Analysis of the level of preference for Cuban and Peruvian rhythms among university students

Abstract

This study analyzes musical preferences toward Cuban and Peruvian rhythms among 246 university students through a descriptive-comparative design. Results reveal a contemporary cultural paradox: while Cuban rhythms maintain higher frequency of active consumption (81% listen regularly), Peruvian rhythms obtain overwhelming identity recognition (91.3% consider them important for national identity). Research demonstrates that family transmission dominates exposure to Peruvian music (29.3%), contrasting with balanced diversification of sources for Cuban rhythms. Digital globalization has generated a cultural hierarchy where Cuban rhythms (17.5%) surpass Peruvian ones (11.4%) in technologically-influenced preferences. University students prioritize popular/urban music (32.1%) in social gatherings, relegating traditional genres to specific contexts. Corporal participation in traditional musical events remains limited (43.1%), suggesting disconnection between theoretical valuation and practical experience. Only 9.8% find complete support from their social circle for these musical preferences, indicating community fragmentation. Findings reveal a generation that recognizes the cultural importance of Latin American musical heritage but experiences difficulties meaningfully integrating it into their daily experience, suggesting the need for innovative strategies connecting tradition and contemporaneity in university spaces.