Different Types of Latin Music You Need to Know

Latin music has many different sub-genres that are popular around the world. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular types of Latin music so that you can get acquainted with the style.

Salsa

Salsa is a type of Latin music that is very popular. It originated in the Caribbean, and its popularity has grown in recent years. Salsa is a very danceable type of music, and it is often played at parties and clubs. If you are interested in learning to dance salsa, there are many classes available.

Origins

Salsa is a Latin American genre of music that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is a fusion of Cuban Son, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and Puerto Rican plena and bomba. The term “salsa” connotes a lively tempo and rhythm, which are usually based on Cuban Son clave patterns and Puerto Rican bomba beats. The Cuban influence was initially more pronounced in the United States than in other parts of Latin America; salsa as it is known today developed primarily in New York City, where Cuban and Puerto Rican musicians began performing together in the 1930s.

Characteristics

Salsa is a popular form of social dance that originated in New York City with Latin American music. The movements of salsa have their origins in Cuban Son, Cuban Cha-cha-cha, African polyrhythms, and Afro-Cuban jazz. Salsa is characterized by complex turns and patterns danced to a Latin beat. The dancers usually move around the floor in pairs, with the lead dancer improvising steps and movements within the framework of the dance.

Salsa can be danced either socially or competitively. Social dancing is when individuals dance together in a casual setting, without worrying about memorizing specific steps or patterns. This is the most common way that people experience salsa dancing. Competitive salsa, on the other hand, requires dancers to perform choreographed routines at salsa competitions.

Salsa has become popular all over the world, and there are many different styles of salsa dancing. Some of the most popular styles include Cuban salsa, New York style salsa, L.A. style salsa, cross-body lead salsa, and Puerto Rican style salsa. Even within these different styles, there is still a lot of variation in the way that people dance salsa.

Key Artists

When it comes to Latin music, there are a few key artists that you need to know. Here are some of the most popular Latin musicians that have helped shape the sound of the genre.

Despacito- Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
This song took the world by storm in 2017 and put Latin music on the map for a new generation of listeners. The catchy tune and danceable beat make it a favorite for parties and clubs all over the world.

Havana- Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug
This song is another Latin crossover hit that has topped charts all over the world. Camila Cabello’s vocals are infectious and the Cuban-inspired rhythm will get your feet moving.

Bailando- Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is one of the biggest Latin pop stars in the world, and this song is one of his most popular hits. The uptempo beat and sexy lyrics make it a favorite for many fans.

Merengue

Merengue is a type of music and dance that originates from the Dominican Republic. It is a very popular dance in Latin America and the Caribbean. The music is fast-paced and has a very distinctive rhythm.

Origins

Merengue is a style of music and dance originating in the Dominican Republic. It is fast-paced and lively, with a 2/4 beat that is distinctive and easy to dance to. The music is usually played on drums, guitars, and horns.

Merengue was brought to the Dominican Republic by Haitian immigrants in the 19th century. It quickly became popular among all social classes and was soon adopted as the national music and dance of the country.

The name “merengue” is thought to come from the Spanish word for meringue, a type of dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar. The dance is believed to have originated from a similar movements of the feet while whipping egg whites.

Merengue has been popularized around the world by Latin American artists such as Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, and Marc Anthony. It has also influenced other genres of music, such as hip hop and reggaeton.

Characteristics

Merengue is a type of music and dance originating in the Dominican Republic, which has become popular throughout Latin America and the Hispanic community in the United States. Merengue is usually played on accordions and drums, and its characteristic beat can be easily recognized. The rhythm is very fast, so it can be challenging to dance to, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really fun!

There are two main types of merengue:
-Merengue típico: This is the traditional style of merengue, originating in the countryside of the Dominican Republic. It is characterized by its fast pace and unique instrumentation, which includes accordion, tambora (a type of drum), güira (a scraper), maracas, and claves.
-Merengue urbano: This style originated in the capital city of Santo Domingo and is characterized by its slower tempo and more modern instrumentation, which often includes synthesizers and electric guitars.

Key Artists

In the 1930s, the merengue was popularized by Luis Alberti, a Dominican pianist who started playing the music at the Punta Cana resort. His danceable, uptempo tunes caught on quickly, and soon merengue become the Dominican Republic’s national music and dance. Other key artists in the spread of merengue included Pedro Flores — often called the “father of modern merengue” — as well as singers such as Johnny Ventura, accordion player Edwin Colon Zayas, and big band leader Oswaldo Sanchez.

Bachata

Bachata is a style of Latin American music that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is a slower, more sentimental style of music than other Latin genres such as salsa and reggaeton. Bachata typically consists of guitars, percussion, and vocals. The lyrics are usually about love, heartbreak, and nostalgia.

Origins

Bachata, a type of Latin music, originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 1960s. It is a blend of bolero, son, guajira, and merengue. Bachata typically has four vehicles and is written in 4/4 time. The music is generally slower than other types of Latin music such as salsa and merengue. The typical bachata band instrumentation consists of guitar, bongo, bass guitar, conga, and maracas.

Bachata lyrics are often about heartbreak, love, and betrayal. The genre developed a reputation for being sad or sentimental music. This changed in the 1990s when bachata groups began to experiment with different styles and instruments such as electric guitars and synthesizers. These changes helped to make bachata more popular with young people.

Bachata is now widely popular throughout Latin America and the Caribbean as well as with Latino audiences in the United States. In recent years, it has also become popular among non-Latinos in the United States and Europe.

Characteristics

Bachata is a style of music that originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 1960s. It is now popular throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The bachata sound is created by a guitar, bass, drums, and maracas. The guitar usually has a distinctive “clave” rhythm, which is played on the off-beats. The bass provides a counterpoint to the guitar’s clave rhythm. The drums usually play on the two and four beats. The maracas provide an additional layer of rhythm.

The lyrics of bachata songs are often about love, heartbreak, and loneliness. Bachata was originally considered to be music for lower-class people, but it has become more mainstream in recent years. Bachata is typically danced with a partner using a four-step basic pattern: forward, backwards, side-to-side, and then close together.

Key Artists

Some of the most popular Bachata artists include:
-Aventura
-Monchy & Alexandra
-Xtreme
-Zacarías Ferreira
-Romeo Santos
Bachata music has its roots in the Dominican Republic, and the style is a mix of traditional Latin music with a touch of modern flavor. The music is often slow and sensual, with a focus on the lyrics and the emotions they convey. If you’re looking for a new genre to explore, Bachata is a great choice.

Reggaeton

Reggaeton is a popular Latin music genre that originated in Puerto Rico in the early 1990s. It is a fusion of Latin American and Caribbean music styles such as reggae, hip hop, and dancehall. Reggaeton is usually sung in Spanish, but it can also be sung in English.

Origins

Reggaeton is a type of dance music that originated in Puerto Rico in the late 1990s. It is a mix of reggae, hip hop, and Latin American music. The name “reggaeton” is derived from the word “reggae” and the Spanish suffix “-ton”, which denotes something small or diminutive.

Reggaeton’s popularity began to grow in the early 2000s, thanks in part to the success of Daddy Yankee’s song “Gasolina”. By the mid-2000s, reggaeton had become one of the most popular genres of music in Puerto Rico and Latin America. In recent years, reggaeton has also begun to gain popularity in North America and Europe.

There are many different subgenres of reggaeton, each with its own style and sound. The most popular subgenres include dembow, trap, and Latin trap.

Reggaeton is typically characterized by its heavy use of rhythm and bass, as well as its catchy hooks and melodies. The lyrics often deal with themes such as love, sex, and violence.

Characteristics

Reggaeton is a musical genre which originated in Puerto Rico during the late 1990s. It is a mix of Latin music and hip hop. The typical instrumentation consists of drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards. Reggaeton is known for its unique dance moves, which often include windmills and body rolls. The lyrics are often about love, parties, and social issues.

Key Artists

Reggaeton is a popular music genre that originated in Puerto Rico in the early 1990s. It is a fusion of Latin American and Caribbean music styles, such as salsa, bomba, plena, merengue, and reggae. The name “reggaeton” is derived from the Spanish word for “reggae” (reggae) and the French word for “ton” (tone).

Reggaeton is typically characterized by fast-paced, rhythmic lyrics delivered in a rapid-fire style known as “flow.” The genre often includes themes of romance, partying, and social issues. Reggaeton has become one of the most popular genres of Latin music, particularly among Hispanics in the United States.

Some of the most popular reggaeton artists include Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel, J Balvin, and Ozuna. Reggaeton has also been influenced by other genres of music, such as hip hop, electronic dance music (EDM), and trap.