FAQ About The Influence of Afro-Cuban Music on Global Rhythms

Popular Afro-Cuban music genres include son, rumba, mambo, cha-cha-cha, and guajira. Each of these genres has distinct characteristics but shares common elements of African and Cuban roots. Son combines Spanish canción and guitar with African rhythms and percussion. Rumba is distinctly African, with powerful percussive rhythms and dance. Mambo and cha-cha-cha are modern dance music forms that have enjoyed broad appeal, especially in the mid-20th century. Guajira is a style of Cuban country music with syncopated rhythms.