Traveling is to take in the sights, but also very often... the ears! In some countries, music is omnipresent and plays a major role in the daily life of the inhabitants. Cradles of bossa nova, zouk or hip-hop, the destinations selected here are a real journey for the senses. Get ready to dance this year! Petit Futé has put together a musical world tour, from Brazil to Austria via Cuba.
N° 10 - Abidjan, discovering the coupe décalé
In 20 years now, the coupe décalé has taken root in the Ivorian cultural landscape to the point of having its own awards for seven years in Abidjan. Marked by the unclassifiable style of the singers and their contagious joy of living, this musical style represents the frenzy of the Ivorian capital. Born in 2003 in the nightclubs, the coupe décalé has now become a real phenomenon in Africa, Europe and even the United States.
N° 9 - Havana and Cuban music
Buena Vista Social Club and their bewitching sounds make us travel from the first notes... To walk in the streets of Havana is to discover all the heat of this music, ancestor of the salsa and influenced by the rumba. The atmosphere is indescribable, Havana is undoubtedly the bubbling heart of the party in Cuba. Stop in the bars to sip a mojito and improvise some Cuban salsa steps.
N° 8 - Kingston, the land of reggae
Jamaica is the cradle of reggae music. It was born there at the end of the 60's, it is today one of the most representative musical movements of the Jamaican popular culture. It is here that many singers were born: Jimmy Cliff, Burning Spear and of course the unforgettable Bob Marley who contributed to its diffusion throughout the world. A museum is dedicated to him in Kingston.
N° 7 - Berlin, the empire of electronic music
Techno, experimental music, electropop... Berlin is undoubtedly one of the cities that has contributed most to electronic music. The German capital has become, over the years, a pole of attraction for the greatest musicians and clubs of the genre. Since 1989, techno has become a symbol of freedom and bohemia. You can even visit the MOMEM, a museum dedicated to electronic music.
N° 6 - The West Indies and the heat of zouk
Originating from the French West Indies, zouk was born in the 80s before being popularized in Europe by groups such as Kassav, which is remembered as a precursor. It draws its influences from traditional rhythms such as gwo ka, biguine, mazouk or kompa. It is today the symbol of the musical cultures of Guadeloupe and Martinique. When visiting the West Indies, you will hear these languorous sounds at every street corner!
No. 5 - Liverpool and the Beatles
It was in Liverpool that one of the greatest bands of all time was formed. John Lennon and Paul McCartney met there at the Cavern Club, before creating the Beatles. Even today, to walk in Liverpool is to walk in the footsteps of the fab four. The museum dedicated to them, The Beatles Story, gathers mythical objects. Bonus: in the audioguide, you can listen to the voice of John Lennon's sister.
No. 4 - Vienna and classical music
As the cradle of classical music, Vienna breathes with the sound of the greatest composers of all times. You can visit Mozart's or Beethoven's house and marvel at the opera house where the greatest arias by Wagner, Verdi or Strauss are played every day. In summer, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's open-air concert at Shönnbrunn Palace welcomes more than 10,000 spectators.
No. 3 - New York, the birthplace of hip-hop music
The rivalry between the West Coast and the East Coast still rages on. California is home to some of the biggest names in hip-hop, but New York and its rich culture are a must-see for all fans of the genre. Jazz and soul influences characterize these East Coast sounds. It is in Harlem and the Bronx that one is really immersed in the origins of today's hip-hop.
No. 2 - The very jazzy New Orleans
In New Orleans, every day is a celebration. Music is everywhere, and jazz is one of the main prides of the city that saw the birth of Louis Armstrong. Don't miss the Preservation Hall, which helps preserve traditional jazz. As for the New Orleans Jazz Festival, it hosts an eclectic program every year for more than 10 days in May. The biggest names have performed there, from Aretha Franklin to Bob Dylan.
N° 1 - Rio de Janeiro, between samba and bossa nova
How not to think of Rio de Janeiro when talking about music? There is of course the Carnival, during which the city is in effervescence. But Rio de Janeiro is a permanent party! Music resounds from every corner, from Lapa to Santa Teresa, with a preference for samba, which was born in the city. The sambodrome is a perfect example, the atmosphere is crazy from the first rehearsals of the Carnival.
