Classic and popular recommendations in ethnic music

Che Che Kule

Drumming workshop for kids: Learn a new song from West Africa, Ghana

This is a heartwarming folk song passed down from Ghana in distant Africa.

Its participatory elements—singing and dancing together with children—are appealing, as everyone joins their voices to the leader’s call and enjoys moving their bodies in time.

After being featured on Osibisa’s 1972 album “Heads,” it spread worldwide in a fresh interpretation that fused traditional music with rock and jazz.

In 2018, Sing With Sandra covered it on the album “Baby Shark And Other Children Songs,” presenting an arrangement that highlights its educational aspects.

This piece shines at family home parties and cultural exchange events—occasions that connect people across generations and borders.

Simple yet warm, its melody is filled with a special charm that naturally brings a smile to everyone’s face.

QuimbaraCelia Cruz

Celia Cruz – Quimbara

A treasure of Latin music whose powerful Latin rhythms and passionate vocals stir the soul.

As one of the signature works of Celia Cruz—the “Queen of Salsa” who captivated the world—this track was included on the 1974 album Celia & Johnny.

Incorporating elements of traditional Cuban guaguancó and rumba, it embodies the essence of Afro-Cuban music and was added to the U.S.

National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2014.

It was also featured in the 2006 film Miami Vice and the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, continuing to be loved across generations.

Highly recommended for those interested in foreign cultures and music, and for fans of passionate dance music.

Habibi Ya EiniHaim Moshe

Haim Moshe

The Egyptian-style belly dance classic, “Habibi Ya Eini.” Even though we call it belly dance in general, costumes and music vary by region.

The basic rhythm is don-tta-don-ta—dance with lots of energy!

Skal Sun SunYoshie,Fujimaru

Gender (Gendér) in Bali

This is a solo performance on the gendèr, an instrument used in Balinese gamelan, the traditional music of Bali.

While gamelan is performed not only in Bali but also in neighboring regions, Balinese gamelan is often described as being more flamboyant compared to that of other areas.

Bellbird (Pájaro Campana)Aparishio Borudon

Los Chankas - The Chankas / Pajaro Campana - Bellbird (From the 8th Suita Folklore Festa)

This is a representative piece for the Latin American harp known as the ‘arpa.’ In Spanish, ‘arpa’ means ‘harp,’ and while its shape is that of a typical harp, it is smaller than the harp used in Western classical music and is characterized by a lighter tone.

Garden of Love, etc.Za Sukataraitsu

The Skatalites – From Paris With Love (Full Album) HD HQ Sound

This is a song by a Jamaican ska band.

While ska is a pop genre that emerged in the 1950s, it is said to be a fusion of jazz—which originated earlier in the United States—and traditional Jamaican rhythms, and it follows in the lineage of Jamaican folk music.

Ceddin DedenToruko Osuman gakurakutai

CEDDİN DEDEN

It’s a piece by a Turkish military band.

In Japan, it became instantly famous after being used effectively in the NHK drama “Ashura no Gotoku,” written by Kuniko Mukoda.

Its rhythm reminiscent of bon-odori, its wistful melody, and the male chorus are both familiar and deeply moving.

The lyrics are spirited, urging people to honor their ancestors and live with pride.

KecakBari-tō Uluwatsu Jiin

Kecak Dance / Uluwatu, Bali

A Balinese dance drama based on the Ramayana.

It draws on traditional ritual dance, and the overwhelming highlight is the “cha” rhythm kept by a male chorus ranging from several dozen to over a hundred performers.

While it sounds like a highly intricate call-and-response, it actually follows repeating patterns.

flower festivalRuisu Esuteban

CHARANGO EL HUMAHUAQUEÑO

The song “El Humahuaqueño” (Flower Festival) is a representative piece of South American folklore.

The instrument being played is the charango, which is also commonly used in South American folk music.

Since “El Humahuaqueño” has lyrics, it is often performed with singing, but charango solo renditions have their own charm as well.

Sea Breeze ~SEA WINDBoku Junga

Park Seung-a Gayageum 'Sea Breeze ~ SEA WIND'

This is a piece for the gayageum, a traditional musical instrument of the Korean Peninsula.

It originated in the Gaya confederacy and was mainly used in court music.

It was introduced to Japan during the Nara period; since the peninsula was under Silla at the time, it was called the Silla harp (Shiragigoto), and it was favored by the aristocracy.