TLDR? If you’re looking to hear and dance reggaeton in Medellin, you should go to El Poblado.
It isn’t rare to hear Medellin called by different names. Among the most famous, we have flowers capital and the city of the eternal spring. But Medellin’s also called the capital of reggaeton.
The history of Reggaeton in Medellin is a little curious and worth reading.
Here we’re going to see how Medellin’s reggaeton was born, the influences on the citizens, and the most common places to get some in the mood to have the most authentic experience.
From Puerto Rico to a cultural representation of the urban style in Medellin, are you ready to learn about reggaeton?
Cultural Lenguaje
Although reggaeton wasn’t born in Medellin, the rhythm and the great love Colombian people have always had for music made it stay and grow in the city. As happened with Salsa music when it was born in New York by Latins and adopted by Caleños (people from Cali), reggaeton came from Puerto Rico to LosPaisas.
Artists such as Kevin Roldan, Lalo Ebratt, and Carlos Vives established a Colombian elite in this genre. Not to mention the Reggaeton superstars J Balvin, Karol G, Maluma, Manuel Turizo, Piso 21, and Yatra.
All of them have adopted a Colombian style to produce Reggaeton. This style comes from what Colombian music has always been, a lot of romance, melody, and poetry, which Colombian reggaeton has embraced.
Urban manifestations have been a symbol of ownership to the Medellinians, that find a way to reunite the communes through different music battles.
While singing to those who are no longer there, they remember through stories what precedes them. There is a strong culture of impro, where you can hear local words such as Nea, parce, Farra, estrén, chichipato, visaje, bell, sleeve, mostro, key, flag, Azara, and no Azara.
Peculiarities of Colombian Reggaeton
With over a billion views, a perfect example of the capacity and range of Colombian reggaeton is Una lady como tu (A lady like you), from artist Manuel Turizo.
Other artists, such as J Balvin, include a different range of sounds, from electronic dance music instead of the hard-hitting Puerto Rican format and the inclusion of acoustic guitar. Those elements give us a softer perreo leading to a more couple dancehall.
The popularity or the accessibility of artists like Maluma has allowed the genre to rise in different scenarios. So, although Reggaeton’s perceived by some as vulgar, the Colombian style has made it more familiar.
Where to hear and dance Reggaeton
Medellin’s the city with one of the highest nightlife in the country! You’ll find many spots to have fun, and maybe a live party in bars, discos, or even the streets!
Here are some places I suggest!
Teatro Victoria
Teatro Victoria mixes fashion and good parties in an exclusive part of the city. This old theater now serves as a disco!
Sonorama is a place for musical inclusion. In El Poblado, this place will give you a lot of tech feel but also things you weren’t expecting from a disco.
If you’re a Reggaeton fan, you must come to Medellin and live one of the best experiences you can find in Colombia and most of Latin America. The city may be famous for many things, but its urban scenario shines brightly too!
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