Where did the bomba dance originate?
Bomba dates back to the beginning of the Spanish colonial period (1493–1898). The practice was developed by West African enslaved people and their descendants, who worked in sugar plantations along the coast of Puerto Rico (Ferreras, 2005).
Who dances bomba?
As the nation commemorates Black History Month, Afro-Puerto Ricans are using their traditional dance and music — Bomba — to pay tribute to their ancestors who were enslaved on the island.
What is La bomba music?
La Bomba is a traditional dance form on the island of Puerto Rico. 8 The instrumentation of Bomba usually consists of one large drum, a buleador, and a maraca used by the main singer. The lyrics, which are comedic, satirical, and sometimes sensual, are sung in a call and response fashion.
What does bomba y plena mean?
Bomba and plena are percussion-driven musical traditions from Puerto Rico that move people to dance. Often mentioned together as though they were a single musical style, both reflect the African heritage of Puerto Rico, but there are basic distinctions between them in rhythm, instrumentation, and lyrics.
Where did the genre of Bomba come from?
A brief history of the origins of bomba, a Puerto Rican genre of song, drum and dance often described as the “genre of resistance” that emerged from slavery. More recently, it has been folded into protests for justice in the Black community, on the island and in Kansas City.
How old is bomba music in Puerto Rico?
The New York Times once described bomba as the “enduring rhythm of Puerto Rico.” More than 500-plus years old, this style of drum, dance and song permeates Puerto Rican culture, which is a mixture of African, native Taino and Spanish influences.
How is plena similar to Bomba in Puerto Rico?
Like bomba, plena is rooted in African rhythms with its heavy tambourine and guiro. However, plena was a way to communicate relevant, current events throughout the community who were usually lower income.
Who is director of Escuela de bomba in Florida?
Tata leads Escuela de Bomba y Plena Doña Caridad Brenes de Cepeda in Puerto Rico, and Barbara Liz is director of Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda in Florida. “Es una responsabilidad muy grande,” Tata said. It’s a big responsibility. She is Rafael Cepeda’s great-granddaughter and has carried on the torch through performance and education.