Changüí (Spanish pronunciation:[tʃaŋˈɡwi]) is a style ofCuban music which originated in the early 19th century in the eastern region ofGuantánamo Province, specifically Baracoa. It arose in thesugar cane refineries and in the rural communities populated by slaves.Changüí combines the structure and elements ofSpain'scanción and the Spanishguitar withAfrican rhythms andpercussion instruments of African origin. Changüí is considered a predecessor ofson montuno (the ancestor of modernsalsa), which has enjoyed tremendous popularity in Cuba throughout the 20th century.
Changüí is related to the other regional genres ofnengón andkiribá and is descended fromnengón.[1] Technically, the changüi ensemble consists of:marímbula,bongos,tres,güiro (or guayo) and one or more singers.[2] Changüi does not use the Cubankey pattern (or guide pattern) known asclave.[3] The tres typically plays offbeatguajeos (ostinatos), while theguayo plays on thebeat.
