Uruguayan rock is a music genre that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, influenced by global rock trends and local cultural elements. It is characterized by its fusion of rock with Candombe, a traditional Afro-Uruguayan rhythm, and often features lyrics in Spanish. Key bands and artists, such as Los Shakers and El Kinto, played a significant role in shaping the scene. The genre gained popularity during the Uruguayan military dictatorship, as musicians used their art to express dissent and promote social change, making it an important part of the country's cultural identity.