Marcus Garvey once said: "Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness", illustrating not only that the African blood that flows through our veins is indeed wonderful, but it is more of a national treasure than a national tragedy. Countries around the world have been changed in one way or another by African influence, whether socially and/or culturally. The same fate awaits the Caribbean islands, notably the island of Puerto Rico located in the Greater Antilles. Among all the influential African branches, Puerto Rican music is said to be a social phenomenon that is ultimately shaped and modified directly by African influence. Starting with African slaves, this article covers musical genres created over time containing West African elements, as well as how Puerto Rican society influenced music as well as how music affected society. This article will also include how Puerto Rico's African descendants [musicians] would become famous despite existing in a time of open racism. Ultimately explaining how music and people go hand in hand. In analyzing the influence of Africa in Puerto Rico, it would be irresponsible to refuse to acknowledge the initial introduction of African slaves to the island of Puerto Rico, which served as the primary vehicle for contact and cultural integration. At the turn of the 18th century, the island's inhabitants were replaced by African slaves due to high mortality rates resulting from "war, disease, slavery, emigration", etc. (Duany, 188). Most of the enslaved people were primarily from, but not limited to, the Yoruba and Bantu cultures of West Africa. D...... middle of paper ......a, Cheo Feliciano, and even Tego Caulderon of today's reggaeton genre. These men represented not only Latino pride, but also recognition and equal appreciation of African descendants. In conclusion, there is no doubt that African blood and influence beats within the Puerto Rican national identity that is embodied and distributed within the country. music. Most popular music is based on West African traditions and concepts, and the most infamous artists are themselves black. Although not entirely accepted within the Puerto Rican and Latino communities, the African presence exemplified in everyday activities such as listening to music in its own way constitutes an acceptance and reaffirmation of African cultural elements within Puerto Rican society. So instead of ending with a triumphant Viva Puerto Rico, I conclude with a glorious Viva Africa.!