With Hispanic music festivals, Latin music, and Latin artists taking up so much of the spotlight lately, it’s only natural that an interest in Hispanic music would increase. What I’ve noticed is that there is a scarcity of good, reliable information on what these genres are.
What is Hispanic music called?
Spanish is the name commonly used to refer to music and other music-related activities produced by Hispanic people. The term “Spanish” is still used by many people today to refer to the music produced by artists of Spanish origin, especially in the United States. But many people don’t know the difference between the two terms. So, what exactly is Spanish music?
Although it may be easy to confuse Spanish and English, Hispanic music is entirely unique. Spanish is the official language of South America, and Hispanic means “pertaining to Spain“. So, the Spanish word for Hispanic is hispánico. Hispanic music is a genre of music that originated in Spain and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.
Types of Latin Music
Latin music has been around for centuries, but not all of its history can be written in the music. Many of the songs and rhythms used in Latin music were invented on the streets of Spanish cities. In this post, we’ll focus on the different types of Latin music and its history.
Or maybe you think of “choreographed” Latin dances popular in the ’90s and early 2000s? While these are all great examples of Latin music, there is one type of Latin music that we may not have heard of as often as the other two, but it is incredible in its unique way. This category is called “Candomblé” or “Conjunto Candomblé“.
Latin music is a type of music where the voice or keyboard replaces instruments. A piano or guitar usually performs this type of music, but various other instruments can be used depending on the style. Many popular genres exist and are typically labeled by particular historical periods or cultures. For example, the famous 20th-century song “Happy Birthday” was born in Mexico City in 1914.
There are many genres of Latin music, each with its style and characteristics. Conjunto (orsemble) music is the most common style in Cuban music. It combines elements of jazz, bossa nova, and salsa with a Cuban flair. It is also known as “salsa con disco” (“salsa with a disc”), “bop con disco” (bop with a disc), or “bop con licor” (bop with liquor).
You’ve probably heard the term “Latin music” used to describe a wide array of different styles of music. But do you know why it’s called that? Until the 1600s, the term “Latin music” was used to refer to the music that originated in Europe and was popularized by Spanish and Portuguese explorers during the early 16th century. Eventually, these terms were combined and re-used to describe all types of Latin American music!
Salsa Music
Salsa music is a living art form. It’s full of diverse and vibrantly colored sounds that are created manually. It’s also one of the most creative forms of music creation globally! Its background and definition can be found in many cultures worldwide, depending on where it was created.
By the 1960s and 1970s, salsa became big in the US and Latin America. In the 2000s, salsa music hit Europe and Asia, now known worldwide. Salsa music can take you to new places and inspire you to live your best life!
Cumbia Music
Cumbia music was created by Colombian band, Los Tigres del Norte, in the 1970s. It is a musical style that mixes the rhythms of cumbia music with Spanish instruments. It is often used in Latin dance movements, such as salsa and son montuno. Percussionists play cumbia on claves, congas, and other percussion instruments.
In addition, the rhythms of cumbia are typically translated into other Latin American languages. Cumbia can be heard in many regions throughout the United States and Canada, but it’s most popular in the United States and Mexico.
Reggaeton Music
Reggaeton is a Latin American sub-genre of dance music that originated in the 1980s in Mexico and Latin America. It is characterized by a Latin-based rhythm, an emphasis on Latin vocals, and an “urban” sound. Reggaeton may have originated in Cuba; however, this music is part of a more significant subculture known as salsa.
This style has become the mainstay of salsa music, which is popular in Latin America. If you’re looking for a fun, easy way to learn some Spanish, then check out Reggaeton music!
The music originated from Puerto Rico but has been adopted by Mexican artists and performers in Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.
Bachata Music
The world of dance music is full of unique sounds and incredible artists. There is a lot of variety in the genre, but not all dance music is created equal. Some dance genre artists are more skilled than others and have different sounds.
Bachata music is a Latin Dance music style that is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. It originated in South America and has become very popular recently. The word “bachata” means “shaking off” or “to shake off” and the genre is named after the Dominican Republic’s national dance. Although it’s often called a merengue, it has an entirely unique style from that of the other dances of Latin America.
It’s a little airier than the other merengues and has a more romantic feel. Usually, they are danced by couples, but male and female singers also perform some solo numbers.
Merengue Music
Are you on the dance floor tonight? Perhaps you want to step away from the playlist and get a little salsa or merengue music next? Merengue music is a trendy Latin dance that originated in Cuba. It’s a mixture of samba and mambo rhythms and features intricate choreography.
Merengue music is a style that originated in Cuba. It’s generally played with both hands (pianists alternate between right and left hands) and is the most popular rhythm-based Cuban music.
Bossa-Nova Music
The Bossa-Nova movement has gained a lot of traction recently. The music style is uniquely Brazilian and is characterized by ethnic percussion and a strong rhythmic structure. The music is often accompanied by an exotic flair, often using the tango or samba drums. Bossa-nova is also the name given to the Brazilian composer Antônio Carlos Jobim, who created this unique style in the 1950s.
This style of music has grown to widespread popularity in different parts of the world, but Brazilians are slowly losing interest in this style. One reason for this is because it’s not fashionable anymore. There are many genres of music that are played by various singers from other parts of the world. This is a significant trend because it’s becoming more and more common for people to listen to music in their car or living room instead of taking their favorite tunes to work.
Bossa-Nova is a Brazilian music style that was created in the late 60s. The singer known as Tom Jobim was a popular musician who worked with renowned musicians like Gilberto Gil and Teófilo Martins. It’s a kind of fusion between Brazilian and Western pop.
Rumba Music
Rumba music is popular in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Traditionally, rumba is based on a slow, syncopated rhythm. It is an energetic, kicking dance involving both men and women dancing in sync with one another. Rumba music has become extremely popular worldwide, and its popularity has spread to other countries. Rumba music is different from traditional dances like ballroom and salsa dances because it’s faster-paced.
Son Music
Son music is a type of classic played on a lute or guitar. This genre of music originated in medieval Europe and was later brought to the Americas by European explorers. “Son” is performed in various settings, such as weddings, religious ceremonies, and clubs.
Son music includes popular instruments like the violin, harmonica, and guitar. But it can also be played by using electronic instruments. Popular electronic instruments like the piano and synthesizer can also be used to create son music.
Tango Music
Tango is an art form, which can be confusing at first. However, learning some basic rules can help you understand what makes a typical tango dance different from other types of dance.
Tango music has been used for centuries to heighten romantic feelings and create a more intimate atmosphere. It’s a form of the genre that can be incorporated into many other types, including classical, jazz, ballroom, and pop. However, there is increasing interest from mainstream pop artists who are incorporating tangos into their music.
Latin Pop Music
While Latin music is enjoyed worldwide, it’s Latin pop that is steadily growing in popularity. It has a strong connection to Latin culture. It’s music that other genres have influenced, and it’s music that most people love!
The genre has been popular for nearly 50 years and can be heard in some of the most well-known international hits. The music is known for its upbeat yet melodious lyrics and catchy melodies that are easy to sing along with. Latin pop is a subgenre of popular music derived from Spanish and Portuguese. It is a mixture of rock and pop music, with Latin and Spanish music elements. Latin pop is characterized by its vocal soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices, rhythmic beats, and lyrical lyrics in its praise of love, life, and beauty.
It originated from the 1950s and 1960s and has been described as folk-rock or Latin rock. It enjoys great popularity among Latin Americans.
Conclusion
There is no real formula for a Latin song. Hispanic music genres are as diverse as any other genre of music, from the romantic ballad style to the upbeat, flamboyant salsa. Each song has its own unique beat and rhythm, and each one comes with its own distinct wardrobe and flashy dance moves. Whether it’s reggaeton or merengue, there’s a Hispanic song for everyone!
