The Caribbean coastal region of Colombia is called the Costa and the music from this region is referred to as música costeña (coastal music). The coastal music is a mix of  Amerindian, Spanish, and African cultural traditions. The tri-ethnic music from this region consists of various vocal styles, musical forms, and types of instruments. They usually combine instruments of  indigenous  origin,  such  as  the gaita  (a flute) and the maraca (rattle). Cumbia, a coastal musical genre and dance form of an African-derived style, has spread from its Colombian origins to become a transnational sensation. In this Sonic Clinic, Martin Vejarano, celebrates life, community, and culture through Gaita flutes and Cumbia music. Click on the Artist’s Statement to learn more about this tradition.