Top 10 International Bands You Should Know About

In 2016, UNI5 was introduced to the world as a musical duo. And while their debut song “C’mon” set them up for success, the V-pop superstars truly began to shine when the group became six members in 2017. The Vietnamese group can do it all, from heartfelt ballads to upbeat electro-pop – and some of the members even reportedly help out on the production side. The talented band has earned millions of views online and won multiple “favorite group” awards in Vietnam. While two of the boys have since left the group for personal reasons, as of 2023, the remaining four members are still going strong.

It doesn’t get much more international than this ensemble. Created by Simon Fuller, the group features performers who represent 18 countries, and their music is just as diverse. Their discography features a wide range of languages and music styles, and a rotating concept has allowed them to continually introduce new members and countries to their roster. Best known for their online content, the group is incredibly popular in Latin America. Working alongside excellent producers and choreographers, Now United is giving some of the world’s brightest talents a global stage, and we love watching them thrive.

This bilingual Latin girl group is taking the Internet by storm. From viral videos of acapella harmonies to creating a TikTok trend of their own, the women have quickly become social media stars. Bella Dose takes that nostalgic girl group charm and transforms it into something brand new. With a diverse library of catchy songs in Spanish and English, the group also has a unique international influence. Between the four of them, the members represent the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Chile, Cuba and Honduras. The members’ energy is infectious, and you can bet their songs will have you singing into your hairbrush and dancing through the kitchen.

This boy band isn’t interested in cookie-cutter success. Instead, Alamat is making Pinoy pop with a purpose. The multiethnic group weaves their Filipino influence into everything from music production to video concepts. They tackle colonialism, reference ancient legends, and feature a diverse range of languages and styles. Garnering praise for their talent and authenticity, the group reportedly became the second P-pop act to earn a spot on the Billboard charts. At the end of the day, Alamat isn’t afraid to stay true to themselves, and they’ve dedicated their career to representing their culture to the world.

While groups like Arashi or Exile Tribe have dominated the J-pop scene for years, Be:First is part of a brand new generation of Japanese boy bands. Brought together by the reality show “The First,” the band made a splash in the charts before they’d even officially debuted. Their success led to an international collaboration with DJ Jonas Blue, and their very first studio album went number one in Japan. With a unique sound that combines elements of rap, hip hop, and Japanese rock, you won’t want to sleep on this J-pop band’s journey to stardom.

Known as the “Aces of P-pop,” talent isn’t the only card up BGYO’s sleeve. The quintet is known for their youthful spirit, and the members aren’t just skilled performers: they also regularly co-write their hit tracks. Their mission is in their name, an acronym that stands for “Becoming the change, Going further, You and I, and Originally Filipino.” The band’s roots will always be in the P-pop scene, but they’ve also set their sights on international success. With singles in several languages, the group is eager to take their culture and signature style worldwide.

This J-pop group is a collaboration between Japanese and South Korean entertainment companies, but the band isn’t just another K-pop copycat. Made up of eleven finalists from the reality show “Produce 101 Japan,” the group is combining the best of both industries. Already, their entrance onto the Asian music scene has been met with huge success. On top of a slew of awards, they’ve also reportedly earned seven back-to-back number one hits on the Oricon chart. Through it all, the group isn’t just interested in being the next big thing. Instead, the members have expressed they want to “make Japanese a more universal language in music,” all while creating a unique global legacy of their own.

Just a few years ago, these three singers were still waitressing, working in retail, or employed at an accounting firm. However, after their debut single “Cardboard Box” became a viral sensation, FLO quickly became the latest in a long line of popular UK girl groups. Gracing nostalgic R&B tracks with dreamy harmonies and feminine attitude, there’s no question these girls are overflowing with star power. The trio’s breakthrough was even recognized with a “Rising Star” Award at the 2023 BRIT Awards. One thing’s certain: FLO’s only just beginning their climb to the top, and it’s sure to be an exciting ride.

When it comes to Filipino boy groups, one rises above the rest. From their very first viral dance video to their international “Where You At Tour” tour, SB19 is ready for world domination. Not only are they excelling within P-pop, but the band is also making Southeast Asian music history along the way. In bringing their culture to the more traditional “K-pop model,” the group’s soaring popularity is helping put the Pinoy music scene on the mainstream map. The five member band has earned a loyal fanbase, and their legacy isn’t just made up of high-charting songs. With a dedication to representation and philanthropy, it’s no wonder SB19 were named “Filipino Gamechangers.”

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Weston Estate
Your Friendly Neighborhood Indie Boy Band

BananaLemon
A Multicultural J-Pop Girl Group with a Spunky Flare

UN1TY
This Young Indonesian Group Is Filled with Talent

Ventino
A Powerful Colombian Act Known For Their Outstanding Vocals

MXFRUIT
The New T-Pop Group with a Stellar Debut Single

Joining the ranks of rising K-pop acts like NewJeans and Le Sserafim, XG is more proof that we’re entering the era of the girl group. Though their music could technically be classified as J or K-pop, they’re branded as a “global” band. And if you ask us, their talent transcends borders and speaks for itself. After capturing social media’s attention, they’ve made waves with everything from dance covers to their insane rap line. In just one year, these seven powerhouses went from winning a “Rising Star” award to racking nearly forty million views on their "Shooting Star" music video. Living up to their name as Xtraordinary Girls, the future of this young group is bright.