Amaya Jorge

Among the vibrant colors and flavors that many experience during September, Hispanic Heritage Month, there are also many sounds, rhythms, and melodies that shape and influence the culture. Throughout history, Hispanic music has transcended borders and made its mark all over the world. Here at Charter, from Selena to Bad Bunny and from salsa to samba, the range of Hispanic artists in students’ playlists spans across generations and genres.

Brianna Albuernes is a sophomore at Charter, who is half-Cuban and half-Salvadoran. One of “my favorite [Hispanic artists] would definitely be Marc Anthony, because I’ve always loved salsa, and he’s just been doing it for so long,” she expresses. Marc Anthony, a Puerto Rican artist, has been known for his passionate and vibrant salsa rhythms, along with his ability to embody Hispanic culture. He has also played a pivotal role in showcasing Hispanic music to a global audience, and making it more well known.

Albuernes also emphasized how salsa holds a special place in her heart, because she believes the infectious rhythms and the vibrant energy of the genre are what bring people together and make them want to dance. She describes how she “always loved being able to see this while growing up, and it makes [her] really proud of [her] culture.”

Other Hispanic music genres, apart from salsa, also connect with Charter students. Isabella Cioffi, a Venezuelan junior at PPCHS and a fan of Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny, mentions, “They both make really hype music that gets me dancing at parties.” Cioffi attributes her love for Hispanic music to its “hype beats.” She also loves that there are many different genres of Hispanic music for every mood. “ If you [want to] dance reggaeton, bachata, or whatever you want, there’s just so many different songs to choose from.”

In just a few short years, Bad Bunny has gained a massive following, and it’s no surprise that numerous students, including Rocco Mendez, have been captivated by his infectious beats. The Puerto Rican PPCHS senior appreciates Bad Bunny’s “versatility… He has both faster music and slower music. I feel like you can never go wrong with [him], and he has a lot of good quality songs.”

As students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Hispanic artists continue to make their global impacts, often sharing their culture and inspiring people through their music.