You may not have heard of Duranguense music yet, but chances are, you will. It is quickly becoming a popular genre in Latin Music as bands such as Montez de Durango and Alacranes Musical top the Latin charts with Duranguense songs that get the blood moving.

Like Norteño and Banda, Duranguense is a popular type of regional Mexican music. Faster and energetic than Banda or Norteño, Duranguense music generally consists of fast, thumping beats accompanying more traditional instruments such as accordions and drums. One notable addition to a Duranguense band lineup is the synthesizer. It helps deliver the pounding beats, and often replaces the several horns usually found in a Banda group. While the beat may be faster, many of the songs follow traditional themes such as love, loss, drinking and missing Mexico.

Durnaguense music is one of the few forms of Latin music to originate in the United States, and many of its most popular songs are about immigrants missing their home country and families. Although the name itself is a derivative of Durango (a state in Mexico), Duranguense music actually comes from Chicago, Illinois. It sprang up in the club scene in Chicago at the beginning of the millennium, and Duranguense quickly spread throughout the U.S. And Mexico. Now it has become a phenomenon, topping Latin music charts in the US and garnering airplay both on radio and television stations such as Holamundo and MTV3. Artists of other Latin genres have taken notice and singers and songriters such as Espinoza Paz and Alejandro Sanz have taken to collaborating with established Duranguense bands on original songs and remixed versions of their own hit.

Like most other Latin music, Duranguense music has its own dance, but if you want to dance to Duranguense music, you better be in shape! While it is similar to other regional Mexican dances, it is a lot faster, with a lot more movement up top. It involves a lot of rocking of the hips and shoulders, with feet moving in time to the rapid beat. It is generally danced with a partner, but couples can dance holding each other or moving separately. In an interview on Remexa (a show dedicated to Regional Mexican Music) one band member advised those wishing to dance Duranguense to move as thought they were walking on hot coals!

While Duranguense has rapidly become an established, popular genre, it is not without its detractors, especially in Mexico. The biggest criticism seems to be a lack of originality lyrically (many popular Duranguense songs are remixed or remade versions of popular corridos, baladas or even pop songs.) Deffenders and detractors alike usually have strong opinions on the matter-when it comes to Duranguense it seems people either love it or hate it!

If you are looking for party music for your next fiesta, Duranguense is a good choice. Some choice songs include “Vamos a Bailar” by K-Pazz de Sierrra, “Por Tu Amor” by Alacranes Musical, “Amore Perdoname” by Los Creadorez de Pasito Duranguense, and “El Borracho” by Montez De Durango.

Fun and fast, Duranguense music is here to stay. Take the time to explore this emerging genre and you won't be disapointed!