Can traditional Cuban music be a reason to travel to the island? Well, beforehand we let you know that Cuba is one of the countries with the greatest musical tradition in the world. Music is a distinctive element of Cuban culture, so there is no way – we can assure you – that you can visit our country and not get a taste of its “rhythms”.
Origin of Cuban traditional music
Despite its tremendous international impact, what is known today as “Cuban traditional music” has been around for a very short time. It was only two centuries ago that the music made on the island began to take the true form of “tradition” (“traditional” is understood here not only as that which has existed since distant times, but also as that which is related to a certain culture), since during the period that followed the conquest and colonization of the territory, imported rhythms (mainly from Spain and the African continent) predominated. Traditional music became, then, a mixture of rhythms and melodies, accompanied by musical instruments of different origins.
Spain was the main precursor of Cuban traditional music and, naturally, of its main musical genres. Danzón and son, for example, the most influential and international genres of Cuban culture, were heavily influenced by Spanish music, as was peasant music. String instruments, melodic structures and many poetic forms came directly from the Iberian Peninsula, while from Africa came the complex rhythms, percussions and forms of choral singing that are so characteristic of Cuban music.
Traditional music today
Both son and danzón were extremely popular between the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century and, although some groups still play these genres today, the truth is that others, such as salsa, are more popular among the population. Nevertheless, son continues to be the Cuban musical genre with the greatest international influence and importance, and it is very common for tourist places (hotels, bars, restaurants, etc.) to play music produced by internationally famous artists and groups such as Compay Segundo, Benny Moré or the popular Trío Matamoros.
Son combines elements of African music with jazz and blues and is played on a variety of instruments, including the Cuban tres (a type of three-stringed guitar), the bongo (a two-stringed drum) and the clave (a pair of sticks struck together). If you visit the country’s capital, you will notice that the atmosphere in the historic colonial quarter (Old Havana) is closely linked to this rhythm. It is very likely that while walking along Obispo or Mercaderes streets you will come across a street music group or a group hired by a cafeteria or restaurant service, with a vast repertoire of traditional sounds.
The bolero is another important form of traditional Cuban music that originated in the early 19th century and has become very popular throughout Latin America. The bolero is a romantic and melancholic form of music that is played on a variety of instruments, including guitar, piano and viola. The best known Cuban bolero artists are Beny Moré and Compay Segundo.
In addition to these better known genres, there are many other types of traditional Cuban music worth exploring. These include chachachá, mambo and guaguancó. These genres are no longer as prevalent among younger people, however, at family parties they may play a song or two from these genres, with the exception of guaguancó which is more popular at religious festivals.
Buena Vista Social Club
Much of the traditional music that is known and consumed outside Cuba is linked to a project called “Buena Vista Social Club” (popularly known as “Buena Vista”). This project, which emerged a few decades ago, had as its mission the renovation and rescue of Cuban traditional music, which has led many abroad to identify traditional Cuban music with the sounds produced by this group or musical brand. In fact, the project has brought together dissimilar artists and has taken up themes of very different musical styles, so it is not a group in the classic sense of the term.
Some credit it with having restored traditional Cuban music to its place on the podium of the most influential Latin music. Buena Vista Social Club is, in fact, internationally recognized as “the sound of Cuba”, according to some artists and intellectuals. In many nightclubs such as the Submarino Amarillo in Vedado or the Habana Café at the Meliá Cohiba, tribute is paid to the Buena Vista Social Club, where you can go and enjoy its most famous songs. Omara Portuondo is one of the most recognized voices of the original “Buena Vista” orchestra and although she is no longer part of this project, many continue to associate her music with that currently produced by the brand.
Peasant music in the tradition
Outside the country’s capital, in addition to the typical traditional music (mainly associated with genres such as son, danzón or chachachachá), peasant music is very popular. This is related to genres such as the sung décima, the punto guajiro or the son montuno, and its origin is closely linked to life in rural areas of the country. In Cuba, the word “guajiro(a)” distinguishes the rural population that works the land from the population that lives in urban areas. Therefore, it is common for peasant music to also be called “guajira music”.
In Havana it is not that it is not heard or liked, but this musical style is definitely more traditional in other provinces of the country. If you visit Pinar del Río, for example, you will surely have the opportunity to listen to the music of Polo Montañez, affectionately remembered as “Polito”, who is considered a symbol of peasant music in this province. In the tourist area of “Las Terrazas”, you will find the house-museum of this artist, be sure to visit it if you have the opportunity.
The sung tenth
This musical genre, associated with country music, deserves special mention for its relevance and originality. Its performers usually sing as a duet, simulating a kind of “musical duel” and displaying free improvisation. Certainly there are some well-known songs, intoned and known by many of these artists, but what most distinguishes the genre is precisely the ability to improvise of those who have appropriated it. In Cuba there is a very famous television program, broadcasted every Sunday at 7:00 pm, which keeps peasant music alive. Its name is “Palmas y cañas” and it is one of the oldest programs on Cuban television. The décima cantada, the controversia and the punto guajiro are the most popular genres of the program.
Salsa, the most popular dance music
From son derived one of the most popular genres in Cuba today: salsa. It is a danceable musical genre, one of the most listened to by visitors and locals alike. There is not a party in Cuba where this musical genre is not listened to or danced to; even among young people it is a popular genre. Salsa combines elements of Afro-Cuban music with jazz and rhythm and blues and is played with instruments such as the trumpet, piano and drums.
Although salsa musicians exist in every country, Cuba has produced some of the most talented and recognized musicians of all time such as Celia Cruz and Benny Moré, although there are many others and many groups that also deserve to be mentioned. Celia Cruz was one of the most popular and respected artists of all time. She began her musical career in the 1950s and soon became one of the most recognized voices in the Latin world, and although she passed away in 2003, her music still lives on in every Cuban. Throughout his career, Cruz recorded more than 70 albums and won numerous awards and recognitions for his music.
Other notable Cuban musicians include Cachao, a Cuban musician and composer who is considered one of the fathers of mambo and salsa; Bebo Valdes, a Cuban pianist and composer who has worked with salsa musicians around the world; Issac Delgado, a Cuban singer and composer who has fused salsa with jazz and funk; Eliades Ochoa, a Cuban guitarist and singer who is known for his work with the traditional Cuban music group Buena Vista Social Club; Gonzalo Rubalcaba, a Cuban pianist and composer who has fused salsa with jazz and rock; and Adalberto Alvarez, a Cuban singer and composer who has fused salsa with Cuban son and traditional Cuban music.
Juan Formell, founder of the group Los Van Van and leader of the band until his death, also deserves mention. Van Van is the best-known dance group in Cuba and abroad and has won numerous awards and recognitions for its music. Another very popular group is Alexander Abreu y Habana de Primera. Alexander Abreu is a Cuban musician who is known for being the founder and leader of the salsa band Habana de Primera. Abreu is a trumpet player and salsa singer who has won numerous awards and recognitions for his music and is considered one of the most talented salsa musicians of his generation.
Where to enjoy Cuban music?
Nightclubs in Cuba are places where people go to enjoy music, dancing and night entertainment. These places are very popular among tourists and young Cubans and offer a wide variety of music for all tastes. There are numerous places in Cuba where you can enjoy traditional Cuban music, but it is good to keep in mind that this type of music, especially the older ones such as danzón, mambo or chachachá, are not found in discos or nightclubs. It is more common that while having a coffee in Old Havana or sitting on the wall of the Malecón, some artist will approach you to sing or play some classic traditional music.
One of the most popular nightclubs in Cuba is the famous Cabaret Tropicana, located in Havana. Tropicana is popular for its incredible dance and music shows. Another popular nightclub in Havana is the Cabaret Parisien, which also offers live shows and music. Besides cabarets, there are many other nightclubs in Cuba that offer live music and entertainment for visitors. Some of these places are clubs, discos and bars. Salsa clubs are especially popular in Cuba and offer the opportunity to enjoy salsa music and dancing in an authentic Cuban atmosphere.
If your visit to the island coincides with a live concert or a music festival, then don’t miss the opportunity to attend: this is a unique way to enjoy the maximum expression of Cuban music. Generally, on important dates such as January 1st, which commemorates the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution, or October 20th, Cuban Culture Day, there are activities that include live concerts. In addition, many groups tour all over Cuba during the year and you can check in advance of your trip in our cultural billboard about a concert in one of the cities you will visit. Festivals such as the Havana Festival, the Havana Jazz Festival and the Santiago de Cuba International Salsa Festival are held every year.
If you are interested in learning more about traditional Cuban music on your trip to the island, our travel assistants can include in your itinerary experiences such as: visiting Cuban music museums and galleries such as the Museo Nacional de la Música and the Museo de la Música in Havana, where you can learn about the history and see some of the instruments and objects related to Cuban music; take Cuban music lessons from a local musician to learn to play traditional instruments such as the tumbadora, guitar or piano, or you can even learn to dance salsa or cha-cha-chá; dine at a restaurant that includes live music; or take a music tour where you can visit places such as recording studios and music clubs to enjoy Cuban musicians playing live.
General recommendations:
- If you are very interested in traditional music, don’t miss the opportunity to buy a CD or cassette at “Habana sí”. Surely you can download this same music from a platform such as YouTube, but buying a product in this store (it can even be a musical instrument) will allow you to keep a unique souvenir of your trip.
- If you walk around the capital, it is common (especially in Old Havana and the Malecón Habanero) to come across very talented street artists. It is a good opportunity to enjoy good music and support the local economy.
- We suggest listening to Cuban music before traveling to the island. It is very pleasant to visit a place and be able to hum or follow the lyrics of songs you have heard before. Besides, Cuban music is very catchy.
- Include in your travel itinerary some of our musical experiences.
Talk to the locals about their music: artists, bands and favorite songs…one of the best ways to learn about the culture of a place is to talk to its people.
