Toque Library

The foundational timekeeper of Cuban son and salsa. Every dancer and musician orients to it whether they hear it played or not.

Medium-tempo secular rumba from Havana and Matanzas. Tells a flirtation story between a man and a woman in dance.

Fast, virtuosic, traditionally male solo rumba from rural Matanzas. Roots in Abakuá and Congo traditions.

Oldest, slowest rumba. Historically played on cajones (boxes) instead of drums. Often danced by elders — 'en el yambú no se vacuna'.

The 12/8 bell pattern that anchors much of West-African and Afro-Cuban folkloric music. Heard in Yoruba ceremonies and Lucumí toques.

Opening toque for Eleguá, owner of the crossroads and the first orisha greeted in Lucumí ceremony. Played on the three sacred batá drums.