Coco Xpress play mainly Salsa and Merengue, but with examples of the other styles thrown in for variety. All styles use at least one singer, plus backing vocals.
Merengue: up-tempo, energetic, easily accessible music, originally from the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean, where it is actually their "Pop" music, although it evolved out of country folk-dance music in the 1880's. In the past, bands consisted of accordion, percussion and sax, but accordion is now replaced by piano + bass guitar, and there are often up to 4 brass instruments. Merengue is very big in all Latin countries today.
Cumbia: is rootsy music native to Colombia, with a laid back feel, similar to reggae. It usually features lots of percussion, and the sound of sax and trumpet.
Bugaloo: a throw back to the 60's when it was very popular, it has come around again. A funky, jazzy, slower sound, often with much brass.
Bomba: similar to merengue music, also from the Caribbean area, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. A very Caribbean feel, but sung in Spanish.
Lambada: by special request! Lambada actually comes from Brazil, where the music is very different to other Latin styles, but as it is also a sexy couples dance, it fits in very well with salsa.