Selena Gomez. Camilla Cabello. Shakira. All pop sensations with smashing hits and globally-recognised songs. Millions love their music, and it is not uncommon to see artists draw from their cultural backgrounds – as seen regularly with Cabello and Shakira. Recently, however, Gomez released her latest EP, a homage to her roots: Revelación.
Twenty years after Aguilera’s Mi Reflejo LP, Gomez dropped her first Latin project. While Aguilera’s was a mix of hits re-recorded in Spanish and original material, Gomez gives the Latin sound a spin with seven all-new songs. While nothing on the list is as explosive as “Taki Taki”, Gomez finds her groove among the reggaetón beats. Rolling Stone called this EP “a captivating flirtation with the Latin world” and hinted at the possibility of her winning a Latin Grammy. This EP was also adored and welcomed with open hands by her fans, what with her teasing her decedent voice in Spanish via “Taki Taki”. The world of music truly has no barriers!
When Cabello went solo, she embraced her roots more and sang on “Hey Ma” with Latin superstars Pitbull and J Balvin. At the 2017 Latin Grammy Awards, they were nominated for the best urban song. Just like predecessors “Havana” and “Liar”, her new single “Don’t Go Yet” is Camila’s third consecutive lead single to pull inspiration from her Latin roots. “Havana” took some inspiration from salsa, “Liar” blended elements of flamenco and ska, and now “Don’t Go Yet” is straight Latin pop with some added flair from live instruments like a horn section, flamenco guitar, and maracas.
Not only are we seeing American pop artists draw inspiration from their cultures, but we are also seeing the welcoming of music from different cultures and in other languages, like with Shakira. In 2006, she brought her famous belly dancing and swinging hips into the spotlight in her song “Hips Don’t Lie.” She tied her folk-rock style together and presented it to fans who ate it all up!
K-pop has seen rising popularity for a while, leading to its global stage today. Despite Korean being a language with no distinct similarities to English, their music is cherished by MILLIONS – even by people who are unfamiliar with the language! Building a confluence of genres and cultures, K-pop songs kick the familiar rhythms of American pop music up a notch. Despite the record-shattering success of BTS, however, radio remains largely hesitant about putting K-pop into rotation.
Songs like “Despacito”, “Fake Love”, and “DDU-DU DDU-DU” have taken the whole world by a storm, shattering records. As the years progress, the integration of culture will be inevitable and most likely welcomed gladly by lovers of music from across the world!
