Although the prevalence of music performed in the Spanish language has been on the rise in the United States, the popularity of Latin music among Americans increased drastically when "Despacito" earned a spot in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
The original song has over 3.6 billion views on Youtube in the seven months since it was uploaded. "Despacito" is a single from established Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi featuring fellow Latin popstar, Daddy Yankee, known for his hit song "Gasolina."
The song was released early January of 2017 by the two Puerto Rican artists, quickly becoming popular on Youtube and listeners before being re-released as a remix in April with Bieber.
Students and singers weigh in
Alondra Garcia, president of the Hispanic Student Association, spoke about the issue and provided a perspective as a Latina performer.
"I have mixed feelings [about the song getting popular]. I love that it's the hit song of the summer and that we're getting more exposure to that bilingual kind of genre, because there are a lot of artists like Becky G who're doing it. Daddy Yankee has been [performing under that genre] for a while." Garcia said.
Original version
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Garcia was peeved that some people were unaware of the orignial version of "Despacito," without Justin Bieber in it.
"But I will say people not knowing there was an original before the Bieber version kind of irks me. They're like, 'Oh, there's this new artist, Daddy Yankee.' No, he's been around for years and it's the same with Luis Fonsi. I think I even danced to one of his songs [during] my quinceañera," said Garcia.
Music composition major Monique Osorio had a similar opinion.
Version with Justin Bieber
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"I kind of have a reactionary view. It's weird because people don't even know what the word despacito means. Justin Bieber has to bring out this supposable love of Spanish and I'm suspicious of [that]." Osorio said. "People aren't actually interested in Spanish music but now it's 'cool.'"
Sam Canales, a freshman finance major, concurred.
"The original song was my jam, but the popularity of the Bieber version has put a damper on how I feel about it. It's a type of cultural imperialism." he said.
As Latinx Heritage Month is rapidly approaching, University of Georgia students and Athens locals are reminded of the deep culture and customs of Hispanic Americans. For Latinx students, this is a time to educate and share their culture with other students, including through music.
The HSA celebrates this month in part with the annual Noche Latina, a night of festivities and performances by Hispanic students.
"Although I've unofficially been singing since I was little [when] my mom would put on Selena CD's, I've performed at Noche Latina since my freshman year here." Garcia said. "I've gotten inspiration from Selena Quintanilla, Jenni Rivera… also J-Lo in a way. Even though I don't like her, I will give her her performance ability— she can perform."
Spanish music in Athens and beyond
Though genres of Latin music are definitely gaining prominence, they face some discriminations and assumptions that aren't reflective of the truth. One of the most prevalent clichés about Latin music is that it's always about something sexual. Of course, this is not the case.
Garcia agrees. "Yes, this is true with reggaetón sometimes, but it's like our version of rap. They talk about hardships and [other themes]. I think it's an important genre and I don't think it should be reduced to, 'Oh, all they talk about is sex and drugs.'"
Osorio, who has also performed in Athens, said she's never had a bad experience during a performance.
"I'm in a tango bad and [the audience] tends to appreciate the music a lot." she said. "In my normal projects, incorporating Spanish is always accepted pretty well. But then again, I [perform] in not-so-pop genres so the language actually becomes part of the art, which is why I like to incorporate it; it adds to the beauty of it."
However, she has also DJ'ed before and the reaction was a bit different. "The other day, I DJ'ed and played a bunch of Spanish language music at this silent disco thing and it was amazing [to see] people's reactions, to see them not actually appreciating what's happening." Osorio said. "If it's not top twenty, then people aren't appreciating [the song] to the amount that they should be if that makes sense."
Overall, Osorio said Athens was a fairly accepting crowd. "Athens is very accepting of Spanish language music [in general]."
American society as a whole however, can be a different story.
"[Latin music] is so much more than novelty music for a themed party. It's the heartbeat of Hispanic culture and should be treated as such." said Canales. "Music isn't just sounds and entertainment for our culture. It's a way of life."
Being accepting of others' culture and music that's in a different language doesn't have to be difficult Garcia explained.
"I would say if you listen to a song in Spanish, don't pull a Justin Bieber and throw in [words like] 'burrito' and 'taco.' I respect him as an artist, but [he] can do better." Garcia said.
As of now, local performances in Spanish can be heard on Latin nights at the Georgia Theatre rooftop to the Iron Factory. While the HSA hosts annual events like Noche Latina, where students can perform and celebrate Latinx culture.
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