Music was the way to introduce African religions into the Island of Cuba. The ritual melody of those who were brought from the so-called black continent includes songs, percussion and dances.Thus, the ‘’rumba’’ was createdin thequarters, ports and conspiraciesof western Cuba. With a basic pattern of five strokes, marked by the key, the drums sound.
Along with the history of those who made this city prosperous with their work as slaves and pain in the face of so much humiliation, the way for them to get distracted also grew. It is a genre that needs few material resources, but a lot of feeling. But, the rumba suffered marginalization and prohibition, as well as later, it was dignified and made international in theater, cinema and dance halls. Today, it is recognized as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity and it is no secret to anyone that in the Cuban capital there is always room for drums to sound.
There is no more genuine tribute than that made by a group of ‘’rumberos’’ in the 500 years of the Wonder City. Radio Cadena Habana spoke with the author of the sound creation that honors the celebration: Iván de Armas Sotolongo, director of the All Stars Rumba Escape project, explained how the idea was born.
- These are leading figures of the musical genre united for the first time in this work dedicated to the half millennium of Havana. Currently we carry out promotional activities and we hope that the Lucas television show will show the video clip, which accompanies the theme, to continue making it known. We work with the director Alejandro Mayor and we are sponsored by Colibrí, the Institute of Music and the Ministry of Culture.You have been an artistic producer for several decades and, at the same time, a musical composer. In this case, what is the title and who is part of the project?
‘’I called the piece "Rumba pa´500". I worked with Domingo Novo, also a producer. We start from the principle that the ‘’guaguancó’’ is the only variant of the ‘’rumba’’, a complex that was born in this city. Although, its historical journey took it to the city of Matanzas, where other rhythm variants emerged, no one doubts its identity from Havana. That is why we decided that musicians from both Cuban provincesparticipate’’.
How many people are involved in the tribute?
‘’There are nine people: four in percussion and five voices. Among others, we have Niño Pujada, from Muñequitos de Matanzas; Tatá, the mockingbird of Párraga, Jorge Salazar and Aimara from Osain del Monte; the percussionist Leo Candombe, Chan from Yoruba Andabo, and Fariñas. We also include a young promise, Kevin Dedeu, a student of percussionand son of the director of the group Clave y Guaguancó’’.
How did Iván de Armas conceive "Rumba pa´500"?
‘’I was inspired by my love for the Cuban capital, where I was born and raised, where I have always lived. This is the place where I have my family, my friends and I feel a great commitment to every space in this city. I give a delight to the rumba and at the same time to this city, where music is never absent in neighborhoods and religious festivals’’.
Does the video reflect what motivates you most?
‘’Yes. The symbols of Havana are places and faces that we see, while the music plays. Among many feelings that identify me with this place, I could not miss the tribute to the members of the Abakuá Secret Society. Their role in the history of Cuba is not always known, but there is a decisive moment when they were sacrificed in defense of the 8 students of medicine in 1871. It is another fact that shocked the capital and still hurts’’.
Does Ivan have other themes where he expresses his love for the city?
‘’I have several themes, including one dedicated to baseball, but to Havana, only "Rumba pa´500". I placed my heart, a lot of feeling and future faith. I think I left nothing to say. We would have to wait, perhaps, another five centuries to inspire me again’’.
Radio Cadena Habana thanks Iván de Armas and Domingo Novo for this dialogue and for the well-deserved tribute made to the ‘’rumba’’ and to Havana.
Translated by Susel Esquivel
