Until a few years ago the only Spanish songs that could be heard on the radio in the UK would be novelty songs such as Los Del Rio´s catchy hit “La Macarena” or girl group Las Ketchup´s “The Ketchup Song”. Best selling Spanish and Latin artists such as Enrique Iglesias and Shakira have enjoyed a lot of success, but more often than not, it would be the English version of their songs which would be released in English speaking countries rather than the orginal Spanish version.
However, in recent years there have been big changes! J Balvin and Luis Fonsi have sold millions of records around the world, and played to hundreds of thousands of fans around the world, not just in Spanish speaking countries. A couple of years ago it was impossible to move without hearing the hugely successful “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber.
What is more, it is not just in pop music where there have been high sales for Spanish music. Trap and reggaeton have both enjoyed huge surges in polularity over recent years. Artists such as Bad Bunny, Camila Cabello, Cardi B and Demi Lovato are just some of the artists to excel in these fields.
Additionally, more traditional styles of Spanish music are getting plenty of airtime in non-tradtional markets. This is largely due to the success of Rosalía´s most recent album “El Mar Querer”. The Barcelona born singer is due to headline many international music festivals around the world with her modern interpretations of flamenco music.
