What Type of Music do they Listen to in Dominican Republic?

Aside from being a diverse people, the Dominican Republic has a diverse musical culture. A lot of worldwide popular music was created here, and that has also topped the charts.

Beforehand I did not know how much music was loved in Dominican Republic. I figured ok, they like music but I had no idea to the extent. Music is a part of life here; it is the soundtrack of throughout the day. If I am going to inform you on what to expect in the Dominican Republic, it would be an injustice to leave out music lol. The Dominican Republic is a music country, and even if you are here hiding under a rock, you will still understand music is a big part of the Dominican culture. Upon entering the DR you might take notice at the airport while coming off the plane, before going through customs you could be greeted by the sounds of a tambora (double drum) and the güira playing beautiful Caribbean sounds while welcoming you into the country. Or the transportation taking you to your hotel will be playing music. Cars driving by playing music or parked playing music with people standing around the car listening and dancing. Outside of the stores and restaurants with music going on at all sorts of hours. The churches playing gospel music and singing during service, sometimes loud with the intentions of attracting new members. One thing is for sure, you will notice quickly that this country loves music.  

Dominicans listens to all types of music from salsa, reggae, calypso, hip hop, pop, R&B, they clearly appreciate the art of music. I have heard many different music genres here, but from what I have noticed the most are merengue, Tipico, bachata, reggaeton, and Dembow. Reggaeton is popular in Latin America with artists like Bad Bunny, Karol G, Nikki Jam to name a few. Reggaeton was created from Jamaican reggae music in Panamá and popularized in Puerto Rico. Merengue, Tipico, Bachata, and Dembow on the other hand are all local sounds that were created in Dominican Republic.  

Live Merengue and Tipico show

Merengue definitely is the most popular and preferred music here. Created in the late 1700s, from a blend of African, Indigenous, and European music influences. With a fast-paced tempo and syncopated rhythms. Merengue incorporates elements such as accordion, saxophone, trumpet, and drums. Everybody listens to Merengue in the DR, but not limited to the island, it is also popular throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, and it is often associated with dance and celebration. It plays well at any function or live event because of its wide range of topics including love, happiness and social issues, this music leaves you with a positive message. I personally do not know how to dance to merengue, but I was encouraged too when we went to a live show to just have fun with it. You are safe with dancing with a partner, that way you can follow the steps and learn as you go. It’s okay to make mistakes, Dominicans are not judging your dancing, they only want to see that you are having fun.  

Tipico music emerged in the Dominican Republic around the mid-19th century, blending African, Indigenous and European influences. Tipico is very similar to Merengue and I had a tough time distinguishing the two. Tipico is more rural and features the accordion prominently, while merengue is more urban and includes brass instruments like saxophone and trumpet. Tipico is lively rhythms with lyrics that reflect Dominican culture. I’ve haven't heard this music as much as other Dominican created music, it seems to me as more for social gatherings and live band shows. It is beloved though.  

Bachata band

Bachata music originated in the Dominican Republic during the late 19th century. It started as a blend of bolero and other Afro-Caribbean rhythms, evolving over time to become its own distinct genre. Bachata is my personal favorite of all the Dominican music genres. Bachata, I would say it's probably the easiest one to dance to, as far as the basic learners move. After that it gets much more difficult and that is where you're on your own lol. Bachata music is played everywhere in DR from day to night, cars, bars, the home. If you are like me and for some reason you like sad, heartfelt music, then bachata is for you lol. The artist puts a lot of emotions in it, singing about love, broken heart, tough times, everyday life experiences and resonating with the struggles of the common people. What I like the most is that you can feel the artist's pain and the instruments play such a calming sound that it is relaxing. It is hard to imagine that at one time Bachata was seen as too vulgar and associated with the lower class. Now its popularity has this beloved genre around the world, from North America, South America throughout Europe and Japan dancing lessons for Bachata are taught.  

Over the top speakers

Dembow music, originating in the early 1990s in the Dominican Republic, evolved from reggae and dancehall, adopting the rhythmic pattern known as “Dembow” from Jamaican music. Dembow is the most popular music with the younger crowds right now. The nightlife scene in the clubs will persist with Dembow music because of its fast-pace, hype, and energetic sound. I often hear cars driving by with loud systems, even some cars with big over the top speakers blasting music. I live on a busy street, so it's not odd to hear a loud heavy baseline take over the street and sometimes vibrate the apartment. I have to say, I actually like the sound of the base. The dancing style for this music is very creative, has a lot of movement and looks almost choreographed. A lot of older people are not into this type of music, because the lyrics can be vulgar. A party vibe, keeping you on your feet type of music is gaining more recognition and expanding throughout Latin America and beyond.  

The music links are listed below if you would like to listen

1. Reggaeton

2. Merengue

3. Tipico

4. Dembow