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Over the past several years, salsa has taken
the UK by storm! But what is salsa exactly? As a term it is highly generic.
Literally the word means ‘sauce’ and is used to describe a variety of Latin
rhythms that are harder to pronounce, such as huaracha and guaguanco. The
origins of modern day salsa are to be found in Cuba. Salsa sprung from a rhythm called son
cubano. It was actually the Fania record label that invented the term salsa in the
70’s to sell the music to a younger generation of Latinos. Ask
Some of the most talented and widely respected musicians in the world are from Cuba, the birthplace of many Latin rhythms. Cuban musicians study their art to degree level and communism has warded off much of the commercial salsa that has swamped many other Latin American countries and the U.S. Although some Cuban music may not be as accessible to everybody, as it is not commercial, most people who appreciate quality music recognize talent and genius when they hear it. Forget rum and tobacco! Music is Cuba’s greatest export. Salsa in Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Panama, New York,
Miami… Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Panama, New York and Miami all have their own particular brand of salsa. Salsa is in fact only one of many Latin rhythms. The fiesta DJs mix all of them, including vallenato (Colombia), cumbia (Mexico, Colombia) rumba, charanga, mambo (Cuba) and merengue (Dominican Republic). Brazilian rhythms (samba) and Spanish (rumba flamenco) are also played
Merengue is a Caribbean rhythm from the Dominican Republic. Second and third generation Dominicans in New York have fused merengue with rap and hip hop – the result a modern, up beat and highly accessible rhythm that appeals to young people. The Fiesta Latina Music Collection As Fiesta Latina has expanded, so has Ana and Pancho’s now vast record collection! Most music is bought direct in Latin America (mainly Mexico), some through mail order and some occasionally in London at ‘Bongo’ in Soho. The internet is also proving a useful source. It is actually possible to order almost anything on the high street if you know what you’re looking for. Anyone interested in Latin music need only take a look in the World Music sections of Virgin and HMV. Tower Records in London has a massive Latin section.
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What
is Salsa?
serious
Cuban musicians what salsa is
and they might tell you it is something they put on their chips! As far as they are
concerned only son cubano exists. Salsa is a marketing tool.
Cuba’s contribution
Merengue