Artists & Styles
By Tijana Ilich, About.com Guide to Latin Music
Read about your favorite Latin music artists and the different styles that make up the world of Latin music.
Latin Music Overview
Confused about the difference between cumbia and cha cha, Tejano music and Norteno music? Wonder why you like some tunes called 'salsa' but not others? After all is said and done, what makes Latin music latin?
Afro-Cuban Music
From the ballads made famous by the Buena Vista Social Club to the roots of salsa, Afro-Cuban music has become one of the most beloved genres of music in the world.
Bossa Nova / Samba
There is no more joyous celebration than Carnaval in Brazil and samba is what makes that festival so special. From samba to bossa nova, read about the artists and styles that make Brazilian music beloved the world over.
Merengue / Bachata
The Dominican Republic is the aboriginal home of one of the most popular Latin beats in the world - the merengue. The bachata was the 'black sheep' of Dominican music for years; now the sexy, suggestive style is being embraced and brought back into the musical mainstream.
Pop / Rock
Latin pop and rock are now some of the best-selling albums in the world. Read about the artists that have made this significant impact on the music world.
Salsa
Salsa is probably the most popular Latin style in the world. But it didn't exist before the 1960s. Read about its roots and the artists that have made it so popular.
Tango
It's difficult to think of tango without thinking of Argentina, but today the tango is known, loved, composed and performed the world over.
Tejano / Norteno
If you're north or south of the border, Tejano and Norteno music have a lot in common.
Mariachi / Ranchera
Every visitor to Mexico looks forward to a good mariachi band and ranchera, the music they perform.
Urban Music (Reggaeton, Hip Hop, Fusion)
The world is a global village and indigenous Latin music styles are tranformed once they hit the big city.
