South by Southwest has long been a significant platform for Latin acts, with the festival serving as a bridge between Latin American and Spanish artists and the rest of the world. This year, Billboard En Español’s SXSW Showcase will feature some of the hippest acts in Latin music and a range of styles, from Latin alternative and dance to a mix of cumbia and folk.
Learn more about the artists set to play this year’s showcase, which will take place at Prague (422 Congress Avenue, Austin) on Friday, March 18:
Locos Por Juana
This 9-piece party band has a powerful sound and is recognized for their explosive live performances. Their style, reminiscent of Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, holds on to traditional instrumentation, but with exotic arrangements, the music sounds far from dated.
Ximena Sariñana
Mexican singer/songwriter and Grammy winner Ximena Sariñana has captivated audiences across the continent with her unique voice timbre and musical personality. This year will be Sariñana’s second time at SXSW.
Gepe
Blending South American folk elements with minimalist loops and synthesizers, Gepe’s music has a relaxed vibe with bi-lingual lyrics. The chilean has toured across Europe, Latin America and the U.S.
Profetas
Mixing Afro-Latin rhythms with hip-hop and reggaeton, Profetas have infiltrated the Latin music realm with a powerful sound and catchy hooks, as heard in their hit single “Baila.” The Colombian duo has received high praise from music critics across the globe.
Chico Trujillo
Representing the Chilean version of cumbia, Chico Trujillo and his band are celebrating their 10th anniversary together. They have a distinctive, melodic sound with an elegant vintage touch that makes dancing practically irresistible.
Diva Gash
Hailing from Bogota, Colombia, the dance-pop duo has toured across Europe and America with a solid sound that integrates disco beats, funk and hip-hop with bilingual lyrics.
Here is the full lineup for Billboard En Español’s SXSW Showcase:
8 p.m.: Diva Gash
9 p.m.: Gepe
10 p.m.: Ximena Sarinana
11 p.m.: Locos Por Juana
12 a.m.:Chico Trujillo
1 a.m.: Profetas