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MUSIC
OF
GUATEMALA
Marimba MusicThe marimba is the most important instrument in Guatemalan folk music, which is influenced by the music of Spain and West Africa.
The marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala.
The earliest version of the instrument probably came from West Africa.
Afro-Caribbean slaves could have introduced this marimba to Guatemala as early as 1550.
Marimba Music
The modern Guatemalan marimba is built to accommodate three or four musicians at once.
A typical marimba band usually consists of a marimba for three players, another marimba for four players, a drum, a string bass, and sometimes one or two saxophones.
Marimba Music
Mayan MusicMusic played a key role in Maya culture.
Served many functions in society: In funeral ceremonies, celebration after battles.
During funerals, it is believed that a procession of drum and flute players would follow the casket of important women.
Mayan Music Instruments include flutes of cane and bone, different types of whistles.
Marine shells (tortoise shells) and rattles used.
Also used are wood drums with skin of deer or jaguar.
Mayan Music
Garifuna MusicIn 1635 Spanish ships carrying Africans wrecked in the Eastern Caribbean.
Survivors swam ashore and took refuge among the indigenous people.
These Afro-Caribbean people were called Garífuna.
They eventually settled the shoreline of Central America (including Livingston, Guatemala).
Garifuna Music
Drums are typically made of hollowed out hardwood with the skins coming from wild bush pig, deer, or sheep.
The “sisera” are shakers made from the dried fruit of the gourd tree, filled with seeds, then fitted with hardwood handles.
In the early 1980s, punta rock, added the amplified guitar.
The most prominent Garífuna traditional genre is “punta.”
Garifuna Music
POP MusicGuatemala has produced a variety of popular performers.
These include pop singers, rock bands, heavy metal groups, salsa and merengue bands, hip hop and reggaeton.
A rock band from 1980s and 90s was the group Alux Nahual.
POP Music
The best known pop singer/songwriter from Guatemala is Ricardo Arjona.
The 2007 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album.
2006 Latin Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Album.
POP Music
