Latin Fusion

The Spanish language has linked the cultural expression of Latin music for many years. However, now Latin music can be enjoyed across many languages. This is no accident since the origination of Latin music is a full mix of several cultures and people. Influences of Latin music can be linked to cultures in Northern Mexico, Cuba, and the plains of Puerto Rico. It even has language roots in Portuguese and Creole languages within Haiti. Conversely, Latin music still remains a fusion of indigenous, European, African elements.

Modernized genres mix Latin music with heavy-metal, rock, rap, punk, hip-hop, R&B. The sounds of Latin music are even mixed with modern-day jazz and reggae. Cultural experts would agree that fundamentally Latin music is for all people and all cultural communities. Varying genres of Latin music can be heard with rhythms of Salsa, Bomba, Plena, Samba, Cumbia, Ecuadorian Bomba de Chota, Murga, and Candombe styles. Latin music has even been blended with certain styles of Gypsy music, which can be distinctive in Resbalosa, Marinera, and Zamacueca rhythms. In a nutshell, Latin music is often known for its use of Syncopation. In this form of music style, Syncopation uses an accentuation of fragile beats, instead of the stronger ones. More specifically, polyrhythms that originated from Africa have remained a steady part of Latin music culture and style.

Although there is a link between Latin music and the music prior to the arrival of European people, the indigenous aspect of this type of music has almost been lost. Yet, it is known that many isolated regions of the Amazon Basin, the Inca Civilization, and the Maya and Aztec people may have has some influence in Latin music. Latin music, with its mixed origins, continues to be a fusion within modern-day culture of many countries.