Spotlight:
Candombe

Uruguay’s National Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Asset is rooted in African drumming traditions.

Learn more about UNESO designation

Uruguay

South America’s most southern country capital –
3rd most southern country capital

3.5

million people

10%

of African descent

40%

live in Montevideo

19

Regions

$7.6

billion in exports

3

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Learn more

We uncover, celebrate and promote musical styles, history and musical instruments of the rhythms of the Americas.

Learn more.

Building the Polyrhythmic Beat

Listen to

Candombe

All four parts played together

Listen to

Chico

Small, high timbre;
marks the tempo

Listen to

Repique

Medium, syncopation and improvisation; signals changes in rhythm

Listen to

Clave

Hear the syncopation.

2010

Piano

Large, low timbre, melody

See

Candombe

See a llamada perform