Latin American music would not exist without African musical traditions, which came to Latin America during the transatlantic slave trade. Some of the most important Latin music instruments, such as the claves and the maracas, hail directly from Africa. Syncopated rhythms, improvised solos, and collective forms of singing and percussion are additional elements of African music found in Latin music.
Spanish and Portuguese Influences
When European colonizers arrived in Latin America, they brought their own musical traditions, most notably from Spain and Portugal. The indigenous musical elements that enslaved Africans brought mixed with the European-derived musical elements to create a new unique style.
Indigenous Influences
The musical traditions of the indigenous people of Latin America also influenced Latin music. Instruments such as the pan flute and various drums come from indigenous cultures. Additionally, the use of pentatonic scales and modal melodies are influences of indigenous music found in Latin music.