February 5, 2013

• Zumba: Perhaps more than booty-shaking tunes?

  One of the most impressive trends over the past several hundred years is the move toward formidable macro-cultures. North America (US and Canada) is perhaps the clearest example. Although vast and diverse in geography, population, and historical profiles, there are significant similarities that you expect as you travel across the region. Things like: fashion, types of restaurants, the music people are listening to, how people spend their time, relationships with technology, etc. I will hazard that my day (in TX) doesn’t look that much different (depending on the time of year/weather) from that of someone who lives in Toronto–even though we’re separated by 1200 miles/2000 km and two, distinct sovereign governments. But, 1200 miles in another direction puts in you Oaxaca, Mexico where things are very different from here!

  Anyway, the point of the post is: I sense the beginnings of a Latin American/Spanish/Portuguese macro-culture. And Zumba could be the evidence of such a trend. Zumba is more than just the latest fitness craze in the US. It could be considered a new genre of music that has roots over a large geographic area. The existence of “Zumba” raises an interesting issue: Is Zumba an externally imposed label or one that actually serves a useful purpose in reflecting a trend in process? That is, has the fitness movement artificially created a class of music, OR is it “a next step” in a trend that has been well underway? In the first case, recognizing a “Zumba” genre is probably not appropriate; in the second case, there very well could be something here. Naturally, we must begin with a discussion of what music is “Zumba.”

  

  During the workouts, the songs played are upbeat, with strong, underlying bass and percussive elements. They’re almost exclusively in Spanish or (Brazilian) Portuguese. the product of different musical traditions with little in common–other than the language used. Current Zumba tunes feature aspects of reggaeton, cumbia, bachata, and even hip-hop. All of these are distinct genres with their own characteristic elements; most have a regional component–especially cumbia. In contrast, Zumba is a big mixing bowl of sound, beat, rhythm, subject, and tone. It’s not limited to any one region. Some of the prominent “Zumba artists” and their nationalities are listed below.

  Daddy Yankee: American (PuertoRican)
  Pitbull: American (Miami-Cuban)
  Don Omar: Dominican
  Gusttavo Lima: Brazilian
  Michel Telo: Brazilian
  Juan Magan: Spanish
  Note: Mexico is conspicuously absent (to my knowledge–please inform me if I’ve overlooked someone).

  There’s also a very prominent subject to “Zumba” songs: generally, they’re about dancing with an attractive individual. They often tell the story of how the dancers got together, why they’re “en la discoteca,” etc. “No sigue modas” is a great example of this, although it’s not unique in its substance.

  It’s also noteworthy that Don Omar has released a song called “Zumba.” Whether this is a brand-sponsored deal, I don’t know. But, it exhibits all the characteristics of the genre–if it can be properly so called. It has the strong beat, those high-pitched instrument things that I don’t know, and even a salsa “cameo.” In fact, I’m sure it even follows a definite development pattern, but that’s a technical matter of musical theory on which I am not qualified to opine…also, I don’t want to put that much time into thinking about it.

  Perhaps most critical is the terpsichorean effect of Zumba. No matter what happens, when a Zumba beat pulses through the speakers, I have to twerkalate…at least a little. Often, my “manos” go “arriba.” It’s almost involuntary.

  [Side not: if this is true, the owners of the "Zumba" brand would do well to register their brandname/logo in Latin America and Europe since USTPO protection ends at the border. While that's a good idea, please note it is NOT legal advice...just a thought.]

  I think it will be interesting to see how Zumba develops…especially in the Caribbean where there is a great mix of Euro-original institutions mixed with Afro-original and native cultures. Even for the similar history of the region: Native cultures displaced by European cultures who brought slaves, there is great diversity: Haiti is very different from the Cayman Islands: Puerto Rico from the Virgin Islands; Jamaica from Trinidad; etc. While closely situated, each one is very distinct, making a little a leopard print of human culture in the Caribbean basin.

  It’s also interesting to think that American demand for a “regional” product might have spurred transcultural (or supracultural?) innovation. While Americans might be the consumers of these cultural products, the American culture isn’t actually that involved in the production. But, this seems better topic for sociologists/ anthropologist/ academic humanitarians. So…have at it!
  
  So…what do you think?  What are your experiences with Zumba? WHY AM I THE ONLY WHITE PERSON WHO THINKS ABOUT THIS STUFF?

  • 11:59 pm
  • 7 Comments