Don't you know them yet? These 5 Cuban women could be the next stars of urban music

Five young Cuban artists are emerging in urban music with authentic and fresh styles. Musteerifa, Melanie Santiler, Lili Estévez, Hallel Génesis, and Chaty stand out on digital platforms, each with their unique proposal, ranging from Caribbean rhythms to urban pop.


Although they are not yet playing on all radio stations or topping viral charts, these young Cuban artists are making their mark in urban music with fresh, powerful, and personal proposals, driven by the reach of social media, where they showcase their talent and connect with an eager audience for new voices.

From reggaeton to more introspective sounds, these singers stand out with their style, authenticity, and lyrics that resonate with a new generation of listeners. Still far from stardom, but taking firm steps on digital platforms, their work is beginning to gain recognition. If you enjoy discovering talent before it skyrockets, here we present five emerging female voices that are definitely worth following from now on.

Musteerifa

Musteerifa, the stage name of Yaira Mustelier Laime, is one of the most promising female voices in the reggaeton scene in Cuba. With a powerful performance and an authentic style, this young woman from Guantánamo has begun to stand out in the urban scene with tracks like "Las ganas," alongside Payaso X Ley, which has amassed over 7 million views on YouTube. Her proposal is distinguished by offering clean lyrics within the genre, which has earned her the support of the audience. With charisma, stage presence, and a commanding voice without relying on gimmicks, Musteerifa is making waves among reggaeton enthusiasts.

Melanie Santiler

Melanie Santiler is one of the young Cuban artists with the greatest international potential. With her sweet and powerful voice, she captivates from the very first verse. The Habanera made her solo debut with "Fina," a track that blends Caribbean rhythms with a filter-free feminine attitude, and recently released "Un momentico +" in collaboration with the renowned producer Dale Pututi, solidifying her entry into the urban scene with sincere lyrics and a fresh, honest, and authentic musical identity. Undoubtedly, an artist who is beginning to stand out among the new promises of international music.

Lili Estévez

Lili Estévez is a Cuban singer who gained prominence on social media thanks to her female covers of urban genre hits, such as "Hawái" by Maluma, which garnered over two million views and attracted the attention of various celebrities. A native of Puerto Padre, Las Tunas, and residing in Miami since her adolescence, Lili has been building a music career that combines vocal sensitivity with a polished pop-urban aesthetic.

Her latest single, "Sin ti," released five months ago, incorporates elements of cumbia and confirms her interest in exploring new sounds within Latin music. With a loyal community, a defined style, and a standout voice, Lili continues to pave her way with a proposal that balances emotion, professionalism, and a strong presence on digital platforms.

Hallel Genesis

Hallel Génesis has started to gain ground in the Cuban urban scene with a proposal where rhythm, sensuality, and attitude take center stage. Her latest single, "Qué estás haciendo," has set social media and music platforms ablaze with a bold reggaeton that came accompanied by a music video full of provocative movements and vibrant aesthetics. True to her extroverted style, the young artist is connecting with her audience through the naturalness and confidence that define her.

With an increasingly active community of followers and a strong image, Hallel aims to showcase her versatility in music through her diverse themes and establishes herself as one of the Cuban female voices seeking to break boundaries in urban music.

Chaty

Chaty is a young artist who is starting to make her way in the urban scene with a unique and very personal approach. Born in the United States in 2003 and raised in Cuba, she is determined to proudly represent the Cuban flag in her musical career. “I create a genre that’s somewhat different from what people are used to,” she explained in a TikTok video.

Her song, "Animal", blends trap and reggaeton with an aesthetic defined by the contrast between the gentle and the wild, clearly indicating an intention to explore new paths within the genre. Although she is still relatively unknown, her style and authenticity make her a name to watch closely.

Frequently Asked Questions about the New Female Voices in Cuban Urban Music

Who is Musteerifa and why is he relevant in Cuban urban music?

Musteerifa, whose real name is Yaira Mustelier Laime, is a young singer from Guantánamo who has gained popularity in the Cuban music scene thanks to her authentic style, clean lyrics, and a powerful voice that stands out without relying on the explicit content common in the genre. Her hit "Las Ganas" with Payaso X Ley has surpassed five million views on YouTube, solidifying her status as a viral phenomenon.

How has Melanie Santiler impacted international urban music?

Melanie Santiler has begun to gain international recognition with her sweet and powerful voice, blending Caribbean rhythms with a filter-free feminine attitude. Her song "Un momentico +" featuring Dale Pututi reaffirms her fresh and authentic musical identity, establishing her as one of the new rising stars of international urban music.

What sets Lili Estévez apart in the Cuban music scene?

Lili Estévez has stood out for her female renditions of hits in the urban genre, gaining recognition on social media and capturing the attention of several celebrities. Her style blends vocal sensitivity with a pop-urban aesthetic, and her latest single "Sin ti" showcases her interest in exploring new sounds in Latin music.

What makes Hallel Génesis an emerging figure in Cuban urban music?

Hallel Génesis has captured attention with her proposal where rhythm, sensuality, and attitude take center stage. Her single "Qué estás haciendo" has set social media ablaze with its daring reggaeton. Moreover, her connection with the audience and her outgoing style position her as one of the female voices aiming to break molds in Cuba's urban music scene.

Filed under:

Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduated in Journalism from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, Spain. Editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.