Merengue is a type of fast syncopated music and
dance from the Dominican Republic. It is popular all over Latin America. Its name is
Spanish, taken from the meringue, a dessert made from whipped egg whites and
sugar. It is unclear as to why this became the name of the music. Perhaps, it can trace its meaning from the movement on the dance floor that could remind one of an egg beater in action. It features vocals in
Spanish, accordion (which hails from
Germany and Italy), the guiro (a scraper dating back to the Arawak Indians, who first populated the island of Hispaniola), and African percussion, especially tambora and conga. More recently, Merengue artists have added saxophone and electric instruments to the mix. The style continues to mutate and spread through places like Haiti, Venezuela, and New York City.
Merengue: Jaun Luis Guerra,
Fernando Villalona, Grupo Mania, Grupo Fuego, Elvis Crespo, Bonny Cepeda, Limi-
T 21 Aka Limi-T XXI, Olga Tañon, La Banda Gorda, Jose Peña Suazo, Cuco Valoy, Los Hijos De Puerto Rico, Oro Solido, Sergio Vargas, Ashley Aka La Chica Bomba, Milly Quezada, Melina León, Gisselle, Ilegales, Angel Viloria, Eddy Herrera, Johnny Ventura, Toño Rosario, Los Hermanos Rosario, Tatico Henriquez, Wilfrido Vargas, Parada Joven, Proyecto Uno, El Prodigio, Omega y Su Mambo Violento, El
Jeffrey, Ramon Orlando,
Manny Manuel, Hector Acosta, Mamajuana, Fulanito, and Fefita La Grande.
