Latin music in Canada

The introduction of Latin music in Canada began during the immigration waves of Hispanics into the country. The commercialization of Latin music emerged during the "Latin explosion" or "Latin invasion" of the 1990s after American Latinos began competing with Canadian recording artists and receiving music certifications issued by Music Canada. Since 1999, Latin musicians have gained popularity on radios, at nightclubs, music festivals, and appearances on television in Canada.^[1]

Latin music had its beginnings in Canada when Ferdinand Morton began touring the country as early as the 1910s. Tropical music became a popular genre among Canadians; singers Tito Puente, Willie Colón, and Rubén González popularized it in the country. Female salsa music singers such as Celia Cruz gained success in Canada after the rise of women in music genres dominated by men. Cuban pop singer Gloria Estefan, Spanish pop singer Julio Iglesias, and Tejano music performer Lydia Mendoza found success in Canada before the 1990s Latin music explosion.

During the Latin music invasion of the 1990s, singers such as Selena, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, the Gipsy Kings, and the Buena Vista Social Club were among the most successful Hispanics in Canada. Buena Vista Social Club's self-titled debut album became the best-selling Latin album in Canada, having been certified triple platinum by Music Canada. During the 2000s decade, Latin music acts from Canada were recognized as with Alex Cuba who won a Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year in 2006 for his debut album. Canadian singer Nelly Furtado was inspired by Cuba to record a Spanish-language album in 2009; her album Mi Plan peaked number 20 on the Canadian Albums Chart, becoming the highest-charting Spanish-language album ever recorded by a Canadian artist. The Latin Recording Academy, known for its annual Latin Grammy Awards, includes membership from the Latino community of Canada.^[2]

^ "Latin musicians are creating a space in Canada, but some say there isn't enough support". Yahoo News. 4 April 2022. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
^ Abaroa, Gabriel (2019). "The First Twenty Years". The Latin Recording Academy: 6. Retrieved 19 July 2022. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

[1] "Latin musicians are creating a space in Canada, but some say there isn't enough support". Yahoo News. 4 April 2022. Retrieved 2023-04-01.

[2] Abaroa, Gabriel (2019). "The First Twenty Years". The Latin Recording Academy: 6. Retrieved 19 July 2022. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

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