Celebrating Beyond Hispanic Heritage Month: Hispanic & Latin Artists You Need to Know
From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month in the U.S. To me, Hispanic Heritage Month not only celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities — it’s also taking back identities we have been shamed over and making those identities a point of pride and honor. It’s a time to connect to my Guatemalan and Spanish roots, honor those who have paved the way for the opportunities I have today and to have hope in a future where our voices will be more valued than ever.
So naturally, I’m celebrating through music.
From icons to a newer generation of music — these artists are bringing culture to the forefront, and deserve to be on your radar. Whether you’ve grown up with them or you're discovering their music for the first time, consider this your invitation to continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month year-round with some of my favorite musicians!
Cardi B won her first Grammy Award in 2019 for Best Rap Album, Invasion of Privacy. In her album, she pays homage to her Latin heritage; she samples “I Like It Like That,” by Pete Rodríguez and the song features Bad Bunny and J Balvin. I’ve recently watched her Tiny Desk Concert — which I’m obsessed with and I believe is one of her best performances!
“What if The Strokes sang in Spanish?” is the question that sparked the idea of this new band, and resulted in a new bilingual indie rock band, feel trip. Formed in 2025 by Joseph Zapinski and Juan Mallorca, the duo writes, produces and performs their music. Early this year, I discovered them on TikTok (@feeltrip.musica) and have been a fan since!
Gazella’s musical career started in 2021 in Spain. Their sound is a blend of shoegaze, psychedelia, and rock with modern indie elements. Their recent album, Vías, continues to explore and evolve their sound. A perfect album for a late-night drive.
Cuban-American, singer, songwriter, actress and business woman, Gloria Estefan, is considered the most successful Latin crossover artist in music history, per Billboard magazine. Gloria became the first Hispanic woman to be inducted in Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023. Gloria has won 5 Grammys and 5 Latin Grammys.
The woman who kicked the door down for females in reggaeton. Ivy Queen’s third album Diva was released in 2003, and “Yo Quiero Bailar” became a feminist anthem in reggaeton, sending a clear message that dancing doesn't mean consent.
Jarina De Marco and her sound embody the multi-ethic future. Her bright and upbeat style have made her mark on the scene by being undeniably authentic. Her tracks have been featured in hit series:“Tigre,” was featured in Broad City, and “Release the Hounds” was featured in Euphoria.
Jenni inspired an entire generation of regional Mexican music, unapologetically herself as she dominated an all male genre. Singing a corrido,“Ovarios,” traditionally sung by men, a narrative Ballard, Jenni sings about being in charge and unbothered by her enemies — using the term ‘ovarios’ translating to ovaries, she uses the term as a replacement for “cojones” (the male anatomical which is often used as a slang of “courage,” as in English).
A leading figure of American-folk music in the 1950s and 1960s — her career has spanned decades of music and activism. Joan’s 15th studio album, Gracias à la Vida, was dedicated to the Chilean people who were suffering under dictatorship. Never one to shy away from her heritage and voice, she continues to speak for causes she cares about. In 2017, Joan was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The band has faced censorship over their social and political corridos, speaking out against gun violence, LGBTQ+ rights, and experiences of immigrants living in the United States. The group has won 8 Latin Grammys and 7 Grammys.
“I will never forget this moment.” Rosalía was honored this year, with the Billboard Hall of Fame award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. Earlier this year she was named Woman of The Year at Billboards’s Latin Music Awards after the success of her latest album, LUX. Singing in 13 languages, her album LUX has led her to become the first Spanish speaking solo woman to claim no.1 on the World Albums Chart and Top Classical Albums & Classical Crossover Albums charts in Modern Era in 2025. She has won 11 Latin Grammys and 2 Grammys.
The Queen of Tejano Music, Selena made Latinos feel seen and celebrated through her music. Selena brought a new type of life to Tejano music that people connected with immediately. Selena’s live album, Selena Live! won her first Grammy at the 36th Grammy Awards — making her the first female Tejano artist to win in the category. Selena didn’t shy away about Spanish not being her first language but she showed you that love for your culture is real. Even if your Spanish isn’t perfect, you can still belong.
Mexican singer-songwriter Silvana Estrada is one of the most compelling voices in Latin music blending Mexican traditional influences and indie-folk. In 2022, she won her first Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. Her 2025 album Vendrán Suaves Lluvias, marks a profound new chapter in her life — her song “Dime,” explores personal transformation, grief, and renewal.
Meet Vortxz, the Indie Latino-Alternative rock band based in Houston,Texas. Discovering them on TikTok (@vortxzofficial), I immediately fell in love with their music! If you’re craving for a new indie alternative band then add Vortxz to your playlist.
Meet Dominican-Italian singer-songwriter, YEИDRY. Her musical influences are a mix of bachata, R&B, salsa, and pop. Discovering her last month on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, I instantly became a fan! I cannot stop listening to “Mentira,” — it’s been on repeat
