- Main musical styles of the Pacific region of Colombia
- 1- Currulao
- 2- Drum
- 3- Aguabajo
- 4- Abozao
- 5- Play
- References
The music of the Pacific region of Colombia stands out for its distinctive rhythm and its accentuated melodic lines, influenced by the African culture that has settled in the area since colonization times.
It was born as part of their folklore and customs, accompanied by popular dances and dances deeply linked and committed to the history of the region, its culture and its beliefs.
It is characterized by the dominant presence of percussion and choirs, which evoke joy, celebration and merriment.
The music of the Pacific region of Colombia is manifested in a myriad of rhythms, ranging from elegant polkas and mazurkas to the joyous Chocoano calypso and the danceable aguabajo.
Main musical styles of the Pacific region of Colombia
The best known rhythms are those of the Chocoana region, to the north of the Pacific region. This is because the cultures of the Caribbean, the Pacific and Central America converged there.
The rhythms of African origin linked to the European influences and customs of the colonizers who populated the region stand out.
1- Currulao
Currulao refers to both the dance and the melody that accompanies it. It is the cultural expression of greater diffusion and importance of the Pacific region. It represents the rhythms and history of the region.
It is originally from Quibdó and stands out for the dominant use of the drums known as currulao and cununao, originally used for this specific rhythm. It also makes use of the tambora drum, the euphonium, the saxophone and the clarinet.
In other departments of the Pacific region, such as Nariño, Cauca or Valle del Cauca, additional use is made of the chonta marimba, the guasá and the bombo.
Popular variations of currulao are found in musical rhythms such as the berejú and the patacoré. Currulao is a very happy rhythm used in different celebrations.
2- Drum
This typical musical rhythm of the Colombian Pacific coast is characterized by the unique presence of percussion and choirs in its composition.
It is a completely structured musical genre. It is very widespread and consists of the use of cunun drums, mini drums, snare drums, keys or clapping, and cymbals.
The choruses are accented and repetitive. They deal with everyday themes of Afro-Colombian culture and are widely used during family celebrations.
3- Aguabajo
A well-known rhythm in the Pacific region. It stands out for its cheerful character and its popularity at festivals in the region.
It comes from the Chocó region and bears a certain similarity to festive rhythms such as the calypso.
It is characterized by its accented songs and a marked predominance of percussion in each of its measures.
4- Abozao
It is a rhythm that bears great similarity to currulao, although it maintains certain differences that make it a unique rhythm in this region.
Unlike the currulao, the presence of the drums in the abozao is not so marked and the composition is much more melodic.
It is characterized by its cheerful sounds and rich nuances in the melody structure. The music of the abozao is widely used during parties and celebrations.
It is usually accompanied by dancing, shouting, and exclamations.
5- Play
Considered a variant of currulao, this Afro-Colombian rhythm is used during mortuary and religious rites.
It has a wide capacity during celebrations such as Christmas or the procession of the Child Jesus.
It uses light percussion and its main distinguishing feature is the lyrical form for two voices: the first voice sings choruses while the second interprets spoken verses.
References
- Enrique Pérez Arbeláez: “El Currulao”. In: "Colombian Folklore Magazine". Bogotá, second epoch, No. 3, pp. 95-100.
- Music and Folklore of Colombia. Javier Ocampo López. Plaza y Janes Editores Colombia sa, 1984. Bogotá, Colombia. P. 141.
- Ethnic Channel: El Abozao. Rescued on: October 26, 2017, from Colombia Aprende: colombiaaprende.edu.co
- Aguabajo, the party and the euphoria made music of the Colombian Pacific. Rescued on: October 26, 2017, from GoTok Music: gotokmusic.com
- Ethnic Channel: La juga: traditional and contemporary music. Rescued on: October 26, 2017, from Colombia Aprende: colombiaaprende.edu.co