Music from Cuba

Cuban music brings together Spanish and African traditions in a rich, globally influential blend of rhythm, dance, and song.

The Caribbean island of Cuba has developed a wide range of creolized musical styles, based on its cultural origins in Europe and Africa. Since the 19th century its music has been hugely popular and influential throughout the world. It has been perhaps the most popular form of world music since the introduction of recording technology.
The music of Cuba, including the instruments and the dances, is mostly of European (Spanish) and African origin. Most forms of the present day are creolized fusions and mixtures of these two sources. Almost nothing remains of the original Indian traditions.^[1] 

Overview adapted from Wikipedia’s “Music of Cuba” article.

A performance reflecting Cuba’s vibrant musical traditions.

A further example of Cuba’s varied musical heritage.

Buena Vista Social Club performs “Chan Chan,” an enduring classic of Cuban son.

Music from Croatia

Croatia’s music reflects Adriatic, Central European, Balkan, and Mediterranean influences, from klapa harmony and regional folk dance to tamburica, classical music, rock, and enduring popular song.

The music of Croatia, like the divisions of the country itself, has two major influences: a Central European one, present in central and northern parts of the country and in Slavonia, and a Mediterranean one, present in coastal regions of Dalmatia and Istria.

In Croatia both pop and rock are popular, as well as pop music influenced by Dalmatian or Slavonian folk elements.

From the mid-20th century onwards, so-called schlager music and chanson-inspired music have formed the backbone of the Croatian popular music. 

Overview adapted from Wikipedia’s “Music of Croatia” article.

Oliver Dragojević’s “Galeb i ja” exemplifies Dalmatian popular song, joining Adriatic imagery with a warm, unmistakable vocal style.

“Trag u beskraju” offers another beloved performance from one of Croatia’s most enduring singers.

This additional selection broadens the post beyond Dragojević to another example of Croatia’s musical culture.

Music from Côte d'Ivoire (The Ivory Coast)

Côte d’Ivoire’s music draws on many regional traditions while its cities have become major centers for styles including reggae, zouglou, coupé-décalé, dance music, and modern West African pop.

Each of the more than sixty ethnic groups of Ivory Coast has its own folk music traditions, most showing strong vocal polyphony (a common characteristic of African music), especially the Baoulé. Talking drums are also common, especially among the Appollo, who are also known for their abissa purification dance, part of the popular Zoblazo dance music of Meiway. Polyrhythm, another African characteristic, is found throughout Ivory Coast, and is especially common in the southwest. 

Overview adapted from Wikipedia’s “Music of Ivory Coast” article.

Ivorian reggae star Alpha Blondy’s live performance of “Jerusalem” shows the international reach of one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most recognizable musical voices.

This playlist broadens the selection beyond reggae to offer additional examples from Côte d’Ivoire’s varied popular music scene.

Music from Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s music blends Indigenous, Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and regional Central American influences, with folk dance, calypso, marimba, classical music, rock, and contemporary pop all represented.

Though its music has achieved little international credit, Costa Rican popular music genres include: an indigenous calypso scene which is distinct from the more widely-known Trinidadian calypso sound, as well as a thriving disco audience that supports nightclubs in cities like San José. American and British rock and roll and pop are very popular and common among the youth (especially urban youth), while dance-oriented genres like soca, salsa, merengue, cumbia and Tex-Mex have an appeal among a somewhat older audience.

Mexican music is very popular among older people and some people in the countryside. During the middle years of the 20th century, Costa Rica was exposed to much Mexican cultural influence.

Another new genre explored in Costa Rica is celtic with the group Peregrino Gris.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia’s “Music of Costa Rica” article.

Costa Rican singer-songwriter Debi Nova’s “Un Día A La Vez” represents the country’s polished contemporary pop scene and its international reach.