Al compas del mundo – programa #62

Al compas del mundo – programa #62 - Afro-Latin music

One thinks of Peruvian music as all panpipes and El Condor Pasa. One would be wrong. Romantic trios, Colonial epoch dances, and Amazonian pop sounds all co-exist with another major influence – the legacy of African-influenced music mostly from the Southern coastal region. Previously ignored outside of the area of its origins, Afro-Peruvian songs are far more popular today than ever before. Hopefully, this little Al compas del mundo drop in the bucket will serve to further that growth. Less known still is the presence of Black taste-makers in Ecuador. Largely residing in the northwestern province of Esmeraldas, they make up roughly half the population there and wield a sizable impact on any popular (read “dance”) music charts. Unsurprisingly, Esmeraldas borders Colombia where Black rhythms and dance styles continue to influence the world’s dance floors. The cumbia and other popular dance styles originated here and are imitated from Mexico to Argentina. Those people know a good thing when they hear it! Finally, Venezuela - long a hotbed of “musica tropical” - makes its contribution. Truly a melting pot, over half the population is “moreno”, a blend of indigenous, White, and Black ethnic origins. The small pure “African” communities have maintained their identity culturally and musically and produce drum-and-chant-heavy songs guaranteed to move both spirit and tush. Listen in to this infectious lesson in ethnomusicology.


Marching to the city - and the road ain't long

Play list for Afro-Latin music from South America: Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Venezuela

01 Conjunto Gente Morena - Enciéndete Candela (Peru)

02 Marimba de Esmeraldas - Vengo de Mar y Rio (Ecuador)

03 Juan Reyes y Los Alegres de San Basilio (Colombia)

04 Lucila Campos - Samba Malato (Peru)

05 San Millan - Sangueo y Golpe (Venezuela)

06 Grupo Socavon - Comadre Mayeya (Colombia)

07 Peyo Torres y Sus Diablos del Ritmo - La Veterana (Colombia)

08 Los Hijos de la Niña Luz - Dejala Corre (Colombia)

09 Grupo Taribo con Karla Kanora Guarapo - Román Román (Ecuador)

10 Manuel Donayre - Yo No Soy Jaqui (Peru)

11 Huracan de Fuego - Bendíceme, Santo Negro (Venezuela)

12 Andres Landero - La Pava Congona (Colombia)

13 Lucila Campos - Toro Mata (Peru)

14 Yacambu - El Hilo (Colombia)

15 Abelardo Vasquez y Cumanana - Prendeme la Vela (Peru)

16 La Nelda Piña - El Sucusu (Colombia)

17 Tambores de Santa Barbara de Moron - De Un Amor Naci (Venezuela)

18 Peru Negro - Son de los Diablos (Peru)

The Children of the Light Girl Will Rock This House

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