The 90's

THE 1990’s

In the 1990s, although other Latin rhythms such as Merengue and Vallenato and even Despecho (drinking music – something unthinkable in Cali before), managed to become also popular with ‘caleños’, Salsa’s identity in the city still remained strong. By the end of the 1990’s the city is hit heavily by an economic crisis, due mainly to the decline of the illicit drug trade; gradually civil life in Colombia returns. The Salsa industry in Cali suffers greatly, many nightclubs and Salsa bands disappear. Luckily for Salsa, the end of this decade also sees the emergence of the Salsa dance schools in the popular quarters of the city, inspired by popular Salsa dance groups and Salsa ballets already in existence since the 1970’s.