Afro-Peruvian music is a genre of music that emerged in Peru from the fusion of African, indigenous, and Spanish influences. Peru’s history of slavery closely ties to the arrival of Africans brought as slaves during the colonial era. Afro-Peruvian music showcases African-derived rhythms and percussion instruments like the cajón (a wooden box drum) and the quijada (a jawbone used as a percussion instrument).

The music also features call-and-response singing, often in Spanish and the Afro-Peruvian dialect of Spanish known as “Lima Spanish.”

One of the most famous Afro-Peruvian musical styles is the “festejo,” which features a syncopated rhythm played on the cajón and other percussion instruments, as well as call-and-response singing and dancing. Other Afro-Peruvian styles include the “landó,” which is slower and more melancholic, and the “zamacueca,” which is a traditional Peruvian dance that has African and Spanish influences.

Peru recognizes Afro-Peruvian music as a vital part of its cultural heritage and actively works to preserve and promote the music and its associated traditions.” Today, Afro-Peruvian musicians and dancers continue to perform and innovate within this rich and vibrant musical tradition.