Few places in the world embody culture as vividly as Cuba. The island is not only the birthplace of the world’s finest cigars but also of some of the most influential and recognisable music ever created. From the rolling fields of Pinar del Río to the lively streets of Havana, cigars and music share a deep cultural rhythm that has defined Cuban identity for centuries.
Roots of Cuban Music
Cuban music has its strongest roots in West Africa and Spain, brought together during centuries of colonisation and the transatlantic slave trade. In Havana, enslaved Africans formed cabildos—cultural brotherhoods that preserved African traditions, language, and drumming. Even after emancipation in 1886, those rhythms survived and blended with European influences.
This fusion birthed Santería music, where every deity (orisha) is celebrated with specific drum patterns (toques), colours, and chants. Percussion became the heartbeat of Cuban music, and it still shapes its sound today.
Global Influences and Cuban Exports
As Cuba opened its doors, its music absorbed influences from the United States, Jamaica, and France, and in turn, influenced the world. Without Cuba, there would be no salsa, and much of jazz, tango, high-life, and flamenco would sound very different.
Today, Cuban rhythms echo everywhere—from New York jazz clubs to Spanish dance halls—and remain a defining part of global music culture.
Styles of Cuban Music
Cuban music is not one sound—it’s a mosaic of styles, each tied to a moment in the island’s history.
- Rumba – Rooted in African traditions, driven by drums and dance. Romanticised into the Bolero, Cuba’s soulful love ballad.
- Son – The national folk music of Cuba, blending African percussion with Spanish guitar. It evolved into Son Montuno, Afro-Son, and Guajira-Son, and laid the foundation for salsa.
- Danzón – Elegant and European in flavour, born in the 19th century and later giving rise to the Cha-Cha-Cha.
- Cuban Jazz – A blend of Cuban rhythms with American jazz, producing world-class improvisation.
- Timba – A modern fusion of salsa, hip-hop, and funk, proving Cuban music still evolves.
- Other styles – Conga, Mozambique, Changü, and Yoruba chants each carry their own cultural significance.
Cigars and Music: A Shared Rhythm
Much like a cigar, Cuban music is about layers, timing, and experience. Lighting a Partagás Lusitania while listening to a slow Bolero captures the romance of Havana nights. Pairing a lively Cohiba Siglo VI with the driving beat of Son brings out energy and spice. Just as every cigar has its own vitola and strength, every Cuban rhythm carries a mood—whether delicate, powerful, playful, or reflective.
Both cigars and music share three things:
- Craftsmanship – Every note, every roll of tobacco leaf matters.
- Tradition – Passed down through generations, refined but never lost.
- Connection – To smoke a cigar or hear a Cuban rhythm is to be connected to the island’s spirit.
A Living Culture
From Buena Vista Social Club reviving Son for the world, to jazz legends like Chucho Valdés and contemporary timba bands, Cuban music remains alive, evolving, and celebrated globally. And just as Cuban music has travelled the world, so too have Cuban cigars—synonymous with craftsmanship and culture.
Together, they form the soul of Cuba: rich, complex, deeply rooted in history, yet always ready to inspire the next generation.