SalsaChoke: What’s the Controversy About?

Colombia got eliminated from the World Cup by host Brazil, but they left us with the SalsaChoke craze! It was brought to my attention by the dance they did after scoring a gol.

At first they called it a Salsa dance, but later they went more specific to call it a SalsaChoke dance. That’s when I said, what the heck is SalsaChoke? So I did a bit of research and here’s what I found.

Born in Cali, Local to Colombia

Because most of what I found out about SalsaChoke went straight back to Colombia, I have to assume it’s still mostly a Colombian local rhythm. SalsaChoke was born in Cali around 2008 and mixes Salsa roots, with electronica, and urban (reguetton) music.

Most of the information I found described it as computer generated, so I assume it uses some Salsa rhythm loops to be used as the base for the music. The lyrics are simple and delivered in urban style. It’s commercial success has been based on the simplistic and repetitive lyrics. This is not a new formula for commercial success in any musical genre.

SalsaChoke Name and Dance

The SalsaChoke name actually came from the dance, as it started by bumping the bodies against each other (bump = “choke” in Spanish). Although some still dance it with the bumping, the dance evolved to more of a group line dance, with simple steps going side to side.

This is what you saw the Colombian team dance in Brazil’s World Cup. They lined-up and dance side to side to celebrate every gol.

The fact that it is rhythmically closer to Salsa and that it’s much easier to dance, made it a discotheque sensation.

Because of it’s electronic sound and urban lyrics, it appeals to the younger people, who have embrace it as their own in Colombia.

What is the SalsaChoke Controversy About?

The popularity of the rhythm has also brought controversy on several fronts.

Is it Salsa? Is it a genre? No and maybe! Many people say that although the rhythm may have gotten its base from Salsa, it is clearly not Salsa, and only borrows the name to gain name recognition. From the songs I’ve heard so far, I would not call a type of Salsa.

So is it a new music genre? Maybe, depending to whom you ask. Some say SalsaChoke is too far from the Salsa genre to be called a sub-genre of Salsa. They say it’s just a passing fad. Others say it’s a genre of its own, and it’s here to stay.

But another controversy is whether SalsaChoke will hurt Salsa music. Some say this electronic computerized music, with its over simple urban lyrics is degrading Salsa. Others say it will actually benefit Salsa as in Cali, Salsa was being displaced by reguetton and Bachata, and now SalsaChoke is displacing those and therefore helping bring traditional Salsa back.

I will remain with my eyes and ears open to what evolves with SalsaChoke. I’m not in Colombia, so I’m not close enough to it to drive an opinion one way or another.

To check some of the SalsaChoke in YouTube, search for Ras Tas Tas.