Merengue de Calle (Mambo)

[Mr. Lu]

For those of you that don't have a clue here's your chance to get one. Recently Acroarte, and the Cassandra's denied an appeal by some Dominican artists to include a new genre into the awards ceremony. The "genre" as it is claimed, is Merengue de Calle or Mambo. As was expected Mambo, and Dominican Rap (who was also vying for some form of recognition) was denied entry into the show. Some have said that this new sound emerging from the streets of Santo Domingo isn't music or that its just vulgar trashy sounds with no real musical values. Proponents however argue that the music represents Dominicans, the culture, the poor people who listen to it and they say that to recognize the music is to recognize the importance of the people who create and listen to the music (i.e lower class Dominicans). So should Mambo have its own category in the Cassandra's? Does the Cassandra's and in turn upper Dominicans society turn its back on poorer Dominicans (this is an argument about class) when it doesn't recognize this genre?

For some of you this might be something totally new, and for some of you the concept of Mambo is irrelevant, so unless you have something important to say please don't comment. And even if you don't like the music, the underlying argument is what's important. Still, I feel there is a subtle argument about class here that I'd like to get some opinions on.

And for your reading pleasure (in Spanish) here are some articles:

Merengue de Calle (Listin Diario)

Blog that includes more articles about Mambo

[mkohn]

I thought Mambo was Guaracha, so I'm confused about the definition of Merengue de Calle.
I've heard of Pambiche Merengue (slow for the residents of Palm Beach) and Ultra Merengue (fast) so is this a new take on Merengue, or is it Guaracha?
mkohn

[Mr. Lu]

No. Merengue de Calle (Mambo) (or even called Merengue Urbano) is something different. Its more vulgar, explicit high paced and rhythmic. Its more "barrio" if that makes it clearer. The thing with it is that its more raw and the beats are more simplistic. Here is Omega the most popular "Mambero" on the scene right now. The song is called Alante Alante.

[Mr. Lu]

Sorry. Wrong link. Here you go...

[Squat]

"merengue de calle"... another useless musical genre...

-What can I say... It's noise with a guy saying idiotic words on top... Very unpleasant, as usually the jeepetas blast that "music" so loud that you are forced to listen to it...

I totally understand it doesn't get any awards... it sucks...

[Funnyyale26]

Originally Posted by Squat

"merengue de calle"... another useless musical genre...

-What can I say... It's noise with a guy saying idiotic words on top... Very unpleasant, as usually the jeepetas blast that "music" so loud that you are forced to listen to it...

I totally understand it doesn't get any awards... it sucks...

Agreed to the 100%....merengue the calle is not music, it is trash.

[Mr. Lu]

Wow, thank you for disregarding the parameters of the conversation. Funnyyale and Squat. Your personal distaste for the music is not what's important. I'll disregard your comments and childish and without merit. Just because you don't like the genre you can't discount its validity. I think country music "sucks" but they get awards. Some thing bachata/grunge/rap etc suck, but they get awards. Anyone else with something smart to say.

[Squat]

Originally Posted by Mr. Lu

I'll disregard your comments and childish and without merit.

I can easily see that you don't live down here, and don't have to endure that idiotic noise blasting from jeepetas... Enjoy ! (because we don't have a choice anymore... this idiotic noise is soooo loud, we can only endure it...)

[mkohn]

Thank you for the link. I see and hear the distinction.
It doesn't remind me of a merengue or a mambo rhythm, so I remain confused as to why it is named that way.
That particular video seems to encourage fantasizing about women and money.
My recollection of the origins of merengue was to dance away the evening and forget about your problems. Listening was fun too. Creative lyrics, and a rhythm anybody could dance to.
Although creative in the use of rhyming lyrics, this particular song might only motivate people to seek out carnal pleasures and easy money.
I will say that back in the day, many people of the upper class rejected merengue as chopo music.
You are right that country music wins awards, but they created their own awards show.
Maybe, once they've earned enough money with record sales, etc. the Merengue de calle (Mambo) artists/producers will have their first awards ceremony and decide what criteria the winners will meet.
It's not my taste, but then again, I like tuna sushi.
mkohn

[El sabelotó]

Well, most folks do not know what mambo is. In the case of Omega y su Mambo Violento, it's just another way of fusilamiento; it's not the Dámaso Pérez Prado type of mambo, which some consider the real mambo. But I have to admit I like Omega's brand of mambo: it's different and it has a raw feel to it.