1st Edition

The Making of Latin London Salsa Music, Place and Identity

By Patria Roman-Velazquez Copyright 1999
    176 Pages
    by Routledge

    176 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book focuses on how Latin American people and cultural practices have moved from one continent to another, and specifically to London. How do Latin Americans experience such a process and what part do different people play in the re-making of Latin identities in the neighbourhoods, parks, bars and dance clubs of London? Through a critical engagement with theories of globalization, the geography of power, cultural identity and the transformation of places, the book explores how the formation of Latin identities is directly related to wider social, economic and political processes. Drawing on the voices of migrant peoples, community activists, shop owners, sports organizers, club owners, dancers, dance teachers, musicians and disc jockeys, the book argues that the micro movements of people - through a shopping mall or across a dance floor in a club - are directly connected to global processes involving the regulated movement of citizens, sounds and images across national boundaries and through cities.

    Contents: Introduction: Latin American identities; Globalization, power-geometry and cultural identities; Latin Americans and British immigration policies; Latin Americans in London: routes through the City; Travelling with Salsa: the making of a music scene; The embodiment of Salsa and Latin identities; The making of Latin London: concluding remarks; Bibliography; Index.

    Biography

    Patria Roman-Velazquez

    ’...this is a well documented study that includes an analysis of contemporary theories about cultural identities...this is a pioneering study - of academic nature - that extends the growing area of cultural studies in relation to concepts such as nation, identity and migration.’ El Neuvo Dia ’...well researched, well written and a genuinely interesting account...’ Ethnic and Racial Studies