Cuban music has its origins in the Spanish and African influences that have been a part of the population and culture of Cuba. Modern Cuban music is the creolization, or mixture, of these different influences. In the past, Indian music also played a part in the development of Cuban music, but this influence is now non-existent. Other countries have played a role in developing this music as well, including France, the United States, Puerto Rico and China.
African musical styles influenced the development of Cuban music. Cuba was a major slave port during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is not known exactly how many slaves passed through Cuba, but there is no doubt that the island has a history and culture that is derived from the African continent. Different African clans, such as the Congolese and Yoruba, were brought to Cuba, and each clan played a role in developing the religious syncretism that is also instrumental in the development Cuban music.
Cuban music was developed in social settings. Spanish dances were often held in public, and cabildos, social groups organized by various African clans to preserve their African traditions, performed religious ceremonies in public as well. Musical styles, such as Spanish cantos and flamenco, as well as the use of polyrhythmic percussions and call-and-response in African religious ceremonies, helped create a hybrid of musical styles that shaped Cuban music.
The drum played an enormous role in the historical development of Cuban music. Unable to import their own drums from Africa, slaves manufactured drums with materials that were available on the island. Today the most common types of drums include bongos, congas, bata drums, cajons (which in the past were used when drums had been banned), and claves. Even though the Spanish looked down on the use of drums because of their prevalence among enslaved Africans, the drum eventually changed the sound of Spanish-style music. Other instruments, such as the Spanish guitar and the Chinese cornet, also shaped the style of Cuban music.
Throughout the years, Cuban music has influenced other musical forms, such as jazz and salsa. One of the more well-known bands playing Cuban music is the Buena Vista Social Club, whose popularity was spread throughout the world due to the 1997 documentary of the same name.