Culture

Dominicans and Their Unshakable Influence on Salsa Music

Dominican artists have long shaped salsa music, yet their contributions are often overlooked in mainstream narratives and Latin music awards. From pioneers like Alberto Canario to modern stars like Alex Matos and Yiyo Sarante, this piece explores the deep influence of Dominicans in salsa and the cultural elitism that has historically sidelined their impact.

Tego Calderón performing live, blending salsa and reggaetón on stage, symbolizing Afro-Caribbean musical fusion.

Tego Calderón: The Unsung Pioneer Who Bridged Salsa and Reggaetón

Before Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, or J Balvin infused salsa into reggaetón, Tego Calderón had already laid the foundation. From his groundbreaking album El Abayarde to his historic 2008 performance at Festival de Claridad, Tego redefined genre boundaries while honoring the Black legacy of Latin music. Discover how today’s urbano stars are continuing the cultural work he began.

J Balvin and Gilberto Santa Rosa perform their salsa-infused collaboration on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

J Balvin Returns with “Mixteip”: A Smooth Salsa-Tinged Comeback After Hiatus

J Balvin’s new project Mixteip marks his official return after a public hiatus, blending reggaeton with salsa influences alongside legends like Gilberto Santa Rosa. Featuring simple, polished tracks and subtle reinvention, the album earns a solid 7/10—showcasing Balvin’s evolving artistry as he works to regain trust in the Latin music world.