Music in America: Music from South America

 

Music in Ibero-America encompasses a wide variety of styles and genres that reflect the cultural diversity of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries in Latin America. These musical styles are influenced by a unique mix of indigenous, African and European traditions that have contributed to creating a unique cultural identity from which we can highlight:

- Folk Music: Each country in Latin America has its own distinctive folk music that reflects the traditions, rhythms and sounds of each region. Some examples are:

• Tango (Argentina):  It has its origin in Buenos Aires at the end of the 19th century. It is characterized by its melancholy, passion and marked rhythm. Musically, it is composed in 2/4 or 4/4 time and is played with instruments such as the bandoneon, guitar and violin.

• Andean Music (Peru and Bolivia): Andean music is a cultural expression of the indigenous peoples of the Andes. It is characterized by the use of traditional instruments such as the quena, the charango and the zampoña, and reflects the spiritual connection with nature and the history of the region. Their distinctive sound fuses ancient melodies with contemporary influences, creating a unique listening experience.

• Joropo (Venezuela): It is characterized by its fast rhythm, the use of instruments such as the harp, the cuatro and the maracas, and by its happy and energetic movements.

• Son cubano (Cuba):  It is characterized by its infectious rhythm, catchy melodies and often humorous or romantic lyrics. Instruments such as the guitar, the Cuban tres, the bongo and the trumpet are the most common.

                   

• Mariachi (México): It is characterized by the use of instruments such as the guitar, the vihuela, the guitarrón, the trumpet and the violin; as well as singing, dancing and typical costumes.

- Indigenous Music: The indigenous communities of Latin America preserve a rich musical tradition that includes a variety of indigenous instruments and musical styles. These include music with pan flutes, drums, quenas, and other instruments characteristic of each indigenous culture.

- Afro-descendant Music: The African influence is fundamental in the music of Latin America, especially in countries with a significant Afro-descendant population such as Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. We can highlight:

• Samba (Brasil):  Brazilian samba is a musical genre and dance originating in Brazil, especially associated with carnival. It is characterized by its infectious rhythm, prominent percussion and lyrics that often reflect everyday life, love and joy.

• Candombe (Uruguay):  Uruguayan candombe is an Afro-Uruguayan cultural expression that includes music and dance. It is characterized by the marked rhythm of drums called "candombe drums", which accompany dancers in processions and presentations. It is an important part of Uruguay's cultural identity and dates back to colonial times.

• Cumbia (Colombia): It is native to the Caribbean region of Colombia and is characterized by happy and contagious rhythms. It emerged from the fusion of African, indigenous and European influences, using instruments such as the bagpipes and maracas.

• Merengue (República Dominicana): Merengue is a musical and dance genre from the Dominican Republic, known for its fast and catchy rhythm. It fuses African and European influences, using instruments such as the accordion and the drum.

- Música Popular Urbana: A wide variety of urban music styles have emerged in the main cities of South America and Ibero-America, such as Latin pop, rock in Spanish, reggaeton, hip hop and electronic music, which fuse local influences with global elements to create contemporary and popular sounds.