The music of Latin America is stylistically and geographically varied. Ranging from the cumbia music of Colombia and the bachata of la República Dominicana, each region puts a new spin on classic styles and new genres have cropped up according to regional tastes. Looking to experience it for yourself? Check out these genres and pick up your material using our curbside service.
Cumbia
Originally folk music from Colombia, the popularity of cumbia has spread to Panama and the rest of Latin America as each country has its own version. This music mixes traditional African beats, percussion instruments from multiple Indigenous groups, and European music to create a unique and highly danceable beat.
Artists: Kumbia Kings, Sonido Gallo Negro, Grupo Fantasma
Salsa
Created in the 1960’s by Latin Americans living in New York City, this music style utilizes Afro-Cuban beats, Puerto Rican bomba and aspects of guaracha, cha cha chá and mambo. The word itself denotes how ‘hot’ the music should be, leading to a very energetic dancing style.
Artists: Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, Marc Anthony
Bachata
A staple of Dominican Republic, this musical styling was born from African beats with Spanish influence that also is representative of the cultural diversity of the island. The bachata was considered too common a music style for radio play for decades, and experienced an explosion in the 80’s that we still see today.
Artists: Aventura, Prince Royce, Romeo Santos
Tejano
A mixture of Spanish-Mexican corrido, norteño and mariachi with Czech and German polkas and waltz, this style was born in Texas thanks to European immigrants and Mexican farmworkers meshing their traditional music to create this distinct genre.
Artists: Selena, Carrie Rodriguez, Alacranes Musical
Reggaeton
A relatively recent genre, it’s the brainchild of early 90’s Puerto Ricans who mixed dancehall, American Hip-Hop and Latin/Caribbean beats, creating a highly danceable beat that remains one of the most popular genres of the Spanish speaking Caribbean.
Artists: Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, Ivy Queen
Latin Trap
Another Puerto Rican creation, this style mixes Latin Rap, Southern Hip-Hop, reggaeton and dembow, with lyrics about la calle (the street) taking precedence. Recently many artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Dominican/American rapper Cardi B. have worked with Latin Trap artists to create popular hits.
Artists: Bad Bunny, Karol G, Anuel AA
Latin Rock
This is a melding of traditional sounds and elements of Latin American and Caribbean folk with rock, with several subgenres including psychedelic rock, tropicália, Chicano rock, and punk to name a few.
Artists: Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys, Chicano Batman
Latin Pop
A pop music genre that contains sounds or influence from Latin America, but it may also refer to pop music from anywhere in Latin America.