The cumbia, representative rhythm of Colombia

cumbia, traditional music from Colombia

La Colombian cumbia It is one of the national identity symbols of Colombia. This musical genre and folk dance is native to the Caribbean coast, although it is well known and enjoyed throughout the country.

The happy rhythm of the cumbia is present in all Colombian celebrations, becoming a synonym for party.

Origin of the Colombian cumbia

Like so many other American cultural manifestations, cumbia was born from the mix of different traditions. In this case, syncretism was forged throughout the Atlantic coast of Colombia, integrating musical elements of the aboriginal, de los Spanish and African blacks who came to America as slaves.

Although there are heated debates about it, scholars agree to date its origin in the eighteenth century. Probably the indigenous melodies had more weight in the music while the African dances influenced the dance and, above all, the rhythm that the drums mark. On the other hand, the language of the cumbia lyrics is always Spanish. The result of all this wonderful mixture is the result of all the above.

It is generally accepted that the word cumbia is an adaptation of the term kumbe o cumbe, which in some African languages ​​could mean party, noise or even drum (its etymological origin is not entirely clear). The Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy defines the word cumbia as “black dance”.

Throughout the centuries, the Colombian cumbia has expanded to the rest of Latin America. Today, local adaptations of cumbia can be found in countries as diverse as Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

In 2006, the magazine Week, from Bogotá organized a popular vote for which the cumbia was named "Cultural symbol of Colombia".

Colombian cumbia instruments

Typical instruments of the Colombian cumbia

Music and instruments

The percussion instruments They are the great protagonists of Colombian cumbia, although not the only ones. In fact, the triple nature of this music is also reflected in the instrumental used by the cumbiamberos: the drums,, African cultural contribution, sets the main rhythm. They are supported by bagpipes, of Spanish origin, and the millet cane, traditional indigenous instrument.

Drums

They are the main element of cumbia. These are the most prominent:

  • Calling drum, which marks the background cadence of the musical piece.
  • Joyful drum, which sets the rhythm of the melody.
  • Drum. It is an indigenous (non-African) instrument. It is played by tapping on the head with the hand and on the wooden hoops of the box with the sticks.

Bagpipes

There are also three main types:

  • Male bagpipe, for cadence.
  • Female bagpipe, for the melody.
  • Short bagpipe, used as a solo instrument.

Millo cane

This is a wind instrument of indigenous origin similar to the transverse flute. As its name indicates, it is made with millet cane, although there are also bone or bamboo. The interpreter is known as canamiller.

Other instruments that participate in the Colombian cumbia and give it color are the maracas, accordion, gouache and clarinet, among others.

Colombian cumbia dress

The typical costumes of the Colombian cumbia

The typical costumes of the Colombian cumbia

The spectacularity and expressiveness of the Colombian cumbia multiplies when the dancers wear the typical costumes.

La Woman wears a dress with a wide skirt, also called a “pollera”, well adorned with ribbons and a bolero with the colors of the Colombian flag at the bottom. At the top, the blouses have puffed sleeves and leave the shoulders bare.

The suit of the man it is simpler: trousers, a white shirt and a red scarf (called a "cock's tail") around the neck. Above his head, the traditional vueltiao hat typical of the coastal region.

Both the woman's skirt and the man's hat are widely used elements in the different dances and choreographies of Colombian cumbia.

Dances and choreographies of the Colombian cumbia

Cumbia is a traditional courtship dance. Men and women enter the stage from opposite angles, then join and dance around the orchestra to the beat of the drums. The melody is purely instrumental. In the video A nice example is shown above.

However, there are many more types of dances and choreographies of Colombian cumbia, including some prominent regional variations. These are the most popular modalities, although there are many more:

savannah cumbia

Typical of departments of Sucre, Córdoba and Bolívar. This cumbia is distinguished by the use of an instrument called lemon leaf, which produces a soft sound.

To Cumbiam

Musically, this variant incorporates more steps and rhythms such as the pasodoble or the tango. During the famous Carnival of Barranquilla It is danced in two long lines, one of men and the other of women. They all move by doing a trot called cumbion.

cumbia vallenata

Its most outstanding peculiarity is the incorporation of accordion, instrument used in the vallenatos. Within this type of cumbia there are still different varieties such as the slow and cadenciosa mayan cumbia or perrillero, played with a much faster beat.


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  1.   QUILLERO 100% said

    Pa`lante Colombia !!! ♥