Music is essential to any culture. It is a vital part of being human and can have a significant impact on our lives. No matter where you come from, music is an escape that everyone seeks because they can relate to it. This social bond keeps us connected to the world, even with different cultures and languages. Afro-Latinos have helped shape music in America, many times with the help of other cultures. Many types of music produced by Hispanics have impacted the United States. One of these types of music is called Bachata. Hispanics in the United States helped shape bachata, although it originated in the Dominican Republic. With its soulful lyrics that many can relate to, its catchy rhythm and simple dance, bachata is as popular in the United States as it is in Central America. In the 1980s and 1990s, the growing Dominican population in the United States became a major fan base for bachata. The Dominican influence of traditional bachata with the artistic and cultural diversity of New York life makes bachata one of the fastest growing music genres of the 21st century (Pacini Hernandez.) Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 20th century. During the government of the dictator Trujillo, Merengue was the official music of the nation. Because many Dominicans did not accept their African roots, their dances and rhythms were oppressed. Bachata, with its African influences, was considered crude and lower class, played only by peasants campesinos. It was only popular in rural areas of the Dominican Republic. However, starting in the early 1960s, bachata became steadily tolerated and eventually loved. (Pacini)One of the defining characteristics of bachata is the usually extremely emotional singing style. “Bachata is essentially a vocal genre, intended as… paper medium… our culture, and bachata has allowed us to work together with African Americans and other artists to create something that the world can understand. Former Aventura member Anthony Santos collaborated with famous R&B artist Usher and produced a hit single "Promise". This song is sung in Spanglish and, like the lyrics, is a mix of American R&B and Dominican Bachata. “Promise” is evidence of the melting pot resulting from the fusion of cultures. While Aventura is perhaps Bachata's most recognizable name, its influences and subgenres are what make it fascinating. This musical genre has united different cultures, despite language barriers. It is celebrated and danced as often as it is used for comfort and solitude. Its diversity is what makes it unique and this is why Bachata is still one of the most influential genres that integrates all cultures.