Best Performances at 2025 Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC)

Straight from Buenaventura, Colombia, newcomer DFZM formed part of his first-ever LAMC, where he performed at the Warner Music Latina showcase on Thursday night (July 10). During his set, where he was joined by his longtime DJ and hype man, the 19-year-old singer and rapper had the audience dancing and perreando to his songs including “+57” (a collab with J Balvin, Karol G, Feid, Maluma, Ryan Castro, Blessed and Ovy on the Drums), the viral “Vitamina,” and his latest single, “Cappuccino.” “We’re having a great time, there’s a lot of very important people here,” he told the crowd during his performance.

After spontaneously performing for Camilo during his LAMC Q&A panel, Gera Demara performed as part of the Warner Music Latina showcase that took place at the Drom venue on Thursday (July 10). The 27-year-old artist from Mexicali stunned the crowd with his potent and passionate vocals, while accompanied by his guitar. He performed songs for lovebirds, such as “Acto Seguido” and “Amé” (the latter is a song he wrote and is interpreted by Christian Nodal); one for toxic relationships called “Arde”; the heartfelt tunes “Nunca” and “Sin La Ñ,” which he performed for Camilo; and “Obvious,” an all-English corrido tumbado. Gera also announced that his upcoming debut album is dropping soon, and will be called La La Land.

Juan Duque closed off the Warner Music Latina showcase on Thursday with nothing but chill vibes and feel-good music. With his pop-Afrobeats fusions, the rising Colombian act performed four songs: “Maria,” “Lejos de mis Ojos,” “Un Afrito” and “Solcito.” “The heat has arrived in New York, the sun is here,” he said before performing his viral “Solcito,” a collaboration with Miguel Bueno named one of Billboard’s Best Latin Songs of 2025 (So Far). “This song has opened a lot of doors for us, and it’s the first time I perform it in New York.” One of the evening’s highlights was his good friend J Balvin supporting him in the crowd.

The spirit of hip-hop’s golden age came alive during Las Ninyas del Corro’s explosive set, where razor-sharp rhymes energized the room at DROM. Backed by the skillful scratching of their turntablist, the Barcelona-based duo — Laüra Bonsai and Felinna Vallejo — channeled the essence of old-school hip-hop, blending nostalgia with uncompromising originality. Dressed in slinky black tops, baggy cargo pants and silver hoop earrings, they owned the stage with a commanding presence — performing tracks from their second full-length album, Bitches in Business, which they’re currently touring behind.

At times channeling Mick Jagger energy, at others Jim Morrison, Leo Rizzi commanded the stage at DROM in the East Village on Wednesday, entertaining a sold-out crowd with his blend of tender R&B vocals and flamboyant rocker swagger. The Uruguayan-Ibizan artist — dressed in a sleek leather jacket, black slacks, a crisp white shirt, and a bold red tie, his signature glossy curls falling perfectly into place — exuded charisma and edge. Backed by a dynamic rock ensemble featuring keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, Rizzi delivered a tight 30-minute set highlighted by songs like “Amapolas” and the emotive “Libérame.”

Luz Gaggi delivered a breathtaking performance at the Sony Latin Showcase at DROM, leaving the crowd enthralled with her raw, soul-stirring vocals and emotional presence. The Argentine singer — dressed in baggy Adidas windbreakers, matching sneakers, and a sheer flannel-patterned crop top — radiated edge and vulnerability. She moved through her set with undeniable power and grace, at times channeling Amy Winehouse and in others Mercedes Sosa, with a flamenco touch. Between songs, the artist paused repeatedly, fighting back tears as she confessed her disbelief at performing in New York City. Her unfiltered emotion and commanding voice marked the evening as unforgettable, making Luz Gaggi an artist to watch.

Morat delivered an electrifying performance on Wednesday at SummerStage in Central Park to a sold-out crowd, with a setlist of hits ranging from “Faltas Tú” and “Cómo Te Atreves” to “Mi Nuevo Vicio” and “No Se Va.” The Colombian band — who last year completed its first stadium tour across Latin America and arena tour in the U.S. last year and is currently on the road with their Asuntos Pendientes Tour — delighted fans with its high energy and the quality of its pop-rock sound. It also had a special guest: fellow Colombian pop star Camilo, who made a surprise appearance to perform their new collaboration “Me Toca A Mí” live. The audience — including dozens of people who couldn’t get in but stayed outside to enjoy the music — sang every song in unison at the top of their lungs.

Hailing from Murcia, Spain, Muerdo (meaning “I bite”) demonstrated its dynamic fusion of pop, folk-rock, and funk to the stage on Wednesday at DROM, performing tracks from albums like Tocando Tierra (2013), La Sangre del Mundo (2021), and Sinvergüenza (2024). Beyond its music, the band’s unwavering solidarity with immigrants was the most striking element of their performance, especially amid ongoing ICE raids across the nation. “Our roots, our culture build this country, which is why we cannot allow racist policies to divide us,” passionately declared the frontman before launching into the next song. “Latinos living in the United States are afraid. Let’s not allow fear to paralyze us; let’s keep building community, let’s keep growing roots.”

As the first act of the Sony Latin Showcase at DROM, Tiago Iorc instantly captivated the crowd on Thursday, delivering an intimate performance. The Brazilian singer-songwriter — donning a laid-back bohemian look with a sleeveless shirt and casual slacks — embraced the stage with his Gibson guitar, communicating in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Supported by drummer Jeremy who used brushes for a textured, acoustic sound, Tiago performed crowd favorites like “Coisa Linda” and “Amei Te Ver,” eliciting enthusiastic cheers from a notably heavy Brazilian contingent in the crowd. With his understated charisma and resonant compositions, the artist hinted at new music on the horizon.

Argentina’s breakout star Yami Safdie — highlighted as Billboard‘s Latin Artist on the Rise in June — impressed on Wednesday at Central Park’s SummerStage with a powerful yet sublime set that included hits like “En Otra Vida” (originally a collab with Lasso), “+ Te Vale” (a collab with Emilia), and “Querida Yo” (a collab with Camilo), as well as a classic from the Latin American repertoire: “Canción Con Todos,” popularized by the great Mercedes Sosa, on what would have been her 90th birthday. Dressed in a flowing baby blue minidress, and accompanied by her acoustic guitar, the 27-year-old emerging singer-songwriter proved that she can command and fill the stage all on her own.