Although the majority of the population of Paraguay is of mixed European and indigenous ancestry, there is also a small Afro-Paraguayan population with roots in the African slave trade. The exact number of Afro-Paraguayans is not known, but estimates range from 1-5% of the population.
The Afro-Paraguayan community is largely concentrated in the city of Kamba Kokue (formerly known as San Salvador) and surrounding areas, in the southeastern part of the country. The community has a distinct culture and musical tradition that blends African and indigenous elements with Spanish and Portuguese influences.
One example of Afro-Paraguayan music is the “candombe” rhythm, which originated in the Rio de la Plata region of South America and was brought to Paraguay by Afro-Uruguayan immigrants. Candombe is a percussive rhythm played on drums and other instruments, and is often associated with carnival and other festive occasions.
The Afro-Paraguayan community has faced discrimination and marginalization, and their cultural and historical contributions to Paraguay have often been overlooked or ignored. However, in recent years there has been a growing recognition of Afro-Paraguayan culture and history, and efforts to promote greater inclusion and visibility for this community.