Music of the Dominican Republic

introduction *  when to go * things to do * events * getting there * getting around * food * history * attractions * favorite places * music * baseball * hotels

Music is a constant of life in the Dominican Republic, from the workplace to the church to the dancehall. The DR is home to many music styles, most popularly merengue, bachata, and reggaeton, plus other Caribbean dance styles.

The most popular form of Dominican dance is merengue. Developed in the mid-19th century by a fusion of European dances with afro caribbean flavors and lively rhythms, merengue is considered to be the music of the Dominicans, and truly is a reflection of society. The merengue is the basis of the majority of the traditional Dominican songs and a huge presence in bars, streets, businesses and homes.

The bachata is another form of music and dance Dominicans that has grown in popularity. It has its origin in the rural areas and it is a bit more melancholic, often focusing on life in the country and in romances.

As the younger generations have adopted more and more influences from American music, rock, hip hop, and EDM musicians have achieved prominence in the Dominican Republic, especially Santo Domingo and Santiago. More recently, some Dominican groups have managed to fuse contemporary foriegn sounds with the vibrant rhythms of traditional bachate and merengue.
Some great intros to Dominican music.

Video of Dominican music act Rita Indiana y los Mysterios, who have found success combining elements of traditional Dominican genres with indie rock and dance stylings.

OVERVIEW for your visit to the Dominican Republic: introduction *  when to go * things to do * events * getting there * getting around * food * history * attractions * music * favorite places * hotels