Puerto Rican singer Gilberto Santa Rosa acknowledged during an interview on the show hosted by Enrique Santos that the origins of salsa are firmly rooted in Cuba, and he emphasized the influence of musicians like Arsenio Rodríguez in the development of this genre.
"Salsa was born in Cuba. The root of what we call salsa is Cuban, without a doubt. Cuban is the backbone of this," affirmed Santa Rosa, one of the most iconic voices of the genre, during the radio conversation.
The artist explained that, although over time other communities in the Caribbean and Latin America contributed their own influences to the music, the definitive character and sound of salsa was solidified in New York. However, he emphasized that the raw material comes from the island.
"The birth of the sound, of the essence of what we call salsa was, without a doubt, New York. But the raw material, the root, is Cuban," insisted the performer of Conteo regresivo.
Santa Rosa also mentioned the legendary Arsenio Rodríguez, whom he referred to as “the most direct responsible” for the rise of this rhythm. “At some point in life, you may have heard the name of Arsenio Rodríguez, who was a great Cuban musician,” he stated.
The so-called "Knight of Salsa" has reiterated on several occasions his admiration for Cuban music and its decisive influence on the development of salsa as an internationally popular genre.
Frequently Asked Questions about Salsa and its Cuban Influence
What is the origin of salsa according to Gilberto Santa Rosa?
Gilberto Santa Rosa asserts that salsa originated in Cuba. During an interview, he highlighted the influence of Cuban musicians such as Arsenio Rodríguez on the development of this genre. Santa Rosa acknowledged that, while the definitive sound of salsa was solidified in New York, the roots and raw material are undeniably Cuban.
Who was Arsenio Rodríguez and what was his role in salsa?
Arsenio Rodríguez was an influential Cuban musician whom Gilberto Santa Rosa considers "the most direct responsible" for the emergence of salsa. Rodríguez is renowned for his contribution to the development of Cuban music and his influence in the creation of this genre that has become an international phenomenon.
How has Cuban music influenced today's salsa?
Cuban music has been the fundamental foundation of salsa, contributing its rhythm and essence to what we now know as salsa. Contemporary artists such as Gilberto Santa Rosa continue to acknowledge and celebrate this influence in their work and collaborations, ensuring that salsa remains vibrant and evolving, but always with deep Cuban roots.
What role does salsa play in contemporary Latin music?
Salsa continues to be a vital component of Latin music, merging with new rhythms and styles to reach younger audiences. Examples of this include collaborations by artists like Gilberto Santa Rosa with current figures in reggaeton and other urban genres, demonstrating that salsa not only endures but also continually reinvents itself.
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