Marquez's "Salsafrican Mix" intentionally bridges the gap between the Caribbean and the African continent by introducing traditional West African instruments:
The is a prominent remix of Celia Cruz's 1982 song that explores the deep connection between Salsa and its African roots. Originally recorded with La Sonora Matancera for the album Feliz Encuentro , the song was reimagined by producer Jose Marquez for the 2017 Fania Records compilation Hammock House: Santiago Sessions. Musical Composition and Instrumentation Themes and Significance : A traditional African xylophone
: Marquez utilized original multitrack master tapes from the Fania archives, blending deep house sensibilities with organic Afro-Cuban rhythms. Themes and Significance The remix reinforces these themes by: : A
: A traditional African xylophone played by Balla Kouyaté . Themes and Significance : A traditional African xylophone
: The track explicitly discusses the African influence on Cuban music and culture.
The lyrics, composed by , serve as a tribute to African heritage. The remix reinforces these themes by:
: A West African drum played by Sidy Maiga , which Marquez used to replace the original congas to emphasize the song's African identity.