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The Eastern Echo Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 | Print Archive
The Eastern Echo

Opinion: Merengue is making its way to America

The Latin music genre merengue is making its way to the United States thanks to talented artists like Dahian el Apechao. This music genre that originates from the Caribbean is starting to finally get noticed here in the states.

Merengue is a music genre that has its roots in the Caribbean; more specifically, the Dominican Republic. Its origin can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when it was considered a music genre for the lower classes in the country. Today, however, it is one of the most popular music genres in the Dominican Republic, representing the cultural identity of the country. Recently, merengue has started to gain popularity in the United States, with artists like Dahian el Apechao playing a significant role in its integration.

Dahian el Apechao is a Dominican composer, singer, and musician who was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. He is known for his contributions to various music genres, including merengue, bachata, and Latin trap. A talented artist, he has worked with many other musicians, including Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, with whom he has played the piano and composed music.

One of Dahian el Apechao's most notable achievements was performing at the American Grammys with Bad Bunny in 2023. The duo performed the song "Despues De La Playa," which Dahian el Apechao had composed. This performance marked the first time a Dominican musician had performed at the American Grammys, bringing merengue to the attention of a broader audience. Many celebrities were seen dancing to the song, including Taylor Swift, who shared her excitement about the performance on social media.

Dahian el Apechao's work with Bad Bunny has been critical in integrating merengue into American culture. The duo's summer tour in 2022 included "Despues De La Playa" as their final song, which was received positively by audiences worldwide. His work with Bad Bunny and other artists also earned him the Merengue of the Street award at the 2023 Premios Soberano in the Dominican Republic.

Thanks to the success of Dahian el Apechao and other artists, merengue is slowly gaining recognition in the United States. Other artists have been inspired to work in the genre, including American DJ Marshmello, who recently released a merengue song called "El Merengue" with Colombian artist Manuel Turizo. The song was received positively by fans of both artists and introduced merengue to a broader audience in the United States.

Merengue's increasing popularity in the United States is a positive sign of the integration of Latino culture into American society. Dahian el Apechao's work has been instrumental in this integration, providing a platform for merengue and other music genres from the Caribbean to be recognized in the United States.

As more artists from the Caribbean gain recognition in the United States, merengue and other music genres from the region will likely continue to gain popularity enriching the cultural diversity of American society.

In conclusion, merengue is a music genre that originated in the Dominican Republic and is now gaining recognition in the United States, thanks in part to the work of artists like Dahian el Apechao. His work with Bad Bunny and other artists has provided a platform for merengue to be recognized on a global stage. As merengue and other music genres from the Caribbean gain popularity in the United States, they enrich the cultural diversity of American society, creating a more inclusive and vibrant society.