Exploring the rhythms of Latin America

We hear Latin American rhythms everywhere: in the charts, on film soundtracks and especially on TV dancing competitions. Latin America covers not only a large geographical and political area but also a vast range of differing cultural and socioeconomic areas. The historical, social, religious and cultural backgrounds that have influenced the music of Latin America are varied. These include African, Spanish, Portuguese as well as the many differing cultural influences of the regions and their Indigenous peoples. Much of the music developed out of the struggle for freedom of expression of cultural and political ambitions. It is also worth noting that music does not adhere to political and geographic boundaries; many rhythms may be ‘traditional’ to several countries, with regional variations that may have originated elsewhere.