In the diverse world of Latin music, there are a multitude of genres that have left a legacy on the global music scene. From the rhythms of salsa to the melodic bolero, Latin music is a vast universe of sounds and cultural traditions. In this article, we will explore the origins of the type of Latin music that exists, unraveling the historical and geographical influences that have shaped its evolution over the years. Read on!
What is the origin and history of Latin music?
Before the arrival of European colonizers in Latin America, the various indigenous cultures already had a rich musical tradition. Instruments such as drums, flutes, and maracas were common, and music was used in religious ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations.
With the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese, European music, especially Spanish music, was fused with indigenous musical traditions. This gave birth to new styles such as bolero, ranchera, and folk music. Additionally, during the colonial period, millions of Africans were brought to Latin America as slaves. With them, they brought their musical traditions, rhythms, and dances. This African influence can be seen in genres such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, and samba.
In the 20th century, there were significant migration movements in Latin America, as well as a significant diaspora to other parts of the world, especially to the United States. These movements brought Latin music to new audiences and also contributed to its evolution and fusion with other musical styles, such as jazz, rock, and hip-hop.
Types of Latin music: classification
Latin music is the result of a rich mix of indigenous, European, and African influences, as well as migrations and cultural exchanges throughout Latin America’s history. Below, we tell you more about the continent’s most influential musical currents that have blossomed into a unique artistic expression that resonates around the world.
Traditional Mexican music
Before the arrival of the Spanish, the various indigenous cultures of Mexico used instruments such as drums, flutes, seashells, and other percussion and wind instruments. With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the guitar, violin, and vihuela were introduced, as well as new styles and forms of European music.
Characteristics
Traditional Mexican music uses a wide range of instruments, which may include guitars, violins, guitarrón, vihuela, trumpets, and harps, among others. Other characteristics are:
Deep lyrics and themes: The lyrics of traditional Mexican songs often address themes such as love, rural life, nature, history, religious celebrations, and social events.
Traditional rhythms and dances: Traditional Mexican music presents a variety of regional rhythms and dances, such as huapango, son jarocho, jarana, polka, and corrido, among others.
Featured Genres
Traditional Mexican music is an integral part of Mexico’s cultural identity, having evolved over the centuries and continuing to be a source of pride and celebration. Its most prominent genres are:
Ranchera: Known for its emotion and passion, ranchera is a genre that reflects rural life and themes of love, homeland, and tragedy.
Mariachi: Originating in Jalisco, mariachi is a musical genre that stands out for its festive instrumentation and its repertoire of happy and melancholic songs.
Corrido: This genre narrates stories and events of everyday life, such as heroic deeds, famous crimes, historical events, and popular figures.
Son Jarocho: Originating in Veracruz, son jarocho is a festive genre that combines African, Indigenous, and Spanish influences, and is characterized by its fast rhythm and its use of instruments such as the jarana, the harp, and the donkey’s jawbone.
Popular music from Ecuador
Ecuadorian music is a vibrant and diverse expression of the country’s cultural identity, combining indigenous, African, and European influences into a unique blend of rhythms, melodies, and lyrics that reflect the richness and diversity of its people. Here’s a look at some of the key genres and characteristics of Ecuadorian music:
Pasillo: Considered the most emblematic musical genre of Ecuador, pasillo is a form of romantic and melodic music that originated in the Sierra region. Its lyrics often address themes such as love, nostalgia, and homeland, and are accompanied by instruments such as the guitar, the requinto, and the piano.
Sanjuanito: Originating in the Andean region, it is a festive genre characterized by its fast rhythms and lyrics that celebrate rural life, nature, and indigenous traditions. It is accompanied by instruments such as the guitar, the queen, the flute, and the bass drum.
Yaraví: This musical genre is an expression of melancholy and nostalgia, with poetic lyrics that address themes such as heartbreak and loss. It is accompanied by string instruments such as the guitar and the requinto.
Albazo: Originating in the coastal region, albazo is a cheerful musical genre characterized by its fast rhythms and instrumentation with guitars, violins, and percussion.
Ecuadorian cumbia: Influenced by Afro-descendant music, it is accompanied by instruments such as the guitar, accordion, and percussion.
Indigenous music: Ecuador also includes the use of ancestral instruments such as the queen, the zampoña, and the Mondadori, as well as musical rituals and ceremonies that are rooted in the indigenous worldview.
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Type of Latin music: Cuban rhythms
The arrival of African slaves to Cuba during the colonial era had a strong influence on Cuban music. African rhythms, instruments, and musical traditions merged with European and indigenous elements, giving rise to new musical genres and styles. In addition, European music, especially Spanish music, also brought with it the guitar, violin, and flute.
Characteristics
Percussion plays a central role in Cuban music, with Afro-Cuban rhythms such as the son, rumba, guaguancó, and conga noted for their complex rhythmic patterns. It also often features sweet melodies and lyrical harmonies, with lyrics addressing themes such as love, nostalgia, everyday life, and politics.
Improvisation is also a distinctive feature of many Cuban genres, allowing musicians to express their creativity and virtuosity in real-time during live performances.
Featured genres in the type of Cuban Latin music
Cuban Son: Considered Cuba’s most iconic musical genre, Cuban Son is a blend of African and Spanish influences, with infectious rhythms, melodic harmonies, and emotive lyrics. It is the basis for many other Cuban genres, such as salsa.
Salsa: Emerging in the 1960s and 1970s in New York, salsa is a musical genre that fuses elements of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Caribbean music with rhythms from salsa, jazz, son, and other styles.
Guaracha: This musical genre is characterized by its fast rhythm and humorous style, with lyrics that address everyday and satirical topics.
Bolero: Known for its romantic melodies and poetic lyrics, the Cuban bolero is a musical genre that stands out for its emotionality and its influence on Latin American music in general.
Brazil and its popular music
The arrival of African slaves in Brazil during the colonial era had a profound impact on the country’s music. African rhythms, instruments, and musical traditions merged with indigenous and European elements, giving rise to genres such as samba, bossa nova, and other popular styles. European music, especially Portuguese, also brought along instruments such as the guitar, violin, and accordion.
Characteristics
Percussive rhythms: Percussion plays a fundamental role in Brazilian music, with percussive rhythms and patterns being characteristic of many genres, such as samba, maracatu, and Afro-Brazilian music in general.
Sensual melodies and complex harmonies: Brazilian music often features soft, sensual melodies as well as complex harmonies that reflect the richness of the country’s musical culture.
Genres
Considered one of the most iconic musical genres in Brazil, samba is known for its infectious rhythms, festive lyrics, and ability to get people dancing. Other important musical currents are:
Bossa Nova: Emerging in the 1950s, Bossa Nova is a smooth, melodic music genre that combines elements of samba, jazz, and classical music. It is known for its elegant melodies and relaxed style.
Forró: Originating in northeastern Brazil, forró is a festive and cheerful musical genre characterized by its fast rhythms and lyrics that celebrate rural life and popular traditions.
Brazilian Popular Music (MPB): This genre encompasses a wide variety of musical styles that reflect the cultural and social diversity of Brazil. It includes artists and genres as diverse as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Maria Bethânia, among others.
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