Latin music has deep connections to Africa. In our recurring “Moved by Music” series, we talk to border people about music from both sides of the border. Today, Afro-Mexican researcher Jorge Gonzalez takes us on a mini trip through the evolution of Latin music, helping trace some of its roots and influences back to West Africa. It’s like a playlist with a side of history lesson.

Port of Entry Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/36075g71vs22og6334SmAK?si=2IfdPH7MTbKnxjcWk6q9Cw

Books:

Music, Race, and Nation: Musica Tropical in Colombia by Peter Wade

From Bomba to Hip-Hop: Puerto Rican Culture and Latino Identity by Juan Flores

Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos by Gary Stewart

Caribbean Currents: Caribbean Music from Rumba to Reggae (Studies In Latin America & Car)

(3rd Edition) by Peter Manuel (Author), Michael Largey (Author)

LP Compilations w/ Liner Notes:

Africa Boogaloo: Latinization Of West Africa

Diablos Del Ritmo: The Colombian Melting Pot 1960-1985 (Part 1 & 2)

Son Palenque: Afro-Colombian Sound Modernizers

From KPBS and PRX, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us.

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