Although many are unaware that the mambo originated in Cuba and others may not have a great affinity for this rhythm, the genre thrives on social media through challenges, comedic videos, covers, tributes, and various creative expressions.
There are diverse opinions about who created the mambo, with some attributing it to the brothers Israel Cachao and Orestes López in the 1930s. However, Pérez Prado is universally recognized as the artist who popularized it the most.
Despite being a controversial Cuban rhythm, unknown to many even within its country of origin, it lives on social media where videos dedicated to it go viral. The Instagram profile of the Pérez Prado Orchestra has meticulously showcased the different facets of how the genre thrives on social media, a phenomenon they've dubbed "mambomania."
The Influence of Mambomania on Social Media
One of these videos features the Stormtroopers, soldiers of the Galactic Empire from the "Star Wars" saga, performing a beautiful choreography to a mambo tune.
Mambomania also includes a video of "Mambo No. 5," showing a group of women teaching how to dance the genre peculiarly, with steps like the "grandma walk," "washing clothes," "hanging clothes," and "little red riding hood."
The Instagram profile highlighted that the mambo has been able to captivate people from cultures vastly different from Latino. In this regard, they featured a video of the Kyoto Tachibana SHS Band performing a mambo piece on the streets of Japan.
Even internationally renowned artists like Lady Gaga have succumbed to the charms of mambomania: “Because you asked for it, Lady Gaga singing in Spanish to the rhythm of Pérez Prado's 'Sway',” noted the orchestra on the social network.
While the mambo as a musical genre may not be widely danced in Cuba, the so-called mambomania is indeed a captivating phenomenon that demonstrates its powerful presence on social media and beyond.
Understanding the Mambo Phenomenon on Social Media
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the resurgence of mambo on social media.
Who originally created the mambo?
The origins of the mambo are attributed to the brothers Israel Cachao and Orestes López in the 1930s, although Pérez Prado is recognized as the artist who popularized it globally.
What is "mambomania"?
"Mambomania" refers to the resurgence and popularity of mambo on social media, where various creative expressions related to the genre go viral.
How has social media contributed to the popularity of mambo?
Social media platforms like Instagram have allowed for the sharing and viral spread of mambo-related content, helping to introduce the genre to new audiences worldwide.