Cuba has five basic genres of Afro-Cuban music; these include rumba, son, cancion Cubana, danzon, and punto guarjira. This section discusses the origin of the three most common genres rumba, son, and danzon and the importance they have had in the making of Afro-Cuban culture in Cuba. The traditional music in Cuban culture has its roots in African heritage. These musical traditions have helped keep the people of Cuba aware and appreciative of their beginning; the culture of Africa can be observed in Afro-Cuban music.

Rumba, which can also be spelled rhumba, is one of the most popular forms of Afro-Cuban music (Cuba[EBO] 1). The word "rumba" comes from the verb "rumbear" which means going to parties, dancing, and having a good time; rumba basically means to party. Rumba music is extremely rhythmic; the musicians can use anything from sticks, bottles, and cardboard boxes to more expensive drums.

The African roots of Cuban music can be most clearly observed in this style of music; originally, it was played on streets corners by neighbors who just wanted to get out and "party." Poor urban sights, commonly found near sugar refineries, are the home to these neighborhood parties.

The rumba dances are supposed to be erotic and enticing; originally meant to be a marriage dance (Dance R). The two most common forms of rumba are columbia and guaguanco; these sub-genres are played (and danced) in a 2/4 meter (Durr 1). The columbia is performed by a solo male dancer; the dance is fast and synchronized precisely with the drum beat. The dancer's moves are short, aggressive, and acrobatic (Durr 2). The guaguanco is a slower form of the rumba, and it is performed with a man and a woman. This dance, which is one of the most popular dances in Cuba, demonstrates the woman's pursuit by the male partner. The man uses parts of his body to entice the woman; therefore, this dance is extremely erotic, especially when the man does the "vacunao" or thrust of the pelvis.