Latin Protest Music: A Brief History

In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Latin protest music and how it has evolved over the years.

Introduction

Latin protest music has a long and storied history, dating back to the early days of the Spanish colonies in the Americas. In the centuries since, it has taken on many different forms, reflecting the changing political and social landscape of Latin America.

From its early beginnings as a tool of resistance against colonial oppression, to its more recent incarnations as a vehicle for social and political change, Latin protest music has always been at the forefront of Latin American culture. Here is a brief overview of its history.

Early Days: 16th and 17th Centuries
The earliest examples of Latin protest music date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when Spanish colonists first arrived in the Americas. At this time, music was used as a tool of resistance against colonial oppression, with songs criticizing the Spanish Crown and calling for independence from colonial rule.

One of the most famous examples of this type of music is “El Canto de los Negros” (“The Song of the Blacks”), which was written by Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén in the 1930s. This song celebrates Afro-Cuban identity and culture, and calls for an end to discrimination against black people in Cuba.

19th Century: The Rise of Cuban Nationalism
In the 19th century, Cuban nationalism began to rise, leading to a number of changes in Latin protest music. One significant change was the introduction of new musical styles from Europe, such as opera and zarzuela. These styles were blended with traditional Cuban musical genres like son and rumba to create a unique form of Cuban protest music.

This new style reached its apex in 1869 with “La Bayamesa” (“The Bayamo Song”), which quickly became an anthem for Cuban independence movements. The song was written by Cuban patriot Perucho Figueredo, and calls for Cuba’s liberation from Spanish rule.

20th Century: The Rise of Folkloric Protest Music
In the 20th century, Latin America underwent a period of great social upheaval, with multiple revolutions taking place across the region. During this time, folkloric protest music became increasingly popular, as it gave voice to the struggles of ordinary people. This type of music often combined traditional folk styles with elements of popular music, resulting in catchy and accessible tunes that were easy for people to sing along to.

One example of this type of folkloric protest music is “El Corrido de Joaquín Murrieta” (“The Ballad of Joaquín Murrieta”), which is a Mexican folk song about a famous bandit who fought against injustices committed by Americans during the California Gold Rush. Another example is “La Guerra de los Pasteles” (“The War of the Pies”), which is a beloved Venezuelan folksong that tells the story of a 19th-century uprising against French colonial rule.

What is Latin protest music?

Latin protest music is a genre of music that developed in Latin America during the 20th century. It is characterized by its use of political and social themes, often with an anti-establishment message.

The genre has its roots in the Latin American wars of independence, which were fought in the early 1800s. These wars were opposed by the Spanish colonial authorities, who tried to suppress the music and its messages. However, the music continued to be popular among the people, and it became a significant part of Latin American culture.

During the 20th century, Latin America experienced a series of social and political upheavals, which led to the development of different subgenres of Latin protest music. For example, the Mexican Revolution of 1910 inspired a subgenre known as corridos revolucionarios, which praised the revolutionaries and denounced their opponents. Other subgenres include nueva canción (new song) from Chile and Peru, and tropicália from Brazil.

Latin protest music has been hugely influential both within Latin America and around the world. Its messages of social justice and equality have inspired generations of people to fight for their rights. Some of the most famous Latin protest songs include “El Himno del Pitt Del Pueblo” by Cuban singer-songwriter Silvio Rodriguez, “La Hora de los Locos” by Argentine rock band Soda Stereo, and “Venezuela Tierra Herida” by Venezuelan folk singer Simón Díaz.

The origins of Latin protest music

Latin protest music has its roots in the social and political turmoil of the 20th century. Latin America has a long history of social injustice, and music has always been a way for people to express their frustration and anger.

During the 20th century, Latin America saw a number of major political changes, including the rise of dictatorships, military coups, and economic inequality. These events inspired musicians to use their art to speak out against injustice and oppression.

Some of the most famous Latin protest songs were written during the 1960s and 1970s, a time when many Latin American countries were under military dictatorship. These songs spoke out against the violence and repression that was occurring throughout the region.

One of the most well-known Latin protest songs is “El Pueblo Vencerá” (“The People Will triumph”) by Chilean musician Victor Jara. Jara was an outspoken critic of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, and his song became an anthem for the country’s pro-democracy movement. Jara was arrested during Chile’s 1973 military coup, and he was brutally tortured and killed by soldiers. His death served as a rallying cry for many Latin Americans who were fighting against dictatorship and oppression.

Other well-known Latin protest songs include “Canciones del Movimiento Nacional Revolucionario” (“Songs of the National Revolutionary Movement”) by Mexican singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez, “Vamos Muñequitos” (“Let’s Go Little Dolls”) by Argentine folk singer Atahualpa Yupanqui, and “No Nos Moverán” (We Shall Not Be Moved) by Cuban singer Celia Cruz.

Latin protest music continues to be popular in Latin America today. In recent years, artists such as Calle 13, Manu Chao, Ana Tijoux, Chabuca Granda, Jesús Zambrano have used their music to speak out against social injustice and inequality.

The golden age of Latin protest music

The golden age of Latin protest music occurred during the 1960s and 1970s. This was a time when many Latin American countries were under dictatorship and experiencing social and political unrest. musicians used their music to express their dissatisfaction with the government and to call for change.

Some of the most famous Latin protest songs were written during this time period. “La Casa en el Aire” by Cuban singer-songwriter Silvio Rodriguez is a call for revolution, while “El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido” by Chilean group Inti-Illimani is an anthem of hope for the oppressed people of Chile. These songs and others like them helped to rally the people and give them a voice during a time of turmoil.

Latin protest music has continued to be popular in times of political unrest in Latin America. In recent years, artists such as Mexican hip-hop group Molotov and Colombian singer Andrea Echeverri have used their music to speak out against corruption and injustice in their home countries. As long as there are social and political problems in Latin America, there will be Latin protest music to Help bring about change.

The decline of Latin protest music

With the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s, many repressive regimes in Latin America also came to an end. This marked a change in the climate for Latin protest music, which had flourished during the previous few decades. Many of the artists who had been at the forefront of this movement retired or moved on to other genres, and a new generation of Latin musicians began to emerge.

Whereas before there had been a clear focus on political and social issues, now there was a greater emphasis on personal expression and artistic innovation. This shift was most apparent in hip hop and rock music, which became increasingly popular among young Latins in the 1990s and 2000s. While these genres did not completely eclipse protest music, they did represent a significant departure from its traditional forms.

The resurgence of Latin protest music

Since the early 2010s, there has been a resurgence of Latin protest music. This is in part due to the election of populist and nationalist leaders in countries such as Venezuela, Brazil, and Argentina. These leaders have often been hostile to the interests of Latin American citizens, leading to increased inequality and human rights violations. In response, Latin American musicians have been using their music to protest these policies and call for social change.

Some of the most popular Latin protest songs in recent years include “El que se enamora pierde” by Colombian artist Morat, “Despacito” by Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, and “Alegría” by Mexican artist Natalia Lafourcade. These songs have been widely heard throughout Latin America and have helped to raise awareness of the struggles faced by many people in the region.

As Latin America continues to face challenges from populist leaders, it is likely that we will see even more Latin protest music in the years to come. This type of music provides an important outlet for people to express their dissatisfaction with their governments and to call for change.

Conclusion

Though often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, Latin protest music has a long and rich history that is worth exploring. From its humble beginnings in Cuba and Brazil to its current incarnations in Chile and Mexico, this genre has always been a powerful tool for social change. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Boleros or modern Hip-Hop, there’s something in Latin protest music for everyone.