Plena is a musical folkloric genre of Puerto Rico, whose creation was influenced by African and Spanish music. I could tell you that I am posting this to introduce plena to those not familiar with this type of music. The truth is, I’m posting this because I love the sound. Plena is the music I grew up with, even if it was often in its church incarnation.
Here’s Ricky Martin with a contemporary version of the genre, Pégate [come closer, unite] And you don't have to really understand the words. Just dance along or sing, "Le lo lei le lo le lo lai." That's a quintessentially Puerto Rican expression of pure happiness.
Here’s Ricky Martin with a contemporary version of the genre, Pégate [come closer, unite] And you don't have to really understand the words. Just dance along or sing, "Le lo lei le lo le lo lai." That's a quintessentially Puerto Rican expression of pure happiness.
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9 comments:
love the joy!
I agree with Maggie. Such joy! Although, Ricky may be the main reason for their cheers...
So glad you felt the joy. It's why I love this music.
Fantastic beat. I love the drums, takes me back to my childhood in the Zimbawean bush and the drums throbbing through the night air. Stunning.
Judy
Loved it. Found it hard to sit still, so I danced softly some where deep in my body.
Judy and Harvey, so glad you enjoyed it, It is hard to sit still.
Plena also was one of the quintessential elements that gave birth to salsa in the New York of the late 60s and early 70s, thanks to Fania All Stars. Along with Cuban 'son' and Colombian 'cumbia', plena has earned its right to be up there with the rhythms that gave us one of the more contagious and inspiring dances ever: salsa.
Great post. I loved the clip. It's easy to forget that Ricky has a very good voice.
Greetings from London.
That is very dancey, and I loved it. You always have such interesting and compelling things to share, Judy. I think it's the rhythm I love the most about this style of music. Just perfect for an evening of non-stop bouncing up and down!
Nevine
Cuban, yes, it is easy to forget RM has a good voice, and he really nailed this one, I think.
Nevine, I liked your "an evening of non-stop bouncing up and down!" Yep, I've had plenty of those with this type of music.
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