Latin
The rich musical traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean — from Cuban son and Brazilian samba to Argentine tango and modern reggaeton.
Sub-topics
Dance music forged in 1960s-1970s New York by Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants, blending son cubano, mambo, and jazz. Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon. Fania Records.
Quiet revolution in Brazilian music (late 1950s). Antonio Carlos Jobim and Joao Gilberto fused samba rhythm with jazz harmony. The Girl from Ipanema became a global standard.
Afro-Brazilian music and dance rooted in West African rhythms, born in Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century. Syncopated percussion, Carnival parades, batucada. Brazil's national sound.
Colombian folk genre blending Indigenous, African, and European elements, originating on the Caribbean coast. Spread across Latin America, evolving locally in Mexico, Argentina, and Peru.
Born from reggae en espanol in Panama (late 1980s) and Puerto Rican underground, fusing dancehall reggae with hip-hop. Dembow beat. Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny. Now dominates global pop.
Argentine music and dance born in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century. Bandoneon, passionate expression. Carlos Gardel, Astor Piazzolla (nuevo tango).
Traditional Mexican folk ensemble music from Jalisco, featuring violins, trumpets, guitars, and vihuela. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ranchera singing and son jalisciense roots.
Spanish-language pop music blending Latin rhythms with mainstream pop production. Crossover appeal from Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin to Shakira and Bad Bunny.