When most people think of Cuba, a handful of things tend to come to mind: beaches, cigars and rum, and if you’re lucky enough to have experienced it, the country’s beautiful tradition of music and dance! Cuba has long had a major influence on the music of Latin America, and its musicians are recognized around the world.

In fact, Cuba is the place of origin for a number of remarkable musical genres, something the Cuban people are rightly very proud of!

Let’s dive into the many sounds of Cuba!

The Origins of Cuban Music

Like many other forms of music, Cuba’s musical genres have been influenced by tons of different styles and tendencies from around the world. However, the main focus of influence is definitely from African and Spanish music. Slaves brought to Cuba from Africa by the Spaniards would teach the native Cubans their religious traditions, and in turn, the music that went along with it. They also brought the knowledge of their cultural instruments, which solidified the drum as one of the most important instruments in most Cuban music.

Cuban music’s European influences can mostly be felt in the string sections, especially with the Spanish guitar and certain European folk dances. The Spanish also brought their musical notation and modern composing techniques to the island.

Some other influences came from the French and Chinese immigrant communities that have lived in Cuba. Influences from the United States, Jamaica, and other Latin and Caribbean nations would come later.

Son

The Cuban genre of Son is easily one of the most well-known and renowned genres to come out of Cuba. Some people will even go so far as to claim tha Son gave birth to all the rest of Cuba’s musical styles! Utilizing the tres, an instrument that combines the Spanish guitar with Afrian drums, the composition of the songs is also a melding of the two cultures: Spanish structure of verse and chorus, with African vocals.

The first Son songs to become known in Europes was “El Manicero” (“The Peanut Vender”). This tune has become emblematic of the island, and can still be heard playing in its streets.

Salsa

Although Salsa was not created in Cuba, it is perhaps the single genre the island is most known for today. Cuban Salsa is said to have been influenced by several genres, including, Son, Mambo, and Rumba.

First appearing in Cuba in the 1960s, Cuban Salsa quickly earned its own name: Timba. Since then it has been a major influence on the culture of the country, and many of the Cuban musicians performing it have gained a worldwide audience.

Rumba

As much as Salsa comes from Cuba’s Spanish influence, Rumba comes from the influences African traditions. Usually based mainly on the drums, Rumba is usually sung by a single leading voice with a backup chorus.

Of course, as wonderful as Rumba music is, it’s more well-known for its dance. There are three distinct forms of Rumba dance: two are performed by a couple, and the last is a solo dance for men. Since the music is primarily meant for dancing, it’s always energetic and lively, with a fast, steady rhythm.

Danzon

Developed from the French musical genre contradanse, Danzon has had significant importance in Cuba since the 19th century. Today it is thought of as a slow traditional dance and is only rarely performed in modern Cuba. That said, Danzon still holds an important place in Cuban cultural heritage.

Among the most famous Danzons is the “Buena Vista Social Club,” which lent its name to a 1999 documentary on Cubam music.

Trova

Sometimes called “The Cuban Bolero,” Trova is a musical genre that is sung while playing the guitar. Cuba’s preeminent Trova performers, Sindo Garay, Rosendo Ruiz, Alberto Villalón, and Manuel Corona are known as the four greats of the Trova.

Recently, during the last century, a new genre evolved out of Trova, called Nueva Trova, or New Trova. The two most well-known performers of this newer genre are Silvio Rodriguez and Pablo Milanes. Both men enjoy worldwide popularity, and are praised not only for their music, but also for the deep meaning of the lyrics in their songs.

Cha Cha Cha

Growing out of the somewhat restrictive dance of the Danzon in the early 1950s, Cha cha cha quickly became popular in Cuba for its simple, repetitive rhythms that represent the footwork of the dancers.

The Cha cha cha has remained popular into the present, with such hits as “Como Bailan Cha-cha-cha los Mexicanos” by Félix Reina or “El Bodeguero” by Richard Egűes.

Cubop

Afro-Cuban Jazz, also known as “Cubop,” emerged on the island during the 1940s and has always shared a strong link to American Jazz. During the height of Cubop’s popularity, tons of Cuban artists performed abroad, bringing Cuba’s music to the world, and showing that although their genre grew out of American Jazz, it was its own, unique style.

Reggaeton

While each of the genres we’ve discussed so far are still around and enjoyed in Cuba, modern Cuban music is more strongly influenced by world music. In Cuba, pop, hip-hop, rock, and other genres are just as popular as they are everywhere else in the world, but one genre dominates the Cuban airwaves: Reggaeton.

Reggaeton started in Puerto Rico in the late 1990s, growing out of Jamaican Reggae with hip-hop and Latin influences to create something new and unique.

Is it long past time for you to start your musical journey? Maybe you have children who are showing an interest in learning to play an instrument? Either way, The Music Studio’s professional instruction is here to help you along your path to music!

We’ve got programs for all ages and skill levels, so if you’re just starting out, or coming back after some time away from lessons, we’ve got the perfect program for you! And now most of them are available online! Visit our website and sign up today.