Although there is no exact date to locate the origin of the sonideros, it is estimated that they arose in the second half of the 20th century in Mexico City, with the so-called turntable or sounds, that were placed in the streets to celebrate fifteen years, a wedding or an inn.
At the beginning, the sounds had their peak in popular areas such as Tepito, San Juan de Aragón and the Peñón de los Baños, today known as the Colombia Littlefor being the nucleus of the sonidera culture, since among its inhabitants there is a marked taste for listening to cumbia and salsa.
The DJ, an essential part of the sonideros
Currently, the sonideros are more sophisticated: they include turntables, microphones, lights and horns (speakers) to create an explosion of colors and tropical rhythms that satisfy the need for dancing and rowdiness.
Also, the DJ has a leading role: in addition to making a catchy musical selection of cumbia, bachata, guaracha, salsa and vallenato; he must demonstrate his talent by reinterpreting the songs from his turntable, manipulating their duration or singing at will.
And not only that, he constantly talks, encourages, tells jokes and through little pieces of paper that he receives during the night, attends to the requests of the public, sends greetings and transmits messages from those gathered there.
Consequently, the sonidero dance is also a playful space to socialize and interact: dance, sing, chat, flirt and live together; to observe others and be observed.
the sound movement
Previously, the sonideros were known only by their last name and promoted through pints on the fences of the neighborhoods where they were going to perform. However this has changed and they are now recognizable public figures with a logo, social media presence and a large following.
And although it is still an underground movement, the most famous sonideros produce records that they sell in street markets or at the parties they host; and some, like Ramón Rojo de Sound La Changahave been invited to participate in international music festivals.
Finally, to finance themselves, the sonideros resort to three schemes: charging the entrance if the dance is organized in a closed place; with street parties paid for by the market or neighborhood where they are held; or financed by a radio station, which gives away tickets to its listeners.
Today, the sonidera culture is more alive than ever and although it originated in Mexico City, it has spread to Monterrey, Guanajuato, Puebla, San Luis Potosí and other cities.
Dance it, dance it!
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