"Ritmo Negro del Peru" (Festejo) (04:23)

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Peru's coastal areas are home to many people of African descent. This music and dance performance represents a traditional art form that is in danger of being lost due to the cost of costumes, instruction, and instruments.

Afro-Peruvian Cultural Influences (01:58)

The number of Afro-Peruvians are estimated at 1/2 million. Nunton discusses traditions brought to Peru by Africans.

"La Marinera" (Lando Variation) (03:50)

Through local musicians and culturalists, Ma learns about Afro-Peruvian influences on Peru's national dance. Africans were originally brought by Spaniards to work sugar cane plantations.

"Torito Pinto" (Festejo) (06:11)

The ancestors of Afro-Peruvians were brought to Peru as slaves during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Slave owners are made fun of in this upbeat dance.

Percussion Instruments (00:33)

See instruments that have become an integral part Latin jazz.

"Toro Mata" (Landó) (09:16)

Izquierdo explains this song, which makes fun of Peru's Spanish slave owners. Dancers perform.

Jazz Rhythms Demonstration (03:34)

Master cajon player Lalo Izquierdo plays rhythms from North and South America.

Afro-Peruvian Zapateo (04:25)

Learn about the history of this rhythmic footwork, which Spaniards taught in order to convert Africans to Catholicism. Izquierdo explains the english translation of "Hatajo de Negritos."

"Amador" (Dedicated to Amador Ballumbrosio) (Festejo) (06:58)

Dancers perform zapateos. Learn about the zapateo master and violinist who is credited with maintaining the centuries-old tapping tradition.

"Quijada de Burro" (01:31)

After slavery ended, the Afro-Peruvians continued to be discriminated against. Today, most in the community are very poor. Learn about a percussion instrument made from a donkey's jawbone.

"El Negrito Chinchivi" (festejo) (04:01)

The carracha (donkey's jawbone) is played in this performance by musicians and dancers.

Preserving Afro-Peruvian Music (02:31)

Afro-Peruvians live mostly in rural areas along the coast and in the poorer neighborhoods of Lima. Believing their culture is dying out, Lalo Izquierdo and others teach locally and abroad.

"Trabaja, Trabaja" (Zamacueca) (05:25)

Ma considers the shame of letting the performance arts of specific communities die out. Musicians and dancers perform.

Credits: A Zest for Life: Afro-Peruvian Rhythms, a Source of Latin Jazz (01:38)

Credits: A Zest for Life: Afro-Peruvian Rhythms, a Source of Latin Jazz