Discover Catalog
Discover the music, instruments and relationships that are the BEAT.
Zouk is a modern Afro-Caribbean genre that originated in the French Caribbean featuring fast tempos electronic instrumentation and danceable rhythms. It blends elements of Compas and other Caribbean styles.
Key Locations:
- Fort-de-France (Martinique): The capital city and main center for Zouk music.
- Pointe-Ã -Pitre (Guadeloupe): Known for its vibrant Zouk scene.
- Le Gosier (Guadeloupe): Another key location for Zouk music and performances.
A style of Cameroonian popular music characterized by its lively rhythms and use of brass instruments.
Highlife is a vibrant genre of music that originated in Ghana and spread throughout West Africa. It combines traditional African rhythms, particularly those from Ghana and Nigeria, with Western musical elements like jazz, brass bands, and later, electric guitars. Highlife music became popular in the early 20th century and has been influential in shaping the musical landscape of West Africa. The genre is known for its upbeat tempo, melodic lines, and often features lyrics that address social and political themes.
A style of Ghanaian music and dance associated with the Ga people, characterized by its call-and-response singing and drumming.
A genre of music combining traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife influences, popularized by Fela Kuti and others.
Boogie, often referred to as "boogie-woogie," is a style of music that originated from the blues and became particularly popular in the late 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by a lively, energetic, and repetitive rhythmic pattern, typically played on the piano. The term "boogie" can also refer more broadly to any music with a similar rhythmic drive, especially in blues, rock, and dance music contexts.
Key features of boogie-woogie include:
- Repetitive Bass Line: The left hand on the piano plays a continuous, rolling bass line, often with a shuffle rhythm that gives the music its distinctive groove.
- Syncopated Melodies: The right hand plays syncopated and often improvisational melodies or riffs, which contrast with the steady bass line.
- Danceable Rhythm: The strong, rhythmic drive of boogie-woogie makes it particularly suitable for dancing, contributing to its popularity in dance halls and clubs.
- Blues Influence: While boogie-woogie is a distinct style, it retains the structure and emotional depth of the blues, often following the traditional 12-bar blues format.
Boogie-woogie was not only popular in its own right but also had a significant influence on the development of rock and roll, jazz, and rhythm and blues.
A style of Kenyan music and dance associated with the Swahili people, characterized by its use of drums and rattles.
A genre of Nigerian music associated with Fela Kuti, characterized by its Afrobeat rhythms and socially conscious lyrics.
A genre of music that blends various styles, particularly associated with Louisiana Creole culture.
A genre of music characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and a strong rhythmic groove.
A style of Congolese music characterized by its upbeat tempo and danceable rhythms.
Son Cubano is a genre that combines Spanish guitar with African rhythms featuring instruments like the tres bongos and maracas. It is the foundation of many modern Cuban music styles including Salsa.
Key Locations:
- Santiago de Cuba: The birthplace of Son Cubano.
- Havana: A major center for Son Cubano performances and recordings.
- Guantanamo: Known for its traditional Son Cubano music.
Son Jarocho is a traditional Afro-Mexican music genre from the Veracruz region blending African indigenous and Spanish elements. It features instruments like the jarana (a small guitar) requinto (a four-string guitar) and the harp.
Key Locations:
- Veracruz: The birthplace of Son Jarocho known for its vibrant music festivals.
- Tlacotalpan: A small town famous for its annual Son Jarocho festival.
- Xalapa: A city with a strong tradition of Son Jarocho music and performances.
Saya is a traditional Afro-Bolivian music and dance genre blending African rhythms with Andean melodies performed with drums guitars and choral singing.
Soca is a modern Afro-Trinidadian genre that evolved from Calypso featuring faster tempos electronic beats and dance-oriented rhythms.
Key Locations:
- Port of Spain: The main center for Soca music especially during Carnival.
- San Fernando: Known for its Soca artists and festivals.
- Arima: Another important city for Soca music and performances.
Rumba is a traditional Afro-Cuban music and dance genre characterized by its complex rhythms call-and-response vocals and energetic dance movements. It originated in the Afro-Cuban communities of Havana and Matanzas.
Key Locations:
- Havana: The capital city where Rumba is prominently performed and celebrated.
- Matanzas: Known for its rich Rumba traditions and cultural heritage.
- Santiago de Cuba: Another important city for Afro-Cuban music including Rumba.
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Samba is a lively Afro-Brazilian music and dance genre that incorporates African rhythms with Portuguese influences featuring drums string instruments and percussion.
Key Locations:
- Ride Janeiro: The epicenter of Samba especially during Carnival.
- Salvador: A city with deep Afro-Brazilian cultural roots and Samba traditions.
- Sao Paulo: Known for its vibrant Samba schools and performances.
Reggae en Español is a genre of reggae music sung in Spanish blending Caribbean rhythms with Latin influences. It is popular among Afro-Panamanian communities.
Key Locations:
- Panama City: The main hub for Reggae en Español music and culture.
- Colon: Known for its vibrant Reggae en Español scene.
- San Miguelito: Another key location for Reggae en Español music and performances."
Reggae is a genre that originated in Jamaica characterized by its slow tempo offbeat rhythms and socially conscious lyrics. It incorporates elements of ska rocksteady and mento.
Key Locations:
- Kingston: The capital city and birthplace of Reggae music.
- MontegBay: Known for its Reggae festivals and performances.
- Negril: A popular location for Reggae music and cultural events.
Rara is a traditional Haitian music genre performed during street processions featuring drums, bambo, trumpets and other percussion instruments with African religious influences.
Key Locations:
- Port-au-Prince: The center for Rara celebrations especially during Easter.
- Leogane: Known for its major Rara festivals.
- Gonaives: Another key location for Rara processions and performances.
Punto Guanacasteco is a traditional Afro-Costa Rican music and dance genre from the Guanacaste region featuring marimba guitars and rhythmic percussion.
Key Locations:
- Liberia: The capital of Guanacaste and a key location for Punto Guanacasteco music.
- Nicoya: Known for its cultural events and performances of Punto Guanacasteco.
- Santa Cruz: Another significant location for traditional music and dance in Guanacaste.
Similar to Belize Punta in Honduras is a traditional Garifuna music and dance genre characterized by fast rhythms and lively performances. It is central to Garifuna social life and celebrations.
Key Locations:
- La Ceiba: Known for its strong Garifuna presence and Punta music.
- Tela: A coastal city with vibrant Garifuna cultural events and Punta performances.
- Trujillo: Another important location for Garifuna music and Punta traditions.
Plena is a traditional Afro-Puerto Rican music genre featuring narrative lyrics hand drums and a melodic accordion. It often addresses social and political themes.
Key Locations:
- San Juan: The capital city and key location for Plena music.
- Ponce: Known for its Plena musicians and cultural celebrations.
- Mayaguez: A city with a rich tradition of Plena performances.
Punta is a traditional Garifuna music and dance genre characterized by its fast rhythms call-and-response vocals and use of drums maracas and turtle shells. It is performed at social gatherings and celebrations.
Key Locations:
- Dangriga: Often called the ""Cultural Capital of Belize"" it is a major center for Garifuna culture and Punta music.
- Hopkins: A coastal village known for its vibrant Garifuna community and Punta performances.
- Punta Gorda: Another key location for Garifuna culture and Punta music.
Morenada is a traditional Bolivian music and dance genre featuring distinctive rhythms brass instruments and elaborate costumes reflecting the African influence in Bolivia.
Key Locations:
- La Paz: The capital city known for its Morenada festivals.
- Oruro: Famous for the Oruro Carnival where Morenada is prominently featured.
- Cochabamba: Another key location for Morenada performances.
Paranda is a slower more melodic Garifuna music genre that blends African rhythms with Latin and Caribbean influences featuring guitar drums and maracas.
Key Locations:
- Dangriga: A central hub for Paranda music and Garifuna culture.
- Hopkins: Known for its Paranda musicians and performances.
- Punta Gorda: A significant location for Paranda music and Garifuna traditions.
Merengue is a fast-paced dance music genre that originated in the Dominican Republic featuring accordion, saxophone and rhythmic percussion.
Key Locations:
- Santo Domingo: The capital city and main center for Merengue music.
- Santiago: Known for its vibrant Merengue scene.
- Puerto Plata: A city with a strong tradition of Merengue music and dance.
Maracatu is a traditional Afro-Brazilian music and dance genre from the Northeast characterized by drumming singing and colorful parades.
Key Locations:
- Recife: The heart of Maracatu culture and festivals.
- Olinda: A nearby city with strong Maracatu traditions.
Mento is a traditional Afro-Nicaraguan music genre with roots in Caribbean folk music characterized by acoustic instruments like the guitar banjo and hand drums.
Key Locations:
- Bluefields: A major center for Mento music and Afro-Caribbean culture.
- Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas): Known for its Mento musicians and performances.
- Corn Islands: A location with a rich tradition of Mento music.
A Cuban dance music genre derived from African and Spanish influences, characterized by its syncopated rhythm and brass instrumentation.
Lando is a slower Afro-Peruvian genre featuring melancholic melodies and complex rhythms played with cajon, guitar and other percussion instruments.
Key Locations:
- Lima: The cultural center for Landmusic and performances.
- Chincha: A key location for Afro-Peruvian music including Lando.
- Canete: Known for its contributions to Afro-Peruvian musical traditions.
Kompa is a modern Haitian dance music genre that blends African rhythms with European and Caribbean influences featuring brass instruments synthesizers and rhythmic percussion.
Key Locations:
- Port-au-Prince: The capital city and main hub for Kompa music.
- Cap-Haitien: Known for its vibrant Kompa scene.
- Jacmel: A city with a rich tradition of Kompa performances.
Junkano is a traditional Bahamian music and dance genre performed during street parades featuring drums cowbells and brass instruments. It has African roots and is integral to Bahamian cultural celebrations.
Key Locations:
- Nassau: The capital city and epicenter of Junkanoparades.
- Freeport: Known for its Junkanofestivals and events.
- Marsh Harbour: A key location for Junkanoperformances and cultural celebrations.
Garifuna music in Guatemala includes genres like Punta and Paranda characterized by rhythmic drumming call-and-response singing and dance. It reflects the Afro-indigenous heritage of the Garifuna people.
Key Locations:
- Livingston: A coastal town known for its vibrant Garifuna culture and music.
- Puerto Barrios: Another key location for Garifuna music and traditions.
- Morales: A town with a significant Garifuna community and cultural events.
Garifuna drumming is integral to various music forms and ceremonies using drums like the primero and segunda along with shakers and turtle shells.
Key Locations:
- La Ceiba: A key center for Garifuna drumming and music.
- Tela: Known for its Garifuna drumming traditions.
- Trujillo: Another significant location for Garifuna drumming and cultural events.
Axé is a modern Afro-Brazilian music genre blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms with Brazilian music popular in dance and Carnival.
Key Locations:
1. Salvador: The birthplace and cultural center of Axé music.
2. Recife: A city where Axé is also widely celebrated.
3. Sao Paulo: Known for its diverse music scene including Axé.
Festejo is a lively Afro-Peruvian music and dance genre characterized by energetic rhythms played on cajon drums guitars and other percussion instruments.
Key Locations:
- 1.Lima: The capital city where Festejis prominently featured in cultural events.
- 2. Chincha: Known for its strong Afro-Peruvian heritage and Festejtraditions.
- 3. Canete: Another region with significant Afro-Peruvian cultural presence.
Fandangois a community gathering centered around music and dance primarily featuring Son Jarocho. It has roots in Afro-Mexican and indigenous traditions with participants playing instruments singing and dancing.
Key Locations:
- Veracruz: The primary region for Fandanggatherings.
- Tlacotalpan: Known for its vibrant Fandango events.
- SantiagTuxtla: A town with a rich Fandango tradition.
Dancehall is a subgenre of Reggae that features faster tempos electronic instrumentation and DJ-led performances. It is known for its energetic beats and dance moves.
Key Locations:
- Kingston: The main center for Dancehall music and culture.
- Portmore: Known for its Dancehall artists and events.
- Spanish Town: Another key location for Dancehall music and performances.
Dub is a subgenre of Reggae that focuses on instrumental remixes emphasizing bass lines sound effects and echo. It emerged from the sound system culture in Jamaica.
Key Locations:
- Kingston: The birthplace and epicenter of Dub music.
- MontegBay: Known for its Dub performances and festivals.
- Negril: A key location for Dub music and cultural events.
Currulao is a traditional Afro-Colombian music genre from the Pacific coast featuring marimbas drums and call-and-response singing.
Currulao comes from the Pacific coast of Colombia, particularly from the regions of Chocó and Valle del Cauca. It's characterized by its rhythmic complexity and use of traditional instruments like the marimba de chonta (a type of wooden xylophone), tamboras (drums), and guasas (gourd shakers).
The music often features a call-and-response structure between the lead singer and the chorus, and it typically includes both instrumental and vocal elements. Currulao has roots in African musical traditions, reflecting the influence of enslaved Africans brought to Colombia during the colonial period. Over time, it has evolved while preserving its traditional elements, and it plays a significant role in Afro-Colombian cultural celebrations and ceremonies.
Key Locations:
- Buenaventura: A major port city known for its rich Currulao traditions.
- Tumaco: A city on the Pacific coast with vibrant Currulao performances.
Cumbia is a traditional Afro-Colombian music and dance genre characterized by its use of drums flutes and maracas. It originated along the Caribbean coast and combines African indigenous and Spanish influences.
Key locations:
- Barranquilla: Known for its vibrant Carnaval de Barranquilla where Cumbia is a central feature.
- Cartagena: A cultural hub for Cumbia performances and festivals.
- Santa Marta: Another key coastal city where Cumbia is popular.
Champeta is a modern Afro-Colombian genre that blends African rhythms with Caribbean and Colombian influences often featuring electronic beats and urban themes.
Key locations
- Cartagena: The epicenter of Champeta music and culture.
- Barranquilla: A major city where Champeta is widely popular.
- Santa Marta: Another coastal city with a strong Champeta presence.
Congo is a traditional Afro-Panamanian music and dance genre from the Caribbean coast featuring drums call-and-response vocals and colorful costumes. It has roots in African cultural traditions.
Key locations:
- Colon: A major center for Congo music and Afro-Panamanian culture.
- Portobelo: Known for its Congo festivals and performances.
- Panama City: The capital city where Congo music is also celebrated.
Candombe is a traditional Afro-Uruguayan music and dance genre that has also influenced Argentina featuring drumming and dance.
Key locations:
- Buenos Aires: The capital city where Candombe is performed during cultural festivals.
- La Plata: A city with a notable Afro-Argentine community celebrating Candombe.
- Rosario: Known for its Afro-Argentine cultural events including Candombe.
Candombe is a traditional Afro-Uruguayan music and dance genre characterized by its use of drums and rhythmic patterns deeply rooted in the country's African heritage.
Key locations:
- Montevideo: The capital city and main center for Candombe culture.
- Durazno: Known for its Candombe festivals and performances.
- Colonia: A city with a significant Afro-Uruguayan community celebrating Candombe.
Calypso in Costa Rica is a genre of Afro-Caribbean music characterized by rhythmic drumming guitars and storytelling lyrics. It has roots in the African diaspora communities along the Caribbean coast.
Key Locations:
- Limon: The main center for Calypso music and Afro-Caribbean culture in Costa Rica.
- Cahuita: Known for its vibrant Calypso traditions and performances.
- Puerto Viejo: Another important location for Calypso music and cultural events.
Bullerengue is a traditional Afro-Colombian music genre featuring call-and-response singing and percussion originating from the Caribbean coast.
Key locations:
- San Basilide Palenque: A historical village known for its Bullerengue traditions.
- Cartagena: A major city where Bullerengue is celebrated.
- Barranquilla: Known for its diverse Afro-Colombian music scene.
Calypso is a traditional Afro-Trinidadian music genre characterized by its storytelling lyrics rhythmic beats and use of steelpan and brass instruments. It is an integral part of Carnival celebrations.
Key locations:
- Port of Spain: The capital city and epicenter of Calypsmusic especially during Carnival.
- San Fernando: Known for its Calypso competitions and performances.
- Scarborough (Tobago): A key location for Calypso music and cultural events.
Bomba del Chota is a traditional Afro-Ecuadorian music and dance genre that originates from the Chota Valley, located in the northern highlands of Ecuador. This region is home to a significant Afro-Ecuadorian population, whose ancestors were brought to the area as slaves during the colonial period.
Key characteristics of Bomba del Chota include:
- Rhythmic Elements: The music is driven by the bomba drum, a large, double-headed drum that provides the characteristic rhythm. The rhythm is often syncopated and has a lively, infectious beat.
- Instruments: In addition to the bomba drum, the genre typically includes instruments like the guitar, marimba, and sometimes wind instruments. The bass drum and hand clapping also play crucial roles in creating the music's rhythmic complexity.
- Call-and-Response Singing: The vocal style often features a call-and-response pattern, where a lead singer is followed by a chorus. The lyrics typically reflect the daily life, struggles, and joys of the Afro-Ecuadorian community, often addressing themes of identity, love, and social issues.
- Dance: The dance associated with Bomba del Chota is energetic and expressive, with couples performing improvisational moves that reflect the music's rhythm. The dance is a key part of celebrations and social gatherings in the Afro-Ecuadorian communities.
- Cultural Significance: Bomba del Chota is more than just music and dance; it is a vital expression of Afro-Ecuadorian cultural identity. It has been passed down through generations and continues to be a symbol of resistance, pride, and community for Afro-Ecuadorians in the Chota Valley and beyond.
Bomba del Chota has gained recognition both within Ecuador and internationally as a unique and vibrant musical tradition that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Afro-Ecuadorian people.
Key Locations:
- Ibarra: A city near the Chota Valley known for its Bomba festivals.
- Chota: The heart of Bomba music and dance traditions.
- Otavalo: A nearby town where Bomba is also celebrated.
Bomba is a traditional Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance genre characterized by its drumming patterns call-and-response vocals and improvisational dance. It reflects the island's African heritage.
Key locations:
- San Juan: The capital city and main center for Bomba music.
- Loiza: Known for its strong Bomba traditions and festivals.
- Ponce: Another important city for Bomba performances and cultural events.
Bachata is a romantic music genre that combines bolero with African and indigenous elements featuring guitars and percussion. It originated in the rural areas of the Dominican Republic.
Key locations:
- Santo Domingo: The capital city where Bachata is widely popular.
- Santiago: Known for its Bachata musicians and cultural events.
- San Pedro de Macoris: A city with a rich tradition of Bachata music.
Palde May is a traditional Afro-Nicaraguan dance and music genre from the Caribbean coast featuring lively rhythms call-and-response singing and dance. It is celebrated during the Maypole festival.
Key Locations:
1.Bluefields: The cultural heart of Palde Mayand the Maypole festival.
2.Bilwi (PuertCabezas): A city known for its Palde Maycelebrations and Afro-Caribbean culture.
3.Corn Islands: Another key location for Palde Maymusic and festivities.
A style of Ghanaian music and dance associated with the Ga people, characterized by its call-and-response singing and drumming.
A genre of music combining traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife influences, popularized by Fela Kuti and others.