Natanael Cano is the head of the class…

YouTube Music has announced its first foundry class of 2020, highlighting 12 emerging artists who are creating a buzz in the music scene, including the 19-year-old Mexican corridos singer.

Foundry is YouTube’s global artist development program that “helps independent artists use music and storytelling to engage fans across borders and build careers with a vision they uniquely define on their own.”

In addition to Cano, a trailblazer in the Mexican corridos genre and beyond, this year’s inaugural class includes Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Adam Melchor, Puerto Rican trap star Eladio Carrion, Brooklyn-based multifaceted artist Gabriel Garzon-Montano, Birmingham grime artist and actor Jaykae, Glasgow R&B singer Joesef, Japanese indie-rock band Novelbright, Sydney pop-rock brothers Lime Cordiale, Mumbai DJ/producer duo Lost Stories, Korean-American multitalented REI AMI, Nigerian singer and producer Tems and avant-garde French pop-rap artist TESSÆ.

Since its inception in 2015, the YouTube program has helped over 120 rising acts in more than 13 countries, providing them with marketing, promotion, and development support and tools to help set them up for long-term success.

“YouTube is a platform that thrives on discovery and at its core, that is what Foundry is all about. We are so proud to bring this diverse group of artists together to help share their music and creative visions with new fans from around the world,” said Vivien Lewit, YouTube’s Global Head of Artist Relations in a statement.

Naomi Zeichner, YouTube Artist Partnerships Lead added: “This year, we’re all navigating a new industry, and the artists in this Foundry class are finding new ways to create content and stay connected. These artist’s journeys are a snapshot of today’s music landscape, and worth watching for anyone interested in the future of music and culture. We’re grateful to support them as they grow and build lasting relationships with their fans.”

The inaugural class of 2020 joins previous Foundry alumni like Dua Lipa, Rosalia, Cuco,Omar Apollo and Arlo Parks, to name a few.