Home to Benin, the roots of salsa
A Salsa in Bangkok column by Dr. Roland
Hi Folks!
I went to my native home in West Africa (Benin) for family duties and I’m on my way back to Bangkok. My trip was among other things, a unique opportunity to return to my roots - which happen to be the roots of Salsa - to visit Authentic Traditional Rumba Masters and to update my routines. It is a great privilege and honor to share this knowledge with Salsa and Rumba friends and followers in Asia. Let me give you some briefings.
###The origins of Rumba
Historically, what is called Rumba, was created in Africa thousands of years ago. It was deeply rooted in African traditions and social and religious expressions. Even today, authentic forms of Rumba can be witnessed in countries of the west coast of Africa (especially in Benin - Ghana - Nigeria), in Central Africa (Congo) and in Mozambique. During the 16th and 19th centuries, natives of these countries were taken to Cuba, the Caribbean, Brazil, Colombia and the Americas. Some of those who landed in Cuba originated from Benin, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and brought with them the seeds of what will become “Cuban Rumba”.
###The New Popularity of Rumba
During the 16th and 19th (until the abolition of Slavery) Rumba was feared by the dominant powers, because the drums were used as means of communication to fight oppression. Rumba was also seen as a too suggestive and trivial expression of “blacks” and banned. At that time, the influence of the Catholic Church was very strict and only western music and dances such as “Danzon” and “Ballroom” where admitted. Inspite of those interdictions, the communities concerned showed their adaptability and incorporated Catholic rituals with African rituals like in Santeria (Cuba), Condomble (Brazil), Vodoun (Haiti), Palanque (Colombia).
Rumba is a necessary ingredient in Salsa as ginger and chilly are ncessary ingredients in Tom Yam Kung…
Nowadays Rumba is becoming more and more popular and it is operating a surprising come-back. It is being adopted by leading Salsa dancers as a “must” in any good Salsa dance routine. Thus, Rumba is becoming a new fashion and phenomenon that is just starting to conquer the Salsa dance floors around the world.
###Different kinds of Rumba
There are different kinds of Rumba depending of their origin, context and purpose. The most important branches are African Rumba (Traditional and Modern such as “Congo”, “Soukouss” or “Coupe Decale”), Cuban (Guanganco - Yemaya - Yambu - Elegua with their own clave and drums signatures), Colombian (Colombia - Palanque)…
###Spice up your Salsa with Rumba
After Beijing, there will be a Rumba workshop for beginners in Bangkok, next Saturday 26 November at La Rueda (Sukkumvit Soi 18), starting from 5 PM. The purpose of the session will be …How to spice up your Salsa…
Credit shall be given to Roj who kindly inivited me and made this cultural event possible.
Now this is a my “Rumba Poem” as a gratitude to those who understand my activities and give me their support and friendship…
Rumba is Celebration and Gratitude
Rumba is the difference
Rumba is pride
Rumba is offer to Danhomey, greatings to Benin
Rumba is tribute to Ogun, gift to Obatala
Rumba is worship to Yemaya and Chango
Rumba is vibration with the unseen
Rumba is call to the universe
Rumba is answer to the world
Rumba is celebration and gratitude.
###Salsa at Noriega’s
Salsa at Noriega’s will resume this Sunday 27 November, starting from 7 PM… Dr Salsa is back with an amazing and updated selection from around the world (including African and Chinese Salsa!). What he’s gonna play for you is not even in your dreams…
Bridging the Culture Gap
La Salsa Nunca Se Acaba
—Dr. Salsa