From the working-class neighborhoods inhabited by Latin American migrants, to the trendy discos frequented by Spain’s elite youth, reggaeton has become a unifying force that transcends issues of race, gender, or social class.
It’s where reggaeton meets sensual pop, MC’s scathing flows describe blatant social inequalities and soaring electronica tries to soothe a violent populous. Welcome to the new sounds from Medellín.
Rich in European, Latin American and Caribbean influences, Buenos Aires is an open-air musical laboratory where one can hear the most danceable cumbia-reggaeton to the most ethereal synth-pop.
Cumbia 420 is the musical phenomenon de jour in Argentina. With its skilful blend of cumbia villera and reggaeton, this hybrid sound has millions of young people dancing (under the influence) from the heights of Buenos Aires to the depths of the Pampas.
In record time, the Spanish singer has become one of the most fascinating and elusive artists on the pop scene, brilliantly blending her flamenco roots with hip-hop, R&B and electronic music.
Whilst neoperreo, a digital DIY subgenre of reggaeton, might be a child of the internet worldwide, its flame burns brightest in Santiago.
A story about producers from the Dominican Republic whose desire to get their neighbourhood dancing got the whole world to move.
With its ears wide open to the world, Mexico City’s musical melting pot is like no other.
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