Flamenco

The pantheon of flamenco gods includes legendary figures such as the late singer Camarón de la Isla and virtuoso guitarist Paco de Lucía, one of the first players to experiment with other genres. With "Bamboleo," the Gipsy Kings proved that it was possible to achieve worldwide success while still keeping it real.

Flamenco is much more than just a specific music genre. Its sublime vibe can easily be transposed into other styles, such as the volatile mixture of rap, electronica and flamenco perfected by Ojos de Brujo. Manzanita's delightful album "Gitano Cubano" finds the singer building a bridge between Cuban melody and flamenco fever.

Many Latin artists have been lured by the haunting spirit of flamenco. Some of the most satisfying excursions includes Juanes' duet with gipsy group Ketama on "Dame La Mano," as well as Mercedes Sosa's collaboration with Pata Negra on "Compañero del Alma." "Diki Diki" finds Tijeritas blending flamenco with chilled electronica beats.

This is some of the most passionate music you are likely to find anywhere in the world. The beauty of flamenco is such that it has managed to transcend the overbearing clichés associated with it (the cheap tourist shows and ever-present castanets) and grow into the new millennium by embracing foreign influences such as rap, salsa and blues. Born in the 15th century from gypsies who migrated to Spain, flamenco has always maintained its instantly recognizable identity.