Cuban music encompasses musical styles that originated in Cuba in the Caribbean, and has been a major influence on the development of various musical styles around the world from the 19th century to the present day. The root of most of the musical elements of Cuban music lies in the Kabildo Dance Company, a social association that came to Cuba with African colored slaves. Even after the abolition of slavery in 1886, these kabildos retained African cultural traditions. The forced integration of African religions into Roman Catholic Christianity led to the emergence of Santria, which quickly spread throughout the island, including neighboring islands (e.g., Haiti). Santería emphasized the drumming of religious motifs that influenced Cuban music. Each Santería god (Orishas) has a special color, affection, Catholic saint and rhythm.
