Changüí is a style of Cuban music which originated in the early 19th century in the eastern region of Guantánamo Province. It arose in the sugar cane refineries and in the rural communities populated by slaves. Changui combines the structure and elements of Spain canción and the Spanish guitar with African rhythms and percussion instruments of the Bantu Arara origin. Changui is thought to be the predecessor of son montuno, which has enjoyed tremendous popularity in Cuba throughout the 20th century.
Changüi was born in Guantanamo, Cuba, and originated in the style called Nengon. There are some conflicting answers you will receive when you ask the question, "What is Changüi"? The answer from an ethnomusicology point of view is simple, but like most academic answers, it leaves more questions and sometimes contradicts popular definitions.
So then when can we say that we are playing Changüi and not Nengon? The academic answer is that you are playing Changüi once the ensemble consists of these 4 musical instruments: Marimbula, Bongos, Tres, Güiro (or Guayo) and one or more singers. Also, note that Changüi has no son clave. The clave had not been invented yet. Instead, the guayo plays on the down beats. The guitar-like tres gives changui its distinctive sound by following the melodic line of the song and reinforcing the harmonic structure of the guitar instruments.
Changui has an accompanying dance, highlighting the coquettishness of the woman and the chivalry of the man.
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