Salsa as a mechanism for social commentary...

I've always been fascinated when I hear a salsa song that has either a cultural critique or in this case a social message of some sort.  In effect Salsa was born out of elements of oppression, resistance and embraced happiness at any extent (if you want proof of this, play a great salsa song and see if there's anybody sad 😃💃🕺😃), to grow to the worldwide dance scene it is today.

  1. Pacifism/Anti-Violence/Anti-War
  2. Acceptance of Others

Pacifism/Anti-Violence/Anti-War: 

These songs comes to mind...

La Vida Es Un Carnaval by Celia Cruz


Que Suenen los Tambores by Victor Manuel

La Rebelion by Joe Arroyo


Acceptance of Others:

This is not a common message in many music genres, however Salsa has a history of pushing boundaries and offering social commentary.  This is a very popular song with a fantastic composition and music score.  Undoubtedly people are dancing to this and are not aware of the social message behind it.

El Gran Varon by Willie Colon


Other themes to be added in later updates.


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