Musical genres have been part of the citizen’s common life for more than fifty years. In principle, it originated to differentiate religious music from other styles. Starting the great variety of musical genres that we know today. The term “Latin music” was born in the United States to refer to the rhythms from Latin America.
This is due to the large number of groups that emerged in the 1950s. It sought to differentiate African American music from Latin American ones. From now on, different rhythms belonging to this category have come off, such as: salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, bossa nova, among others.
Long live Latin music!
Salsa, merengue and bachata, to name just a few, have become the flag of most Latinos; inside and outside their borders they dance, sing and teach others to move with that particular “son”. It is a rhythm that prints passion and a lot of dedication. The music industry is part of the history of this genre. Those who have managed to belong to their ranks have been immortalized through their songs. This movement has been on the rise, making those who were born in Latin American lands proud and accommodating documentaries and movies. Everyone wants to tell a story around Latin music!
5 movies you can’t miss
Films have become a window into the past and what we do not live but would like to recreate. In the case of music, there have been many themes that have been exposed. For this reason, we wanted to compile some of the best ones. You will love their content and you will want to see them immediately. Make your notes!
The Singer, 2006
Héctor Lavoe is a Puerto Rican legend. A singer, composer and musical producer with a voice and talent what catapulted him as the greatest salsa performer in history. The film starring the also Puerto Rican Marc Anthony describes Lavoe’s life from his teenage years. The singer, as he is fondly remembered, traveled to New York City at just 16 years old.
Against his father’s will, he decided to go after his dreams. In the scenes we can see how he is part of a musical group and perform in a bar, he meets Eddie (Manny Pérez), Willie Colón (John Ortiz) and gets his first contract with a record label.
However, you will also get to know the darker side of Héctor Lavoe who went through drug and alcohol problems. Héctor meets and falls in love with Puchi (Jennifer López), mother of his son and a very important character in the film. Puchi accompanies him on this path of constant ups and downs until little by little his life begins to change.
They lose their son Tito, as a result of an accident with Héctor’s weapon, and he is definitely not the same again. A story that shows us the success of an artist, his talent and dedication, without neglecting his bad habits that led to his death.
Dance With me – 1998
A film in which rhythm and romance will run through your veins. Chayanne and Vanessa Williams play a dance couple who meet in the middle of a great coincidence. Rafael Infante (Chayanne) loses his mother and decides to travel from Cuba to Texas to meet his father, the owner of a dance school.
When she gets to see him, she doesn’t know how to tell him the truth and prefers to apply for a job as a cleaning assistant. However, they realize how great a dancer he is and he begins to have participation in the academy. In the scenes we will be able to see how they get together through dance and enjoy the Latin rhythms. A fun film that should be among your weekend selection. Enjoy it!
Cuban Fury 2014
It tells us a story of love, self-improvement, improvement of self-esteem and, of course, salsa. Bruce Garrett (Nick Frost) is attracted to his boss Julia (Rashida Jones) and wants to conquer her through dancing. Garret had qualities for salsa but during his teens he was intimidated and put it aside.
Today, he wants to regain that rhythm, overcoming self-esteem issues and personal fears. For the character it is not easy to leave behind those events that marked his life. However, you must put aside self-pity and allow the dance to define everything. Will it have good results? Find out for yourself!
City of Delirium 2014
Cali, Colombia becomes the setting for an adventure full of dance and new experiences. Javier (Julian Villagrán) is a Spaniard who travels to Colombia for work and cannot help but fall in love with its people, customs and women. He meets Angie (Carolina Ramírez) a Colombian who owns a dance school. Their encounters are marked by the music and dancers that characterize this city. Javier ends up learning to dance salsa and guess what? Become an expert!
If you want to know more, find it now!
Shine tells us about two Puerto Rican brothers Ralphi Matas (Jorge Burgos) and Junior (Gilbert Saldivar) who have separated due to bad experiences and after a few years, they meet again. Between them, an even greater distance is created when they are on opposite sides of the fight for the gentrification of the area where they grew up.
The dance and cultural roots are present throughout the film, with Uncle Julio (Nelson Gonzales) trying to unite them again. Drama, dance and romance take sides in Shine, a very common story among Latinos in the United States who struggle not to let their principles die.
Latin music is life, it gives color, improves mood and is part of a cultural legacy that will continue to be maintained through the years. Every day new exponents of the genre appear and this will continue to happen over the years. So be it!
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