There are many different Latino cultures in the world. Many of them have developed their own styles of music. Much of this is due to the Spanish bringing their music to other cultures during colonization. The Spanish settlers had their own music from home. They often played it and added elements from the local cultures where they lived. The results are a fusion from many different cultures that have all been termed Latino music.
Many of the styles of Latino music popular around the world are Latino dance styles. Most of them have a very heavy beat. This keeps the band and the dancers in perfect rhythm. A variety of percussion instruments are used so dancers know which beats are accented. This is common in Salsa dancing, but that is not the only type of Latino dance music available. There are other forms, such as Mambo that use a variety of instruments to provide a strong melodic line for dancers as well.