Round 1, Match 22 — Neoperreo vs. Zazou
Neoperreo is a music genre and aesthetic that originated in the mid-to-late 2010s as a DIY, internet-driven, and underground alternative to mainstream reggaetón. Coined by Chilean artist Tomasa del Real, the term describes a movement that brings back the hard, dance-focused "perreo" beat of classic reggaetón while fusing it with darker, more experimental electronic sounds. Neoperreo is a decentralized and inclusive subculture that prioritizes feminist and LGBTQ+ voices, aiming to create a safer and less misogynistic club environment. It is defined by a distinct visual aesthetic that blends futuristic, internet art-inspired elements with the street style (cultura de barrio) of reggaetón's origins. The Neoperreo aesthetic is an eclectic mix of futuristic, internet-native styles with grounded street fashion. It has been described as "cybernetic and even goth, leaning towards a twisted Lolita." The look is characterized by exaggerated makeup, long false nails, and visible tattoos. Fashion is a blend of high fashion, streetwear, and nostalgic Y2K elements, often presented with an avant-garde or deconstructed sensibility. The visual representation in music videos and social media is as important as the music itself, with a style that is typically sexually liberated and unapologetically bold.
vs.
Zazou was a French youth cultural movement that emerged in the early 1940s, primarily between 1941 and 1944, during the Nazi occupation of France and the rule of the Vichy regime. This group of young people distinguished themselves through their adoption of flamboyant fashion, their deep appreciation for jazz and swing music, and an attitude of indifference or defiance towards the wartime austerity and the conservative, authoritarian governments of the time. The Zazou phenomenon was a form of cultural resistance, a non-violent protest expressed through style, speech, and a conscious rejection of prevailing norms. The Zazou subculture developed as a direct counterpoint to the official messaging of the Vichy government and Nazi occupiers, which promoted austerity, work ethic, and traditional French values. By embracing leisure, foreign fashion, and "degenerate" American jazz music, the Zazous embodied an understated challenge to authority. Their visible nonconformity and refusal to hide their activities in clandestine settings made them a noticeable and often targeted group by the authorities.
Which aesthetic do you prefer?
Neoperreo
Zazou
