Sable Smith had always felt self-conscious about her poor Spanish, especially as someone of Puerto Rican heritage who struggled to keep up with the island’s distinctive version of the language. But one evening aboard a Miami party boat, she sought to enjoy a night out with her Latina friends, even if they sung along to Spanish songs whose meanings were unknown to her.
She had long loved reggaeton, the thumping, forceful genre infused with the complex rhythms of Caribbean music that was now playing on the boat.
However, when the D.J. transitioned to “Ibiza” by the Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Ozuna, Ms. Smith said she began to feel “completely left out.” As Ozuna’s voice blared over a sensual drum beat with plucky guitars,
“Ibiza” (2018)
Ozuna feat. Romeo Santos
she saw her friends smiling and chanting, in communion with a language lost to her.
“That was the moment I realized that I needed to do more studying,” Ms. Smith said.
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Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more
KRS-One
Thursday, Oct 17 @ Yoshi's, Oakland
Musiq Soulchild
Friday-Friday, Oct 18-25 @ Yoshi's. Oakland
PJ Morton
Wedneday, Oct 23 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Chante Moore
Sunday, Oct 26 @ Yoshi's, Oakland
Qveen Herby
Saturday, Nov 2 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Erykah Badu
Saturday, Nov 16 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Tower of Power
Saturday, Dec 21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
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