Overview

The main reason why Latin music has played played an important role in the construction of culture and identity in the Americas lies in the fact that it has been an inclusive experience.

In other words, Latin music has never been touched by the imposition of particular standards. It has been, indeed, a popular phenomenon that has been defined by people of all races and social backgrounds.

Argentina

The tango is perhaps Argentina's best-known musical genre, famous worldwide.

Rock Nacional was most popular during the 1980s, and remains Argentina's most popular music. Rock en Español was first popular in Argentina, then swept through other Latin American countries and Spain. The movement was known as the "Argentine Wave."

Mexico

Mexico is perhaps one of the most musically diverse countries in the world. Each of its 31 states, its capital city and each of its boroughs claim unique styles of music

The most representative style is mariachi music; Although commonly incorrectly portrayed as buskers, mariachi musicians play extremely technical, structured music or blends such as jarabe

Panama

A popular style of music in Panama is Spanish reggae. Spanish reggae originated in Panama in 1977 and competes with reggaeton (which was created in Puerto Rico), having strong Puerto Rican influences such as bomba and plena soca. Salsa, bachata, and merengue can be heard as well throughout the nation.

Other Hispanic and Latino styles are also heard, as well as Caribbean, salsa, and West Indian music.

El Fin

One of the main characteristics of Latin American music is its diversity, from the lively rhythms of Central America and the Caribbean to the more austere sounds of southern South America.

Another feature of Latin American music is its original blending of the variety of styles that arrived in The Americas and became influential, from the early Spanish and European Baroque to the different beats of the African rhythms.