Guajira is a traditional Cuban music genre that originated in the 19th century, blending elements of Spanish folk music with Afro-Cuban rhythms. It is characterized by its gentle, lyrical melodies, often played with acoustic guitar and sometimes accompanied by light percussion. The lyrics typically reflect rural life, love, and the Cuban countryside, with a nostalgic or romantic tone. Guajira has a slow to moderate tempo and is usually written in a 6/8 or ¾ time signature. Though rooted in the Spanish décima poetic form, it evolved into a distinct Cuban style and influenced later genres such as guajira-son and nueva trova.

Artists:

• Guillermo Portabales
• Joséito Fernández
• Celina González
• Compay Segundo
• Eliades Ochoa