The Rough Guide to the Music of Venezuela

Although sometimes musically overshadowed by its neighbouring countries, Venezuela has a vast and popular music scene.

While dominated, as with many Latin American countries, by the ever-popular salsa (Oscar D'Leon being their most famous exponent of this), merengue and pop, its music also delves deep into the rich folk traditions of IIanera (music from the plains and the country's national music), Alfro-Venezuaelan music, calipso and others.

This album provides an introduction to the array of musical styles of Venezuela, uncovering some of the lesser-known genres and highlighting some of the key artists.