The Cuban music form known as timba developed in the 1980s, but exploded in popularity throughout the '90s. While training in jazz and classical conservatories, many Cuban musicians were looking for a new musical form that would challenge their skills. By combining rumba with funk and other dance music, timba became a new Cuban genre of synthesized styles.
Judy Cantor-Navas, managing editor of Billboard En Espanol, has some wonderful recorded examples of the genre, which really takes off during live performances.