Latin Music Genres You Should Be Listening To

From Bachata to Bolero, Here are 8 different Latin music genres you should start listening to.

Bachata

Bachata is a genre of music that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is typically a slow, sensual music, withRhythm guitar and two acoustic guitarists playing lead. The music is heavily influenced by Latin American and African rhythms. Bachata is traditionally played with guitars, bass, drums, and percussion.

Merengue

Merengue is a type of music and dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. The style is uptempo and often has sexually suggestive lyrics. Merengue was first popularized in the early 20th century by Rafael Trujillo, the dictator of the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1961.

Merengue is typically played on accordions, guitars, and tamboras (a type of drum), and features instruments such as trumpets, saxophones, and piano. The music is fast-paced and catchy, with a 2/4 time signature and an emphasis on the off-beat. The dance of merengue is similar to that of salsa, with partners holding each other around the waist or hips and moving side to side.

Merengue has been influence by a variety of music genres over the years, including Cuban son, Puerto Rican bomba y plena, Dominican danzonete, Haitian compas, Trinidadian calypso, and American jazz.

Salsa

Salsa is a popular genre of Latin music that is enjoyed by people all over the world. The word salsa actually means sauce in Spanish, and it is thought that the name was chosen because of the spicy, flavorful nature of the music. Salsa is a fusion of many different musical styles, including Cuban Son, cha-cha-cha, mambo, and Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena. It is usually fast-paced and lively, making it perfect for dancing.

Salsa can be divided into two main genres: Cuban salsa and Puerto Rican salsa. Cuban salsa tends to be more complex, with more innovative rhythms and musical embellishments. Puerto Rican salsa, on the other hand, is simpler and more classic in its style.

Both genres are extremely popular and there are many famous salsa artists from all over Latin America. If you’re looking for some new music to add to your collection, be sure to check out some of these great salsa artists!

Cumbia

Cumbia is a musical genre that originated in Colombia during the 16th century. It is a mix of African and indigenous rhythms, and it is typically danced to by couples. The basic steps involve moving side to side while turning in a counter-clockwise direction. Cumbia music has gained popularity in recent years, and can now be heard all over the world.

Merengue
Merengue is a musical genre that originated in the Dominican Republic during the 19th century. It is a mix of African and European music, and it is typically danced to by couples. The basic steps involve moving side to side while keeping your feet close together. Merengue music is very popular in Latin America, and it has gained popularity in recent years in other parts of the world as well.

Reggaeton
Reggaeton is a musical genre that originated in Puerto Rico during the 1990s. It is a mix of Jamaican reggae and Hip Hop music, and it is typically danced to by individuals or groups of people. The basic steps involve moving your hips from side to side while keeping your feet close together. Reggaeton music has become very popular in recent years, and it can now be heard all over the world.

Reggaeton

Reggaeton is a genre of music that originated in Puerto Rico in the late 1990s. It is a fusion of reggae and hip hop, with elements of Latin American and Caribbean music. The lyrics are typically sung in Spanish, and the music is often characterized by its catchy hooks and danceable beats.

Reggaeton has become one of the most popular genres of music in recent years, with hits like “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee topping the charts around the world. If you’re looking for a new genre to explore, look no further than reggaeton.

Latin Jazz

Latin jazz is a genre of music that blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with Jazz. It was created in the early 1940s by Fernandez and Pimienta. The two Cuban musicians combined their knowledge of Cuban rhythms with Jazz improvisation to create a new style of music.

Latin jazz is often played at a fast tempo and features complex chord progressions. It is characterized by its use of Afro-Cuban rhythms, such as clave and montuno. Latin jazz is typically played with acoustic instruments, such as piano, percussion, and horns.

The genre reached its height of popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, when many famous Latin jazz musicians, such as Dizzy Gillespie and Machito, rose to prominence. Latin jazz has since influenced many other genres of music, including funk, soul, and hip hop.