Tanghetto: Redefining the Sound of Modern Tango
Based in the heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tanghetto is a pioneering musical project that bridges the gap between tradition and technology. Led by musician and producer Max Masri, the group has become a global ambassador for neotango—a contemporary evolution of tango that blends classical elements with electronic music, world music, and jazz fusion.
By treating innovation and technology as musical instruments in their own right, Tanghetto creates a sound characterized by a balance of ethnic textures and electronic beats, all while maintaining a strong emphasis on melody and song structure.
Key Facts
- Founder: Created and led by Max Masri.
- Origin: Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Major Achievement: First electrotango group to win a Latin Grammy in the Tango category (2025).
- Accolades: Winner of one Latin Grammy and two Gardel Awards.
- Cultural Status: Declared of cultural interest to the city of Buenos Aires in 2025.
- Core Style: A fusion of tango, house, and electronic music with minimalist aesthetics.
The Evolution of a Sound: From Studio to Stage
The origins of Tanghetto date back to the late 1990s, when Max Masri began experimenting with the fusion of electronic beats and tango in his studio. By 2001, this project was known as Electrotango. These early sessions produced the foundations for future hits like "Biorritmo" and "Inmigrante."
In 2003, Masri transitioned the project from a solo studio effort to a collaborative group by inviting Diego Velázquez to join. Together, they defined an artistic direction centered on the piano, bandoneón (a type of concertina essential to tango), and electronics. The name "Tanghetto" was coined in August 2003, combining "tango" and "ghetto" to honor the immigrant communities that created their own cultural sanctuaries abroad.
Early Success and Global Recognition
The group's debut album, Emigrante (electrotango), released in 2003, was a reflection of the 2001 Argentine crisis and the subsequent wave of emigration. The album achieved platinum status in Argentina and earned a 2004 Latin Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Album. The Los Angeles Times described the band as the "most seductive electrotango band based in Buenos Aires," comparing their delicate piano lines to the work of Massive Attack.
Tanghetto continued to push boundaries with Hybrid Tango (2004), which introduced world music influences like flamenco and candombe, and marked the first known use of the erhu (a traditional Chinese two-stringed bowed instrument) in tango music.
Expanding the Horizon: Remixes and Concept Albums
In 2005, the group released Buenos Aires Remixed, which featured covers of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" and New Order's "Blue Monday." The latter became a significant hit on alternative radio in the United States. This era also saw the group venture into visual storytelling, releasing videos like "Tangocrisis" and "Barrio Sur" that provided social commentary on life in Buenos Aires.
Throughout the late 2000s and 2010s, Tanghetto explored diverse themes. El Miedo a la Libertad (2008), inspired by Erich Fromm, won a Gardel Award in 2009. They further expanded their reach with Vivo (Live Around the World) in 2011, which included innovative covers of The White Stripes and Kraftwerk, and Incidental Tango (2012), which envisioned tango as the background music of daily city life.
Recent Milestones and the 2025 Latin Grammy
The group has continued to innovate, releasing Reinventango (2020)—described by Grammy.com as a "rugged masterpiece"—and Argentinxs (2023), a collaborative effort featuring legends like Fito Páez and León Gieco. In 2019, they celebrated the 15th anniversary of their debut with a landmark concert at the Centro Cultural Kirchner (CCK).
The pinnacle of their critical recognition arrived in November 2025, when Tanghetto won the Latin Grammy for Best Tango Album for En Vivo – 20 Años. This victory made them the first electrotango ensemble to ever win in the Tango category.
Tanghetto Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Genres | Neotango, Electronic, World Music, Jazz Fusion |
| Key Members | Max Masri (Leader), Antonio Boyadjian, Daniel Corrado, Octavio Bianchi, Joaquín Benitez, Regina Manfredi |
| Major Awards | Latin Grammy (Best Tango Album 2025), 2x Gardel Awards |
| Notable Albums | Emigrante, Hybrid Tango, Reinventango, En Vivo 20 Años |
| Label | Constitution Music |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is neotango?
Neotango is a contemporary style of tango music that blends traditional tango elements with modern electronic music, house, and other global influences, moving the genre from the traditional milonga to a more modern, electronic soundscape.
Who is the leader of Tanghetto?
Tanghetto is created and led by the musician and producer Max Masri, who serves as the project's artistic leader and principal composer.
What is the significance of the name "Tanghetto"?
The name is a portmanteau of "tango" and "ghetto," inspired by the small communities of Argentine emigrants who built their own cultural spaces (or "tango ghettos") while living abroad.
Which album won them the Latin Grammy?
Tanghetto won the Latin Grammy for Best Tango Album in 2025 for their album En Vivo – 20 Años, a compilation of performances from their 20th-anniversary tour.
Has Tanghetto collaborated with other artists?
Yes, they have collaborated with numerous artists, most notably on the album Argentinxs (2023), which featured Fito Páez, León Gieco, Pedro Aznar, Adriana Varela, and Leo García.