What is Salsa?

Cuba 1933, Ignacio Piñeiro is recording “Échale salsita” when, in the middle of the song, he yells “salsa!” to indicate the increase in rhythm and the mixing of sounds that is typical of this genre. This is salsa, a mixture of sounds, cultures, genres, not for nothing it means “sauce”.

In this famous video, Izzy Sanabria explains exactly how this multitude of influences became such a complete and legendary musical genre.

Izzy Sanabria is a graphic designer from Puerto Rico who moved to the Bronx in New York City during his childhood.

Although he never played any instruments, he is considered very important for the popularization of salsa and is often credited with coining the term. He was also a master of ceremonies during several salsa concerts.