October 5-9

"Cuando Te Veo" vs. "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom"

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Why "Cuando Te Veo" Represents Diversity and Representation1

ChocQuibTown’s “Cuando Te Veo” is more than just a smooth, feel-good love song—it’s a celebration of Afro-Colombian identity and the blending of cultures through music. The group hails from Chocó, a region of Colombia with strong African heritage, and their sound mixes traditional rhythms like currulao with hip-hop beats, funk grooves, and Latin pop melodies. In “Cuando Te Veo,” you can hear that fusion come alive: the rap verses connect to global urban music, while the rhythms and vocal style keep the song grounded in their Afro-Colombian roots.For students, this track is a powerful example of how artists bring visibility to underrepresented communities. ChocQuibTown proudly embraces their culture, language, and history while also connecting to broader genres that resonate worldwide. Their music shows that cultural diversity isn’t just about including different sounds—it’s about valuing and amplifying the voices of communities whose traditions shape those sounds.
Listening to “Cuando Te Veo” invites students to explore how identity, heritage, and creativity work together in music. Just like Selena with Tejano, ChocQuibTown reminds us that blending traditions doesn’t erase them; instead, it creates something richer and more universal. Their music is proof that diversity in music not only entertains, but also teaches, empowers, and connects people across cultures.

Selena’s “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and Musical Diversity

Selena’s hit “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” is more than just a fun song to dance to—it’s an example of how music reflects diversity and creativity. The song is rooted in Tejano music, a Mexican-American style popular in Texas, but it doesn’t stay in one lane. Selena mixes in the cumbia rhythm from Colombia, the pop hooks you’d hear on English-language radio, and even touches of rock and R&B in the instrumentation. This blend of styles made the song stand out and helped it reach people from many different backgrounds.
For students, “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” shows that music isn’t limited to one culture, language, or genre. Selena’s performance reminds us that artists can bring together different traditions to create something new and exciting. Her music celebrates both her Mexican-American identity and her connection to broader audiences, proving that diversity in music makes it richer and more powerful.
Listening to this song invites students to think about how genres evolve, how cultures influence one another, and how a single song can carry pieces of many worlds. It’s a great reminder that music is a universal language of connection—shaped by history, culture, and the creativity of artists like Selena.