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 of African syncopation and European harmonies was revolutionary. In the Unites States, the combination of syncopation, harmonies and melodies created Gospel, Blues, Soul, Rhythm & Blue, Rock and Roll, Ragtime, […]
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 jazz, blues, rock, and Latin music. The history of syncopation can be traced back to the origins of African music and its influence on Western music. African music has long […]
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 to ancient times, with early forms of harmony emerging in various cultures and musical traditions around the world. In Western music, the evolution of harmony can be divided into several […]
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 are used across musical genres, including African music, Afro-Caribbean music, Latin music, jazz, and rock, among others. Here is a sample of musical instruments originating with the African diaspora in […]
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. Carnival is truly a local experience here. It hasn’t been commercialized or commodified, it is something that has been naturally produced out of the culture. Very few tourists attend carnival […]
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 structure and flow of the music. The calls are typically performed by the “escoleros,” or lead drummers, who play the chico, repique, and piano drums. The calls are an essential […]
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 of these slaves were housed in what was known as the “Barrio Sur,” which was located outside the city walls of Montevideo. Barrio Sur was a marginalized and impoverished neighborhood […]
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 and communities, and children often learn by watching and imitating their elders. There are also many candombe schools, or “escuelas de candombe,” throughout Uruguay, where people of all ages can […]
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 is a deity from the Yoruba religion, which was brought to Uruguay by enslaved Africans during the colonial period. In Uruguay, the celebration of Yemanjá, also known as “Fiesta de […]
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 day that is dedicated to this music and dance style in Uruguay, known as “Día del Candombe” (Candombe Day). Candombe Day is celebrated on December 2nd of each year in […]