Reggaeton's Global Rise Masks Complex Origins and Power Dynamics
Original framing: “Bad Bunny says reggaeton is Puerto Rican, but it was born in Panama” — The Conversation - Global
Reggaeton's origins date back to the 1990s, when Panamanian artists began experimenting with a fusion of Caribbean and Latin American musical styles. The genre's evolution as protest music reflects the complex historical context of Panama, where social and economic inequality have long been pressing issues.
The global success of reggaeton obscures its Panamanian roots and the genre's evolution as protest music.
By recognizing and respecting cultural ownership and agency, we can better understand the complex power dynamics involved in the global dissemination of music. The narrative of reggaeton's origins highlights the importance of centering marginalized voices and perspectives, and acknowledging the agency and cultural ownership of Panamanian artists and communities. This requires a more nuanced and culturally sensitive approach to music and cultural exchange, one that recognizes the complex cultural and historical context of Panama and the importance of indigenous knowledge and cultural practices.