Etnia

Grupo Niche, a renowned salsa group from Colombia, is known for its vibrant and socially conscious music. Their song 'Etnia' delves into the themes of racial diversity and unity, using a metaphor of coffee and milk to discuss the complex nature of racial identity in Latin America. The lyrics repeatedly mention various common Hispanic surnames paired with the descriptors 'blanco' (white) and 'negro' (black), emphasizing that racial identity can vary widely even within the same family or lineage. The song suggests that adding 'more milk' or 'less milk' to coffee (a metaphor for skin color) does not fundamentally change the essence of a person or their surname, challenging the societal importance often placed on racial distinctions.

The chorus and additional verses of 'Etnia' celebrate the shared aspects of different races, highlighting that everyone carries a bit of each other within themselves. This is illustrated through lines that mention physical traits and cultural elements that cross racial lines, such as a preference for certain features or cultural practices. The song's message is clear: despite superficial differences, all humans share much in common, including the same color of blood, as mentioned in one of the verses. This unity is further emphasized with rhythmic references to Africa, acknowledging the deep-rooted influence of African heritage in Latin American cultures.

'Etnia' by Grupo Niche is not just a song but a social commentary, using the power of music to remind listeners of the underlying unity that transcends racial and ethnic divisions. It encourages pride in one's heritage while also recognizing and celebrating the interconnectedness of different cultural identities. This message is particularly poignant in a multicultural society where racial and ethnic diversity are often sources of both richness and tension.