Colombia's Diverse Music and Dance

Colombia is a country rich in musical culture with a vast variety of genres. From the traditional music and dances such as Bambuco to the Pop music of the 20th century, Colombia has music for every generation and taste. The mixture of Colombian music has African, native Indian, and European influences that make the musical culture even more diverse and interesting. Globalization has also really internationalized Colombian music and has had its affects on the different genres in this South American country.

Bambuco is an indigenous form of music often referred to as Musica del interior. It is still around today but was the most popular in the mid 1920s to late 1930s. It has a sad and slow rhythm and often uses the tiple, the mandolin, and the guitar. Some believe that the music is the unofficial music of Colombia but it is most popular in the Andean region. It also has a beat structure similar to the European waltz or polska.

The Popular music genre and dance, Cumbia, is a very large staple in both traditional and modern Latin America. Originating in the Northern region of Colombia, near Cartagena, during the Spanish Colonization of the region, Cumbia started with African slaves who were brought to the country. It is thought to be from Guinea and their form of dance Cumbe. It is said to resemble the shackles that slaves were kept in when they were brought to the country. In the beginning of this genre, only percussion instruments were used. However now a day, there is much more variety in the instruments such as trumpets, saxophones, and trombones. Cumbia rose in popularity during the 50s which is called the Golden Age of Cumbia and Discos Fuentes (the largest Cumbia record label) was formed at this time. Since then, Cumbia has become internationally recognized and celebrated, especially in Mexico. However, one of the genres most famous songs is the unofficial Colombian national anthem. It is called “Cumbia Cienaguera” and talks of Colombian’s sabor y ambiente. Cumbia is unarguably one of Latin America’s most well-known genres.

Pop Music in Colombia has been quickly growing recently, especially with the avid support of young listeners. Artists such as Fonseca, Lucas Arnau and San Alejo have led mainstream Pop Music in the country. Pop infused with traditional Colombian music has also been on the rise with artists Los De Adentro and Maia. However, the most recognized Colombian Pop artist by far is Shakira, who has sold millions of records worldwide, topped the charts in over 70 countries and won 9 Grammy awards (2 American, 7 Latin American). Singer-songwriter Juanes gained mainstream popularity in 2002 and swept the Latin Grammys in 2003.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Colombia

The popular folk music of Vallenato was first established around the Caribbean bordering regions of Colombia. This music genre is composed of a mix of African and Caribbean sounds as its roots “lie with the music of the Wayuu Indians of the Güajira peninsula of Northern Colombia.” A myth about the Vallenato is that many say that it originated from Francisco el Hombre who battled with Satan in a musical contest. After this, Vallenato rose to popularity in 1980’s especially with the works of Grammy

award winner, Carlos Vives. His music has reached all parts of Latin America and worldwide as he established a more modern mix to Vallenato by combining traditional sounds with pop and rock sounds.

http://www.lafi.org/magazine/interviews/vallenato.html

http://solar.physics.montana.edu/munoz/AboutMe/ColombianMusic/NaturalRegions/Andina/English_Bambuco.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Colombia