I love latin music — that’s it. That’s the article.
Reggaeton, Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, Corridos, Huapango — you name it, and I can tell you a favorite song that I have from that genre.
In all seriousness, music in Spanish has something special to it. Artists from all Hispanic countries create new unique masterpieces that are shared globally — all from the same historic beat.
Growing up, my grandparents, Maru and Eduardo, lived with us. They both have played a role in helping me form a strong sense of identity with my Hispanic roots, and have taught me a big part of my Peruvian culture and heritage — including music. I got the chance to listen to the types of music that they enjoyed, especially on Saturday mornings (if you know, you know.)
Growing up in Sanford, I was introduced to Mexican culture. My best friends have roots in Mexico, and they have taught me a great deal about these styles.
At the moment, I would have to say that reggaeton is what I listen to most. Artists like Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro and Jhay Cortez all take the classic beat from Puerto Rico and make something entirely new — and bangin.’
Rauw Alejandro’s “Cosa Guapa'' off his new album “VICE VERSA'' takes a new spin on Latin trap music, and creates something that is Frank Ocean-esque with a beat switch in the middle of the song.
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Wednesday, Sept. 15 and lasts until Friday, Oct. 15 this year. In addition to listening to music, I plan on attending events hosted by the Carolina Latinx Center. This year’s celebratory theme is “Heels Pa’lante” — which translates to “Heels moving forward” to inspire a year of growth and prosperity despite the obstacles of 2020.
And with that, as Natanael Cano says, "para llegar para arriba siempre le metimos puro pa’lante" (to get to the top, we always put pure forward).
