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Search Results for: Africa

Argentina and its musical genres of origin and the tropics

Argentine musical genres and development to date with tropical genres

 

Each country has its essence with respect to what it represents above all in its culture, and in Latin America there is a great variety of musical genres and dances unlike Europe since during the colonization of the new world a mixture occurred not only at the level of races but also of culture, emerging a great variety of musical genres…

In this time we have Argentina, a country full of cultural diversity being the most interesting characteristic of this great South American country. It is a country where music is expressed with great style and elegance, especially at the level of dance, since its presentations are made in various places, including outdoors, especially in Buenos Aires (usually in summer).

Argentinian dance
Argentine Collash

Among the musical genres that stand out are:

  • Argentine Rock: it is the mix of rock and roll, blues, country & western, R&B, doo wop, boogie woogie and swing; It is characterized by having an outstanding and recognized Hispanic lyrics throughout Latin America thanks to the great popularity of the bands and artists that participated and reaped records in album sales and in attendance at recitals in the mid-1950s to date. (sample bands)

 

  • Tango: a musical and dance genre very characteristic of the Rio de la Plata region and its area of ​​influence, but mainly of the cities of Buenos Aires (in Argentina) and Montevideo (in Uruguay). Their music and dance is very popular in Argentina and this expressive dance has strong European influences. It is danced as a couple where the dancers merge in a romantic embrace, showing their sensuality, passion and feeling in each step taken, leading it to become one of the most famous dances and musical genres in the world.

 

  • Cumbia: despite the fact that this rhythm from the Caribbean countries, particularly Colombia, has spread in several Latin American countries including that country, the cumbia and the different variants are part of the music called “tropical”, and in Argentina Cumbia Villera is a subgenre born in popular areas, born approximately in 1997. It emerged from the fusion with local rhythms such as chamamé and tango, due to its instrumental endowment; Another particular characteristic of Argentine cumbia is the inclusion of flamenco within its musicalization.

 

  • In Argentine there are folk rhythms:

 

  • Zamba: its name derives from the daughters of black slaves and aborigines, who were sought to seduce through dance, this genre is located in the central part of the country and is generally associated with the Argentine Pampas. It is danced in pairs where the man surrounds the woman’s shoulders with a handkerchief with the intention of seduction.

 

  • Carnavalito: this genre is located in the Andean region, north of Argentina, its music and dance make up a part of the Andean pre-Columbian culture, it has a festive and lively tone.

 

  • Chacarera: a dance native to the north-central part of the country, has a marked aboriginal influence where the Quichua language is manifested. With vehement and intense tones, it is used in regional Carnival dances and is danced by stamping and courting figures.

During the 50s in the USA (United States) several musical genres were called “Latin Rhythms” to differentiate them from African-Americans, among which are salsa, merengue, samba, bachata and bolero among the most known. You will say that this has to do with the musical genres mentioned above … because there is a great difference and history since each musical genre or dance has its own rules to perform them either on a musical or dance level, but when a mixture arises. from two or more musical genres, a new one more innovative, fun and with a taste to the population, like what happened with the Latin rhythms in that country.

Photo of some dancers
Tango dancers photos

Salsa is a contagious and fun rhythm most of all for the general population at the time of dancing it, since people enjoy a very lively music where they usually shine with the amount of turns to magically show themselves with their spectators and to achieve this you are born with it or you train with professionals in dance; this generally applies to all Latin and / or tropical rhythms.

It does not matter what genre this popular in each country, the important thing is the dedication, expression and that each person has when producing their musical theme or dance to the public, giving the native his personal touch to his music or dance, becoming more unique and not as generic as it is made in other countries.

 

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Why Is Rhythm & Vibes Dance Popular In London?

Dsantos Dance UK now Rhythm & Vibes Dance

Couple dancing
Rhythm & Vibes Dance Company received a donation from the Arts Council England for #CultureRecoveryFund

The majority of Europeans agree that social dancing is the most popular nightlife activity in London. In addition to that, if you bet on enjoying the astonishing movements of Afro-Latin rhythms, the connection between unknown people who have the same desire to learn dance, you keep in shape without realizing it and release endorphins that increase the state of well-being, then the joy and the passion are greater. Rhythm & Vibes Dance has this key to triumph with fun included, making this Latin and African dance academy the most popular for six years in this cosmopolitan city of the 21st century.This school recognized by the Arts Council of England in 2020 for its contribution to culture, each week (before the global pandemic) was like a festival with more than 4000 people participating in the events each year led by national and international professional instructors with years of experience that made the dance lessons unmatched.

Rhythm & Vibes Dance, formerly known as Dsantos Dance UK, is developing a program of Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, and Semba that will be safe and entertaining for everyone, to respect the rules of social distancing due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. This program of activities will be being announced on its website SOON.

LATIN DANCE CLASSES AND PARTY IN RV DANCE

English woman dancing with afroamerican man
After the fun dance lessons, the Salsa and Bachata party begins

Rhythm & Vibes Dance Company (RV Dance) was established in 2015 by director and dancer Richard Voogt. “We strive to create a festive atmosphere at each event, celebrating great music and culture in the way we know it best … Through fun yet professional classes, we create a space that brings together an eclectic mix of people to speak and socialize easily. Whether people come simply to try something new or want to build a career in dance, we welcome everyone with the same passion and enthusiasm”. Richard Said.

At RV Dance they raise the profile of social dance by promoting health, development, community unity, and cultural awareness that go beyond the joys of dance.

With their professionally designed study plan, anyone will be saying goodbye to those “two left feet” in a short time. Salsa classes are open to people of all ages and abilities at three levels (beginners, intermediate, and advanced). Each lesson lasts one hour and immediately afterward the Latin party will begin, where you can enjoy practicing your new steps with good music.

Young couple dancing
In individual classes, you will get the full benefit of focus and attention

But now, how do you identify at what level you can start? It is easy in this academy. Students in Level 1 (The most important and fun level) are beginners or those who have taken lessons for six months or less, which means they have attended less than 30 Salsa classes. At this level every week, they will work on the fundamental steps of this rhythm and the basic concepts of dance, in addition to complementing each week 10 additional, well-known, and fun movements as a couple. Also, the instructor will keep you alert weekly by making you dance freestyle with what you have learned.

Level 2 is for those who have danced for more than six consecutive months. At this level, the Salsa teachers will challenge you to put your movements of the genre in combinations; besides, they will present you with ten complex combos of work in a couple. Here, a lot of fun awaits you and you can last on this journey to the depth of Salsa for up to a year and a half approximately.

Finally, for the more advanced students is Level 3, for the lady and gentleman, who have mastered the techniques of Salsa and have taken one or more classes of this rhythm a week for more than two years. This level presents the most defiant combinations of this Afro-Caribbean genre, as well as the finer points of style and body movement.

Additionally, at RV Dance you can also have private, professional, and fun Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue, Kizomba, Semba, Kuduro & Afrohouse classes. Each lesson style provides the time and space necessary for the nationally and internationally recognized teacher to focus on the main aspects of dance technique, skill, or understanding in which a person wishes to excel.

Hicham Billouch and his Nour Marruecos Orchestra “Arabic music”

“Music for me is like oxygen, I cannot live without it and I will never forsake my passion “.

Hicham Billouch, Moroccan musician, seeks to explore new musical avenues and possibilities.

Billouch studied music at the Royal Conservatory in Marrakech and graduated as a pianist. He also plays the violin, the lute, the guitar and the sintir.

When he was a teenager, he started working in cabarets in Marrakech like Hotel Sahara Inn, Rotana, VIP Club and Hotel Le Semiramis in Casablanca.

In Morocco, he played along with singers like Ahmed Adawiyya from Egypt, Fares Karam from Lebanon, Mohamed Reda, Pinhas, and Badr Sultan from Morocco.

He also participated at the Mawazin Festival organized by the Government of Morocco and worked in the organization of musical events such as Green March Day.

"Music for me is like oxygen, I can't live without it and I will never give up my passion."
Hicham Billouch and his Orchestra Nour Morocco
Arabic Music

In France, he played with Maqam al Ushaq, which is a Moorish music group, at the Mediterranean Music Festival in Corsica and the International University Music Festival in Belfort Ville, France.

In Mexico he created Nour Marruecos, an Arabic music ensemble, with local musicians. Nour Marruecos has participated in international festivals such as Lerdantino (Durango), Festiva Toluca and Calimaya (Mexico State) and the Córdoba International Book Fair (Veracruz). He also played in the Lebanese Restaurant Adonis in Polanco. Mexico City.

In Mexico City, he organized a belly dance competition and also published a book with the Spanish translation of 40 Arabic songs.

Her record production includes 3 CDs: Salam, Qamar and Kalimat, with covers of Arab songs and her own compositions.

After moving to Mexico City, Maestro Hicham Billouch established the Arabic music ensemble Nour Marruecos with local musicians.

Gnawa music to be inscribed in 2019 on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity
Nour Morocco Orchestra Arabic music

The Orchestra

Nour Marruecos has participated in international festivals such as Lerdantino (Durango), Festiva Toluca and Calimaya (State of Mexico), the Córdoba International Book Fair (Veracruz) and the Arab Week organized by the Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas of México.

The ensemble has also represented Morocco in various cultural and official events organized by the Embassy of Morocco and in private events of the Arab, Lebanese and Jewish communities.

Fusion

Gnawa music, inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2019, is one of the most versatile, because its scales and rhythms have their roots in sub-Saharan Africa, so theyr are compatible with the pentatonic scales of blues and jazz.

That is why Hicham Billouch has merged the traditional instruments of Gnawa music such as the guembri, the outar and the qraqeb, with instruments from India such as the sitar, the tabla and with electronic music.

Arabic instruments

Arabic music has a long history of interaction with many musical styles in the world. Arabs people translated and evolved Greek texts and mastered musical theories.

In the pre-Islamic period, Arabic music consisted of singing poetry. As for the musical instruments, they were used in a manner that may accompany and savour the meaning of poetry.

Arabic instruments can be classified into three main types: string instruments, wind instruments and percussion instruments.

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Discover The 8 Orchestras Of Tempo Latino 2021 (Cancelled)

The major Salsa Festival in France announced the lineup of orchestras to perform at Les Arènes: Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Los Van Van, Interactivo, London Afrobeat Collective, Alain Pérez, and Issac Delgado will display their talent on stage

Les Arènes (the only paid access area of the festival) will be the Latin and Afro-Caribbean music concerts. Here, you will enjoy the cultural and generational exchange, also the talent of the great trajectory & emerging artists, who will present their repertoire for the maximum Salseros. In this 27th edition of Tempo Latino (a festival held outdoors), all the biosecurity measures implemented in the country will be respected.

Concerts in Tempo Latino 2021

Pacific Mambo Orchestra

Pacific Mambo Orchestra
Friday, July 30, 2021 – 9:00 P.M.

The renaissance of the Latin sound of the Big Bands of the 1940s will be in the performance by one of the most important orchestras in the United States, Pacific Mambo Orchestra. Their music combines Mambo, Pop, Cha Cha, Timba, and Bolero. Additionally, Pacific Mambo Orchestra was the winner of the “Best Tropical Album” at the 2014 Grammy Awards.

This North American orchestra was founded 11 years ago by the Mexican pianist Christian Tumalan and the German trumpeter Steffen Kuehn. They have collaborated with famous artists such as Carlos Santana, Poncho Sánchez, Pete Escovedo, and Arturo Sandoval. Currently, this Latin Big Band performs on the west coast of the United States, and its repertoire is in English and Spanish. His third album: The III Side fuses the Mambo traditions of the 50s with the music of the moment.

Los Van Van

Los van Van vestidos de negro
Friday, July 30, 2021 – 11:00 P.M.

The emblematic Cuban music orchestra will celebrate its 50 years of experience on the Les Arènes of Tempo Latino stage.

Los Van Van was founded in 1969 by the bassist, composer, and legend of Cuban music, Juan Formell.

Juan, accompanied by José Luis Quintana, known as “Changuito” and César “Pupy” Pedroso, invented the “Songo”, a Cuban rhythm predecessor of the “Timba” or Cuban Salsa. This rhythmic fusion generated the Salsa-Son, a sound with a Cuban style.

In 2018 they recorded their first record production “Legado” since Juan Formell’s passed away in 2014. This tribute album has 14 songs with 3 new versions of international singles: “Te extraño”, “Por qué lo haces”, and “Amiga mía”. 

Interactive

Interactivo 2021
Saturday, July 31, 2021 – 9:00 P.M.

The avant-garde Cuban collective, Interactivo, is the most innovative and interesting project in Cuban music today.

This emerging orchestra on international stages brings together the brightest and most eclectic talents in Havana. Each member brings his specialty: Timba, Funk, Jazz, Hip Hop, Rock, Rumba, Cuban traditional music, and Soul for an optimal result of great richness, where individual originality, musical creativity, and avant-garde ideas enrich the group.

London Afrobeat Collective

LondonAfrobeatCollective 2021
Saturday, July 31, 2021 – 11:00 P.M.

London’s addicting Afrobeat for ten years has offered festive music based on Jazz, Funk, Rock, Dumb, and African Vibes. Its international ADN, composed of nine members from England, Italy, France, Congo, Argentina, and New Zealand, has made its rhythm together with the powerful voice of the Congolese singer Juanita Euka, addictive music with powerful and committed messages. Enjoy this emerging band from international stages, London Afrobeat Collective, at Tempo Latino.

Alain Pérez and The Orchestra

Alain Pérez de blanco
Sunday, August 1, 2021 – 9:00 P.M.

Alain Pérez, bassist, singer, and arranger, composes his orchestra of 13 young musicians on stage to offer a mixed show of contemporary Cuban Salsa, Timba, and Latin Jazz. His talent has given him marvelous experiences with internationally renowned orchestras and musicians such as Los Van Van, Irakere, Issac Delgado, Paquito D’Rivera, and Celia Cruz. He always is accompanied by his elephant-head cane, in homage to Cuban musician Benny Moré.

Alain also has been influenced by flamenco for his work with Spanish artist Paco de Lucía.

This multifaceted artist born in Havana was nominated twice for the Latin Grammy Awards, the first in 2015, in the category Best Traditional Tropical Music Album with “El alma del Son, tributo a Matamoros” and the second, “ADN” nominated in 2017 in the category Best Salsa Album.

El Cuento de la Buena Pipa 2020 is his most recent record production, and you can enjoy it on the main stage of the festival.

Issac Delgado

Isaac Delgado con bufanda
Sunday, August 1, 2021 – 11:00 P.M.

The great voice of Cuban Salsa, Issac Delgado, released his first album “Dando La Hora” in 1991 under the direction of Cuban pianist and composer Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

On November 13, 2020, he presented his new album “Dando La Hora 30th Anniversary Gold Edition” with eight temas remastered themes: La Novia Que Nunca Tuve, Aunque Soy Como Soy, Amor De Tierra Y Cuerpo, Entrégate a Mí, Cuando estás Lejos Estas Inalcanzable, Centímetro a Centímetro, Si La Vuelvo a Encontrar y Ella Es Un Reloj. “¡Vaya que chévere!”

Purchase your tickets at:

At the Tempo Latino Office: 3, rue du Général Delort, 32190 Vic-Fezensac

Authorized payments: Check (payable to Tempo Latino), Vacation Voucher, Cash, and Credit Card

During the Festival: The Tempo box office moves to Les Arènes. 18-20, Avenue Edmond Berges, 32190 Vic-Fezensac. Telephone: 05 62 06 40 40 / 05.62.06.66.56

Authorized Payments: Check (payable to Tempo Latino), Vacation Vouchers, Cash, and Credit Card

Hector “Bomberito” Zarzuela Quality and Tuning in the Fania All-Star Machinery

Hector “Bomberito” Zarzuela, Instrumentalist, excellent sound, tuning and world-class reader.

 Héctor Zarzuela, known in the entertainment world as ‘Bomberito’, passed away last Thursday, January 7 at the age of 84 in New Jersey, USA.

Born June 3 in the city of Moca, Dominican Republic, where he began his musical studies, played with several local groups and then moved to the capital city in which he played with

different orchestras. Then in the early 60’s, he decided to emigrate to New York City.

Shortly after arriving in New York, he entered the world of salsa and began working with local orchestras, and later with those that made up the famous Fania All-Star in which he remained for many years.

Hector "Bomberito" Zarzuela Instrumentalist, excellent sound, tuning and world-class reader.
Hector “Bomberito” Zarzuela Quality and Tuning in the Fania All Stars Machine

The former member of the band Estrellas de la Fania, was one of the most important personalities of salsa thanks to his great talent and participation with renowned groups and artists of the salsa world, among them the Fania All-Stars (1971-1976 / 1979-1988 / 1994), Cheo Feliciano (1973 / 1977 / 1993), Ismael Rivera y sus Cachimbos (1975-1978), Héctor Lavoe (1975 / 1981) and Ray Barretto (1979 / 1987-1990).

He worked with fellow trumpeter Luis “Perico” Ortiz for many years, being an extraordinary quality and tuning session and responsible for innumerable hits of different singers.

The name Hector Zarzuela earned a lot of respect for his beautiful songs as an instrumentalist, excellent sound, tuning and world-class reader.

His list of artists with whom he recorded is enormous, here are some of them: Pete Conde, Johnny Pacheco, Héctor Lavoe, El Canario, Ismael Miranda, Ismael Rivera, Tony Vega, Celia Cruz, Grupo Niche, Victor Manuel, among others.

Traveling the world with all these artists, from Latin America to Africa, Japan, Australia, leaving legions of admirers in his wake and a great example to follow.
In 1980, he recorded with an orchestra formed by him, a production entitled “Merengues con Caché”. At that time, he was also with the group “Africando”.

In 1980, he recorded a production entitled “Merengues con Caché” with an orchestra which he has created. Around this time, he was also in the group “Africando“.

He traveled from Latin America to Africa, Japan, and Australia with all these artists, collected legions of fans, and set a great example to follow.

He also dabbled with some merengue groups, especially The New York Band, La Gran Manzana, etc. His career in merengue groups is not extensive, after all he has lived in New York City for many years, making him a living example of Constancy and Determination.

Lovingly called Bomberito, we know nothing about the reasons for this nickname, but he is highly known this way.

Zarzuela was a well-mannered, quiet temperament, respecful person when relating with others, and very responsible person in carrying out his work.

Man with a noteworthy trajectory in growing quality and respect by becoming one of the great figures abroad of our musicians.

Héctor Zarzuela deserves a predominant role in the pages of our history.

He was one of the greatest trumpeters of all time, always being the first trumpet in the ensembles.

He belongs to the highest elite group of musicians of the same instrument. The maestros Luis “Perico” Ortiz, Elias Lopes, Kito Velez, Orlando Pabellon, Rafael Labasta, Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros, Puchi Bulong and other great figures that make up the trumpet legends of the trumpet in salsa.

Trumpet

The trumpet is a wind instrument, which belongs to the family of brass instruments and is made of metal alloy.

The sound is produced by the vibration of lips on the part called mouthpiece from the air column (air flow).

Commonly, it is usually tuned in 9′ B ♭, that is to say, one tone below the tuning written on the staff, although there are also trumpets tuned in F, C, A and E, – flat-.

The musician who plays the trumpet is known as trumpet player or trumpeter.

Mechanism

The trumpet is made of brass tube doubled in a spiral of about 180 cm long, has several valves or pistons, and ends with a bellmouth weir, which receives the name of bell or pavilion.

The first two thirds of the tube are practically cylindrical, which gives it a loud and bright sound, whereas the cornet and the flugelhorn, which have a conical tube and produce a softer tone.

The remaining third is a conical tube, except in the last 30 cm, where the tube is widened to form the bellmouth weir.

The caliber is a complex series of turns that besome smaller in the mouthpiece receiver and larger just before the start of the bell. Careful design of these turns is critical to the intonation of the trumpet.

Hector "Bomberito" Zarzuela Instrumentalist, excellent sound, tuning and first class reader.
Hector “Bomberito” Zarzuela Quality and Tuning in the Fania All Stars Machine

 

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication covering salsa activities around the world and has been publishing since 2007. It is a worldwide network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. Together, we work to strengthen salsa events around the world.