Latin Wave in Asia
Corazón de Melao
Many may not get who Emmanuel is, but his song Corazón de Melao written in collaboration with famous composers Dominican Manuel Tejada and Spanish José Antonio Rodriguez, is pretty popular. Even though it came out in 1999 — included in the album Sentirme Vivo — it didn’t have the English-crossover effect as Martin’s Livin’ la Vida Loca.
Mainland China idol, winner of Super Girl 2005, Chris Lee (Li Yuchun) not only performed the song during the contest, but she also has included it in her concerts.
Mi Tierra
Cuban-born singer, and possibly one of the most recognizable names in Latin music, Gloria Estefan’s Mi Tierra is one of the most popular songs about Latin culture.
And even though we can’t possibly understand the words to Hong Kong singer CoCo Lee’s Spanish, she’s one of the few who would cover a song with such difficulty in lyrics.
La Bamba
Perhaps this is the favorite Latin songs for drunks in karaoke bars, it’s catchy and it’s got a great hook in the chorus. It’s no surprise to see this hard rock version of the song by South Korean rock band Dr, Core 911. (via K-RoK ROCKS!!!)
Contigo en la Distancia
Probably made famous by Christina Aguilera’s version in her Spanish debut Mi Reflejo, César Portillo de la Luz’ Contigo en la Distancia has also been covered by the likes of Mexican singer Luis Miguel, or Brazilian Caetano Veloso.
We were surprised to listen to, Super Girl 2005 2nd Runner-up, Jane Zhang performed the song during competition, even if it’s clearly Aguilera’s version the one she’s singing.
Quizás, Quizás, Quizás
Composed by Cuban Osvaldo Farres, the song was possibly made famous around the world by Nat King Cole, from his 1958 album Cole Español. Quizás, Quizás, Quizás — or his English cover version written by Joe Davis — has been also covered by the likes of Doris Day (1964), Celia Cruz (1994), Buena Vista Club Social, Emma Bunton (2006), and Mari Wilson’s version of Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps became the theme for the UK series Coupling.
Once again, Chris Lee delivers Latin flavor into her shows. And though she really struggles with the word “perdiendo,” she brings the flavor of the song and mixes it well with her personality.
Lee even has her own Latin-infused song called Dancing of the Pampas (潘帕斯之舞), or her song 舞 (Wu) Dancing/Represent Cuba.
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So that’s it!
What do you think of the song selection? Do you know any Asian musician or group that have done cover versions of famous or not so famous Latin songs?
Did they bring it?
Li Yuchun is an interesting example. From the few samples in her discography, we can think that she kind of loves Latin flavor… which makes her adorable. Obviously, in China they think she’s the hottest thing ever.
She also has a song called Amor. Can’t get more Latin-influenced than that. She should think of traveling through the region for more influences. Latin people love it when foreign acts do Latin songs.
Also excited about Laure Shang listening to Latin American songs.
@ghost, the Chinese embassy should think of taking Chris Lee in a Latin American tour to promote the links between the regions.
Can you imagine her watching Buena Vista Club Social? She would lose it. They will find her hilarious. Cuba and China relations through the arts…
That’s very interesting. Sounds odd to me as a native xD But I would sound odd to them if I did it in Japanese (even worse in Chinese lol).
I always remember my dad mentioning a group of Japanese who did covers of El Gran Combo. That has always left me wondering about them but I’ve never looked into it. El Gran Combo is so damned Puerto Rican in their lyrics that it HAS to sound funny coming from Japanese men.
@ROXY, it’s like when people look at me talking in Spanish and they wonder what part of China speaks Spanish – no kidding, true story.
I think our brains are wired in a certain way, and when things happened that aren’t fixed in it, it looks odd. Like the Nigerian singer who sings R&B in Mandarin and Beijing Opera, or even Jero who does Enka.
So many things to talk about in YAM posts, so little time to investigate and write xD