Research into Latino artists

Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin rose to fame as a member of Menudo, a Latin Boy Band and since 1991 has been a solo artist. He is from San Juan in Puerto Rico. He first started acting in New York City and then progressed to releasing his first solo album in Spanish, which was self titled. His biggest single off this album was “Fuego Contra Fuego”, meaning “Fire against Fire”. His music centered around traditional Latin sounds, and he produced three more Spanish albums, called “Me Amarás” (love me) and “A Medio Vivir” (Medium Life). He then crossed over the English music market, preparing his first English album in 1999. This was self-titled and featured the single “Livin’ Le Vida Loca”, which is his most prominent single. Another single, “She’s all I ever had”, peaked at number 2 on The Billboard Hot 100. Sound Loaded was his second released album, featuring “She Bangs” and a duet with Christina Aguilera. Since, he released more Spanish albums including a greatest hits; “La Historia” (The story) which stayed at number one of the Latino charts for six weeks. His last English Album was released in 2005, called “Life”. He has a forthcoming 11th album, which will feature songs in both English and Spanish. He is also planning to release a book.

Enrique Inglesias
Enrique Inglesias is a Spanish singer, starting his career with Mexican indie label Fonovisa that evolved him into one of the most popular artists in Latin American and the Latino market in the USA. He at first produced Spanish tracks and albums, such as his 1997 album Vivir, meaning life in Spanish. He then produced the album Cosas del Amor (things of love). He then crossed over into the English language music market, producing songs such as Hero and Do You Know. He still uses Spanish music as an influence and has had a great impact in Spanish speaking countries. He represents Spanish and Latin influence on the country.




Shakira
Shakira, a Columbian singer, is a major representative of the genre Latin Pop today. Her recent singles include “She Wolf” and “Did It Again” all which feature a Latino influence in the music or lyrics. Her music features an exotic feel which draws in the listener and the different edge to her songs make them catchy and easy to listen to. She has been a member of the music scene since she was only 13 years old with the debut album Magia. She was played on Columbian radio a lot and her music video for first single ”Magia” became the first national pop video in Columbia. Since her first album, which was a success in Columbia and invited her to progress her style of music, she has had many singles such as “Whenever, Wherever”, “Hips Don’t Lie”, “She Wolf” and “Did it Again”. Her influences have been partially oriental music, such as the Bollywood theme for her performance of “Hips Don’t Lie” at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards. She also uses South American Folk Music, combining different cultures with British Pop to make her Latino music accessible to the British public.
Shakira is the most well known Columbian artist and provides us with accessibility to South American culture through her music.