Where Does Claves Originate?

Claves were originally used in Afro-Cuban folk music and are among the instruments that maintain various fixed rhythmic patterns in Latin-American dance bands.

Who invented clave?

This video series was created by Cuban jazz drummer and educator Ignacio Berroa. He is recognized as one of the greatest drummers of our times. This excellent video series contains an overview of the evolution of Afro-Cuban music. Part 1 and Part 2 discuss and clearly demonstrate the son and rumba clave patterns.

Are claves Latin?

Borrowed from Latin American Spanish claves (plural), from Latin clāvis (“a key; a lever, bar”).

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.