Carmen Hernández
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When you think of Latin America, tropical landscapes, delicious food, friendly people… and music – lots of music – probably come to mind. Latin music is more than just a soundtrack; it’s a way of life, a form of expression, a celebration of identity. From the sensual elegance of tango to the unstoppable energy of reggaetón, Latin rhythms have taken over dancefloors all over the world.
In this article, we’re going on a musical journey through some of the most iconic Latin genres. Get ready to tap your feet, learn something new, and feel the beat of the continent.
Salsa: from the streets of New York to the heart of the Caribbean
Although many associate salsa directly with Cuba, it actually originated in the Latino neighbourhoods of New York in the 1960s and 70s. Imagine a mix of Puerto Rican and Cuban immigrants bringing their traditional rhythms like son and guaracha, and blending them with jazz and African-American sounds.
That’s how salsa was born – a vibrant, urban fusion with powerful brass sections, complex percussion, and lyrics that speak not only of love, but also of social and political struggles. Fun fact: it was the legendary Fania Records label that helped define and popularise salsa, creating an entire “salsa movement” featuring artists like Celia Cruz, Héctor Lavoe, and Willie Colón.
Salsa isn’t just music – it’s dance, identity, and community. Its fast, lively rhythm and infectious energy make it impossible to resist.
Cumbia: a rhythm that unites cultures
Cumbia originated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia and is one of the oldest Latin American genres. It’s a true cultural blend: African drums, indigenous flutes, and Spanish influences all come together in this joyful music.
Traditionally played with instruments like the gaita (a type of flute), maracas, and drums, cumbia has evolved and travelled far. In Mexico, it became cumbia sonidera, more urban and electronic. In Argentina, it transformed into cumbia villera, known for its raw lyrics and street vibe.
Today, you’ll hear cumbia in just about every Spanish-speaking country – and it always makes people dance.
Merengue: pure Dominican energy
Merengue is the heartbeat of the Dominican Republic. With its fast, upbeat tempo, it’s the country’s national rhythm and a source of pride. Played with instruments like the accordion, güira, and tambora (a double-headed drum), merengue fills dance halls with joy.
In the 20th century, merengue went from being rural music to an international sensation. Juan Luis Guerra helped globalise the genre with poetic and socially conscious lyrics, bringing elegance and depth to the music.
Did you know? Merengue was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016. A well-earned title!
Bachata: from the margins to the mainstream
Also born in the Dominican Republic, bachata was long dismissed as “music of the poor” or played only in taverns. But that didn’t stop it from growing. With romantic, melancholic lyrics and sweet melodies, bachata slowly made its way to international stages.
The guitar, bongó, and güira give bachata its characteristic sound. It speaks of heartbreak, longing, and intense passion. Artists like Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, and Juan Luis Guerra turned this genre into a global phenomenon – perfect for slow dancing… and heartbreak playlists.
Reggaeton: from underground to global fame
Few genres have sparked as much debate as reggaetón. Born in Puerto Rico in the 1990s, reggaeton is a bold fusion of Jamaican dancehall, Latin rhythms, hip hop, and electronic music. Initially underground and often criticised for its raw lyrics, it grew to become one of the most listened-to genres in the world.
Daddy Yankee – the so-called “king of reggaeton” – opened the doors with hits like Gasolina. Then came J Balvin, Karol G, Bad Bunny, and others, breaking records, crossing over into pop, and transforming the genre entirely.
Nowadays, reggaetón plays in clubs, festivals, adverts and social media – whether you love it or not, it’s hard to escape it.
Tango: passion set to music
Tango is the soul of Argentina (and Uruguay too – don’t forget!). Born in the late 19th century in the poorer neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, tango combines European melodies, African rhythms and Latin emotion. It’s intense, elegant and deeply expressive.
Its sound is shaped by instruments like the bandoneón (a type of accordion), piano, and guitar. Tango tells stories of love and loss with raw, poetic lyrics. Carlos Gardel became its iconic voice, while Astor Piazzolla revolutionised the genre with his “new tango” style.
Dancing tango isn’t easy – it requires trust, precision, and emotion. But when done right, it’s absolutely mesmerising.
Samba: Brazil’s rhythm of joy
While Brazil isn’t a Spanish-speaking country, its music is essential to the Latin soundscape. Samba is Brazil’s most iconic rhythm, famous worldwide for its infectious beat and carnival spirit.
With African roots, samba features lively percussion, guitar, cavaquinho (a small string instrument), and often stunning vocal harmonies. It’s the soundtrack of Rio’s Carnaval – colourful, vibrant, full of feathers, glitter, and dancing.
Artists like Carmen Miranda and João Gilberto helped popularise samba and its close cousin, bossa nova, across the globe. Samba is not just music – it’s celebration in motion
Did you know…?
- The word salsa also means “sauce” in Spanish – a perfect metaphor for a spicy, flavourful mix of rhythms.
- Reggaeton was originally called underground in Puerto Rico and sold in pirated cassettes.
- Cumbia was once banned in Colombia for being considered “vulgar”, but that only fuelled its growth.
- Tango was rejected by Argentina’s upper class before becoming the country’s cultural symbol.
- Bachata was nicknamed música de amargue (“bitterness music”) because of its heart-wrenching lyrics.
A continent that dances through its history
Latin music is a living history book – it tells the story of migration, love, pain, resistance and joy. Each rhythm represents a piece of cultural identity, shaped by centuries of influence and evolution.
What unites all these styles? Their power to make us feel. Whether it’s the fast-paced footwork of salsa or the smooth sway of bachata, Latin music moves both the body and the soul.
