The Best of Panama’s Folk Music

Panama’s Folk Music is a melting pot of sounds and styles. Here you will find the best of Panama’s Folk Music, from traditional to modern.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a type of traditional music that is typically passed down from generation to generation within a community, and it often has strong ties to the culture and history of the community in which it originated. Folk music is usually based on the musical traditions of a particular region or country, and it can be further divided into subcategories based on factors such as the specific musical styles, instruments used, and subject matter of the songs. For example, some common subgenres of folk music include ballads, work songs, sea shanties, and protest songs.

Origins of Folk Music in Panama

The isthmus of Panama has been a land bridge connecting the Americas for over three million years. The geographical position of Panama has resulted in a mixing of cultures, traditions, and customs. This cultural melting pot has given Panama a rich and diverse musical heritage. The music of Panama is a reflection of the country’s history and diversity.

African influences

The best-known African-derived musical form in Panama is the tamborito. Its name derives from the Spanish word for drum, tambor. The tamboritos rhythm is derived from West African folk music brought to Panama by slaves who arrived in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The enslaved Africans were brought mainly from what are now the countries of Ghana, Senegal, Angola, and Congo.

The first record of African music in Panama dates back to 1570, when an enslaved man named Diego Garzon played the drums and sang at a wedding in Panama City. The tamborito developed in the provinces of Los Santos and Herrera on the Azuero Peninsula in central Panama. In its early form, the tamborito was danced only by men, but later both men and women danced it.

The folk music of Panama is also influenced by the Spanish. The musical instruments brought to Panama by the Spanish include guitars, clarinets, tambourines, and maracas. One popular type of Spanish folk music is the tonada panameña, a ballad sung by troubadours known as tonadores.

Indigenous influences

The Indigenous people of Panama played an important role in the country’s folk music tradition. The music of the Indigenous people was heavily influenced by the African cultures that were brought over to the Americas during the slave trade. This can be heard in the use of drums and other percussion instruments in Panama’s folk music. The Indigenous people also used a lot of wind instruments in their music, such as flutes and horns.

European influences

The roots of Panama’s folk music can be traced back to the Spanish conquest of the region in the 16th century. The conquistadors brought with them instruments and musical styles from Europe, which soon began to influence the local music. One of the most important of these imports was the Spanish guitar, which became a staple of Panamanian folk music.

The European influence can also be heard in Panama’s traditional dances, such as the tamborito and the cumbia. These dances are usually performed to lively folk songs with a strong rhythm.

Another important influence on Panamanian folk music is that of the African slaves who were brought to Panama by the Spanish colonists. The slaves brought with them their own musical traditions, which blended with those of the Europeans to create a unique fusion. African percussion instruments, such as drums and maracas, are often used in Panamanian folk music, and you can hear African influences in the rhythms of traditional dances like the tamborito and cumbia.

The Golden Age of Folk Music

The mid-twentieth century was the golden age for folk music in Panama. A new generation of musicians arose, playing a wide variety of styles that blended traditional Panamanian rhythms with those of the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. These musicians created a rich tapestry of sounds that continues to influence the music of Panama today.

The 1940s

The 1940s were the golden age of folk music in Panama. A new generation of musicians emerged, influenced by both traditional Panama folk music and popular Latin American rhythms. These musicians combined elements of both genres to create a unique sound that was distinctly Panamanian.

One of the most popular folk musicians of the time was Rubén Blades, who is credited with helping to bring Panama folk music to a wider audience. His work popularized traditional Panama folk songs and helped to catapult the genre into the mainstream.

Other popular folk musicians of the 1940s included Blas Martínez, María Teresa Chacón, and García Matamoros. These artists helped to shape the sound of Panama folk music and helped to make it one of the most beloved genres in the country.

The 1950s

The 1950s marked a turning point for folk music in Panama. With the advent of radio and TV, folk music became more popular and accessible than ever before. Musicians began to experiment with new sounds and styles, resulting in a golden age of folk music that produced some of Panama’s most iconic and influential artists.

Some of the most famous names in Panama’s folk music scene emerged during this decade, including Rubén Blades, Eduardo Chong, Luis “PerICO” Arias, and Lorenzo Andrade. These artists brought a new level of popularity and respect to folk music, helping to establish it as a meaningful and lasting genre in Panama.

Their work would lay the foundation for future generations of Panama’s folk musicians, who would continue to build on the rich tradition established in the 1950s.

Contemporary Folk Music

If you’re a fan of folk music, then you’ll definitely want to check out the contemporary scene in Panama. Panama’s folk music has been influenced by a variety of cultures, and as a result, it has a unique sound that you won’t find anywhere else. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best contemporary folk music in Panama.

The 21st century

The 21st century has seen a renewed interest in traditional and contemporary folk music. New technology has allowed for the preservation and dissemination of folk music from around the globe. In Panama, the Folkloric Ballet of Panama and other groups are keeping the traditions of Panamanian folk music alive.

The Folkloric Ballet of Panama was founded in 1971 by Chiqui Olivera. The company dancers wear colorful costumes that represent the various regions of Panama. The Folkloric Ballet has toured internationally, and their recordings have won several Grammy Awards.

Panamanian folk music is a blend of African, Hispanic, and indigenous influences. The music is often characterized by its use of call and response vocals, drumming, and marimba music. Traditional instruments include the márìmbula (a type of xylophone), acoustic guitar, accordion, and drums.

Contemporary Panamanian folk groups like Los Mbidetniks and La Banda Blanca are keeping the traditions of Panamanian folk music alive while also incorporating modern influences. Los Mbidetniks is a hip-hop group that fuses rap with traditional Panamanian sounds, while La Banda Blanca combines electronic dance music with marimba rhythms.

The future of folk music

Contemporary folk music is a genre of music that is transcending traditional folk music. It is a genre that is constantly changing and evolving, as it takes influence from both traditional folk music and other genres of music. While there are many different subgenres of contemporary folk music, some of the most popular include indie folk, alternative folk, and Americana.

The future of folk music is likely to be just as diverse as it is today. With so many different subgenres and influences, it is hard to predict where the genre will go next. However, one thing is for sure; contemporary folk music is here to stay.