Top 10 Famous Singers from Dominican Republic

Natti Natasha 2017 2.png Photo by Rachzx – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Most Famous Singers from the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic brought a wide variety of artists and talent to the United States. The Dominican musicians brought mambo, salsa, and urban bachata which became popular in the 2000s. 

With a mix of hip-hop and R&B with English and Spanish that influences the Dominican rhythm, this mix influenced other artists in America to get in touch with their roots.

Dominicans have made their mark on the international music industry, with the incredible music mix and interesting song choices this list has all of the greatest artists from the Dominican Republic.

1. Cardi B

Cardi B interview.jpg Photo by PHShanghai – Wikimedia Commons

She was born in New York City to her Dominican and Trinidadian parents. She started her career as an internet celebrity in 2013 but she was recognized for her appearance in a VH1 reality show about New York hip hop music in 2015.

She left the show two seasons later and she began collaborating with different artists, this led her to become the first female rapper to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

Since then she has become an international superstar who has won several award nominations and wins. Her songs always hit #1 as soon as they appear. 

2. Natti Natasha

Natti Natasha 2019.jpg Photo by Adrian Arredondo – Wikimedia Commons

Her passion for music began early and she immediately took singing classes as soon as she turned seven. When she turned 18, she began writing her own songs and recording them. 

She has always noted that her early influences were Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley. During her early years in the industry, she was signed with Orfanato Music Group and collaborations with other artists.

In 2017, she released her breakthrough single “Criminal” which featured famous rapper Ozuna. Their music video was the most watched MV of 2017.

Her collaboration with Ozuna brought her more recognition and was able to work with famous artists like Becky G. This earned her a Certified Platinum status.

3. Jhene Aiko

Jhene Aiko 2013 4.jpg Photo by The Come Up Show – Wikimedia Commons

Jhene Aiko Efuru Chilombo was born to mixed heritage parents, her mother is of Dominican, Japanese, and Spanish descent. 

Her career began when she signed with the record label The Ultimate Group, this was where she contributed to the boy band B2K. While she was still new to the industry, she recorded extended play albums and singles.

She collaborated with other famous singers like Lil Wayne and became more recognized. In 2014, she achieved Certified Platinum status. She later released two more albums and became even more popular. 

4. Mila J

Mila J 2018.png Photo by Rungthanwa T – Wikimedia Commons

Jamila Akiko Aba Chilombo is the sister of popular R&B singer Jhene Aiko. Mila’s career began when she was part of a dance group called ‘Innocence’, they were in many music videos.

She however left the group when she was recognized by record executive Chris Stokes. Through him, she formed an R&B group called ‘ Gyrl’ with her sister Miyoko and other female dancers.

She eventually left the group and took a long hiatus, she came back to the industry and was signed with Universal Motown which she worked with for four years.

Since 2017, she has been an independent artist. She has released many songs that have become popular so fast.

5. DaniLeigh

DaniLeigh at Live Nation Photo by Justin Higuchi – Wikimedia Commons

Born in Miami, Florida, her parents are both Dominicans and they both encouraged her to embrace her culture through music and dance. She started dancing at the age of 12 and singing at the age of 14.

She was the backup dancer for Nelly Furtado and Pharrel Williams. When she was 18 she was mentored by American singer and songwriter Prince. He even gave her the chance to direct the music video for his song ‘Breakfast Can Wait’

In 2015, she released her first single D.O.S.E but it was not until her second single which was released in 2017 was she recognized.

Since then she has gained many more fans and followers, and she continues to sing and dance professionally.

6. Prince Royce

He started performing in talent shows at the age of 13, he counts his biggest influences and inspiration to be Ricky Martin and Marc Antony.

He sings bachata and is known for how well he covers popular songs that are charted on the Latin Album and Latin Songs charts. Royce has won several Latin Grammy Awards and broke records in 2020.

His song ‘Carita de Inocente’ spent 29 weeks at #1 on the Latin Tropical Airplay Billboard chart.

7. Milly Quezada

Her family moved to New York to help her with her musical talent. When she was young she formed a group with her siblings and were known as Milly, Jocelyn & Los Vecinos. 

However, she eventually pursued a solo career in the 1990s. She later became the Queen of Merengue and was recognized by many labels. She took a break in 1996 after the death of her husband, when she came back she released several hit songs.

Over the course of her career, she has won many musical awards including four Latin Grammy Awards.

In 2020, she released the song Gracias A Ti to thank frontline workers for their service during the pandemic.

8. Antony Santos

He is known for transforming the musical style in the 1990s, he is considered one of the pioneers of modern bachata.

He was the one who redefined the bachata genre by being the first artist to use guitar pedals and include romantic lyrics in his songs.

At the beginning of his career, he played the guira which is a Dominican percussion instrument. He went on to play for other artists for years until he achieved recognition.

His popular songs include Bellas, Que Planton, and Porque Tanto Problema.

9. Juan Luis Guerra

Born in Santo Domingo and is one of the top-selling Latin musicians. He is considered the most famous singer in the Dominican Republic.

He released his first album in 1984 and since then he has won two Grammy awards and 21 Latin Grammy Awards.

He is known for popularizing bachata music and merengue with an Afro- Latin twist and Bossa Nova influences. He has released several songs in English and they have helped him reach an American audience. 

Some of his famous songs are El Costo de la Vida, Bachata en Fukuoka, and I Love You More.

10. Romeo Santos

He was born in New York to a Puerto Rican mother and Dominican father. He credits Antony Santos as his most significant influence. He has always mentioned that he loved music since he began singing in church as a child.

His career began when he was the lead singer of the bachata group Aventura in the early 2000s. In 2011, the group disbanded and he went on a solo career with Sony Records.

He has had several #1 hits on the Hot Latin Songs chart and has sold over 40 million albums. He has played three sold-out shows in a row.

His most popular songs are You, Promise, Odio, and Sus Huellas.