Cumbia: Latin America’s constantly evolving music

The World

Cumbia music brings together the rhythm and music from African and Spanish cultures as well as the Americas. Its origins trace back to Colombia, a country that is also a blend of these influences. Cumbia Heights, a 10-person ensemble of musicians originally from Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Peru, is now bringing this music to their adopted home of Washington, DC. WAMU’s Héctor Alejandro Arzate went to meet the performers of this highly danceable fusion of sounds with its signature beat.

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