The Latin Music Dictionary You Need

Looking to expand your musical horizons? Check out our Latin music dictionary for the essential terms and phrases you need to know. From samba to salsa, we’ve got you covered.

Defining Latin Music

Latin music encompasses a wide range of genres, from the cumbia of Colombia to the rancheras of Mexico. While the term “Latin music” is often used to refer to music from Spanish-speaking countries, it actually encompasses a wide range of musical styles from all over the Spanish-speaking world. In this dictionary, we’ll explore some of the most popular genres of Latin music, as well as some of the key artists and albums that have defined the genre.

What is Latin music?

Latin music is a catchall term for music that comes from Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries and regions. This includes countries like Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, as well as regions like Central America and the Caribbean.

The term “Latin music” is also used to describe a wide range of styles, including traditional folk music, classical music, pop music, rock music, and jazz. Latin music has been a major influence on American popular culture for decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Some of the most popular Latin musicians include Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Selena Gomez, Ricky Martin, and Pitbull.

Where did Latin music come from?

Latin music is a genre that is rooted in the music of Latin America. It covers a wide range of styles, including salsa, merengue, bachata, and reggaeton.

The roots of Latin music can be traced back to the music of the indigenous people of Latin America. This music was later influenced by the music of Africa, Europe, and Asia. Latin music has also been influenced by American pop and rock music.

Latin music is popular all over the world. It is often used in movies and TV shows set in Latin America or featuring Latin American characters.

What are the different genres of Latin music?

Latin music is a broad term that covers a wide range of musical styles from all over Latin America. These include traditional folk music, as well as more modern styles such as salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, and Latin pop.

Within these genres, there are subgenres that further define the music. For example, salsa can be divided into Cuba salsa, Puerto Rican salsa, and Colombian salsa. And bachata can be divided into Dominican bachata and modern bachata.

In addition to the different genres, Latin music also has different regional styles. For example, Mexican music is often divided into Norteño and Banda styles, while Cuban music is divided into Son and Danzón styles.

With so many different genres and regional styles of Latin music, it can be difficult to keep them all straight. But don’t worry – we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll give you a crash course in all things Latin music so you can hit the dance floor with confidence.

The History of Latin Music

Latin music is a genre of music that can be traced back to the African continent. The roots of Latin music can be found in the music of the slaves who were brought to the Americas. Latin music is a blend of African and European music. It is a truly American genre of music.

Early history

The historical roots of Latin music can be traced back to the music of ancient Rome and the music of the Latin-speaking people of the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans were greatly influenced by the music of their neighbors to the north, the Greeks, and they in turn had a significant impact on the development of music in Europe. Roman musical instruments included wind and string instruments, as well as drums and cymbals.

Latin-speaking people have lived in Spain for over two thousand years, and their music has been an important part of Spanish culture. The first Latin American country to gain independence from Spain was Haiti, in 1804. Soon after, other countries in Central and South America began to break away from Spanish rule. As these new countries emerged, their people brought with them their own unique musical traditions.

Over time, the various styles of Latin music have blended together to create a rich and vibrant genre that is enjoyed by people all over the world.

The golden age

The “Golden Age” of Latin music is often considered to befrom 1940 to 1960, a time when many different genres were popular including bolero, tango, mambo, cha-cha-cha and rhythm and blues. This was also a time when many Latin American countries were experiencing economic and political turbulence, which was reflected in the music of the time. Many of the songs from this era are still popular today, and have been covered by artists from all over the world.

During the Golden Age, many different Latin American countries were represented in the music scene. Cuba was especially influential, with artists like Beny Moré, Celia Cruz and Tito Puente becoming household names. Puerto Rico also had a strong presence in the industry, with singers like Sylvia Rexach and Rafael Hernandez creating memorable hits. Mexico’s golden age musicians included Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete, while Peru’s Yma Sumac and Chile’s Violeta Parra were among the most unique voices of the era.

The Golden Age of Latin music came to an end in the 1960s with the rise of rock ‘n’ roll. However, many of the artists from this era continued to be popular throughout their careers, and their influence is still felt in Latin music today.

Modern history

With the success ofBuena Vista Social Club, a renewed interest in Cuban music and other Latin American styles emerged in the late 1990s. Artists such as Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, and Shakira found crossover success with Anglo audiences, while continuing to please their Spanish-speaking fans. Selena, Jenni Rivera, and Mana were among the other prominent artists of this era.

In the 2000s, reggaeton exploded in popularity around the world, with hits by Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel, and many others. At the same time, traditional Latin music styles such as mariachi and ranchera experienced a renewed interest both from Latino audiences and the general public. Artists such as Vicente Fernandez and Lila Downs were at the forefront of this movement.

The Different Genres of Latin Music

From Bachata to Bossa Nova, there are many different genres of Latin music. While some Latin music genres are more popular than others, all of them have their own unique sound and feel. In this article, we’ll explore the different genres of Latin music, so that you can find the style that’s right for you.

Salsa

Salsa is a genre of music that can be traced back to the late 1960s in New York City. It is a style of Latin American music that evolved from the Cuban son montuno, Spanish guajira-son, and other genres. Salsa is typically a fast-paced, syncopated music with an emphasis on percussion instruments. The sound of salsa can vary depending on the region it originates from, but it typically has a strong 2/4 or 4/4 beat with accents on the off-beat or “clave.” The lyrics of salsa songs are usually sang in Spanish and often deal with themes of love, dancing, and parties.

Merengue

Merengue is a type of music and dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is fast-paced and has a distinctive 2/4 beat. The name comes from the French word meringue, meaning “to eat sweetly.”

Merengue is popular throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, and has even become popular in non-Hispanic countries such as the United States, Canada, and Japan. The dance is typically done with a partner, but can also be done alone.

There are two main types of merengue: traditional (or Dominican) and African-influenced (or Haitian). Traditional merengue is faster paced and has a more horns-based sound, while African-influenced merengue incorporates more drumbeats and percussion.

Despite its African influences, merengue is often considered to be a symbol of Dominican identity. This is because it was traditionally only danced by people of African descent in the country. However, over time it has become more accepted by other Dominicans and is now enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

Bachata

Bachata is a genre of Latin American music that originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 1960s. It is traditionally played on acoustic guitar and features four chords with a rhythmic pattern of clave. The modern style of bachata emerged in the 1990s and is characterized by electric guitar, drums, and often horns.

Bachata has become one of the most popular Latin genres, particularly in recent years, with artists like Romeo Santos and Prince Royce achieving mainstream success. Bachata songs are often about love, heartbreak, and loneliness, and the music is often used as a way to express emotions.

If you’re looking to explore Latin music for the first time, bachata is definitely a genre worth checking out!

Reggaeton

Reggaeton is a genre of Latin music that originated in the early 1990s in Puerto Rico. It is a mix of Latin American and Caribbean music, including reggae, rap, hip hop, and electronica. The lyrics are usually in Spanish, but some artists sing in English or Spanglish.

Reggaeton became popular in the early 2000s, and by 2005 it was one of the most popular genres of Latin music. It is often associated with parties and clubs, and its popularity has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Reggaeton has been criticized for its explicit lyrics and its association with drug use and violence. However, many artists have used their platform to address social issues such as poverty, racism, and sexism.

The Future of Latin Music

Where is Latin music going?

Latin music is currently going through an exciting period of transformation and innovation. While the classic styles of salsa, merengue, and bachata remain popular, new genres are emerging that are blending traditional Latin sounds with electronic music, hip-hop, and other contemporary styles. This new generation of Latin music is attracting a wider global audience and reshaping the sound of Latin America.

Some of the most popular new genres of Latin music include reggaeton, trap, dembow, and electro cumbia. Reggaeton originated in Puerto Rico in the 1990s and has since spread throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. trap is a subgenre of reggaeton that has emerged in recent years and is characterized by dark, often violent lyrics. Dembow is a fast-paced genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1980s and has been popularized by artists such as J Balvin and Major Lazer. Electro cumbia is a fusion of traditional cumbia rhythms with electronic dance music that has become popular in Peru and Chile.

These new genres are helping to propel Latin music to new levels of popularity around the world. In recent years, Latin music has been embraced by the mainstream American music industry, with artists such as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez,and Pitbull achieving widespread success. In addition, the rise of streaming services like Spotify has made it easier than ever for people to discover Latin music from all over the world.

It seems clear that Latin music will continue to grow in popularity in the years to come. As it does, it will likely continue to evolve and change, giving us all an exciting glimpse into the future of this vibrant and diverse musical culture.

Who are the new faces of Latin music?

There are a number of new faces in Latin music who are making a name for themselves and attracting international attention. Here are just a few of the up-and-coming stars to watch out for in the coming years.

Juanes
Born in Colombia, Juanes is a singer-songwriter who has won multiple Grammys and Latin Grammys for his work. He is known for his fusion of traditional Latin music with rock and roll, and his use of traditional instruments such as the requinto guitar.

Gaby Moreno
Gaby Moreno is a Guatemalan-born singer and songwriter who now resides in Los Angeles. She has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, and her music blends soul, jazz, blues, pop, and Latin American rhythms.

Natalia Lafourcade
Natalia Lafourcade is a Mexican singer-songwriter who has won multiple Grammys and Latin Grammys. She is known for her mix of traditional Mexican music with indie rock, pop, and folk influences.

Bomba Estereo
Bomba Estereo is a Colombian band that mixes electronic dance music with traditional Colombian styles such as cumbia and champeta. The band has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, and their music has been featured in films and television shows such as “The Hunger Games” and “Breaking Bad.”

What are the new trends in Latin music?

There are always new trends in Latin music, with different sounds and styles becoming popular in different countries at different times. However, there are some general trends that have been emerging in recent years.

One of the biggest changes has been the increasing popularity of reggaeton, a genre that originated in Puerto Rico in the 1990s. Reggaeton is a mix of hip-hop, dancehall and Latin American influences, and its popularity has exploded in recent years, with artists such as J Balvin and Bad Bunny becoming global superstars.

Another big trend has been the rise of Latin trap, a subgenre of trap music that originated in South America and has been popularized by artists such as Anuel AA, Ozuna and Farruko. Latin trap often incorporates elements of reggaeton and is often seen as a more aggressive and hard-hitting style of music.

Finally, another important trend has been the increasing popularity of cumbia, a traditional genre of Colombian music that has been modernized by artists such as Jowell & Randy, Bomba Estereo and La Sonora Dinamita. Cumbia is often seen as a more traditional alternative to genres like reggaeton and trap, and its popularity has been increasing both inside and outside of Colombia in recent years.