A Latin Pop explosion is currently taking over worldwide charts that hasn’t been seen since the ’90s and early 2000s. Artists like Thalia, Paulina Rubio, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, etc., led the way with groovy numbers that circulated through multiple countries. Mexican singer Selena Quintanilla was also one of the many Hispanic artists garnering general acclaim by the media during this era.
Nobody can forget the swaying hips and hypnotizing dance of Spanish girl group Las Ketchup who introduced “Asereje,” which hit No. 1 in over 40 countries and sent the world into a dancing craze.
Now almost two decades later, we see the start of a massive resurgence in Latin Pop. From artists like Luis Fonsi and boy bands like CNCO, there’s still growing numbers of Spanish-language songs that have cut through into mainstream radio. Currently, songs like Reggaeton Lento, featuring girl band Little Mix, have created dents in territories like the United Kingdom.
Colombian singer Maluma has also had international success with “Felices Los 4,” released September 2016, reaching the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on numerous Latin charts. His collaboration with fellow superstar Shakira (‘Chantaje’) also propelled to the top in countries like Sweden, Belgium and France.
“Mi Gente,” by J Balvin and Willy William, another fellow Colombian singer, fuses Latin Pop with Moombahton and consequently became an international hit, landing the Top 5 in European countries and Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. A remix featuring Beyonce was later released, giving the song a big boost into the Top 3 of the Billboard charts.
Celia Cruz, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan performing Tito Puento tribute (2000).
Mexican-Cuban singer Camila Cabello is also making big waves with “Havana,” a nod to her roots, including a savory trumpet line that clearly recalls the hey days of past Cuban artists like Celia Cruz, La Lupe and Gloria Estefan. The breakthrough artist was recognized at this years Billboard Women In Music Awards, where she spoke proudly of her heritage and her mother.
She stated in part of her speech:
“The only reason I’m standing on this stage is because of one woman. And that’s my mom. She came to this country from Cuba with nothing but the clothes on her back for me. Breaking through doubt, breaking through fear, literally breaking through barriers.”
While there’s a common denominator in following musical trends for some pop artists, this Latin mainstream takeover is surely one to remember. Will it make groundbreaking impact for younger generations to come as it did previous eras? There’s no doubt about that. From one generation to another, que viva la musica latina!
For more Latin Pop, check out Spotify’s latest Latin Pop Hits Playlist.
