By: Valentina Rodríguez Tamayo
Humanity has always been in constant search for those things that link it to its roots, everything that reminds it of its past, and evokes its ancestors. Music is an artistic expression that has a direct relationship with the world, it reflects the essence of different societies, and it is a cultural fact since it becomes one with the daily life of man. As time has progressed, music has taken on different connotations such as: cultural transmission, use for religious rituals, demonstration of power and nobility, communication with God, expression of joy, euphoria, recreational purposes, etc.
Going back to the ancient indigenous cultures of Latin America, music emerged as the expression of their rich culture and was transmitted through orality, in which their traditions and identity are reflected. Thanks to this, music plays a vital role in history because it allows indigenous languages to be preserved, through its transmission the permanence of ethnic identity, the mother tongue, customs and traditions with great social impact is ensured. It is necessary to understand that indigenous cultures also look to the future, and not only focus on the past; Being societies in constant movement, they are cultures that are transformed according to the impact that other cultures have on themselves.
Currently in Latin America, a region recognized worldwide for its diversity, there are 14 rhythms that have been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This list has been created in order to guarantee the protection of the world's important intangible heritages. and wanting to raise awareness of its importance. The list consists of:
- Chamamé (Argentina)
- Bachata (Dominican Republic)
- Reggae (Jamaica)
- Peasant Music (Cuba, Colombia and Venezuela)
- Cuban Rumba
- Vallenato (Colombia)
- Marimba (Colombia and Ecuador)
- Capoeira (Brasil)
- Pujllay (Bolivia)
- Frevo (Brasil)
- Mariachi (Mexico)
- Pirekua (Mexico)
- Tango (Argentina and Uruguay)
- Candombe (Uruguay)
Music is a cultural and human resource that is fundamental in the development of individuals, traditions, cultures and peoples, which is why it is understood as a cultural fact that throughout history has been related to the social and development context. of the identity of various communities. For this reason, it is of vital importance that UNESCO continues to recognize the richness of rhythms, goods and musical compositions, intangible elements that are part of our history so that in this way the rich and wonderful culture that our people cultivated remains current and permanent, giving it the recognition it deserves.