Classic and popular recommendations in ethnic music

La Bamba

La Bamba – Lyrics - La Bamba – Japanese translated lyrics – English & Japanese translations – Los Lobos

A gem that transformed from a traditional Mexican folk song into a worldwide hit.

Its glittering, passionate melody and lively rhythm evoke the dazzling atmosphere of a wedding celebration in a far-off land.

In 1958, Ritchie Valens arranged it in a rock ’n’ roll style, and it became the first Spanish-language song to soar into the upper ranks of the U.S.

pop charts.

In 1987, Los Lobos covered it as the theme song for a biographical film, taking it to No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It was also selected for Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” and is acclaimed as an iconic work that fostered cross-border connections through the power of music.

A perfect track to liven up parties and celebrations.

QuimbaraCelia Cruz

Celia Cruz – Quimbara

A treasure of Latin music whose powerful Latin rhythms and passionate vocals stir the soul.

As one of the signature works of Celia Cruz—the “Queen of Salsa” who captivated the world—this track was included on the 1974 album Celia & Johnny.

Incorporating elements of traditional Cuban guaguancó and rumba, it embodies the essence of Afro-Cuban music and was added to the U.S.

National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2014.

It was also featured in the 2006 film Miami Vice and the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, continuing to be loved across generations.

Highly recommended for those interested in foreign cultures and music, and for fans of passionate dance music.

horse racingUeiuei Ū

Horse Racing WeiWei Wuu Weiwei Wu Erhu

This is a popular erhu piece composed in the 1960s.

It’s a lively work that depicts galloping horses.

The imitation of a horse’s whinny by the instrument near the end of the piece is humorous.

The erhu is a two-stringed bowed instrument from China, and its shape and timbre vary depending on the region in which it was passed down.

Le Ranz des vachesAlphorn-Trio

Lyoba – Fryburger Chuereihe (Le Ranz des vaches) , Alphorn- Trio

This is a piece for the alphorn, a traditional instrument from the Swiss mountains.

The alphorn was not originally created for musical performance.

Mountain herders used it to communicate with one another.

Although changes in lifestyle led to the alphorn falling out of everyday use, it has survived today as a musical instrument.

Habibi Ya EiniHaim Moshe

Haim Moshe

The Egyptian-style belly dance classic, “Habibi Ya Eini.” Even though we call it belly dance in general, costumes and music vary by region.

The basic rhythm is don-tta-don-ta—dance with lots of energy!

ByggnanVäsen

Väsen – Byggnan (14)

This is a performance by Väsen, a band that plays traditional Swedish music.

They use an instrument called the nyckelharpa.

The nyckelharpa, also known as a “keyed fiddle,” is shaped somewhat like a guitar with keys, but it produces sound by bowing the strings.

Brave Scottish March (Scotland the Brave)Watson’s College Pipes and Drums

Scotland Bagpipes [The Brave Scotland March]

The bagpipe is a traditional Scottish musical instrument, and “Scotland the Brave” is the most famous tune played on the bagpipes.

Within Scotland, it is treated as a national song.

It was also featured in NHK’s serial drama Massan.