Discussion 3: Exploration in Cuban Rumba- Sabby Clemmons
I found the readings and clips from this unit not only captivating but also notably intertwined with the rich roots of American music. While the history of American rock 'n' roll and hip hop can be traced back to the distinctive genres of jazz and blues emerging from the enslaved population of Afro-Caribbean descent in the American South, Cuban music also shares a historical connection with laborers and enslaved individuals. For many, music serves as a means of survival and preservation of ancestral identity.
In my exploration, I delved into Cuban Rumba, a genre initially introduced to the island by enslaved African people, particularly those of Yoruba and Bantu descent, who were brought over by Spanish settlers for agricultural labor. This genre distinctly holds Afro-Cuban cultural influence and encapsulates the stories of individuals and communities, showcasing self-expression and a commitment to tradition despite the challenges of slavery.
Musically, Cuban Rumba features distinct percussion instruments such as conga drums and claves, which are used to tap out polyrhythmic patterns. These rhythmic intricacies not only define the genre but also serve as a testament to the rich cultural mix that has shaped Cuban music throughout its history. Cuban Rumba blends its Afro-Cuban roots with its Spanish colonial influence; it is also known for its role in street festivals and Santeria rituals. In fact, according to ABC, "in Cuba today, 70% of the population still practice Santería on a daily basis." It is interesting to observe how both Santeria and Rumba are intertwined, not just in practice but historically, as both were formed as a result of diaspora.
One can't ignore the various types of Rumba dancing, such as Guaguancó, Yambú, and Columbia, each having its specific movements, footwork, partner vs. soloist dynamics, and energy levels. Rumba dance has been acknowledged as a living, breathing, and evolving art form that embraces the livelihood of the Cuban people and their culture. An acknowledgement of its cultural importance by UNESCO states, "the dances and chants evoke a sense of grace, sensuality and joy that aims to connect people, regardless of their social and economic background, gender or ethnicity." I personally believe he cultural relevance of Rumba to the Cuban people can be observed in the way that the music and dance can bring many Cuban people together despite their differences (class divides, age, etc.).
Today, the influence of Cuban Rumba is widespread, from its clearly drawn inspiration in ballroom dancing worldwide to hearing Rumba's rhythmic influence in modern Latin jazz.
Questions to leave with:
How do the historical roots of American rock 'n' roll and hip hop compare to the historical connections found in Cuban music, particularly in relation to enslaved populations?
How does the widespread influence of Cuban Rumba today contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of Cuban culture on the international stage?
Sources:
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/radionational/archived/rhythmdivine/rumba2c-cuban-heartbeat/5865326
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_rumba
https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/rumba-in-cuba-a-festive-combination-of-music-and-dances-and-all-the-practices-associated-01185#:~:text=The%20dances%20and%20chants%20evoke,imitation%20within%20families%20and%20neighbourhoods.
I think that your description of the Rumba styles of dance was really good and probably a better description of them than my description. I think that the influence of the Cuban Rumba definitely contributed to the appreciation of Cuban culture. I think the diversity surrounding Rumba has helped it be appreciated by all kinds of people that have been exposed to it. I think that when people see it and understand its origin, that is really what aided the appreciation on an international stage.
ReplyDeleteI think that music is one of the easiest ways for a culture to spread in the modern day. No matter where you are, you can pull up a song with origins from any other place in the world via the internet. In fact, I'm listening to music from Brazil as I type this! Music is an excellent method to explore a culture's innerworkings and it's influence on a culture is increasingly relevant.
ReplyDeleteCuban rumba is one of the easiest ways for the country to spread its culture. I think you've put together an excellent description of the genre and its roots. The American genre that comes to mind for me first is jazz. Similar history and origins, and similar popularity on the world stage. Rumba represents the complicated history of Cuba very well in my view.
Hi Sabby!
ReplyDeleteI like your comparison between the music scene in the United States and Cuba. I think there are a lot of similarities between the two, where the enslaved minority of African descent uses their own culture to influence the European dominant culture already present. Even as the two evolved, (albeit in different ways due to the Spanish vs English cultures) they maintained a similar track having massive success and then eventually becoming national symbols, like Cuba with Rumba and Danzon and the United States with Rap, Jazz, Blues, and rock. I think this leads into your second question, with these styles being so famous internationally it is great publicity for the home country especially Cuba with less cultural relevance than the United States.
Similar to Rock and roll, many Cuban dances are derived from the immigrants who came to Cuba. they also became the backbone of their respective societies. when you think about America you think about rock, when you think about Cuba you think about Rumba and Donzon. technically the French immigrants were escapees from the Haitian revolution so they weren't exactly slaves but they did have some amount of that aspect to them. It connects mostly to the type of music becoming a part of the country's cultural identity. As I said before rock is significant to America and music is also very important to Cuba. this important helps lend a cultural connection to the immigrants. a good example that isn't music is Columbus Day. Italians used Columbus Day to stop anti-Italian sentiment during the Ellis Island days. the reason why it worked so well was because it was a part of both American and Italian culture and so unified the two groups together.
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