Latin American music has been making its mark in Western media in recent years. With the rise in streaming services, audiences now have access to a broader range of music from cultures outside of their own. Latin American artists have always had a presence in Western music, from featuring Spanish verses in English songs to entire Spanish songs topping the charts. However, the way Western audiences perceive Latin music and culture has been evolving.
How Streaming Services Are Changing the Music Industry
Streaming platforms have transformed the music landscape, making music more accessible across the globe. This has allowed artists to reach a wider audience, regardless of geographical location. Latin American music has been particularly impacted by this shift, as more Latin artists collaborate with Western musicians and gain international recognition.
Popular Collaborations Taking the Internet by Storm
Some collaborations have taken the internet by storm, including:
- Sao Paulo by The Weeknd featuring Anitta (Portuguese version)
- Kpop by Travis Scott featuring Bad Bunny and The Weeknd
One artist who has greatly contributed to the integration of Latin music in the West is Bad Bunny. His recent album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, gained listeners from all over the world. His song DTMF went viral on TikTok, where people shared videos expressing their love for Puerto Rico, inspired by his lyrics. This trend spread beyond Latin America, reaching audiences in Asia and Europe. This shows that the West is increasingly connecting with Latin music on a deeper level. Unlike previous songs that focused mainly on catchy rhythms, DTMF brought out more emotional connections.
The Impact of Encanto on Latin Music Perception
Another major factor that has shifted how the West views Latin music is the movie Encanto. The film, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, featured Latin rhythms and beats, introducing this genre to a younger audience. The Encanto soundtrack topped the charts for five consecutive weeks, further solidifying Latin music’s place in mainstream media.
What Does This Mean for the Latin Music Genre?
Latin American songs are becoming more popular and are being appreciated from a fresh perspective. As a result, Latin artists are more likely to find success in the West. In the past, many Latin artists altered their sound to appeal to Western audiences. Now, more authentic Latin music is being embraced, allowing artists to stay true to their roots.
