Cumbia is a traditional music-and-dance genre that arose on the Caribbean coast of Colombia from the union of three cultures: the indigenous (flutes and percussion), the African (drum rhythms), and the European (melody and strophic form). This “threefold” nature made cumbia a vivid symbol of Latin American mestizo culture.
From Colombia, cumbia spread across the whole continent, taking on its own features in Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and other countries — giving rise to dozens of regional varieties. It is characterised by a measured duple rhythm that is easy to dance to, and by the sound of the accordion, brass, and percussion. Cumbia remains one of the most beloved and danceable musics of Latin America, a living foundation for both folk festivities and the modern popular scene.
