The entire indigenous musical output of the South and Central American continents could qualify as Latin folk. However, within this rich and varied tradition, a handful of musicians have emerged as the leading lights of the revival. In the late '60s, Chile's Inti-Illimani were one of the first groups to explore their native musical traditions.

Around the same time, the Brazilian Tropicalia movement, incorporating Bossa Nova rhythms, psychedelia and politically astute lyrics was gaining steam. Artists such as Tom Ze, Gal Costa and Caetano Veloso risked government scrutiny to forge this new form of protest music. Elsewhere, Brazilian diva Elis Regina was wowing audiences and infuriating officials with her gutsy performances and outspoken views.

During politically unstable times, reclaiming popular traditions can be viewed as subversive and many Latin folk artists faced exile, jail time or worse. As people and traditions immigrate, the sounds of Latin folk have merged with many others to influence the general world music scene. Some of the biggest Latin folk groups of the current crop, like Huayucaltia were formed in Los Angeles.

Notable Artists: Sukay, Victor Jara, Los Madrugadores