"The Cumbia phenomenon really began during the 15th Century with the arrival of the Spanish to the Americas. When these people started to bring African people, they built fortresses to protect the wealth found in the New World against further invasions" Mario Garena - singer song-writer.
Cumbia
dance started to take shape in the Atlantic Coast of Colombia, South America,
where those three different cultures merged: the Native people,
the Europeans and the African people. During centuries past these people gathered by the ocean and began to share their
cultural legacy: folklore, music and dance. It was dance and music where they found Freedom.
1940
Lucho Bermudez and his orchestra made the Cumbia music fill
every family's celebration. The dance became a national phenomenon.
Many of his songs have been used for Sports and TV commercials
throughout the world. One of my favorite CD's is Cumbia 'A
Rough Guide to Colombia.'
1950
Leonor Gonzalez Mina sang Cumbias for many, many years to
people's delight with her full and earthy style. This afro-colombian
singer made the song 'Yo me llamo Cumbia' (my name is Cumbia)
a national anthem.
1970 Alfredo Gutierrez 'The king of Vallenatos'
(another style of Cumbia played with accordion) followed the
path of fame with his own band.
1980
'Tamara' Nubia Arias sang with her full and sensual voice
many popular songs; one of her hits is called 'Maria Candela'
(Maria fire)
Present
Totó La Momposina, an afro-colombian singer and cantadora
(a female that sells her goods, or food, door to door while
singing folk songs); the most popular Cumbia singer today.
She brings Cumbias to every corner of the world with her own
folkloric group. Females have been instrumental in ensuring
the continuity of the traditions.
Males have done a lot of work to bring our music to other
levels, like Carlos Vives, who is now the Vallenatos International
star; his fans are all over the world.
With
our music we educate people about who we are and what we enjoy
the most, Dancing!
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