Latin Styles of Music You Need to Know

Check out our list of Latin styles of music you need to know. From reggaeton to cumbia, these are the genres that are taking over the world.

Salsa

Salsa is a popular Latin style of music that originated in Cuba. It is a hybrid of Afro-Cuban and Spanish music. The music is typically fast-paced and has a catchy beat. Salsa is often danced as a couple, and the dancers often move in sync with the music.

Origins

Salsa is a Latin style of music that originated in the Caribbean. It is a mix of Cuban and Puerto Rican music, with influences from other Latin American countries. The name salsa means “sauce” in Spanish, and refers to the spiciness of the music. Salsa is danced to with a partner, and is often fast-paced and energetic.

Characteristics

Salsa is a Latin style of music that originated in the Caribbean. It is a mixture of Cuban and Puerto Rican music, with influences from other Latin American countries. The name “salsa” comes from the Spanish word for sauce, which reflects the combination of various ingredients that make up the music.

The basic salsa rhythm is derived from Cuban Son, cha-cha-cha and mambo. It is typically played with two claves, which are wooden rods that are struck together to create a sharp, percussive sound. The claves are usually played by the percussionist, but can also be played by other members of the band.

Salsa is usually sung in Spanish, but can also be sung in English. The lyrics often deal with themes of love, loss, and nostalgia.

Merengue

Merengue is a style of music that originates from the Dominican Republic. It is a very fast-paced and energetic style of music that is often compared to salsa. Merengue is usually danced as a couples dance, and is a very sensual and passionate dance.

Origins

Merengue originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 1800s and is now popular throughout Latin America. The original style was a folk music that was played on drums and other percussion instruments, with guitars and horns playing a supporting role. The music was often used as a way to celebrate important events or simply to get people moving and dancing.

As the style evolved, it began to incorporate elements of both African and European music, resulting in a truly unique sound. Merengue is now commonly characterized by a fast tempo and Angel Viloria is credited with being the first merengue musician to achieve mainstream success outside of the Dominican Republic.

Characteristics

Merengue is a style of music that originated in the Dominican Republic in the 19th century. It is characterized by its fast tempo and rhythmic patterns, which are often played on percussion instruments such as maracas and drums. Merengue is also known for its unique dance style, which involves couples moving their hips side to side in time with the music.

Cumbia

Cumbia is a musical style that originated in Colombia. It is a mix of African and Indigenous music, and it is often played with drums, guitars, and maracas. Cumbia is popular in Latin America, and it is often danced to.

Origins

Cumbia’s original sound came from the Atlantic Coast of Colombia in the form of Colombian cumbia, which was a mixture of Spanish and African influences. The African influence on cumbia comes from the drumming, which is similar to that of Congolese music. Cumbia was originally danced by slaves who were brought to Colombia from Africa, and it eventually spread throughout Latin America.

Cumbia is now popular all over Latin America, and each country has its own unique twist on the style. In Mexico, for example, cumbia is often mixed with ranchera music to create a style known as cumbia sonidera. Cumbia sonidera is very popular in Mexico City, where it originated in the 1970s.

Argentine cumbia is another popular variation of the style. This version of cumbia originated in the city of Rosario in the 1940s and 1950s. Argentine cumbia is a mix of Colombian cumbia, Andean music, and Cuban Son Montuno. It’s also popular in Uruguay and Chile.

Characteristics

Cumbia is a music genre popular in Latin America, especially Colombia and Mexico. It originated in Colombia’s Atlantic coast region and today is widely heard throughout Latin America.

Cumbia is typically a very danceable type of music, with a strong rhythm section consisting of drums and percussion instruments. The lead melody is often played on a flute or accordion, and cumbia songs often include vocals.

Cumbia has Afro-Colombian origins, and was originally danced by slaves who were brought to Colombia from Africa. Over time, it has evolved and been influenced by many different genres, including Spanish and indigenous music.

Today, cumbia is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds in Latin America, and has even gained popularity in other parts of the world.

Reggaeton

Reggaeton is a style of music that originated in Puerto Rico in the late 1990s. It is a mix of Latin American, Caribbean, and Hip Hop music. Reggaeton is characterized by its heavy use of Spanish-language rap and Hip Hop.

Origins

Reggaeton is a musical genre that originated in Puerto Rico in the early 1990s. It is a mix of Latin American and Caribbean music, including reggae, hip hop, and salsa. Reggaeton is typically characterized by its fast tempo and sexually explicit lyrics.

The origin of reggaeton can be traced back to the late 1980s, when Jamaican dancehall music became popular in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican DJs began mixing this music with Spanish-language rap, creating a new genre that came to be known as “juguetón.” In the early 1990s, reggaeton emerged as a distinct genre with its own style and sound.

Reggaeton quickly became popular in Puerto Rico and other parts of Latin America. By the mid-2000s, it had spread to the United States and other parts of the world. Today, reggaeton is one of the most popular genres of Latin music.

Characteristics

Reggaeton is a musical style that originated in Puerto Rico in the late 1990s. It is a fusion of reggae, hip hop and Latin American music. The lyrics are typically in Spanish and are often about parties, love and sex. Reggaeton is very popular in Latin America and the Caribbean.