La Cuban music, or Afro-Cuban music, has had a very important role in the worldwide musical influence as well as religion in the whole society. Virtually every musical style around the world has been influenced by Cuban music.
However, Cuban music is a synthesis of many different styles of world music, coming together to create distinctive rhythms and melodies. The development of Cuban music is complex, involving global movements such as slavery in the Western world and communism.
Influences
Cuban music has its origins in the Spanish and African influences that have been a part of the population and culture of Cuba. So, modern Cuban music is the mestizaje, or mixture of these different influences.
Other countries have also played a role in the development of this music, as well, such as France, the United States, Puerto Rico and China.
Slavery
The musical styles of the Africans influenced the development of Cuban music. Cuba was an important slave port during the 18th and 19th centuries. Different African clans, such as the Congolese and Yoruba, were brought to Cuba, and each clan played a role in the development of religious syncretism that is also fundamental in the development of Cuban music.
Social Organizations
Another detail is that Cuban music developed in social settings. Musical styles, such as Spanish and flamenco chants, as well as the use of polyrhythmic and call-and-response percussions in African religious ceremonies, helped create a hybrid of musical styles that Cuban music shaped.
Tools
The drum plays a very important role in the historical development of Cuban music. You cannot import your own drums from Africa, the slaves make drums with materials that were available on the island.
Today the most common types of drums include bongos, congas, batá drums, and keys. Although the Spanish declined in the use of drums, due to its prevalence among African slaves, the drum has over time changed the sound of Spanish-style music.
Contemporary music
Throughout the years, Cuban music has influenced other musical forms, such as jazz and salsa. One of the best known bands playing Cuban music is the Buena Vista Social Club, whose popularity has spread around the world due to the 1997 documentary of the same name.