Colombia: The birthplace of cumbia

"During the colonization of America in the 16th century, thousands of enslaved individuals arrived from the African continent at the port of Cartagena. Forced to leave their homeland, they brought their music, religious drums and spirituality. These drums were also used to send secret messages during the maroonage process. The swamp region was home to many Indigenous cultures, now referred to as amphibious due to their proximity to water."

"These cultures are said to have used flutes made from bone in ceremonial rites. In the Montes de Maria, where additional Indigenous groups lived, small statuettes of human figures with instruments resembling gaitas (Indigenous flutes) also known as chuanas have been found. The clothing used in traditional dance, trova, and couple dancing, and the language of the songs exemplify European influence."

Cumbia originated on Colombia's Caribbean coast around the Mompos Depression wetlands and the Montes de Maria mountains. Enslaved Africans brought musical traditions, religious drums and spirituality to Cartagena in the 16th century; drums also transmitted secret messages during maroonage. Amphibious Indigenous communities used bone flutes in ceremonies, and archaeological statuettes show gaita-like instruments called chuanas. European influence appears in clothing for traditional dance, trova and couple dancing and in song language. Instruments are made from local materials, imitating river birds, rain and heartbeats. Prominent performers include Emilia Reyes Salgado, Petrona Martinez, and Pabla Flores. Percussion includes tambor alegre, the llamador and the tambora.

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