MUSIC OF GUATEMALA

Marimba Music  The 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 Music  Music 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 Music  In 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 Music  Guatemala 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