The Afro-Cuban marímbula, the "bass" used in changüí.
Changüí is a style of Cuban music which originated in the early 19th century in the eastern region of Guantánamo Province, specifically Baracoa. It arose in the sugar cane refineries and in the rural communities populated by slaves.
Changui combines the structure and elements of Spain's canción and the Spanish guitar with African rhythms and percussion instruments of Bantu origin. Changui is considered a predecessor of son montuno (the ancestor of modern salsa), which has enjoyed tremendous popularity in Cuba throughout the 20th century.
Many people confuse changüi with other styles, but academically you are playing changüi is once the ensemble consists of these 4 musical instruments: Marimbula, Bongo, Tres, Güiro(or Guayo) and a singer(s). So it isn't really the patterns syncopation, but rather the ensemble style.[1]
Changüi is related to the other regional genres of nengon and kiribá.[2] It actually is a descendant of nengon. The changüi ensemble consists of: marímbula, bongos, tres ("Cubanized" guitar), güiro (or guayo) and one or more singers. Changüi does not use the Cuban key pattern (or guide pattern) known as clave.[3] The tres typically plays offbeat guajeos (ostinatos), while the guayo plays on the beat.
Changüí offbeat guajeo written in cut-time.[4]Changüi Ensemble.[5]
