On June 20th, Karol G released her latest track, Si antes te hubiera conocido. The Colombian star from Medellín promised this merengue song would be the song of the summer in her promotional teasers, and, for many, it has lived up to the hype. However, the release of Si antes te hubiera conocido has not been without controversy. Just days after its debut, rumors began circulating on social media that the song might be a plagiarism of Rosalías hit, Despechá. The speculation intensified when Rosalía posted a cryptic photo on her Instagram, featuring Despechá playing in the background.
Si antes te hubiera conocido seems to be yet another hit for Karol G. Its upbeat, merengue-infused rhythm has fans dancing and there are already some TikTok dances that are making its rounds. Though both Karol G and Rosalia have benefited from the great sounds of merengue, lets not forget its origins.
The Origins of Merengue
Merengue originated in the Dominican Republic and is a staple in Latin music culture. However, its important to note that merengue, like many Afro-Caribbean music forms, has origins that trace back to African rhythms and traditions brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans.
The genre emerged in the mid-19th century and quickly became popular in the Dominican Republic. It is believed that merengue was influenced by a mix of African, Taíno, and European musical traditions. According to Central Home, merengue is a combination of two dances, the African and the French Minuet, from the late 1700s early 1800s. The African influence is particularly strong, as the rhythmic patterns and call-and-response elements in merengue are reminiscent of traditional African music. Over time, merengue evolved, incorporating instruments like the accordion, tambora (a type of drum), and güira (a metal scraper). These instruments give merengue its distinctive sound.
Despite its deep roots in the Caribbean, merengue has transcended borders and become a beloved genre worldwide. It has been embraced by many artists who have added their own unique touches while maintaining its core essence. This cultural heritage is often overlooked, but its crucial to recognize the rightful owners of this genre.
A Baseless Controversy?
The controversy around Si antes te hubiera conocido has divided opinions online. Supporters of Karol G argue that merengue is a genre with a long history that cannot be claimed by one artist alone. Rosalía didnt invent merengue, many have stated in defense of Karol G. Others point out the irony of Rosalía, a European artist, gaining fame with Latin rhythms and then accusing another artist of plagiarism within that genre.
In the midst of this, Karol Gs fans remain loyal, flooding social media with messages of support for their Bichota. They assert that the similarities between the songs are coincidental and that Karol G has done nothing wrong.
Despite the controversy, Karol Gs Si antes te hubiera conocido remains a hit, and its catchy beats will undoubtedly continue to be a summer favorite.
The post While People Debate Whether or Not Karol Gs Summer Anthem Sounds Like Rosalías Despechá, Lets Take This Moment to Remember the Afro-Caribbean Origins of Merengue appeared first on BELatina.
