Billboard Georgia Presents: NEXT GEN, the Global Voices Shaping Tomorrow’s Music

Born in Georgia and now based in NYC, Janngo is not just a singer, she’s a songwriter and storyteller whose voice cuts deep. Her music is intimate, groovy and soul-stirring, blending jazz-funk textures with R&B, trap and raw emotion. Inspired by legends like Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin, her sound lives at the intersection of soul and storytelling.

She began writing songs in college, channeling personal experiences into every lyric. Her debut single Francisco – a dreamy ode to love and spring — marks just the beginning. With more releases on the way, Janngo is the kind of artist you don’t just hear – you feel. If you’re searching for real music, stop and listen. Janngo has arrived.

Deena (Elene Gigani) merges Georgia’s northern mountain roots with urban R&B and trap-pop. Her debut album Low Love, released via Didube Records, dives into the emotional contradictions of a digital generation. Drawing from the Svans’ heritage while embracing global sonics, Deena’s dissonant, intimate sound is a raw reflection of a young woman navigating love and identity in Tbilisi — and online.

The rave as a circus, the fascination for the aesthetics of Eastern Europe mixed with A$AP Rocky, Yung Lean and Berlin techno, the night, the parties in the suburbs, the Adidas tracksuits, hip-hop with a punk attitude, the urgency to express oneself and deal with one’s own demons but also that of representing a movement, the pure rebellion of the twenties and the necessary rudeness of those who sit at the table of the adults to make the revolution and win: all these are the ingredients of Circo Gran Siberia, the first album by Dante, a Milanese artist born in 2003 who has all the credentials to truly be “the closest thing to a new thing in Italy,” as he sings.

Sayf was born in 1999 in Genoa but his origins are Tunisian. His rise in the Italian scene is one that will last a long time. Se Dio Vuole, his EP released in February, balances between rap and the singer-songwriter style his city is known for in Italy and is already undoubtedly in the list of the most interesting and successful projects of the year.

Rrari dal Tacco released his debut album, Non Sono Gesù, in March. Raw bars, undeniable realness, the imagery of a boy extremely close to normality and far from any form of stardom, who comes “from a small provincial town where there is little to do and you get bored,” aims to buy a villa in the Apulian countryside and is not afraid to admit that he felt a bit ashamed to stand in front of the microphone for the first time, perhaps also because “for us boys from the deep south of Italy there had not yet been the revolution that is happening in this last period in the scene.”

HANA is Japan’s breakout girl group with edge. Formed through the No No Girls audition show and produced by Chanmina, their debut single, “ROSE,” released in April, made a sensational entry at No.1 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100. Blending J-pop with hip-hop attitude and performance individuality, HANA is rewriting what it means to be a girl group in Japan.

Mega Shinnosuke began creating music in his teens and first gained attention in 2018 with the self-produced track “Togenkyo To Taxi.” Known for his multifaceted talents, he also directs his own visuals and artwork, and regularly writes songs for other artists. His June 2024 single “Ai To U” became a viral hit, surpassing 100 million views on TikTok. Mega Shinnosuke’s music features a vibrant mix of indie pop, alternative rock and retro J-pop from the ’80s and ’90s. 

NOA is a singer-songwriter from Kumamoto who began her music career in 2023. Her second single “Seppun No Tebiki” reached No.12 on Spotify’s Viral Chart in Japan, garnering significant attention. In 2024, her breakout hit “Any Angle” held the No.1 spot on TikTok’s Weekly Top Songs chart for two consecutive weeks. She was selected for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2025” program, spotlighting her as a key rising trendsetter.

HELLMERRY is a leading figure in Filipino hip-hop, known for his versatile sound and sharp lyricism. From bold anthems to heartfelt tracks, his music has earned millions of streams. A member of Billboard Philippines’ Hip-Hop Class of 2024, his viral single “My Day” remains in the Top 10 on the Billboard Philippines charts.

Even before their official debut, five-member P-pop group GAT went viral with “Daleng Dale.” With standout visuals and synchronized charisma, they’re carving a lane as the next big thing in the Philippine boy band scene.

It’s one thing to honor beloved genres such as city-pop and the classic Manila sound, but an even more impressive feat to revitalize the two styles into something of their own. That’s exactly what Filipino five-piece act ALYSON has done with just one record out—as their debut album DEFINITELY LOVE! has won over audiences from all around the world— and for good reason. 

At only 21 years old, the young Suyen Pintor has captivated thousands of indie kids in the country with her feisty, sugary voice and an extremely catchy and grunge-y brand of indie rock. Her debut EP Suyen Imnida has already been hailed as one of the best releases of 2025 and has caught the attention of rock veterans like Sandwich and many others whom she has collaborated with on upcoming releases.

Earl Agustin channels funk-pop and soul into songs that resonate deeply across the Philippines. His hit “Tibok” topped the Billboard Philippines Hot 100, while his live performances and emotional range are turning him into a household name.

Aflou often is called as an urban poet. Aflou’s gentle and calm vocal tone gives his music depth and emotional elements. He first started making music as a college student while studying in London in 2019, forming an alt-pop duo known as YUN SEN. After returning to China, Aflou uploaded solo songs on Platform Weibo and gained popularity. Aflou unveiled his sophomore album, The Shouldn’t-Be Should, in 2025, launching a new chapter of touring and creative exploration. 

Yang Runze, born July 17, 2000, in Shenzhen, is a Chinese pop-rock singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. He first gained recognition in 2020 on The Coming One: Super Band and debuted as the lead vocalist of Fruit Planet. The band earned acclaim through major festival appearances and over 30 live tours across China. In 2023, Yang launched his solo career, releasing his debut album So I Hugged a Tree in April 2024. In 2025, he continues to evolve as an artist, recently joining the music variety show Asian Rising Voices. and guitarist who has carved a distinctive path in the music industry.

Runyu Qian is a Chinese fusion artist blending traditional sounds with R&B, pop, and EDM. A Berklee graduate, her debut album FUSS!ON earned critical praise for its mix of Chinese instruments and Western styles. She’s performed on Melody Journey, toured nationally, and collaborated with Aurora and Grammy-winning producer Jay Centry. Runyu has also worked with brands like Apple Music, BYD and Lancôme. In 2025, her standout SXSW performance led to a feature by Billboard.

Brussels-born Iliona turns vulnerability into poetry. With minimalist production and soul-baring lyrics, her debut album What If I Break Up With U? and sold-out European tour have positioned her as one of the most emotionally resonant voices in French pop.

La Mano 1.9 is an emerging Ivorian-origin rapper born in 2001 who has quickly established himself in the French rap scene. Known for his sharp punchlines and ambitious style, he kicked off 2024 with the release of his single “I SAY.” La Mano 1.9 is steadily building his reputation as he earned his first gold single with “I’M SORRY.” The young artist’s determined approach and connection to established names in French rap position him as one of the rising voices to watch in the genre.

Miki is a 26-year-old Franco-Korean pop artist blending electronic beats with emotional lyrics. Her debut EP Graou, released in March 2025 and produced by Tristan Salvati, features the viral hit “Échec et mat,” which gained over 2.6 million views on TikTok.

Dương Domic is a rising Gen Z voice in Vietnamese pop, known for his genre-blending style and versatility. His 2024 breakthrough on the talent show Anh Trai ‘Say Hi’ earned him the title “The Best Transformer” for his all-around performance skills. His debut EP Dữ Liệu Quý (Precious Data) explores themes of youth and self-worth, with several tracks going viral on TikTok and Instagram. With local roots and global flair, Domic represents the future of Vietnamese pop.

RHYDER’s music blends introspective rap with lush pop. A former Voice Kids champion and Rap Việt finalist, he’s proven himself a lyrical and emotional powerhouse. With hit singles and an anticipated debut album, RHYDER is Vietnam’s new sound in the making.

Manchester-based band Westside Cowboy is quickly gaining momentum. After releasing their debut single in November, they won Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition, securing a spot at the 2025 festival. Their music blends simplicity and realism, with lyrics that turn everyday moments—like bus routes and museum visits—into a hazy, heartfelt mythology.

Nemzzz represents the next wave of U.K. rap. With 500 million streams and an effortless flow showcased on his mixtape Rent’s Due, he’s positioned at the forefront of a new global chapter for Manchester hip-hop.

At just 23 years old, Marttein is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new voices in Argentina’s music scene. His debut album, Marttein (2024), is a powerful introduction. With a strong debut and a growing following, Marttein is not just a rising artist: he’s a sign of where Argentine music is headed. Honest, experimental, and deeply human, his voice is one of the most promising to emerge in recent years.