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The cumbia has been called “the musical backbone of the Americas”, and indeed it is! Ever since it emerged from the Guinean dance rhythm of “kumbé”, it has provided a solid and irresistible foundation for dance grooves from every single one of our países over the years, evolving from polished, elegant nearly orchestral pieces in its Golden Years in Mexico and Colombia to slow, transfixing tunes from the street corners of Monterrey, to psychedelic Amzazonic variations in Peru, and to today’s cumbias, which are as varied as they are amazing. This week’s Beat Latino shares a fabulous selection of cumbias for the 21st Century and beyond. Enjoy!

Featured photo: Catalina Maria Johnson, credit: Carolina Sánchez

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