Francisca Valenzuela Named Wonder Woman of Latin Music at 2026 LAMC

At the 2026 Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) in New York City, Chilean singer‑songwriter Francisca Valenzuela was chosen as one of the 20 women honored on the conference’s annual Wonder Women of Latin Music list. The list, released in partnership with Amazon Music, celebrates women who have made significant contributions to the Latin music industry. Valenzuela’s inclusion marks the seventh edition of the campaign, which has highlighted more than 120 women to date.

Valenzuela’s career has spanned over a decade of independent releases, Latin Grammy nominations, and a growing reputation as a creative force. She has issued seven studio albums, the most recent—Maldita—on July 30, 2026. Written during her postpartum period, the album explores “female hysteria, rage, terror and tenderness” triggered by the postpartum experience, according to Valenzuela. She says the work aims to “break the myth of motherhood” and to address the emotional complexity of matrescence.

Beyond her recordings, Valenzuela founded Ruidosa Fest in 2016 in Santiago, Chile. The festival is the first Latin‑American event that features only women and gender‑diverse artists. Ruidosa Fest has expanded to the United States, Mexico, Peru, and other Latin American cities. The festival’s growth has been accompanied by research commissioned by the organizers. A 2016‑2018 study found that only 20 % of female talent appeared at Latin American music festivals and that women held only 20 % of leadership positions in the industry. An updated 2026 report shows a modest increase to 20 % representation in festivals and executive roles.

In 2023, Ruidosa Fest began a partnership with Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City series. The 2026 edition, held in July, featured six concerts, expert panels, a masterclass by Ella Bric, a book fair, and community‑activism sessions. Headliners included Lila Downs, Pabllo Vittar, Elsa y Elmar, Rubio, and Edna Vázquez. Valenzuela performed at the festival, coinciding with the release of Maldita.

Valenzuela explained that Ruidosa Fest was born from a perceived lack of female representation in the music industry. “I was constantly faced with an industry where there were no women,” she said. “I wanted to create a space that could promote equality and celebrate diversity.” She added that the festival’s mission extends beyond performance to include research, advocacy, and community building.

The Wonder Women list itself recognizes both artistic output and industry impact. Valenzuela said, “It’s to be a creative woman, to be a creative artist, but then also to be able to create community and facilitate and contribute to change.” She highlighted her dual role as an independent artist and as a festival organizer, noting that the combination of creative and entrepreneurial skills has allowed her to build a team that supports her vision.

The 2026 LAMC event, held from July 28 to August 1 at the InterContinental New York Times Square, attracted more than 30,000 attendees over its history. The conference includes panels, workshops, and showcases that bring together artists, managers, labels, publishers, and streaming platforms. The Wonder Women announcement was made during the conference’s gala, drawing attention to the ongoing need for greater gender equity in Latin music.

Valenzuela’s recognition comes amid broader conversations about representation. Research cited by Ruidosa Fest shows that only two out of ten shows at Latin America’s largest festivals feature women as solo artists or in all‑female bands. The same research indicates that only 20 % of leadership positions in the Latin music industry are held by women.

In closing, Valenzuela expressed a long‑term vision for Ruidosa Fest: “I would love it for it to be just a hub of stories, concerts, music, creativity, and connection from women and diversities to the world.” She emphasized the festival’s potential to influence legislation and to create a lasting impact on the industry.

The current status is that Valenzuela has been honored by LAMC, her album Maldita is available for streaming, and Ruidosa Fest continues to expand its reach through its partnership with Lincoln Center and its research‑driven advocacy.