Zhamira was only 3 years old when she performed for the first time onstage at her school talent show. Immediately, she knew this was her calling, saying she “never had a plan B.” As she grew older, her passion for the arts grew stronger and stronger, especially as a fan of TV shows like Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Jonas.

“I grew up watching Disney Channel,” Zhamira tells Billboard. “I watched it so much that I visualized myself living it one day. Yes, I would listen to the music, but I was inspired by who the actors would portray on the show: the singing, the tours, all of that. Disney Channel was my main inspiration for what I wanted to be when I was older.”

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Her dream officially came to life when, fresh off of graduating high school in 2016, she auditioned for the second season of Univision’s La Banda. She didn’t win, but it prepared her for the launch of her solo music career in 2019. 

“La Banda was my college experience. They taught me a lot about stage presence and taking care of my voice while constantly performing in live shows, and that’s something I value highly and still put to use today,” she notes. 

Though she had all the desire to launch her music career, the Venezuelan artist admits that for many years, following her success on the reality show, she struggled to find who she was as an artist, which explains why from 2019 to 2025, she released music sporadically. 

“Those [early] songs didn’t represent me,” she explains. “I still listen to them and remember them fondly, but in truth, I was very lost. I was searching for who I was within music, trying to create what I genuinely liked; yet, because I lacked a core essence, I never knew which direction to take or what my next step should be. I’ve been through a great deal within the industry, — but whether good or bad, those experiences have all been part of the process that has brought me to where I am today.” 

Now, Zhamira — who went from singing covers to open mics to a reality show — has regained her power in the music scene as one of Latin pop’s breakout stars.

In 2023, she earned her first entry on a Billboard chart with the dulcet bachata “Estrellita,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Tropical Airplay chart. The following year, she peaked at No. 3 on the Latin Pop Airplay chart with the heartfelt ballad “Extrañándote” in collaboration with Puerto Rican artist and her husband, Jay Wheeler. That same year, the sweet power couple became first-time parents to a baby girl named Aiunii. 

Last year, she released her debut studio album, Curita Para El Corazón, home to 14 songs that bring to the forefront her evolution as an artist, her new era as a married woman and mother, and the career direction she longed for.

“Even when I felt lost, I remained authentic,” she says. “I always held fast to the essence of Zhamira as a woman, even when Zhamira the singer didn’t know what to do. I have strived to ensure that all my content — all my lyrics, all the visuals — is something that represents me 100%. I truly make music with all my heart: staying true to who I am and what I stand for.”

Below, learn more about this month’s Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise.

Name: Zhamira Zambrano

Age: 28

Recommended Song: “‘Salto de Fe’ … it’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever done in my life. I never did it thinking about someone. I just did it because it felt right, the lyrics felt right, but a lot of people feel like it’s a spiritual song and it connects them to God. I’m a huge believer of God, so to me, that’s beautiful.

Major Accomplishment: “In life, being a mom. That’s the best thing that’s happened to me. Professionally, I have to say that my first-ever tour is completely sold out. That’s something I never imagined would happen, that all 10 dates will sell out.”

What’s Next: In April, Zhamira will embark on her first-ever U.S. and Latin American tour in support of her 2025 album, Curita Para El Corazón. The trek kicks off in Puerto Rico and will wrap in Peru. For more information, click here.