Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Cuba
Even if Orishas left Cuba looking for new fortunes, they never forgot where they came from. In Nací Orishas, they’re singing to the same streets where they grew up.
Difficulty: Beginner
Spain
Amparo Sanchez – a singer and guitar player from Spain – is not afraid to mix genres, geographies and influences. On her band Amparanoia’s website, she explains: “My paranoia is music and the idea was to mix rhythms and styles, taking enjoyment from the rumba to ‘ranchera’, or the bolero and ska…” (Of course, Amparo + paranoia = Amparanoia.) Listen to 2006’s “La vida te da” and hear the Afro-Cuban rumba interpreted by this talented Spaniard.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Mexico
"No me tientes" (“Don’t tempt me!”) is both a warning and a plea in this song from Yabla favorite, La Gusana Ciega. Despite the lyrics’ drama and the high-speed car chase, we are pleased to report that no one was hurt in the making of this video.
Difficulty: Beginner
Mexico
Panda, also known as PXNDX, is a Mexican band located somewhere between punk, indie rock and pop on the musical spectrum. Narcisista por Excelencia was the first single of their 2006 album Amantes Sunt Amentes, “Lovers are crazy”.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Spain
Cosas de Críos, or “kids’ stuff”, is a friendly song about those bygone times when our world was nothing but a fantastic playground.
Difficulty: Beginner
Puerto Rico
World famous boricua Ednita Nazario was once just another six year old watching a Ponce ball game. By chance a line drive flew right into the glove she held before her. The crowd went wild, and that crowd just happened to include a big record producer, who was even more impressed when she offered him a song.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Mexico
In this concert at their natal Guadalajara, Belanova wanted to showcase the local talent. That’s why they invited a local group of musicians for this song, imparting a new sound to one of their best known hits.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Mexico
These guys are partially obsessed with stardom, or at least with astronomy. Now they’re talking about “el núcleo de Belanova,” the core of their energy.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Puerto Rico
The kings of Alternative Reggeaton, Calle 13, are well known for their smart, fast and funny lyrics; they disrespect anybody and everybody. That’s why "Un beso de desayuno" is a surprise: for the first time we are tempted to leave off the viewer discretion sign in a Calle 13 video!
Difficulty: Intermediate
Mexico
Pepe Aguilar is an American singer of Mexican descent whose parents were legends in Mexican show biz. At the ripe ol’ age of 5, Pepe made his singing debut at Madison Square Garden, at his father’s side. And while he admits to crying with fear, Pepe must have enjoyed himself: He became a regular member of his dad’s band and then launched a solo career.
Difficulty: Beginner
Puerto Rico
Kany Garcia is known for being on the first season of Objectivo Fama (Puerto Rico’s American Idol). Kany suffered a serious car accident during the show, but made an almost full recovery. Kany has turned into a sought-after composer/songwriter (for the winning song of "Objectivo Fama" as well as others) and a recording artist in her own right.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Spain
La Mala Rodriguez, a Spanish rapper has built a career out of playing the outsider in the male world of rap music, earning plenty of attention for her strong femininity and socially argumentative lyrics. Her Hip Hop is greatly influenced by flamenco music.
Difficulty: Beginner
Mexico
Young and beautiful, strong and sensitive, Julieta Venegas reaches more music listeners every day. “El Presente” is one of her most famous songs—here is its “unplugged” version.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Colombia
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Fonseca is known for his letras pegajosas (sticky lyrical hooks) and happy rhythms. Fonseca became a sensation after attending Berklee School of Music in Boston—a move that he claims gave him the ability to stand out among his musical peers.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Cuba
Orishas is the most famous Cuban band of recent years. They have achieved fame and glory all over Europe and Latin America. Even those who don’t understand their lyrics (sometimes hard enough even for Spanish speakers) can’t seem to keep their hips and shoulders still.
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