Why You Should Listen to Latin Music: A Latina Perspective

Music has played a crucial role in Latin American culture since the beginning and is even more prominent now. The music of Latin America is rich and colourful, filled with passion, sadness, happiness, and anger. Latin American music is like its people: expressive and diverse. Throughout my life, every corner of my house has been filled with Latin music, ranging from artists of all eras and places. As I grew up, I figured out my own taste in music, especially within the genre of Latin music and its importance to me. Modern Latin music takes many forms but it never forgets its roots of traditional Indigenous music. It’s becoming a very popular genre of music worldwide due to it being able to touch any kind of individual whatever their likes and dislikes are.

Since the start of the 21st century, many musicians around the world have taken inspiration from Latin American Music, using tempos, beats, and rhythms in their own music which in turn influenced other genres of music such as jazz and hip hop. Latin American music has gained more recognition as the genre is listened to at many parties, creating a reputation of fun and festive music. With this huge influence comes the fact that the production of Latin American music has a big role to play in the preservation of Latin American culture as it showcases the very roots of the Latin American people in a proud manner.

Music in Latin American culture is often used to express emotions and tell stories and it can be used to entertain, educate, and heal. It helps keep Indigenous culture alive.

Due to the act of colonization and conquest done by the Spanish people towards the Indigenous community, the musical traditions of the Indigenous people have been either erased or partially lost and forgotten by many; however, with the help of many interested individuals, others are trying to bridge the gap by revisiting these old musical traditions and infusing them into popular music.   

The reason one should listen to Latin music is because it introduces you to another cultural perspective that many people don’t have the privilege to experience or don’t even know exists. Through music we can create a positive light of Latin American culture on a global level. Our world is plagued by harmful stereotypes that diminish the skills and strengths of others. Latin music inspires Latinos to be proud of who they are regardless of the negative views in the world. When it comes to Latin music, no artist is the same, each artist, group or solo has their own style of music. The versatility of the genre makes it easy for any kind of person to enjoy Latin music genuinely. The energy for this genre of music can be festive, fun and cheerful, but it can also be more romantic and slower, and at the other spectrum the energy of some Latin American songs can be politically charged, outlining desire for change. Latin music has something for everyone regardless of your first impression of the genre, one will not be displeased with what one can find.

In my opinion, I find that Latin music is a powerful tool to heal my own wounds and advocate for my identity. Universally, many take the stand that music heals what has been hurt, which I rally behind. Music has a way of touching the deepest parts of our soul with lyrics, instruments and rhythms in a constant way that can’t be recreated in material methods of healing like using money.

Latin music connects me to my roots and lets me be proud of who I am. As I have been listening to this genre of music my entire life it’s impossible to think what I would do without it.

It has coloured many happy memories that represent family, friends, and my own self-discovery that are very important to me. Some of my personal favorite artists are Lila Downs, Marc Anthony, Gente de Zona, Anitta, Celia Cruz, Luis Miguel, Karol Sevilla, and Danna Paola. All of these artists have different singing styles that have been influenced by their backgrounds and interests. Dance and music help me to show all parts of my Latinidad without the feeling of fear. I use a variety of Latin dance styles along with its music in my own choreography to be able to show others that one does not need to blend into the background or be afraid to be loud to be seen and respected.  

The genre of Latin American music is diverse and worth listening to as it offers something different for everyone. Latin music has risen in popularity all over the world but most notably in the 21^st century thanks to streaming services. Now you can stream Latin music on various platforms with ease and browse the various styles with the genre to fit your exact taste. Whether you are part of the Latino community or not, Latin music will for sure astonish you and leave you wanting more.