Musical Crossover: The Best New Versions of the Argentinian Classical Genres

1. Folk Music + Trap

Folk music has been scoring goals in Argentinian music pitches for years. For those unfamiliar with it, it is a traditional and popular rhythm, considered one of the most important in our country. Actually, each region has created their own versions: Chamamé in Corrientes and the Litoral region, Zamba in the North of Argentina, Chacarera in Santiago del Estero, Carnavalito in Jujuy and Salta, and more… This genre has covered long distances for many years, and one of its greatest representatives (Chaqueño Palavecino) goes on stage again with the less expected mate: Trap.

Yes, one of the latest novelties in the world of music has paired with an old-school friend, creating the perfect match. We love the result. A remembrance of the traditions with a touch of modernity. This time, Lit Killah paid tribute to Chaqueño Palavecino’s greatest hit (La Ley y La Trampa), and he decided to turn it into La Trampa es Ley.

Actress, singer, and Argentinian songwriter Lali managed to do the same. Even though she represents the pop world, she fused Malambo (a traditional folk dance) in her new song Como tú, where she —and all women— demonstrated to live up to the dancing standards, in spite of the fact that this dance is traditionally reserved for men. 

2. Cuarteto + Funk

Cuarteto can be defined as a flawless mix of sounds crying out for dancing. We’re talking about a rhythm that makes the most indifferent dancers move their bodies. Cuarteto is a classic from Córdoba that has been bringing joy to our country for years —since 1940, to be precise.

Here’s an interesting fact. Its name (translated into quartet in English) derives from the number of group members in its early days: a pianist, an accordionist, a double bass player, and a violinist. Today, 60 years later, it is still heard on the dance floor, and it keeps making people dance. Juan Ingaramo honours by it adding Funk notes in his records, but especially in his song Cuartefunk.

3. Tango + Trap

Traje unos tangos is a tango-based song combining trap verses from the word go. Its creator, Ysy A, is a freestyler and an example of the most urban genre that has already crossed borders: trap, of course.

Mauro Caiazza, a super talented dancer who opened the Tango BA festival in 2021, is another example. He dances in 2-4 time with his distinctive trap and electronic touch: he follows these disruptive melodies without forgetting about his DNA each time there is a bandoneon playing in the background.

4. Cumbia Villera + Pop

Super tropical, cumbia music brings together Colombian and Peruvian influences with local rhythms, like tango and chamamé. Born in deprived neighbourhoods and with social themes, cumbia villera is a subgenre that gained ground a long time ago. The classical artists are Damas Gratis, Gilda, El Polaco, and la Princesita. 

Yet, L-Gante went on stage in 2017, and since then, it is on 24/7. Since his generation demands it, he fused cumbia villera into another genre with the pop star Tini Stoessel, crafting a song called Bar.

5. Rock + Indie

The national rock golden era was in the 80s and 90s. Even with less globalisation, its greatest representatives earned worldwide fame —Gustavo Cerati, Spinetta, Charly García, and Fito Páez are renowned across the world. 

And it was Fito who dared to create more pop-like and indie versions, featuring artists such as Conociendo Rusia in Tu Encanto, and Lali in Gente en la Calle.