News

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S., the popular National Public Radio program World Cafe put the spotlight on Panama music. 

It is a great tribute to the country’s music culture, which has influenced artists around the world. Although the origins of reggaeton are disputed, “Panama has a strong claim as the birthplace,” the program notes. “Some experts say the musical style began as a meeting of cultures in Panama City.”

Seminal Panama artists added to the Latin American rhythms and helped create something new. “Panamanian artists like El General and Renato added a bombastic swagger to the music that drew in audiences across Latin America,” the program notes. 

The program put together a playlist honoring Panama music, including many of the seminal artists in the scene. Sure, there is a taste of Rubén Blades, but the playlist goes deeper to explore many of the modern takes on Panama music. The playlist includes tropical funk and folk rhythms from bands like Entre Nos, MecániK InformaL, and Los Rabanes. The mix also includes the likes of La Atrevida, aka Rude Girl, who “helped pioneer the reggaeton sound but is seldom credited.”

Check out the playlist here.