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 […]
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 […]
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 and more women have been participating in candombe groups, both as drummers and dancers. In fact, there are several all-female candombe groups in Uruguay, such as “Candomebeleza” and “La Melaza”. […]
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 the African slave trade. The exact number of Afro-Paraguayans is not known, but estimates range from 1-5% of the population. The Afro-Paraguayan community is largely concentrated in the city of […]
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. Here are some of the most well-known neighborhoods where candombe is played: Overall, candombe is a deeply rooted and celebrated part of the cultural heritage of Montevideo, and there are […]
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 best sound and performance from the drums, it’s important to warm them up before playing. Here are some ways that candombe drummers warm up their drums: Overall, there are several […]
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 and Uruguay. Candombe is a traditional Afro-Uruguayan music style that originated in the 19th century in Montevideo, Uruguay, and is characterized by its complex rhythms and African influences. On the […]
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 types of drums: the chico, repique, and piano drums, each of which plays a distinct role in the ensemble. The basic rhythm of candombe is known as the “llamada” (which […]