Music Genres Loved in Spain | Featuring Famous Artists!
Spain is one of the Western European countries that places a special importance on music.
As exemplified by flamenco, Spain has its own unique musical traditions.
However, it’s rare to find Japanese media that accurately describe the real Spanish music scene.
In this piece, we’ll break down the realities of music in Spain.
We’ll introduce artists who represent each genre, so if you’re looking to discover Spanish artists you’ll love, don’t miss this.
Now, please sit back and enjoy!
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Music genres loved in Spain | Famous artists featured! (1–10)
Por La NocheMala Rodríguez
When it comes to artists mixing traditional flamenco with nuevo flamenco today, many people probably think of Rosalía.
But in fact, she isn’t the pioneer.
Mala Rodríguez, who sings “Por La Noche,” is known as the first female artist to blend hip-hop and flamenco.
Compared to Rosalía, her music leans more heavily into hip-hop, so it’s a style that might especially appeal to fans of Chicano rap.
Amiga MiaAlejandro Sanz
Alejandro Sanz is a singer-songwriter beloved by many Spaniards.
Even if you’re not familiar with Spanish singers, you may have heard of Alejandro Sanz.
He is one of the leading artists in Latin pop and is especially known for his ballads.
He can also sing with a voice reminiscent of a flamenco cantaor, giving his songs a touch of flamenco.
His music is catchy, so if you’re just starting to explore Spanish music, Alejandro Sanz might be a great place to begin.
MalamenteROSALÍA
Nuevo flamenco, which mixes flamenco with contemporary music genres, continues to evolve today.
At the forefront is Rosalía, who sings “Malamente.” Until now, Nuevo Flamenco commonly meant blending flamenco with jazz or R&B.
However, she brings a new breeze to the style.
The essence she adds is hip-hop, and as a result, Nuevo Flamenco has become known in the global mainstream.
She may not be a traditional flamenco cantaora, but it’s no exaggeration to say that her contribution to the flamenco world is number one even among Spanish artists.
Music Genres Loved in Spain | Famous Artists Appear! (11–20)
Por amor al odioRafael Lechowski
Even today, Spain retains strong socialist characteristics.
As a result, there is a great deal of art that is anti-establishment or focuses on social issues.
Among these, hip-hop is a genre where such traits are especially pronounced.
Rafael Lekowski, who performs “Por amor al odio,” is a socially conscious rapper who represents Spain’s hip-hop scene.
He is an immigrant from Poland and spent his childhood in poverty.
The way he channels that background into his music has earned him tremendous support from Spain’s impoverished communities who struggle with poverty.
Vete que te quieroBuika
Buika is a female singer whose talent is truly outstanding on the world stage.
She is an artist from Mallorca with roots in Equatorial Guinea, and she is known as a leading female singer of nuevo flamenco.
She has also performed as a flamenco cantaora and possesses an extraordinary vocal ability.
I have listened to music from over 80 countries, yet I have never encountered a female singer with greater vocal prowess than hers.
That is how remarkable her talent is.
Her musicality is also exceptional; she excels at a distinctive form of flamenco that blends complex jazz, Afro, soul, and reggae influences.
Beef BoyYung Beef
Genres emblematic of Spain, such as flamenco and bolero, are supported by younger generations as well, but there’s a prevailing notion that they’re genres people come to appreciate as they reach middle age.
Spanish teenagers and people in their twenties mainly listen to hip-hop, and in line with that demand, Spain’s hip-hop scene is both innovative and high-level.
Among that scene, one artist who draws particular support is Young Beef, the performer of “Beef Boy.” He’s known as a leading rapper in Latin trap.
If you’ve never listened to trap with a Latin flavor, be sure to check it out.
I Don’t Need to Be YouBarei
In the English-speaking world, genres like electropop and pop are the most beloved, but in Spain—where music is regarded more as art than entertainment—those genres tend to be less prominent.
Representing Spain’s electropop scene is the singer Barei, who performs this song, “I Don’t Need to Be You.” What she does isn’t particularly different from what’s done in the English-speaking world, so it’s not especially distinctive, but she’s an artist with a decent level of popularity and recognition, so I decided to feature her.