Bossa nova is a smooth style of samba that began in the late 1950s and early 1960s in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It has a calm, rhythmic pattern with chords played on the guitar in a way that mimics the sound of a samba band. The guitar style uses simple, stylized movements that copy the beat of a samba school’s percussion instruments.
Bolero is a type of music that began in eastern Cuba in the late 1800s as part of the trova tradition. It is not connected to an older Spanish dance with the same name. Bolero is known for its complex words about love and is often called the most typical Latin American romantic song of the 20th century.
The cha-cha-chá (also called cha-cha) is a dance that originated in Cuba. It is danced to music created by Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin in the early 1950s. This rhythm was developed from the danzón-mambo.
The word “rumba” can describe many different types of music that are not related to each other. In northern Cuba, the word “rumba” originally meant “party.” By the late 1800s, it was used to describe a group of non-religious music styles known as Cuban rumba. Since the early 1900s, the term “rumba” has been used in many countries to describe different kinds of music and dance styles.
Son Cubano is a type of music and dance that began in the highlands of eastern Cuba in the late 1800s. It combines musical traditions from Spain and Africa. Key Spanish influences include singing style, song structure, and the use of the tres, an instrument similar to the Spanish guitar.
Bachata is a type of music that developed in the Dominican Republic during the 20th century. It includes musical influences from European (especially Spanish) traditions, the indigenous Taino people, and African cultures, showing the mix of backgrounds in the Dominican Republic. Bachata also became a style of dance that grew along with the music.
Vallenato is a traditional folk music style from Colombia. It is most commonly found in the country’s Caribbean region. The word “vallenato” means “born in the valley.” This valley is located between two mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Serranía de Perijá, in northeastern Colombia.
Cumbia is a type of music and dance found in Latin America. It combines musical and cultural influences from Indigenous peoples, Europeans, and Africans during the colonial period. Cumbia is believed to have originated from funeral traditions in the Afro-Colombian community.
Salsa is a type of music and dance that combines influences from Caribbean traditions and music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, and other countries. This music blends African cultural traditions with European and indigenous musical elements, along with contributions from the United States. Because the basic musical parts of salsa existed before the term “salsa” was used, there have been disagreements about where it began.
Latin pop, also called pop latino or pop en español, is a type of popular music that is mainly performed in Spanish. It is based on the same rules as international pop music, such as having catchy melodies, a steady beat, and using electric instruments. However, it also includes musical styles from Latin America and Spain.