Cuban salsa is more than music; it’s a blend of cultures, emotions and stories.
It lives on through the generations, uniting people with its irresistible rhythm and infectious energy.
Casino is a Cuban dance that developed in the 1950s. It was danced in clubs and ballrooms (called “casinos” in Cuba), where many people came to have fun and dance to international music.
The roots of Cuban salsa
Late 19th century: Salsa has its origins in Cuba’s cultural melting pot, where African and Spanish influences intertwined to create “son cubano“, the ancestor of Salsa.
Cities such as Santiago de Cuba and Havana played a key role in this musical fusion. Arsenio Rodríguez, one of the pioneers, revolutionised Cuban music by bringing the conga, an African percussion instrument, into his orchestra.
Anecdote: it is said that the famous Cuban musician Arsenio Rodríguez revolutionised salsa music by introducing the conga, an African percussion instrument, into his orchestra, changing the sound of Cuban music forever.
Quote: Celia Cruz, nicknamed the “Queen of Salsa”, often expressed her love for the genre: “Salsa is the dance of life, a perpetual movement that tells a story of passion.”
The era of Mambo and Changüí
1930s-1940s: With the emergence of mambo through Pérez Prado, Cuban music took a more dynamic turn. At the same time, changüí enriched Salsa with its complex rhythms. La Sonora Matancera, a band formed in the 1920s, was crucial in popularising son cubano.
Historic band: La Sonora Matancera, a Cuban band formed in the 1920s, played a key role in popularising Son Cubano, the forerunner of Salsa.
Revolution and exile
1950s: The Cuban revolution had a profound impact on Cuban music. Many musicians, including Celia Cruz, left Cuba.
Anecdote: after the Cuban revolution, many musicians like Celia Cruz left Cuba. Celia Cruz said: “I left with my music, my heart and my culture.”
Ruedas de casino appeared around 1956, letting casineros swap partners and perform shared moves with dynamism and creativity.
Salsa in New York
1960s-1970s: New York became the melting pot where Salsa took shape. Artists like Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe and Eddie Palmieri fused diverse influences to create a new sound. The Fania All-Stars, formed by the Fania Records label, played a crucial role in spreading Salsa.
Historic band: the Fania All-Stars, a band formed by the Fania Records label, were crucial in popularising Salsa. Artists like Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe contributed to it.
The golden age of Salsa
1970s-1980s: This period is often considered the golden age of Salsa, with artists like Celia Cruz and Tito Puente becoming international icons. Tito Puente marked this era with his energetic performances and his statement: “I dance for the musicians.”
Anecdote: Tito Puente, another Salsa legend, was known for his energetic performances. He once said: “My secret? I don’t play for the dancers. I dance for the musicians.”
Salsa in the modern world
1990s to today: Salsa keeps evolving, with contemporary artists like Marc Anthony incorporating elements of pop and rock. Marc Anthony highlighted the essence of Salsa: “It’s a way of life, a way of expressing every emotion.”
Quote: Marc Anthony, a modern figure of Salsa, said: “Salsa isn’t just music, it’s a way of life, a way of expressing every emotion.”
A real page of history
Cuban Salsa is an expression of cultural fusion, emotion and history.
Although casino is considered to have been mainly influenced by son, danzón and chachachá also influenced it. These 3 dances led to casino, or Cuban salsa.
Contrary to what you might think, mambo did not influence casino. It was a dance made up of a few choreographed steps that didn’t last in Cuba and never caught on with the general public. Only the mambo basic step remained.
Cuban salsa unites people with its irresistible rhythm and infectious energy, symbolising joy, resistance and cultural identity. This music continues to inspire and connect generations around the world, a testament to its richness and vitality.
From its humble beginnings in the streets of Cuba to its presence on stages worldwide, Salsa is more than a musical genre: it reflects a rich history, a cultural fusion and a vibrant form of expression.
It continues to captivate, connect and celebrate the diversity and vitality of the Latin American experience.
