by Abel Delgado, Kahala
Pretty dramatic title, no? What's next, Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor? After all, salsa music still makes money. Victor Manuelle (by the way, why does he misspell Manuel?) Frankie Negrón and, of course, the music and dance companies, still make a nice piece of change. So it won't go anywhere, it will still be in the marketplace. In this century in Hawaii, Latin culture's most popular dance style has been overwhelmed by the crossover commercial success of many new artists critically eclipsing the old Cuban groups such as the Buena Vista Social Club and Los Van Van,
It is now challenging in its traditional role of urban chronicler by, of all things, rock in Spanish. It's not just a generational shift that's threatening salsa but a widening cultural schism in the booming Latino community. As Hispanic culture becomes more a part of mainstream America, traditional Latin music forms such as salsa -- and some of the values they represent -- are getting diluted, even lost.There is a new and large (Latino) generation born and raised in the U.S. We're the largest growing minority, which means we have (both) an increased market impact and much greater opportunities in spite of Trump.
Even musically, a lot of today's salsa can still get you to tap your feet, it still sounds peppy and alive. So what's with the dramatic declaration? The following: I argue that this music has certain aesthetics established over the years that are its lifeblood, its essence. And while this music has certainly changed over the years, it has maintained those aesthetics. But now those aesthetics are being lost as the commercialization of the music transforms its character to make it more mainstream, more pop. You can get similar articles on the Internet. I don't think Salsa is dead but it has definitely peaked in this century.
Pretty dramatic title, no? What's next, Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor? After all, salsa music still makes money. Victor Manuelle (by the way, why does he misspell Manuel?) Frankie Negrón and, of course, the music and dance companies, still make a nice piece of change. So it won't go anywhere, it will still be in the marketplace. In this century in Hawaii, Latin culture's most popular dance style has been overwhelmed by the crossover commercial success of many new artists critically eclipsing the old Cuban groups such as the Buena Vista Social Club and Los Van Van,
"Social dancers know that they must pay more attention now! Always,
not just sometimes, and never stop. - Your life will thank you."
It is now challenging in its traditional role of urban chronicler by, of all things, rock in Spanish. It's not just a generational shift that's threatening salsa but a widening cultural schism in the booming Latino community. As Hispanic culture becomes more a part of mainstream America, traditional Latin music forms such as salsa -- and some of the values they represent -- are getting diluted, even lost.There is a new and large (Latino) generation born and raised in the U.S. We're the largest growing minority, which means we have (both) an increased market impact and much greater opportunities in spite of Trump.
"Waikiki" by Amy Hanaialii
Even musically, a lot of today's salsa can still get you to tap your feet, it still sounds peppy and alive. So what's with the dramatic declaration? The following: I argue that this music has certain aesthetics established over the years that are its lifeblood, its essence. And while this music has certainly changed over the years, it has maintained those aesthetics. But now those aesthetics are being lost as the commercialization of the music transforms its character to make it more mainstream, more pop. You can get similar articles on the Internet. I don't think Salsa is dead but it has definitely peaked in this century.
"Truth is one of the most valuable things we have, so let's try to conserve it."
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