the resurrection of reggaeton, a new wave of Latin Urban artists has risen and they seem to be taking over the mainstream.
I remember a few year ago there was almost Z E R O Latinx artists during SXSW and now there seem to be way more. THIS IS EXCITING Y’ALL!
Keep reading for my top Latin Urban Artists to Watch – SXSW 2020!
Alexxxandrina
HOME GIRL IS FROM MONCLOVA, COAHUILA! Haha. That is literally where some of my family is from and just up the road from my dad’s hometown. Homegirl is on the line between raggaeton and trap. Her music vibes and I feel like her show will be all about the booty!
Alexxxandrina’s SXSW Schedule: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2030091
Dragón Rojo
Armando Paez, known as Dragon Rojo from Cartagena, Colombia is a songwriter and performer based in Bogota. Obvi, that I already love him because he is from Colombia, but his music is so good! His voice is soothing but you can also dance to it.
Dragón Rojo’s SXSW Schedule – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2022708
Dylan Fuentes
DYLAN! Colombians just be taking over my list! Haha. I first discovered Dylan Fuentes while watching the Netflix serieis “Siempre Bruja”. I had no idea he was an music artist too! Dylan is a Colombian rapper who rose to fame after publishing music to the EliteGroupTUBE YouTube channel. He is most recognized for the singles “Ahí Estaré,” “Otro Amanecer,” and “No Hay Balache.”
Dylan Fuentes’ SXSW Schedule – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2021351
Jona Camacho
Like I said, these COLOMBIANS! Haha. Uniquely talented composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Jona Camacho is one of the most sought-after talents in contemporary Colombian music. His talent as songwriter and musician, coupled with his charisma on stage, Jona Camacho delivers an explosive combination of Rock, Pop, and R&B, all of which are aided by his impressive vocal abilities.
Jona Camacho’s SXSW Schedule – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2022288
KORDELYA
MEXICO REPRESENT! When I first listened to KORDELYA I wasn’t able to tell where she was from right away. Her vibe was pop-ish but with a little raggaeton mixed into it. She QUICKLY became one of my favorites to see durig SXSW. KORDELYA is a Mexican-American artist and songwriter who will be releasing her debut album in early March. Her passion for ethnic, percussive instruments and electronic production develops a vibrant fusion of exotic sounds and powerful lyrics.
KORDELYA’s SXSW Schedule – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2022714
La Garfield
MEXICO IS COMING BACK ON THIS LIST HAAAARD. La Garfield is an independent funky latin disco pop project that was born in Guadalajara Mexico. The group has established a strong connection with an extensive audience throughout it’s seven years of existence with it’s recent three album releases “Sin Miedo” (2013), “Love Paraiso” (2016) and most recent release “Todo Lo Rico” (2018). La Garfield is looking to reach audiences worldwide through their energetic live shows and innovative new sound.
La Garfield’s SXSW Schedule – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2019512
Los Rakas
Los Rakas was the first musical group I interviewed when I first started covering music on the blog. They were humble, super nice, VERY ATTRACTIVE IN PERSON (LOL), but overall I could tell that their passion for music was the same as mine and I gained so much respect for them after that interview. Los Rakas are a Grammy nominated bilingual Hip-Hop group made up of Panamanian cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun based in Oakland, California. Their style consists of a mixture of Hip-Hop influences with Reggaeton, Reggae, and Dancehall.
Los Rakas’ SXSW Schedule – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2022301
Nanpa Básico
WOW. My first time listening to Nanpa and I was blown away. Like why and how did I not know about him before? Another artist from my husband’s motherland of Colombia Nanpa Colombian hip hop artist who has performed in groups called Selva De Asfalto and Sinfonía Latina.
Nanpa Básico’s SXSW Schedule – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2019515
Orquesta Canela
HOW FREAKEN AMAZING ARE THESE WOMEN! The Cumbia vibes from this group are crazy good and they are badass group of ONLY WOMEN. How could I not have them on the list? Orquesta Canela was born in the city of Cali in Colombia under the direction of María Fernanda Múnera Ricci and Alvaro Cuervo Villafañe. They are an all-female group that stands out for including wind instruments such as saxophones, trumpets, etc. in their music.
Orquesta Canela’s SXSW Schedule – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2021331
XCELENCIA
MY FAVORITE FAVORITE ARTIST TO CHECK OUT DURING SXSW 2020!!! I literally have been jamming his songs since I discovered him. Xcelencia does not stay within the scope of a single genre. Born Calixto Gabriel Bravo, XCELENCIA takes inspiration from Pop, Hip Hop/R&B, and Afro-latin influences which have shaped his musical style over the years. He was captivated by the rise of Reggaeton into the mainstream which helped defined his sound as a young bilingual artist looking to make his mark as one of the genres top figures. Known for his smooth vocals, introspective lyrics and the ability to switch in and out of rapping and singing, his diverse catalog speaks for itself, displaying the versatility of his sound.
XCELENCIA’s SXSW Schedule – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2019446
Philthy Dronez Presents: La Brigada De La Cumbia
WEPA! Philthy Dronez has been taking Cumbia to a whole new level for a while now. Formed in 2005, The Philthy Dronez have transformed into a plethora of music and will continue to evolve into something crazy and beautiful.
Philthy Dronez’s SXSW Schedule – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2028681
Ratchetón
Honestly, I clicked on Ratchetón because of his name and I DIED. Hahaha. I love being ratchet and I love raggaeton so I was like…DUH I am going to like him. Reppin’ for El Salvador, Ratchetón hit the Latin music scene with his first single “Que Lo Que,” racking up over 350,000 streams and jumpstarting a growing fanbase. With features from La Mezcla, World Latin Star, MiTu and more, RATCHETÓN is bringing a fresh sound and personality that stand out from the crowd.
Ratchetón’s SXSW Schedule – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2020/artists/2031002
Stay in love and just listen,
Check out the full TNL @ SXSW 2020 Playlist Here and don’t forget to add to follow it: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/52If1bQUB2DjFRTfr18xwT?si=LaxpnxXUSwSQ-JYr2godaQ
