5 Latin Songs With Titles Even Latinos Can't Explain or Get Wrong
Some of Latin music's biggest hits have also had some of the most unique and confusing titles. Hit songs by Celia Cruz, Shakira and J Balvin challenge fans singing along, whether they're Latino or not, with unclear words or phrases, regardless of how many times they've played the tune.
Check out a few songs with titles that faze even the most devoted Latin music lovers.
"Aguanile" by Hector Lavoe
Regardless of whether a Latino grew up listening to Hector Lavoe singing "Aguanile" or Marc Anthony's version from "El Cantante," the meaning behind the popular salsa hit isn't common knowledge.
Aguanile is a reference to the Afro-Latin spiritual practice known around the world as Santeria. Lavoe's choice to make it the song's title seems obvious when one realizes that the entire song is about suffering, loss and the need to be cleansed. The tune is filled with other spiritual terms too.
"Quimbara" by Celia Cruz
A lot of people sure can repeat "Quimbara" just like Celia Cruz does when singing this classic tune, but most are clueless about the meaning, though those of Afro-Caribbean descent like Cruz might have a clue. One interpretation claims "Quimbara" is an expression of happiness in Kimbundu, a Bantu language, while others suggest it is a term taken from Santeria.
Regardless, the song is one of Cruz's biggest hits and demonstrates the star's iconic musicality.
"La Camisa Negra" by Juanes
Before Juanes came along, most millennials had never used the color of a shirt to refer to heartbreak -- they probably still don't. With "La Camisa Negra," Juanes did just that. The term is used to express a sense of sadness, which he describes in the hit 2005 song.
Many don't know the song was involved in controversy because of its reference to a "black shirt," which is used to support neo-facism. Juanes assured fans that his use had no relation to that implication. However, the song references more than just a black shirt. It was banned in the Dominican Republic for sexual content.
"La Tortura" by Shakira
Everyone knows that Shakira's 2009 hit single with Alejandro Sanz, "La Tortura," is about torturous love and the struggle that comes with it.
However, to be real for a moment, it's worth admitting that some people definitely got confused and thought the title referred to a turtle, especially those whose Spanish isn't up to par. Tortura and Tortuga are just too similar, especially with Shakira's accent.
"Ginza" by J Balvin
The only people who know what "Ginza" means are Instagram addicts, big J Balvin fans or students of Japanese geography. The name comes from a district in Tokyo.
A song about bumping and grinding with a woman named after an Instagram filter seems odd. But with the release of the music video, fans were able to get some clarity through Balvin's Japanese theme.
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