Can you help compile a Zumba mixtape?

September 9, 2016 1:35 AM

A dear friend would like a collection of music similar to what she hears at the gym doing Zumba. Songs that are upbeat and either in English, Portuguese or Spanish, please. Not sure either of us can be any more specific than this, so can you help? Looking at collections on Amazon and youtube videos made me want recommendations from people who have direct experience of exercising to music. Many thanks.
posted by Prof Iterole to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (9 answers total)

Best answer: My favorite zumba song - Madre Tierra
posted by Gordafarin at 4:33 AM on September 9, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Bumpy Ride.
posted by yawper at 5:35 AM on September 9, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: As I understand it, the Zumba songs are selected by the Zumba company and instructors purchase them.
posted by k8t at 6:43 AM on September 9, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Bomba Estereo - So Yo
posted by girlpublisher at 6:46 AM on September 9, 2016 [2 favorites]

Best answer: The Kumbia Kings have some fun songs on iTunes. (Chocolate, Fuego) Anything by artists like Shakira, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony is available usually in both Spanish and English. Pitbull for the more hip hop vibe.
posted by Malla at 9:43 AM on September 9, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I think I have heard every single pit bill song in history while doing zumba. Also, "Anaconda" by Nicki Minaj is easily my favorite one to do zumba too.
posted by Sara_NOT_Sarah at 11:26 AM on September 9, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I am pretty sure that Zumba instructors often pick their own music, which is why it's hard to find "Zumba Music". I agree with Pit Bull, for sure. You might want to go to YouTube and look for Zumba videos and figure out which songs they use.

I took Zumba a few years ago and remember Treasure by Bruno Mars being played a lot.

I also agree that the Spanish or Spanglish late 90s/early 2000s "crossover"artists mentioned by Malla would be perfect.
posted by radioamy at 12:25 PM on September 9, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Some I've seen used in Zumba videos:
I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) - Pitbull
Maria - Ricky Martin
La Copa De La Vida - Ricky Martin
Let's Go - Calvin Harris featuring Ne-Yo
Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) - Shakira
Hips Don't Lie - Shakira
Let's Get Loud - Jennifer Lopez
Conga - Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
More - Usher

(I linked to the music videos, but you can find multiple Zumba videos for each song on YouTube.)
posted by SisterHavana at 3:31 PM on September 9, 2016 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks, everyone!
posted by Prof Iterole at 1:48 AM on September 16, 2016