Latin American music

Cumbia and merengue

Latin American music encompasses the musical traditions of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

The term covers an enormous range of styles—salsa, bossa nova, tango, reggaeton, cumbia, mariachi, and dozens more—united loosely by Spanish and Portuguese colonial heritage, African rhythms, and indigenous influences.

The restaurant played Latin American music softly in the background.

Related

congas · salsa · cajón · bongos · tango · bossa nova · samba · carnival parade · pan flute · reggaeton · Argentine tango · bachata · cuatro · merengue · bolero · Spanish colonialism · corrido · mariachi band

Opposites
geographic/cultural origin

Latin American musicAppalachian music

Folk sounds from eastern mountains

British music · Russian music · Korean music · Australian music · Celtic music

rhythmic character

Latin American musicGregorian chant

Monophonic Catholic liturgical music

plainchant · ambient music · minimalist music · march music · hymns

formal structure and tradition

Latin American musicorchestral music

Music for full ensemble

chamber music · symphonic music · opera

Family

Latin, American, music, America, Americas, musical, musically, musician, musicianship

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G