Cyprus has a long history from the time the first Greek came to island until now. The island was also conquered by several countries and government in the past. Those circumstances caused this country to have a lack of development when it comes to its traditional music. Cyprus did not really develop its own identity in music because all of the music elements come from Greece. Of course there are some differences of Greek and Cypriot music, but they both have the same basic foundation. Furthermore, aside from the Greek folk music influence, Cypriot folk music got its influence from the Byzantine music as well. Although Cyprus had a hard time in the past, they have certainly managed very well in preserving the folk music as a part of its tradition. 

Music instruments

For the main solo instrument, Cypriots usually use violin as the music instrument. In addition to that, the musicians would use laouto, which is some kind of flute. Furthermore, other instruments that are normally used for playing the folk music are accordion, percussion, and pithkiavli or penny whistle.

Cypriot music nowadays

Cyprus has kept its tradition to preserve the folk music for a long time. Moreover, nowadays there are many artists who play mainstream and popular music genres in various regions in Cyprus, especially in Avia Napa, where all the party people go. In Avia Napa, there are many clubs, pubs, and bars that play house and techno music.

Beside house and techno music, there are other music genres which are popular among the youth in Cyprus. One of them is Rock and Metal. The development of this music started in early 80’s, couple of years after the war in 1974. Afterwards, this music genre becomes one of the popular music in Cyprus.

During the 90’s, other genres like hip hop, reggae, and hardcore/screamemo started to become popular as well in some groups of youth. The latest development of mainstream music happened in 2006 when Drum and Bass was introduced in Cyprus. This genre is still considered as a newcomer and there are not so many DJ’s play this music. But if you are interested in Drum and Bass, there are several DJ’s in Limassol who play this genre regularly in some clubs. In the near future, Drum and Bass is predicted to gain its popularity among Cypriots.