Raggetón, Trap Latino and Cumbia: How music actively shapes Political Voices in Latin America

Introduction

What do you think happens when a song becomes louder than a state? Can songs raised in marginalized environments move across continents, shaping identity? In Latin America, music is more than just entertainment - it is a beautiful language that shapes socio-political expression. From the loud beats of Reggaeton to the well thought lyrics of Trap latino and folklore of Cumbia, these genres came to being from communities that were originally separated. In this blog, I aim to talk about how each style conveys a story of resistance, collective memory and culture. When I explored the evolution of music, I started asking myself: How do musical forms empower the youth to showcase their identity and resist oppression? How can artists navigate against censorship? In this blog, I will look ito music in Latin America as an instrument of political thought and philosophy - giving a voice to all communities and challenging political structures that attempt to silence them.  

Origin

(1) Reggaeton

Reggaeton music is a fusion of reggae, Jamaican dancehall, Latin American music (including salsa and merengue) and hip-hop. It developed around the late 1980s to 1990s, and came into mainstream music in 2004, when famous artist Daddy Yankee released his song ‘Gasolina’. This type of music has roots that can be traced back to Puerto Rico, Pana, Dominican Republic, Cuba and Colombia. West Indian Americans created reggae in Spanish, and converted Jamaican dancehall to reggae in Spanish.

On the other hand, it was in Puerto Rico where the fusion of different types of music was created to form Raegeton, it was popularised there. However, it was known as ‘underground music’, a medium used by marginalised communities and played in small clubs.

This all changed in the 2000s. 

(2) Trap Latino

Trap Latino originated in Puerto Rico, and it is a sub genre of Latin hip-hop. It is also heavily influenced by Southern United State’s trap music, reggaeton and urbano styles. It gained popularity in 2007 and became popular throughout Latin America. J Balvin and Bad Bunny are some popular artists famous in this domain of music.  

(3) Cumbia

Cumbia music is folklore music from Colombia. The Cumbia music was popularly used during the war of independence and in the newly formed republic, it was seen as a symbol at that time. Originally, drums and other wind-like instruments were used to create this music. However, now, congas, trumpets and other instruments are widely used. It is believed to have ethno-musical origin in Colombia or even Africa, which is a controversial matter. It is believed to have funeral origins as well.

Currently, cumbia is most popular in Argentina, Mexico, Patagonia, and other countries like Tijuana. 

When did Latino Music Start?

Most of Latin music comes from the intermixing of cultures during colonization of the Americas by the Spanish and Portuguese. New instruments and sounds came to be heard, including gaita flutes and african conga. 

Each music style had subtle and gradual changes. Trap music evolved from a 1990s Southern hip-hop music style to the global mainstream in the early 2010s. Originally, this music style was portrayed as rough, embodying rebellion, later on, it featured heavy bass and hi-hat on the drums. With increasing streaming and production, the influence of this music style grew. Later on, it was combined with EDM, Latin music and other diverse ranges. 

The two major time periods for trap music are - Mainstream Expansion (2000s-2010s) and Modern Era (2010s-present).

In the 2000s, streaming services and combining the music played a major role leading to its popularity. Artists like Gucci Mane and Future also increased in popularity. In the Modern Era, there was international influence of Trap music, even in K-pop music. Songs like ‘God’s Menu' by the Stray Kids, is a perfect example of the combination of K-pop music with Trap music. This time period saw the expansion of topics covered in trap music such as lifestyle, daily struggles. 

On the other hand, Cumbia’s evolution started in Colombia (c. 19 century). Originally a fusion of African, European music and Indigenous music, it was used for courtship dances and ceremonies. During the 1940s and period after that, with its spread in Latin America, this music style developed regional differences such as Argentinian cumbia villera, while also keeping a touch of modernity. 

How Music gives Identity and Resistance to Youth in Latin America?

Music is seen as an important means to represent struggles, culture, and emotions. It is a great way of fostering belongingness and pride. Since ancient times, music has been a powerful voice fostering resistance against injustices. It gives a voice to the marginalized against dominant groups and inspires the community. Raggaeton and Trap Latino are famous genres used for youth to express their identity, culture and resist socio-political injustices. 

Music helps preserve the linguistic, social and cultural narratives which is a cornerstone for young generations in order to connect with their heritage. It is also a platform to articulate experiences and find a sense of self in the world that would otherwise ignore them. With specific music tastes, the youth finds a sense of belonging and social identity.

Music allows youth to negotiate dominant power structures by challenging them through their music, demonstrating their point of view and creating a different position for themselves in society. In the past, it has also inspired revolutionary movements by fostering resistance. An example of this is ‘Un violador en tu camino’, which was a performance movement by a Chilean feminist group against violence towards women in 2019. This movement received international attention and spread across Europe and the United States. 

Music is a language of its own which can invoke emotions and unite people despite their language and culture. It gives a voice to individuals who may feel powerless, promoting resilience.

Political Expression through Artists and People

In Latin America, artists and people use music for political expression via genres such as Nueva Canción and Samba, with a view on social justice, human rights and oppression. Artists such as Violeta Parra are known for spreading and encouraging activism. They use it as a tool to spread information, especially in the context of political suppression and limitation. Nueva canción or the New Song, is a powerful musical means of spreading information that started in Cuba during 1967. Likewise, Samba and other music traditions have also been vital to express patriotism and political perspectives in Latin American history and politics. 

These movements have led to massive political and social engagement within communities, helping increase political knowledge and attention to dissemination of information on social issues. It is a platform for collective expression, identity and the will of the people. 

Working on this blog, made me remember one of my favourite quotes by César Chávez, ‘When the man who feeds the world by toiling in the fields is himself deprived of the basic rights of his humanity, then the music we sing becomes a weapon’.

This is so true towards the essence of what music does at a nationalistic level, when even the most basic of individuals are derived of his human rights, music becomes a weapon, a tool for voicing our opinions. 

Role of Censorship and Repression

Censorship and repression in Latin American music have been tools used by fascist and authoritarian regimes to control the dissemination of narratives, dissent using music as a tool. In the past, states have targeted musicians and their work, by banning and also taking severe steps such as harassment, torture and assimilation of popular musical movements like Samba or Nueva Canción.

This leads to tension between state and the citizens, repression is used to silence artists and their views. These views are often seen as anti-governmental, one very famous example of this is ‘Patria y Vida’, which was a symbol of protest that mobalized public opposition and shift in political thought. It is still quite a recent song, that came out about four years ago. The lyrics of the song talk about struggles that the people are facing and its importance.

Various methods are adopted for censorship and oppression. The first majorly used method is outright suppression.

This involves banning certain songs and artists in public performance and broadcasts. The second method is harassment and violence towards the involved artists. Brutal authoritarian forces often create threat to the lives of these artists using torture or assasination. In some cases, the state may try to assimilate musical movements into the official culture to reduce its message and control the artist.

Authorities can also target media groups and platforms that disseminate the political message of the music, creating situations where the involved people often need to flee their country. 

All these actions lead to a question about the very essence of human rights. Censorship is a barrier towards freedom, a state must limit its use of censorship to the best it can. Censorship goes against the fundamentals of freedom and human choice which are enshrined in human rights of most nations and international organisations.

Often, artists use metaphors and hide their message in various ways, for example, inverting the song pattern which reflects the message when played from the end to the start. Actions of censorship also create a negative image on the national and international level.

Transnational Tool

Music in Latin America serves as a transnational tool by fostering shared identity and connections between people. It promotes cultural exchange and political action across boarders. Music unites various communities at both a local and global level. It is often seen as a vital connection between countries and people, which helps preserve cultural heritage and foster unity. 

Social movements can lead to collective action, as seen in Chile’s 2019 feminist music performance, which leads to new policies and actions. These movements spread across borders and derive a voice at a global level. 

Conclusion

From Trap Latino to Cumbia, music in Latin America is more than just a form of enjoyment - its the voice of resistance and identity. These voices create a platform for marganilazed communities and youth, connecting them to their heritage and allowing them to challenge dominant political structures. Across the ages, artists have used music to inspire socio–political change and demand for human rights, even in the face of authoritarian repression. In todays time, music and its influence transcends boarders, it links Latin America with the world and shows that music is not only cultural but also political. By contemplating the profound role music plays in shaping political conscienceness, we can clearly see ways culture and policy combine, showing us that art is a mirror of society and a precipitator of change.