This summer, a new name sits atop Spotify's rankings for Spanish artists. Quevedo, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Las Palmas, has overtaken both Rosalía and Rels B to become the most-listened-to Spanish act on the Swedish streaming platform.
According to Spotify's latest monthly listener estimates, Quevedo now draws roughly 33.9 million listeners per month, ahead of Rosalía's 27 million and Rels B's 23.4 million. The figures, current as of mid-August, reflect a significant shift in Spain's urban music scene, where the Canary Islands have emerged as a creative powerhouse.
From Las Palmas to global playlists
Quevedo, born in Madrid but raised in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from the age of four, has long identified with the islands' culture. In a recent interview with the Canary Islands' public broadcaster, he explained how his roots shape his music: "I always write from the context of Las Palmas and the islands. That makes me feel free, and feeling free makes me feel good."
His breakthrough came four summers ago with "BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52," a collaboration with Argentine DJ BZRP that became a global hit. The track, which blended reggaeton and melodic rap, catapulted him to international fame and earned him a Latin Grammy in 2023 for Best Urban Fusion/Performance.
The rise of Quevedo reflects a broader trend in European music, where regional scenes are gaining global traction. The Canary Islands, long known for tourism and beaches, are now also a hub for musical innovation, with artists like Quevedo and Cruz Cafuné drawing on local sounds and street culture.
Rosalía, the Catalan artist who brought flamenco-infused pop to the world stage, remains a major force, but her recent output has been more experimental. Rels B, from Mallorca, continues to build a loyal following with his laid-back style. Yet for now, Quevedo's blend of catchy hooks and island identity resonates most strongly with listeners across Spain and Latin America.
Industry observers note that Spotify's monthly listener counts are a volatile metric, influenced by playlist placements and seasonal trends. Still, Quevedo's sustained popularity—his 2023 album Donde quiero estar topped charts in Spain and several Latin American countries—suggests his appeal is more than a fleeting moment.
As summer events across Europe draw crowds, Quevedo's music is likely to feature heavily on festival stages from Madrid to Barcelona. His success also highlights the growing influence of regional identities within Spain's cultural landscape, a theme that resonates beyond music.
For now, the crown of Spain's most-streamed artist belongs to a young man from the Canary Islands, whose lyrics about freedom and home have struck a chord far beyond the archipelago.
