This region's music mixes Caribbean, European, and African influences with indigenous traditions and dance forms. Each style features a unique rhythm designed for dance, often heavily syncopated and closely associated with celebrations.
Many vocal forms rely heavily on melancholy themes often dealing with the futility of love.
Largely due to its appealing rhythms and highly melodic nature, the music of South America is quite accessible, often bleeding through the confines of its traditions. Jazz, for instance, has eagerly embraced many of these rhythms as a backdrop, evoking exotic sounds against which its practitioners improvise. Cumbia, originated in Columbia, is generally played by ensembles of brass instruments and saxophones, producing a rhythmic backdrop for its shuffling dance steps. Originally performed by percussionists accompanied by vocals, cumbia has grown in accordance to its popularity. Choro's origins can be traced to Portuguese fado and is often used as background music, whereas the samba is notably loud and celebratory carnival music.