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    Integration into Pop Culture:
The influence and inspiration of the migration experience on Salsa has been vastly instrumental to its presence and staying power in our culture today. Salsa is permeated by this essence. The African slave migrant, the political refugee, to the America fun-seeker in Havana, the African drums, the Spanish guitars, the jazz horn sections - each have contributed their part to what Salsa is today - even the once lonely traveller, in his temporary isolation can resonate with the migrant experience and connect with Salsa's essence. Perhaps this is one reason for its widespread appeal. Perhaps its simply the joy we hear in it.

Many claim Salsa to be a North American phenomenon, despite its Latin American roots. Yes, the term "Salsa" did come from "La Fania" record label in New York. But what is known as salsa dance today, had been taking parallel paths in various Latin American countries since the 50's. While in Puerto Rico there was Plena, Bomba, Seis and Son, in Cuba there was Rumba, Son, Guajira and other rhythms. But in Havana, Americans were influencing the music and dance that Cubans offered them there. In Colombia, the swing dance moves they'd been dancing to their Cumbia music transitioned to Salsa when the time came. In other Latin American countries, the popularity of Dancon must certainly have played a part.

Today most music stores have a section for Salsa, separate from it's "World Music" section. Music store buyers are much more informed about who is making the charts in the Latin music scene and recognize that Salsa is now a part of many people's music selection at home. Cuba's current economic and political status has apparently increased its desire to establish ties with other countries, and its policy on allowing musicians to perform abroad has loosened significantly. Groups like Buena Vista Social Club and Cubanismo are renewing Cuba's presence in the Salsa scene, however the international popularity of Salsa and the significance of it's New York experience, have loosened the ties to the folklore of its beginnings. Salsa is a part of our popular culture.