Latin Music

Latin music is a widespread art form developed and honed in various Latin American countries, namely Cuba, and is celebrated for its unique rhythmic structures that build upon each other. Although the vocal and instrumental music was initially derived from African religious rituals, Latin music is mainly thought of today as dance music. Relying on its most recognizable attribute, syncopated rhythm, Latin music overlays various rhythms at one time, creating counterpoints and cross rhythms. Latin music traditionally entails native percussion and string instruments such as the timbales, congas, bongo, guitar and the nine-string Cuban guitar. Gradually the piano replaced the guitar as a choral instrument and the bass, woodwinds, trumpets and trombones were thrown in to play melodies and riffs. Traditional Latin music has recently sent offshoots of Latino pop music, Latino rap music, Latin house music, Latin rock music and Latin reggaeton music. These new Latin music forms have permeated Latin music clubs, Latin music radio stations and the Latin music concert scene throughout South America, Europe and the United States.