Students in sections 001 and 002 of SPAN 112 wrapped up the semester with tacos, Spanish-language music, and a celebration of community. In a collaborative taco-making activity, each student contributed an ingredient and helped prepare a shared meal while exploring the cultural significance of corn, the origins and global popularity of tacos, and the role of food in shaping cultural identity across the Spanish-speaking world.
As students assembled tacos together, we discussed the central role of corn in Mesoamerican civilizations and its enduring importance in Mexican and Latin American culinary traditions. We also explored how tacos evolved from a regional food into a global phenomenon, prompting conversations about migration, cultural exchange, identity, and the ways in which food carries stories across borders and generations.
More than simply a shared meal, the activity reflected one of the core goals of language learning: connecting language to the lived experiences, traditions, and communities that give it meaning. By preparing food together, exchanging stories, and reflecting on cultural practices, students experienced firsthand how language learning extends beyond grammar and vocabulary into a deeper understanding of culture.
The celebration was accompanied by a live Spanish-language soundtrack curated by SPAN 112 student Kaden Bhalwani, who transformed the classroom into a vibrant space for cultural exchange and community building. Through a mix of contemporary Latin music, Kaden helped create an immersive environment that highlighted the important role music can play in connecting students to language and culture.
Kaden's contribution to the event reflects his broader commitment to promoting Latin culture on campus and in the Kingston community. Alongside fellow ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ student Johnny Shenouda and Asterisk Promotions, he has helped support a growing series of Latin music events in Kingston that bring together members of the local Latin American community while introducing new audiences to the diversity and vibrancy of Latin music and culture.
Music, Culture, and Community: A Conversation with Kaden Bhalwani
Following the celebration, we spoke with Kaden about his Argentinian heritage, his journey into DJing, the growing Latin music scene in Kingston, and the role that music can play in language learning and cultural connection.
Here is what he had to say:
Can you briefly introduce yourself (your major, year of study)? How did you get into DJing?
I am a first-year here at Queen’s, looking to major in political science next year. I got into DJing last year when one of my friends was DJing a house party and I thought to myself, this looks awesome. So the next day I went out and bought a beginner board and started to learn. This was around April last year.
I know your mother is Argentinian: how has that shaped your connection to Hispanic/Latin culture?
Growing up in a half Latin household, two main things that really helped me connect to my Hispanic culture were the food and the music. I would often find myself surrounded by the amazing smells of Argentinian empanadas and alfajores. On the music side of things, reggaeton would always be playing whether I was driving to school, waking up on a Sunday morning, or when my parents were getting ready to go out. This has also shaped my style in music production, as I like to include aspects of reggaeton into my DJing and production.
Why did you decide to study Spanish at university?
I decided to study Spanish at university because of my mom, who was pushing me, and my abuela, who was living in the house. She speaks a small amount of English, so I wanted to learn to be able to connect with her more. Along with that, I’ve always wanted to understand more of the meaning behind some of the Latin music I would hear around the house.
I know you organize Latin music events in Kingston: how many events have you organized so far? How did the idea start, and what is the goal of these events?
In partnership with an awesome promotions/events company here in Kingston named Asterisk Promotions, the owner, Johnny Shenouda, reached out to me, as I had worked with him before on other non-Latin events. He knew I was latino and said it would be awesome if we hosted a Latin night here in Kingston. We have hosted three of these events this year and have consistently seen the number of attendees rise from around 100 to 250+ after each event. Our goal with these events is to bring the small Latin community here in Kingston together and also introduce new people to how special Latin music is.
What does it feel like to be both a DJ and an organizer of Latin music events in Kingston?
Being a DJ and part organizer of Latin music events in Kingston has made me feel proud to bring part of my culture to a city where it can sometimes be overlooked. In the future, we aim to host multiple events per semester and continue to increase capacity.
How do you see the presence of Hispanic/Latin culture at Queen’s? Why are these events important?
When I first arrived at Queen’s, I noticed that the Hispanic community was not that big. After hosting these events, I have found that there are a lot more people than you think. These events are important for Queen’s and Kingston because they provide a space for people of Hispanic culture to meet and also bring representation to latinos across Kingston.
What inspires you when you’re creating or mixing music for Latin events?
A large amount of my inspiration comes from connecting back to my culture. When I was younger, one of the key parts of Latin music that always stood out to me was how special the drums were. I enjoy focusing on how BPM and reggaeton-style drums can fit into other types of music, which inspires me to mix different genres with Latin-inspired elements.
Do you have a favorite moment from your DJ experience at these events so far?
One of my favorite moments from hosting these Latin events was definitely our second event at Caesar Co, where many people brought their countries’ flags and waved them in the air during the event. It was awesome and showed just how powerful the Latin community is here at Queen’s.
Is there a particular moment, song, or experience where you felt especially connected to your Latin identity through music?
One song that is especially important to me is 6AM by J Balvin and Farruko. Although the lyrics might not be that important to me specifically, that song was always played during car rides and holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of my culture and the impact it has had on my life.
What’s one song in Spanish you think everyone should listen to right now?
One amazing song I would recommend is CORA DE HIELO by RØZ, Natt Calma, and Mau Moctezuma. It’s a style I love where EDM and reggaeton meet.
Which Spanish-language song gets the best reaction at your events?
One song that always gets an insane reaction is EoO by Bad Bunny.
What was it like to bring your DJing into a Spanish classroom?
It was fun. Although it was a little nerve-wracking, I loved showing everyone some great Spanish songs that maybe wouldn’t have been played in class otherwise.
How do you think music helps students engage with a language?
Music is one of the best tools when students are trying to learn a language. Even if they don’t understand everything, hearing words they recognize can help them understand what a song is about and feel the emotion behind it. For example, if a song has words like amor o°ù ³¦´Ç°ù²¹³úó²Ô, many people can tell it’s about love and feel that emotion even from a small amount of understanding.
What would you say to students about using music to learn a language?
I would say this is one of the best ways to learn a new language and also connect with the culture. The more you hear a language, the more you naturally pick up.
What does your family think about you organizing Latin music events?
My mom and grandmother have been great advocates for me hosting these events and have been extremely supportive and proud. They are both very patriotic about their countries and have told me to keep going. My mom has also helped me by suggesting some classics to include in my sets that she used to listen to.
