Lesser-Known but Amazing Singers | A Ranking Focused on Pure Talent
An artist’s popularity and talent don’t necessarily go hand in hand.
In fact, it can sometimes feel like the more popular someone is, the less skillful they are.
I suspect many of you feel the same way.
If so, you’re probably looking for lesser-known artists with real ability.
So, with that in mind…
We’ve focused on talent and handpicked some relatively unknown singers from around the world!
Since they’re selected from various countries, this is a must-see for anyone wanting to broaden their musical horizons.
Please sit back, relax, and enjoy.
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Lesser-Known Amazing Singers | Skill-Based Ranking (11–20)
HIMNO DE VIVIRRafael Lechowski
Rafał Rekowski, a rapper from Poland known for his moving lyrics, leaves a strong impression.
Born in Poland, he grew up in poverty and, due to political circumstances, moved to Spain at the age of four.
When he was ten, his father died in a traffic accident, making the family’s situation even more difficult.
Many of his songs are lyrical pieces born from that stark past, and they hit hard.
If you’re looking not for the typical hip-hop about money, women, and alcohol, but for true hip-hop that stays close to people’s hearts, be sure to check him out.
Seguiriyas GitanasAntonio Chacón
In flamenco, there is an honorific title called “Don.” In Japan, we also use “Don,” as in “the don of ___.” In fact, within flamenco’s over 500-year history, only one person has ever been permitted to bear this title.
That person is Antonio Chacón, who sings “Seguiriyas Gitanas.” As you’d expect from someone awarded the title of Don, he possesses exceptionally high vocal ability.
His skill is truly extraordinary—be sure to check him out.
Nessun dormaGianfranco Cecchele
He’s not a pop singer, but in terms of sheer vocal power I highly recommend Gianfranco Cecchele, who sings “Nessun dorma.” He’s an opera singer from Italy who isn’t all that well-known in Japan, but his vocal ability is astounding—among the recordings that exist of humans, he has, to my knowledge, the most powerful voice in history.
If you simply want to listen to an artist with pure, outstanding vocal ability, definitely check him out.
Embrujao Por Tu QuererMiguel Poveda
Music is something we enjoy with our ears, but we can also enjoy it with our eyes.
It’s not just about appreciating the visuals; we can sense emotions from the artist’s expressions, too.
Miguel Poveda here is a singer from Spain, and when he performs live, he sings with his face all scrunched up.
Beyond the quality of the songs themselves, that expression adds to the impact and really moves you.
He usually performs as a flamenco singer, a cantaor, so I hope you’ll watch live footage to experience both sides of him: as a pop singer and as a cantaor.
Dime Quién Soy YoNiña Pastori
Nina Pastori is a female singer who has gained popularity in Spain’s flamenco scene with her overwhelming vocal ability.
If you listen to flamenco in Japan, you probably already know her.
Among female flamenco singers—cantaoras—she is considered top-tier and is recognized by the public as a queen.
Her singing truly lives up to that reputation, with extremely high technical skill and remarkable expressiveness.
She has also released approachable flamenco tracks, so if you’re looking to get into flamenco, be sure to check her out.
El RatónDiego El Cigala
Flamenco has a history of nearly 500 years, and about every 50 years or so, a great singer emerges who becomes the face of the era.
The current iconic singer is Diego El Cigala, who performs “El Ratón.” As a leading figure in flamenco, his vocal ability is exceptional—so strong that an ordinary pop singer would easily be overshadowed.
He actively ventures into genres beyond flamenco as well, making him a great recommendation for anyone looking to get into flamenco now.
Lesser-Known Amazing Singers | Talent-Focused Ranking (21–30)
CubafoníaDaymé Arocena
Daymé Arocena, a Cuban-born singer-songwriter who has earned exceptionally high acclaim from hardcore aficionados around the world, is known for a musical style that blends Afro-Cuban with elements of Yorùbá folk music, and she sometimes ventures into techno and bona fide slow jazz.
Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Cubafonía.
It’s a track that could be called the pinnacle of Afro-Cuban music, boasting a level of perfection in its structure, lyrics, and vocal lines that’s nothing short of flawless.