Here is a simplified version of what Timba is from a salsa dancer's perspective.

Timba is one evolution of the cuban music.

As you may know, Salsa music originates from Cuba and was influenced by different styles of music such african, spanish, french, and traditional cuban styles.

However, Salsa music as such really started and grew from the States where, since the 1950's, there has been a lot of spanish-speaking immigrant communities.
The different communities brought their own touch to Salsa music, from Puerto Rico, from Columbia...

Salsa music has also evolved and keeps evolving everywhere in the world and is influenced by various styles of music.
For example, Salsa romantica is very influenced by Puerto Rican singers.
Or you will find latin jazz and very jazzy salsa tunes in the US.

In Cuba, the music has evolved too. And new styles of musics have appeared, such as reaggaeton and Timba.
You probably heard reggaeton music and if not, I'm sure, you ll find someone who ll play some for you.

And as for Timba music, there will usually be a synthetiseur and a drum kit added to the usual timbales and other percussion intruments. It can be played on a rumba 2-3 rumba clave.

In timba, the rhythms are more dominant than the melody. It is very open and there is a lot of improvisation (as in Salsa music). The musicians really enjoy themselves and mix different rhythms.
The music is described as more agressive, experimental, flexible, innovative..
In order to play timba music, you need to master a lot of types of rhythms and musics. I believe it is mostly played by cubans.

From a salsa dancer's perspective, it is very hard to dance to because it is difficult to follow the rhythms. It also has a lot of breaks and bridges ( you know when you feel you are suddenly dancing on teh 5 and you haven't lost your timing... That's a bridge!).

It is influenced by soul and funk music, and you ll find that timba as a dance includes pop and funk moves.

I will try and get a friend onto the forum to give us more details. He s a big fan of timba music and i m sure he ll have lots to add to this...

Also Gary might be able to give us a few typical names of artists and bands, so you can hear the different styles of Salsa and recognise their influences... and hear some sample of timba musics? Gary?

Hope it helps.