Marcus Garvey once said, “Black skin is not a mark of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness,” exemplifying not only African blood flowing through our veins is truly wonderful, but it is more of a national treasure than a national tragedy. Countries around the world have, in some way, been altered by the touch of African influence, both socially and culturally. The same fate befalls the Caribbean islands, in particular the island of Puerto Rico located in the Greater Antilles. Of all the influential African branches, Puerto Rican music would be a social phenomenon that will ultimately be directly shaped and modified by African influence. Starting with African slaves, this article covers musical genres created over time containing West African elements, as well as covering the ways Puerto Rican society influenced music and how music influenced society. This article will also include ways in which African descendants of Puerto Rico [musicians] would become famous despite existing in an era of open racism. Ultimately explaining how music and people go hand in hand. When 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 a primary vehicle of contact and cultural integration. In the early 18th century, the island's inhabitants were replaced by African slaves due to high death rates resulting from "war, disease, slavery, emigration", etc. (Duany, 188) Most of the slaves they owed were predominantly, but not limited to the Yoruba and Bantu cultures of West Africa. D......middle of paper......to, Cheo Feliciano, and also Tego Caulderon of today's reggaeton genre. These men not only represented Latin American pride, but recognition and equal appreciation of African dignity. In conclusion, it is without a doubt that African blood and influence beat within the Puerto Rican national identity, which is embodied and distributed within the music. The most popular music is based on West African traditions and concepts, and the most infamous artists are themselves black. While not entirely accepted within the Puerto Rican and Latino communities, the African presence exemplified in everyday activities such as listening to music represents in its own way the acceptance and reaffirmation of African cultural elements within the realm of Puerto Rican society. So instead of ending with a triumphant Viva Puerto Rico, I end with a glorious Viva Africa!