Celia Cruz had the chameleon-like ability to master many different genres of Afro-Caribbean songs. She chose a repertoire that showcased the power of her voice as well as her ability to navigate the richness and complexity of the rhythms and melodies of the music.

Here you can listen to examples of her music at different periods of her career, from the traditional "Ye ye oh guamá," a song dedicated to the orisha (deity) Oshún, through her performance of "La mazucamba" with the Sonora Matancera, as well as her later exploration of new musical forms and combinations, such as her collaboration with Tito Puente on "Aquarius." With Willie Colón, she recorded "A papá," a traditional plena from Puerto Rico arranged for a salsa orchestra. "Cúcala" (originally recorded by Puerto Rican singer Ismael Rivera) with Johnny Pacheco and his orchestra became one of her biggest hits. "La vida es un carnaval" and "La negra tiene tumbao" reflect her ability to reinvent herself and explore new horizons in music.