What to Expect from Latin Music in 2022

The Latin music scene is always evolving, and 2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the genre. Here’s what to expect from Latin music in the coming year.

The Rise of Reggaeton

Reggaeton is a genre of music that originated in Puerto Rico in the late 1990s. It is a mix of Latin American and Caribbean, particularly Cuban, genres such as salsa, merengue, reggae and calypso, with hip hop. The beats are typically very fast, with a strong emphasis on the bass. The lyrics are often in Spanish, although some artists also sing in English.

Reggaeton became popular in the early 2000s, when artists such as Daddy Yankee and Tego Calderón began to release hits. It quickly spread to other parts of Latin America and the Caribbean, and then to the rest of the world. Reggaeton is now one of the most popular genres of music in the world.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of reggaeton, with newer artists such as Bad Bunny, J Balvin and Ozuna becoming global superstars. This has led to a new wave of Latin American and Caribbean artists experiment with the genre and create their own unique sound.

In 2022, we expect to see even more innovation from Latin American and Caribbean artists in the reggaeton genre. We expect to see new sounds and styles emerging from these regions, as well as an even greater global reach for this music.

The Decline of Bachata

It’s no secret that bachata has been on the decline in recent years. The once-popular genre has seen a steady decline in popularity, culminating in a sharp drop in sales in 2020. This trend looks set to continue into 2021 and beyond, with bachata expected to make up just 3% of total Latin music sales by 2022.

What’s behind the decline of bachata? There are a number of factors, including the rise of other genres such as reggaeton and trap, and the increasing popularity of streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. But whatever the reasons, it’s clear that bachata is no longer the dominant force it once was in Latin music.

The Resurgence of Salsa

After a decade of dominance by reggaeton and Latin trap, salsa is making a strong comeback. Thanks to the popularity of shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, salsa has become one of the most popular forms of dance again. This has led to a resurgence in popularity for salsa music.

Musicians who had given up on salsa are starting to play it again and new bands are forming. The new generation of salsa dancers is also more interested in traditional forms of the dance, which has led to a renewed interest in classic salsa songs.

We can expect to see more salsa concerts and festivals in the coming years, as well as more salsa albums being released. The popularity of salsa is also likely to lead to more crossover success for Latin artists in the mainstream music industry.

The Evolution of Merengue

Merengue is a type of music that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is typically a mix of African and European elements, and is characterized by its fast tempo and 2/4 time signature. The exact origins of merengue are unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the late 1800s.

Merengue underwent a significant evolution in the early 20th century, when new instruments were introduced, such as the accordion and the guitar. This new sound became known as merengue típico, and is still popular today. Merengue típico typically features horns and percussion instruments, and has a slower tempo than traditional merengue.

In the 1950s, another type of merengue began to gain popularity: merengue de comparsa. This style was characterized by its use of horns and electric guitars, and had a more festive sound than other types of merengue. Merengue de comparsa remains popular today, particularly in the Dominican Republic.

In recent years, merengue has undergone yet another evolution, with the advent of hip hop and reggaeton. This new hybrid style, often referred to as reggaetonero or hip hopero, blends traditional merengue with these other genres to create a unique sound that appeals to a younger generation of listeners.