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Salsa as a reflect of social inequality

Salsa is more than a musical genre

Salsa is only viewed as a musical genre of Latin American origin that relates to Spain in the wrong way for many people, but it is much more than this. In the same way, we can talk about salsa as a set of Caribbean rhythms and styles amongst which we can find mambo, rumba, guaracha, among others. Nowadays, both definitions are now known to encompass everything salsa means in terms of culture in the Latin world.

Well, turns out salsa went far beyond serving as a type of music to become a cultural and even political phenomenon that played a very important role at momentous points in public life in many Latin countries.

How salsa social movement began

Salsa as a social movement ans its artists — Willie Colon playing the trumpet

As soon as the Cuban Revolution was concrete, the island was gradually isolating itself from the rest of the world in many of the areas of life, especially the artsy one. This resulted in that many local artists were forced to leave their country and relocate to New York, United States. It was there that all these exponents of the aforementioned genre began to work in innovative ways and give new life to this music, thus leading to a number of changes that would transform salsa forever.

One of the most important changes was the fact that music was no longer confined to smart ball-rooms. Now it does too in the corners where you can see the misery in which a significant percentage of the population lives. At these times, the aim was not only to achieve the greatest number of attendees possible, but to achieve those who needed to feel connected to these rhythms.

That audience was composed of Latino neighborhood residents, who were desperate to find any artistic expression capable of reflecting their everyday problems. In this sense, salsa has become a powerful tool of protest against the very poor economic, political and social situation for which Latinos were going through. One of its greatest exponents has been Ruben Blades with songs such as Prohibido Olvidar, Pueblo Latino, and Tiburon. These musical themes are an open critic to governments of all ideological tendencies reneged on promises to the people.

Salsa culture and salsa as part of Latin American identity

Salsa and social inequality — A couple dancing salsa

When we analyze thoroughly the origins of salsa and the most famous artists of this genre, it is not difficult to understand why it has been so successful in the greater share of Latin America. These artistic expressions of this type are the ones that can put into words the feelings experienced by those who wish to create an identity and bring about solid political thoughts. We mention the word identity because it refers to the way we perceive ourselves and we see our traditions and the story behind us.

A large part of the story is related by salsa, which has become a popular life expression as an unambigous reflection of the typical traditions and customs of the Caribbean countries. In the same way, this genre lets us view the experiences, happiness and sadness of those who identify with its lyrics.

Salsa is a clear demonstration that arts are not always disconnected from the feelings of the majority but, on the contrary, it can be a true reflection of what people dream, think and feel from each chapter of history.

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Camilo and El Alfa release “Bebé”, a bachata song

Listen to BEBÉ the new song from Camilo and El Alfa

The Colombian singer Camilo, winner of a Latin Grammy in this year’s ceremony, joined forces with the Dominican El Alfa to surprise everybody with a bachata full of feelings.

El Alfa is a Dominican rapper that, with lots of professionalism, joined him in this adventure. Camilo has triumphed in the musical industry, and has left more than one surprised with this song in the bachata genre, after all it’s his first experience with it.

My approach to music is always from the illusion, from what my heart asked me, and in this moment it wants to dance pegaito (close)”, expressed Camilo. “It’s a tribute to Dominican Republic, a country that I love with all my heart”, he added.

Camilo and El Alfa — Colombia and Dominican Republic reunite with this song.

Within hours of its release, the song has more than four million views on YouTube, and keeps rising. Camilo looked very pleased with the final result and commented on YouTube:

ALL THE TRIBE DANCING PEGAITO (CLOSE)!!!! Thanks Alfa, you are an incredible human being, very unique! Colombia and Dominican Republic dancing together!!!”; he expressed.

Beside, he announced the release through his Instagram profile:

BEBÉ is released with @elalfaeljefe. This is going to be the soundtrack of my end of the year holidays!!! LET’S DANCE!!! Cheers. THE TRIBEEEE”, he said. The post was ended with emojis of the Colombian and Dominican flags.

Emanuel Herrera Batista, better known as El Alfa also took advantage of his social media profiles to share BEBÉ.

I thought that my first bachata would be with “THE KING” Romero Santos!! But it was my turn to work with the most worldwide mentioned artist, thanks @camilo for this chance! I have so much respect and affection for him”, El Alfa commented with two pictures together with the Colombian singer.

The music video was filmed in Samaná, a seaside city from Dominican Republic, and it was directed by Eva Luna, Camilo’s wife. It shows images from different parts of the island, and it’s focused on a couple’s love, and reflects couples dancing to the song rhythm. The production is under Sony Music Label.

Camilo is very excited about this song and working with El Alfa

It’s the first time that both artists share melodies, and they have been very pleased with the experience, and the final result. In fact, on a recent interview Camilo has given some words about the collaboration:

We met at an award show. I’ve always shown a curiosity for his identity. I think that he is a unique human being and I celebrate that identity, and the honesty above all. I celebrate his honesty in what he does, without asking anybody, without asking permission. He follows his hearts and wrote the songs that it dictates, for me that is something worthy to learn from him. It’s a tribute to the Dominican sound which is a second home for me, because it’s my parents’ home where they live, and each time I visit it, I fall in love more with a country that touches the heart from the first day that you land. I feel that I’m going to have the opportunity to enter the houses of many families with this song”, he commented to Diario Libre.

Could be the beginning of a new chapter for the Colombian singer’s career? Let’s wait and see!

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That’s how the Latin Grammys were

The 21st edition of the Latin Grammy

As expected, due to the global pandemic situation that hit us this year, the awarding of the 21st edition of the Latin Grammy was held online. In this way, neither the public nor the red carpet had participation this year. Some creatives recreated them in their homes and took the opportunity to take their respective photography.

The gala was held in the city of Miami with headquarters in other cities in Latin America. Several of the artists’ participations were also carried out under this modality.

The musical presentations were opened by the J Balvin show, one of the great favorites of the night. Who also broke a Guinness record for more nominations, surpassing the title obtained by Calle 13 in 2011. To receive his gramophone, he was dressed in black and then appeared in white. He interpreted the song “Rojo” and dedicated it to those who have had to fight against the COVID-19 virus. Balvin has recognized that this situation has affected him seriously and he has been immersed in depressive pictures.

“My heart is crying,” Balvin commented.

To the surprise of many, his heart actually turned the color of blood. His suit was dyed through some internal mechanism but leaving a large red stain on Balvin’s suit. Really, it seemed like his chest was bleeding incessantly.

J Balvin bled in the stage of the Latin Grammys

“Music humanizes us” was the theme of this year’s meeting. With the singer’s presentation, many were stunned and very sensitive. What did you think of his form of expression?
Natalia Jiménez paid tribute to Julio Iglesias, while the great Hector Lavoe also received recognition. Ricardo Montaner, Ivy Queen and Rauw Alejandro led the tribute.

Jesús Navarro, Ricardo Montaner, Victor Manuelle, Ivy Queen and Rauw Alejandro gave life to the song ‘El Cantante”’ in homage to Héctor Lavoe. Each of the interpreters, from their respective rhythms, created a perfect harmony and joined in a very emotional show. They quickly went viral and comments on social media grew by leaps and bounds. The spectators were pleased by a presentation that moved fibers.

Winners of the night

Natalia Lafourcade, Alejandro Sanz, René Residente, Mike Bahía, Ricky Martín, Caminlo, Rosalía, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna, Carlos Vives, Grupo Niche, Eddy Herrera and Daniel Santacruz were the winners of the night. The winners’ social networks were filled with videos of celebration and appreciation. A different night but full of many emotions!

In the Mejor Canción Tropical category, singer-songwriter Carlos Vives shone with his song “Canción para Rubén Blades”, in which Blades participated as a composer. Vives was excited, he did not hesitate to thank Rubén Blades for his support.
“This award with Rubén, congratulations to all the nominees, all the participants, Kany a very big kiss, thank you Sony, thank my entire team, our producers, the artists, Andrés Leal, thank you,” he said in the middle of happiness.

In his social networks he also wanted to dedicate his award to La Academia, his country, his people, each of his followers, his wife and his entire production team. He was also shown celebrating from home, together with family and friends.

In the Mejor Álbum de Salsa category, Grupo Niche shone. Album 40 is a tribute to the group’s musical trajectory. It is the first Latin Grammy that Colombian salseros receive, after having been nominated twice, in 2001 and in 2016.

“We have won the @LatinGRAMMYs for best salsa album for ’40’ our most recent musical production. With great emotion we say to you: Salseros and Nichistas of the world, infinite Thanks! Long live Latin music, salsa, long live the teacher # JairoVarela and long live Colombia!”, They expressed on their Twitter account.

The winning album was recorded for almost a year in studios in Miami, Cali and Puerto Rico. They wanted to maintain the musical guidelines of Jairo Varela and thus remember his roots, without losing his essence.

As Mejor álbum de Merengue/Bachata we have two winners, two Dominicans. A historical event that both celebrate with great fury. Eddy Herrera and Daniel Santacruz were the lucky ones. They tied in one of the closest categories!

Two Dominican Winners — Both Dominicans won the Latin Grammy in the same category

Eddy Herrera has a long history in the genre, known as “El Galán del Merengue”. The followers of his career also celebrated this achievement, being the singer’s first Latin Grammy. “Eddy Herrera Ahora” contains some of his most recent songs.

“It is an immense joy that I also want to share with all my followers and lovers of my performances. Thank you for supporting me throughout these years where you have been faithful to my musical productions ”, he expressed.

The Dominican did not hide his happiness and dedicated himself to thanking those who have supported him during so many years of journey.

“I am extremely grateful to the entire production team, as well as my fans, who are always the impetus to keep going. To achieve this magnificent product, we had, as in other opportunities, the dedication of one hundred percent of our great team, who gave themselves with the charisma, vocation and professionalism of always, an essential symbol of our artistic productions ”, said Eddy Herrera.

For his part, Daniel Santacruz will fondly remember the day that “Larimar” made him the recipient of his first Academy Award. After several nominations, his long-awaited moment finally arrived. In fact, his brother Manny Cruz was also among the nominees.

Even though he was born in the United States, he is of Dominican descent and grew up on its streets. He learned about its culture, its influences and is very proud of its roots.
“Grateful to God, to the Recording Academy and to all those responsible for participating in this important production that represents the sacrifice of many years of career and effort,” expressed the artist.

Santacruz was also part of the singers who entertained the meeting. He appeared from Boca Chica, Dominican Republic to the rhythm of “Larimar”, the promotional song for his album.
The young Dominican posted a video on his Instagram account where he is very happy. He thanked his family, wife, mother and his brother Manny Cruz. To its engineers, musicians, fans and manager. As well as his country, the people who listen and dance bachata, merengue and all his followers. Long live the Dominican Republic!

The event was one of total innovation and, surely, it will become a starting point for other awards. Of course, the dedication and effort on the part of the organization cannot be denied; as well as the artists involved, all left their hearts on stage and showed that better times are to come. So be it!

Everything you need to know about tarraxa

Tarraxa in Europe

It is amazing the number of African genres that have gained strength at this time. This can be seen in this in the huge amount of events that include these rhythms in Europe, which speaks of an important evolution in the musical ear of those who often did not listen to these styles.

One of those many rhythms is tarraxa, which has begun to play a leading role in dance classes taught in the Old Continent. These classes have managed to gather a large public and very interested in learning to dance genres different from those that they tend to listen to.

What is tarraxa?

tarraxa and traditional kizomba — interracial couple dancing tarraxa

Many people define tarraxa as a very modern way of dancing kizomba, in which the corporal expressions and the rapport between the members of the couple are the two most important details in the dance. This dance is full of sensuality and feelings, something that is not seen very often in more traditional versions of kizomba.

One of the major complications of traditional kizomba is the excessive softness and slowness of many of its rhythms, so the dancers simply do not know how to proceed sometimes. This is also the reason why many would find this African genre a bit boring and choose to look for other styles that are a little more cheerful and lively. Here is where other slightly more intense modalities come to life, such as tarraxa or batida.

When listening to songs based on this dance, it is possible to realize that the rhythm is very marked, allowing the dancers to have more flow and security in their movements. This and other new versions of kizomba derived from the need to try something different, modern and much more intense. Not everyone tastes calm and tranquility in the same way!

Expension of tarraxa through Europe and other latitudes

Tarraxa in the Old Continent — Couple dancing tarraxa closely

As already mentioned, tarraxa is closely related to kizomba, while many have dared to say that the first is nothing more than a more modern version of the second. Well, kizomba originates in Angola with the mixture of a rhythm known as semba with another one called kilipanda. If we have already said that tarraxa was born as a consequence of the modernization of kizomba, that means that we can conclude that tarraxa is also of Angolan origin. This makes its voyage around the world even more interesting.

After kizomba arrived in Europe through Portugal and other countries, this well-known genre has been intermingled with other more local rhythms as a consequence of the adaptation of the rhythms to the ears of its new audience. This resulted in the creation of new variants such as tarraxa, passada, saida, ventoinha, and so on.

The specific case of tarraxa is not very different from that of other musical styles from Africa. It has simply undergone modifications of all kinds to the point at which it resulted in what is now. Nowadays, it is one of the most present genres in events held in Europe and other parts of the world.

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You know “Domi Dance” Online

A new brand for dance comes to New York

Domi Dance a brand of dance products, designed by ex-dancers for dancers.

The city of New York saw the birth in 2019 of a new brand of products for the dance world, a brand that seeks to reach all corners where music, rhythm and dance can be presented, by the hand of Dorelys Rodriguez, a former dancer who Since she was 7 years old, she has shown the world of dance, going from ballet, flamenco, salsa among other genres, I always dream of achieving many things in the dance world, hence it will never be possible to separate from this beautiful discipline. In his professional studies and work experience in the world of Marketing, he managed to devise a proposal that would manage to marry his great passions, his line of work in the world of sales and his passion for dance, from here DomiDance arises.

In the United States, Dorelys saw the opportunity to exploit his abilities to create a brand, a product, an object that would allow him to give him a new business and business life, without forgetting the main point of his idea, to be what the dancer needs, to reach your specific needs with a range of high-quality products at well-affordable prices for everyone, from the professional to the beginner who ventures into any discipline of this art.

Since 2019 Domi Dance has been able to position itself in many of the corners of dance, starting with its first product presented the openwork stockings, little by little it developed innovative strategies to enter the commercial game, facing large brands established in the American market, it was able to enter through of online sales a channel that allowed him to reach many people due to the boom in shopping through the web.

Domi Dance Company

The brand claims to present its products under a first-level raw material line, quality is the main object in its line, they seek to offer quality above any point, customers can be sure of acquiring an object that will not be easy to beat. When it comes to bringing life to life on the stage and in the dance halls, Dorelys tells us ¨ we do not want a dancer to be under pressure not to sit on the floor for fear of breaking the stocking or shoes on difficult floors, we do not sell products unbreakable but difficult to beat¨.

Domi dance is not a sales space for other products, they are manufacturers, they are exclusive when designing products for their brand, they generate new ideas based on the direct experience of the dancer, they are concerned with investigating the experiences lived with the use of clothing and footwear in the scene, an element that drives them as a brand concerned with giving the artist what they need.

To date, it has a range of first-class textiles, ballet shoes, urban clothing and much more, all aimed at meeting needs in many disciplines. They continue to bet on their sales framework through digital platforms such as Amazon, Ebay, social networks such as Instagram, Facebook, among others. They have already developed a point of sale for Latin America, a business established in Panama, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela and moving to other latitudes.

For this 2020 the projects are aimed at designing footwear for flamenco, tap, extending its textile line into leotards and garments in greater demand, working with masculine elements and continuing to advance in its extension project in America and Europe. Follow them on their social networks through @ domi.dance

By Jose Perez Correspondent, Bogota, Colombia