If my life was a movie, it would be a musical. There is something about rhythm and poetry combined with gut-wrenching emotions that feeds my obsession with music as a Latina. The most common form of expression is through dance, and it is a legacy passed on from generation to generation.
Music is life and knows no boundaries!
As a proud Latina, I can tell you that our lives are a telenovela, and I can give you a song for every emotional state of mind I’m in. Actually, almost every Hispanic you meet can give you a list of all the songs they live by. Unfortunately, 70% of the songs that I can recite to you are in Spanish, but you need not worry because if you ever catch me singing while waiting for a traffic light, you will immediately sense the vibe I’m in.
We are an emotional and passionate culture, and music forms part of our ‘daily bread.’ Let’s talk about Latin music in general. What is your reaction when you hear “La Bamba?” You automatically sing the few words you know and wiggle your shoulders. Right? This tune is multigenerational, so it resonates with pretty much everyone in the world.
Music with Latin influences can be found on almost any platform these days. It’s become quite popular in children’s movies, sporting events, and TV commercials. Even though “We don’t talk about Bruno” we still NEED to sing about him all day long!
Familiar Tunes
Watching Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose singing and dancing “I like to be in America ” in West Side Story – a groundbreaking musical about Puerto Ricans living in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in the 1950s – projects a force of energy that no one can deny. While we talk about musicals, I must make an honorable mention of a New York-raised Puertorican genius in modern musicals, Lin Manuel Miranda. In his roster, you’ll find Hamilton, In the Heights, Encanto, Vivo, Etc.
While traveling down memory lane, you might recognize Miami Sound Machine, a band led by Cuban American singer Gloria Estefan which immersed salsa and electronic beats with English lyrics. I am sure you ‘shook your body’ when you heard that, Conga! Also, many of you sure lost your inhibitions on the dance floor to ‘Living La Vida Loca‘ by Ricky Martin in or after college. PLUS, you can’t forget those days when your “hips didn’t Lie” with Shakira!
‘Despacito’ Featuring Puertorican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, with the collaboration of Justin Bieber, became the most viewed video in Youtube’s history in 2018 with over 7 BILLION views.
Does the name “Bad Bunny” sound familiar? He played a villain in Brad Pitt’s latest movie, Bullet Train, but he is currently the most popular Urban Music artist in the world. He recently made history for being the first non-English performer to earn the award for ‘Artist of the Year’ on the MTV video music awards.
Latin Genres
There are different genres within Latin American music, and every country has a wide range of traditional sounds, instruments, and dances. Here are the different genres most commonly listened to in the US.
Latin Pop – Bolero
Derives from a mix of Latin and modern music in both English and Spanish. The beat can be slow and romantic or fast-paced
Artists: Ricky Martin, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Luis Fonsi, Enrique Iglesias, Selena, Camila Cabello, Gloria Estefan, Carlos Santana, Pit Bull, Chayanne , Kany Garcia , Pedro Capo , etc.
Salsa
Hybrid musical form derived from Afrocuban music and conceptualized in New York City.
Artists: Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Marc Anthony, Fania All star, Victor Manuel, Jerry Rivera, La India, Tommy Olivencia, etc.
Merengue
Upbeat music, originally from the Dominican Republic. It has the most common form of dance for its simple steps.
Artists: Olga Tañon, Los Ilegales, Melina Leon, Elvis Crespo, Chichi Peralta, Lisa M, Las Chicas del Can, Proyecto Uno, Grupo Mania, etc.
Bachata
Sensual beat originally from the Dominican Republic.
Artists: Prince Royce, Romeo Santos, Juan Luis Guerra, Monchy & Alexandra, etc.
Cumbia
Traditional sounds of Colombia are accompanied by an accordion.
Artists: Carlos Vives, Bomba Estereo, Fanny Lu, A.B. Quintanilla, Juanes, Fonseca
Tango
Passionate and powerful music originally from Argentina and Uruguay is commonly used in Ballroom dancing.
Artists: Carlos Gardel, Gotan Project, Bajofondo Tangoclub, Astor Piazolla, etc.
Urban Latin Music- Reggaeton
Born on the streets of Puerto Rico, it’s Latin music with hip-hop influences.
Artists: Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, Ivy Queen, Cardi B, Becky G, Ozuna, Natti Natasha, Rosalia, J Balvin, Vico C, Maluma, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, etc.
Latin Rock & Alternative Music
‘Rock en Español’ doesn’t need much explanation.
Artists: Jarabe de Palo, Gustavo Cerati in Soda Estereo, Enanitos Verdes, Manå, Café Tacvba, Los Rabanes, Fito Paez, Aterciopelado, Hombres G, Heroes del silencio, etc.
Regional Mexican Music
Mariachi
Traditional Mexican music is commonly used in romantic serenades with musicians dressed in traditional customs.
Artists: Vicente Fernandez, Pepe Aguilar, Alejandro Fernandez, Linda Ronstadt, Pablo Montero, Juan Gabriel, Luis Miguel etc.
Norteño
Mixes Mexican traditional music with Germanic beats and instruments to create a blended sound commonly played in Northern Mexico and the US Border towns.
Artists: Los Tigres del Norte, Jenny Rivera, Intocable, Conjunto Primavera, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, etc.
Expand your musical horizons and bring in some Latin rhythm and flavor into your life!
Like the legendary Celia Cruz recites:
“…no hay que llorar, que la vida es un carnaval y es más bello vivir cantando!”
“…no need to cry, because life is a carnival and it’s more beautiful to live singing!”
