Music and Us: Our New Playlist

I’m so excited to talk about some of my favorite genres and songs from around the world. Since I’m not originally from here and am often surrounded by people from different cultures, music is one of the things I always enjoy discussing and learning about. I have always enjoyed traveling and meeting new people, as it means learning and expanding my horizons beyond where I’m from. Starting with my friends, most of whom are international, they hail from Germany, France, India, Brazil, and Argentina. Of course, I had to know what they listened to!

Since music plays a significant role in my connection with various cultures and people, I decided to create a small playlist to share some of my favorite songs and genres from around the world. Each song or style has a special memory or meaning for me, and I hope you’ll enjoy discovering these sounds just as much as I did. But let’s start with my own country, as we didn’t have the chance to debate or even discuss it, which is Colombia, in South America. Cumbia is one of the traditional types of music that we tend to listen to and dance to. It’s usually played and danced to on the Caribbean coast of my country, which is quite far from my region. However, during events such as carnivals, we tend to see it more often. Traditional cumbia music combines elements of African, Amerindian, and European styles, featuring musical instruments such as drums, flutes, maracas, and accordions. One traditional song that is often listened to and frequently played using a variety of instruments is “La Pollera Colombiana” by Juan Bautista Madera.

This type of genre is accompanied by a dance performed in pairs, featuring long skirts that are swirled around, as shown in the video. This is also danced in pairs, with the couple not touching one another as they display the amorous conquest of a woman by a man. Another song that is often played is “Colombia, Tierra Querida” by Lucho Bermúdez. This song not only demonstrates the main instruments played in this genre, but its lyrics also describe the beauty of Colombia and the pride we feel as Colombians. It’s a way to show pride in our culture and nationality. That’s why cumbia is a beautiful part of our culture and tradition.

Another type of music that is also Colombian but represents the other side of the coin in terms of style is Latin hip-hop/rap. One of my favorite bands from back home is Alkolyrikoz, which combines rap and hip-hop to convey in their lyrics the societal problems our communities are facing, including economic, political, and life themes. This type of group composes lyrics that are rich in content, rather than being empty, as in reggaeton, which often discusses materialistic topics; it provides the audience with something to reflect on and be aware of what is happening. On some occasions, it also incorporates elements of our traditional music styles, such as reggae or Latin music in general. I got to know this group through a friend while I was back home, and now listening to it makes me remember home and also reminds me of my sister, since we both share a liking for the same group, giving me that feeling of not being alone. One of my favorite songs is “Tararea” by Alkolyrikoz, which I really enjoy listening to.

Transitioning to a different culture, one genre of music I appreciate is Afropop, a modern genre originating in France, Europe. I discovered this unique aspect of the world through a close friend from France, as well as one of my teammates and friends. She initially introduced me to the world of French Afrobeat/pop with one of her favorite songs, “Copines” by Aya Nakamura, and I really enjoyed it. When I listen to these kinds of songs that are neither Spanish, English, nor Portuguese, I simply enjoy the beat because I don’t understand anything about what is being sung. Moreover, I usually listen to this kind of music when I want to concentrate and not sing the lyrics. It makes me feel calm and helps me focus better while still allowing me to enjoy the rhythm and energy of the music.

Another style of music I appreciate is classical French music. I became interested in it not only because of my curiosity about different cultures but also because my dad appreciates this kind of music and would often play it at home. Even though I don’t always understand the lyrics or the historical background behind each song, I love the calmness, elegance, and emotion that it carries. One of the songs I especially enjoy is “La Vie en Rose” by Édith Piaf, which always makes me feel as though I’m being transported to another time and place. Listening to artists like Piaf or composers like Debussy helps me feel peaceful and focused, almost as if the music is telling a story without needing words. Just like with French Afropop, what stands out to me isn’t necessarily the language but the feeling the music creates. It helps me stay centered, concentrate, and appreciate a different cultural atmosphere.

Ultimately, music has a unique ability to transcend borders, languages, and traditions. Whether it’s the rhythmic dances of cumbia, the profound lyrics of Colombian rap, the upbeat vibes of French Afropop, or the timeless beauty of classical French music, each genre brings a piece of the world a little closer. No matter where we come from, music gives us the chance to celebrate culture, share emotions, and feel connected, which is something truly special.