Where They’re From: Panama City, Panama

Who They Are: Singer-songwriter Sofía Valdés was born in Panama to a musical family; her great-grandfather was legendary Cuban musician Miguelito Valdés and her great-grandmother Silvia De Grasse was a singer who performed with Louis Armstrong. Sofia began playing guitar when she was 8 years old, and writing songs when she was 13. In 2021 she released her debut EP, Ventura, a wonderful collection of confident, beautiful songs that touch on styles including pop, folk, and bossa nova.

Years Active: 2020 – present

Essential Albums: Ventura (2021)