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Salsa, Plena And Merengue Music

Decent Essays

In this essay I will be describing and going into detail about salsa, plena, bomba, and merengue music. What really is the style of music along with the importance it has in and for the island it belongs to. As well as the effect the music has dealing with tourism and some of the famous musicians in that style.

Starting with the style of music labeled as Salsa. There is a lot of debate when it comes to the origin of salsa music. Some say it comes from Cuba, others Puerto Rico or even New York. Even with this, salsa is still deeply rooted in Puerto Rican and Cuban culture. Salsa is one if not the most popular style of music to dance to in many Hispanic communities. According to an article titled ‘History of salsa music & dance’, salsa’s roots …show more content…

Salsa has a fast tempo and a rich musical energy. Salsa is highly important in Cuba. Where the highly energetic music draws in many tourists. Tourists who pack up the night clubs to watch and try their hands at dancing salsa. There are many studios that help and teach you how to dance or even sing salsa. Yes, Cuba may have beautiful beaches and many touristic stops. But if you ask many of the tourists there they will say they are there for the music, salsa. Many Cubans have also said that they hope to use music like salsa to overcome political and social differences with the United States and other countries. There are many Cuban salsa musicians. But some are Arsenio Rodríguez, Benny Moré, Bamboleo, and one of the most important, Celia Cruz. Celia Cruz was also known as the Queen of salsa music. Her voice adding a unique flavor to salsa music. Celia Crus was widely known which helped gain recognition to salsa music as well as Cuba itself.

Next I will be talking about plena and bomba music. Plena and bomba are both rooted in Puerto Rico. Plena is a genre of Puerto Rican folk music. Usually it is connected with the costal sides of Puerto Rico. Just like salsa, the origin of plena has …show more content…

Merengue is often mentioned as the ‘National dance’ of the Dominican Republic. The music has some similarities with méringue from Hati but merengue is sung in Spanish and not Creole. It is also influenced by the Cuban music called ‘Upa Habanera.’ Merengue music gained recent popularity in the west but has been popular in the Dominican Republic since the 1800s. The instruments used are an accordion, a tambora, and a güira. Some important singers of merengue include Miriam Cruz & Las Chicas del Can, Wilfrido Vargas, Johnny Ventura and Cuco Valoy. There is also Milly Quezada who is known as the Queen of merengue. Just like plena and bomba, merengue helps tourism in the Dominican Republic with festivals. Bringing tourists from all over the world to listen to the bumping beat of merengue. This helps bring money to the island. As well as spread talk of the Dominican Republic to others in faraway places. Merengue helps to keep pride and culture to the Dominican

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