Follow musical patterns as they traveled across continents and centuries. See how rhythms, scales, and progressions evolved through cultures to shape modern music.
From Africa to the World
Follow the 3-2 clave rhythm as it traveled from West Africa through the Caribbean to become the foundation of Latin music, jazz, and modern pop.
The clave pattern originates from the complex polyrhythmic traditions of West African music, where multiple rhythms interlock to create a unified whole.
Enslaved Africans brought their rhythms to Cuba, where they merged with Spanish guitar traditions to create Son Cubano - the mother of salsa.
The clave influenced the syncopated rhythms of early jazz in New Orleans, creating the "swing" feel that defines American music.
Puerto Rican and Cuban immigrants in NYC fused their traditions with American jazz and R&B, creating salsa and Latin jazz.
The clave lives on in reggaeton's "dembow" beat, electronic dance music, and countless pop hits that use its hypnotic pattern.
Try decoding these songs to see the patterns in action!
Watch Jorge Drexler's TED Talk: "Poetry, music and identity" to hear this journey explained beautifully.
Watch on TED.com