Many of Colombia’s traditional music and dances have African roots, with Afro-Colombians preserve their ancestral rhythms to this day. Credit: UNWoman, Ryan Brown /CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The Pacific and Caribbean regions of Colombia are home to traditional music and costumes, many of which have African roots. This influence extends beyond music to languages like Palenque and Creole, as well as cultural practices such as the role of midwives in various regions around Colombia. The African presence in Colombia dates back to the Spanish colonization period when slaves were brought from Africa to the Latin American country, primarily through the port of Cartagena.
The expert in this area, Nina Friedemann, contextualizes this in her work “The Black Saga: African Presence in Colombia” (La Saga del Negro: Presencia African en Colombia). According to Friedemann, most of the slaves arrived in Colombia within the dynamics of the transatlantic slave trade.
In response to their circumstances, enslaved Africans developed secret cultural codes, including communicating through drum sounds. This led to the creation of a diverse range of musical genres and rhythms, including Bullerengue, Mapalé, Champeta, and Cumbia. Among these, Cumbia stands out as the most popular and has been embraced in Latin American countries such as Mexico, Peru, Argentina and also in Central America.
Traditional Colombian music and dances with African roots
Here are some key Colombian music genres with strong connection to Africa:
Mapalé
Mapalé is a good example of African influence in Colombian music and dance. Originating in the Caribbean region, this genre combines African rhythms with indigenous and European elements. The Mapalé is characterized by its use of drums and the guasá, a percussion instrument. It reflects the cultural resilience of Afro-Colombian communities and acts as a powerful expression of their identity.
Cumbia
Cumbia is one of Colombia’s most recognized cultural expressions worldwide. Emerging from the Caribbean region, Cumbia combines African, European and Indigenous elements. It features a blend of drums, flutes and vocal performances, with the African influence most evident in its drum patterns.
An African drum in the Pacific region of Colombia. Credit: Angie Rodriguez / Colombia One
Currulao
Currulao is a traditional genre from the Colombian Pacific region, characterized by its use of the marimba de chonta, a type of wooden marimba, along with drums and other percussion instruments. The marimba plays a crucial role in the creation of melodies and rhythmic patterns that define the Currulao.
Marimba de Chonta.Credit: Angie Rodríguez, CO1.
Bambazú
Another genre from the Pacific region is Bambazú, which also uses the Marimba de Chonta as its main instrument. Bambazú is popular for its complex rhythms and musical structures, with the marimba providing the melodic base.
Bullerengue
Bullerengue is a traditional dance from San Basilio de Palenque and other areas in the Colombian Caribbean region. It reflects African influences in its rhythm, with movements that can imitate traditional dances from the Congo. This genre incorporates drums and maracas.
Chirimía
Finally, Chirimía is a traditional genre from the Pacific region. It is distinctive for the use of marimba and drums, contributing to its unique sound and rhythm.
These genres illustrate the impact of African culture on Colombian music, demonstrating a fusion of rhythms, instruments, and traditions that have shaped Colombia’s rich musical traditions.
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