Meet the Dominican Artists Who Are Revolutionizing the Sounds of the Island

Bronx-born beauty Leslie Grace is anticipated to play the role of Nina Rosario in this year's film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical, In the Heights. Besides releasing hits like "Díganle," "Como Duele el Silencio," and "Duro y Suave," she's also known for collaborating with Maluma in "Aire" and most recently Abraham Mateo in "Que Será." Leslie was also the captain of Univision's reality show Va Por Ti. Those who have tuned into Leslie's music named her the bachata princess — a title that comes with the heavy price of high expectations that she's been crushing!

VH1's controversial show Love and Hip Hop has contributed to the successful careers of supernova rapper Cardi B, as well as R&B singer K. Michelle. Now, we have another up-and-coming artist to add to the show's breakout star resume: Amara La Negra.. The Afro-Latina singer may have a single titled "Insecure," but her dedication to embracing herself shows that she is anything but. From her ultrachic afro to her melanin-rich skin tone, Amara La Negra is here to let all Afro-Latinas know exactly how gorgeous they are. Inspired by Cuban legend Celia Cruz, the singer strives to be a voice for Afro-Latinas who are struggling with colorism. With a passionate singing voice like hers, she's definitely getting the job done.

In pursuit of his solo career, Vicente García stepped down as frontman of the award-winning Dominican alternative rock band Calor Urbano. While we can only imagine how hard this decision was, it has ultimately led him down newfound paths of artistic direction. In 2017, he won not one, but three Latin Grammy awards in the categories of Best New Artist, Best Singer-Songwriter Album for "A La Mar," and Best Tropical Song for "Bachata en Kingston." When it comes to lifting moods, songs like "Carmes" and "Espuma y Arrecife" are sure to put anyone into a good groove.

Roxiny is an artist who is not afraid to let viewers in on her past. She was born in the Dominican Republic and raised across countries like Panama and Italy, enduring unstable environments along the way. At the age of 17, she ran away from home and flew to the US, where she embarked on her musical journey. In 2018, Roxiny released her indie punk pop work "Rituals," a feminist album unveiling the artist's sufferings from physical to sexual abuse. Through her music, Roxiny undergoes a metamorphosis from victim, to survivor, to activist.

Santo Domingo folkloric singer and composer La Marimba's sweet soprano voice is gently rocking waves across the island. Her interpretation of Luis Dias' "El Guardia del Arsenal" also showcased her ability to command all of the instruments within the song, proving she's more than just a pretty voice. In 2019, she released her debut album "Seré" on Spotify. La Marimba has been featured on Tedx Talks and has sung alongside established artists such as Xiomara Fortuna and Puerto Rican Latin Soul singer Calma Carmona. This is only the beginning for the young artist, and our ears are ready for what is to come.

Yasser Tejeda & Palotré have been described as a "frenzied celebration of ancestral union." The New York-based Dominican group consists of lead singer and guitarist Yasser Tejeda, drummer Victor Otoniel Vargas, bassist Kyle Miles, and percussionist Jonathan Troncoso. Together, the members mix ingredients of Caribbean, jazz, and rock elements into traditional folkloric music. Inclusions of African sounds such as the Congolese and West African guitar urge Latinx listeners to delve back into their African heritage, where there is much to explore and love.

There was a time when Nicole Santiago sang back up vocals for Alex Ferreira y el Frente Caribe. That experience led her to come front and center today under her new name Nikola, and her debut EP ranking among the best Dominican albums of 2019. The tropical vibes in her song "Marola" will stir up daydreams involving hammocks, beaches, sunsets, and palm trees, so be sure to turn this song up after a hard day's work if you are seeking peace and relaxation.

Afro-Dominican collective La Gran Mawon are on a mission to spread a message of love through their jam sessions. Inspired by the Afro-Taino musical roots of the island, the artists decided to recreate the soulful sounds of their ancestors by adding modern-day influences of reggae, rock, ska, and hip-hop. Lyrical topics of interest to La Gran Mawon include the love and respect they have for their African heritage, nature, history, and culture.

Thirteen-year-old tenor Francisco Amaury Campusano (who goes by the stage name Babyrotty due to his Pavarotti-style of singing) serves as a reminder that age defies expectations. From singing on the streets of Santo Domingo to help his family make ends meet, he was "discovered" and encouraged to participate in 2019's Dominicana's Got Talent. Not only did he get a Golden Buzzer that took him straight to the semi-finals, he actually won the competition after performing his illustrious rendition of the classic José José hit "El Triste." He will be using his reward money to build a house for his grandfather and his parents, and to complete his studies.