History of Latino-Caribbean Music
 
Intro   <page 1>
The Caribbean islands were originally inhabited by the Taino and Caribs (which is where the name "Caribbean" comes from). The Spanish brought African slaves. Caribbean music reflects this mixed heritage. African rhythms played on the batá drums, congas, and claves were mixed with Taino insruments, like the slit drums and maracas, and Spanish instruments, such as the Vihuela guitar, to create a unique hybrid music. This new music was not just entertainment: it helped create the sense of identity needed by people struggling to end slavery and begin indepedance for island colonies.

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Figure 1 The Caribbean
Instrument Mosaic: Slit Drum; Maracas; Vihuela Bass; Congas

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This webpage was last updated: 08/07/09