Salsa is widely associated with Cuba, even though the dance wasn't created there; rather, it was home to the styles that led to salsa, with danzón being introduced to other variations of dance. Salsa also had influences from other countries, such as the Dominican Republic, though a similar style was found in New York which, when combined, helped raise the popularity of the dance. New York has been credited for bestowing the dance and music with the name "salsa."
The focus of this genre is on the percussion, which includes the wooden sticks known as claves and congas (an African styled drum). Along with this you will commonly find guitars to accompany the melody, or perhaps the piano. Trumpets and trombones are also essential pieces of kit. You will also see singers present, usually delivering simple lyrics.