The Beats of Latin America

Brendan is a travel writer and photographer from Alberta, Canada. You can read about his travels at Brendan's Adventures or check him out on Facebook.

Latin America is as full of music as anywhere on the planet. You're not likely to enter a bus, restaurant or shop where there isn't music blaring through the radio. You'll often even see people walking down the street with their cell phones blaring out their tunes in the open air. Dancing to this music is something that is taught from a very early age. A Latino that cannot dance, is hardly Latino. Music is so finely engrained into the culture that it is almost as though it is the oxygen for the Latin American lung. Moreover, Latin American music has often overwhelmed our speakers around the world. Artists like Shakira, Enrique Iglesias and, yes, even Ricky Martin have taken over our radio waves at some point of time.

Salsa

Possibly the most popular Latin American dance, the salsa is rampant throughout the region. On the weekends people of all ages head out to salsa bars to show off their fast feet and fancy turns. It really is the one dance that has bridged all age groups. For the best salsa dancing in Latin America try Cuba or Colombia.

Bachata

Bachata has become more and more popular globally over recent years thanks in large part to the popular Colombian group Aventura. The slow rhythms of Bachata will be heard ringing through chicken buses and night clubs alike across Latin America.

Tango

Often mistaken for a generally Argentinean dance, the tango is more specifically a Buenos Aires dance. In Buenos Aires the porteños head out to tango bars to work out the steps of this slow sensual dance, while tourists check out the pros at nightly tango shows. The tango is almost like a secret code in which each movement and step leads to one to be followed by your partner. It is a dance that should not be taken lightly, or without a red rose pierced between your lips.

Reggaeton

Reggaeton has overwhelmingly become the most popular style of music amongst young Latinos. This fast moving club music, created first in Puerto Rico, will be heard pumping from clubs from Mexico to Chile and everywhere in between. The more popular artists include: Daddy Yankee and Pitbull who are also huge globally.

Andean

Traditional music is not confined to the Andes, however this is definitely the most developed music scene amongst the indigenous in the highlands of South America. Most of the Andean music includes instruments such as drums and, of course, the pan flute.

Spanish influenced

Especially in the smaller cities like Arequipa, Peru, Iquique, Chile and Salta, Argentina there is a very strong Spanish influence in the music. The songs feature lyrics crying out the singers dying love for his or her Latin American home, but musically it is very Spanish.

Rock

The sound of rock has definitely not been lost on Latin America. In fact, two of the most popular Latin American acts fall under the category of rock. The Mexican supergroup Mana has sold more albums worldwide than any other Latin America group. Current rock star Juanes, who hails from Colombia, is also known worldwide and fills stadiums wherever he goes.

Have you listened to some memorable tunes in Latin America? Tell us about them in the comments section below. Then head to Twitter and Facebook to see what the rest of the Gecko's community is saying.

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