Exploring the Richness of Music of the Americas
Cuban female drum ensemble carries on and creates ancient traditions
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Afro-Chilean Music is Making a Comeback
Afro Chilean music is a genre of music rooted in the African heritage of Chilean people. The music is a blend of African rhythms, indigenous
Afro-Bolivian Music Styles Delight
One of the most prominent styles of Afro-Bolivian music is Saya. Saya is a rhythmic and energetic dance music that features the use of drums,
Afro-Brazilian Music’s Many Colors
Afro-Brazilian music is a diverse and vibrant genre that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Brazil’s African diaspora. It encompasses a range of styles, including
Why Cumbia is Important to Colombian Culture
Cumbia is a popular music and dance style that originated in Colombia’s Caribbean coast and has since spread throughout Latin America. Cumbia is lively, syncopated
African Syncopation & European Harmonies Meet in the Americas
African polyrhythmic beats and European harmonies met in the Americas in the 16th century and created many musical styles loved by billions of people. The fusion
Syncopation – the African Beat
Syncopation is a musical rhythm that accentuates the weak beats or off-beats of a measure. It is a fundamental aspect of many musical styles, including
Harmony Blossomed in the 15th & 16th Centuries
Harmony is the simultaneous sounding of two or more notes to create chords and progressions in music. The history of harmony can be traced back
Musical Instruments Originating from Africa
The African diaspora has had a profound impact on music around the world, with many musical genres and instruments originating from African cultures. These instruments
Montevideo Carnival
Montevideo Carnival is virtually unknown to the people outside of Uruguay. This means that it is one of the most authentic carnivals in the world.
Hearing the Call
In candombe music, the “calls” are the rhythmic phrases and vocalizations that the drummers use to communicate with each other and to direct the overall
Living Outside the Wall
During the colonial period in Uruguay, African slaves were brought to the country to work in various industries, including agriculture, mining, and livestock farming. Many
Learning Candombe is Cultural
Candombe is typically learned through a combination of formal and informal means. In many cases, it is passed down from generation to generation within families
Queen of the Sea
In Uruguay, the “Queen of the Sea” is a title given to the goddess Yemanjá, who is also known as Lemanjá in some cultures. Yemanjá
Special Days Celebrating Candombe
Candombe Day Candombe is an important cultural expression in Uruguay, and it is celebrated throughout the year in different ways. However, there is a special
Do women play Candombe? Yes.
Yes, women do play candombe, a traditional Afro-Uruguayan drumming style that originated in Uruguay. While historically it was a male-dominated activity, in recent years, more
Afro-Ecuadorian Music’s Marimba
Afro-Ecuadorian music is a genre of music that has its roots in the African diaspora and has developed in Ecuador, where a significant Afro-Ecuadorian population
Afro-Peruvian Music Combines Many Traditions
Afro-Peruvian music is a genre of music that emerged in Peru from the fusion of African, indigenous, and Spanish influences. Peru’s history of slavery closely
Paraguay’s Kamba Cua Also Play Candombe
Although the majority of the population of Paraguay is of mixed European and indigenous ancestry, there is also a small Afro-Paraguayan population with roots in
What’s a Polyrhythmic Beat? Why’s it important?
Polyrhythmic beats from the African slave trade refer to the complex, layered rhythms that were brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans. These rhythms are
Cradle of Candombe: Palermo and Barrio Sur
Candombe is an important part of the cultural heritage of Montevideo, Uruguay, and it is often played and celebrated in several neighborhoods throughout the city.
How do they warm Candombe drums?
How do they warm the drums? Candombe drumming involves playing on traditional drums, which are typically made of wood and animal skin. To get the
Candombe and Tango are Interrelated
Candombe and tango are two distinct music styles with different origins, but they have had an important and complex relationship throughout their history in Argentina
Polyrhythmic Candombe’s 3 Drums & Rhythms
Candombe is a traditional Afro-Uruguayan music style that is characterized by its complex rhythms and polyrhythmic structure. The rhythms of candombe are played on three
Learning Candombe in 6 Steps
The process of learning candombe typically involves six steps: Candombe drummers deeply value and understand the rhythms and cultural significance of the music. Preparation involves