What the Term ‘Rumba’ Really Refers to in Latin American Music
A rumba is a genre of music that originated in Cuba. It is a slow, sensual dance that is often associated with Latin American music.
Origins of the Term ‘Rumba’
The term ‘rumba’ has been used in Latin American music for many years, but its meaning has changed over time. originally, the term ‘rumba’ referred to a type of African drumming. However, in the early 1900s, the term began to be used to describe a new style of Cuban music. This new style of music was a blend of African and Cuban rhythms.
Etymology of the word ‘rumba’
The word “rumba” may have a number of different origins. One theory is that it derives from the French word “rambler,” meaning “to party.” Another possibility is that it comes from the Spanish word “rumbo,” meaning “heading” or “direction.” It’s also possible that the word has African origins, as it is similar to the Wolof word “rombo,” which means “a thing that shakes.”
No matter its origin, the word “rumba” has come to refer to a specific type of music and dance originating in Cuba. This style of music is characterized by a syncopated rhythm and often features claves, maracas, and other percussion instruments. Rumba can be both fast-paced and slow, and it often tells a story through its lyrics.
Rumba originally developed in Cuba’s lower-class neighborhoods in the late 19th century. It was strongly influenced by both Spanish and African musical traditions, as well as by the Cuban contradanza, an earlier musical form. By the early 20th century, rumba had become one of Cuba’s most popular genres, and it soon spread to other countries in Latin America and beyond. Today, rumba remains popular throughout the world, and it has even influenced some non-Latin American musicians, such as The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.
Early uses of the term ‘rumba’ in music
The term “rumba” first appeared in print in an 18th-century Cuban novel, Cecilia Valdés o La Loca de la Habana. The novel described a free-form genre of music and dance undanceable by European standards at the time. The term was also used in 19th century Haiti and Santo Domingo to describe African drumming and dance, which were also considered “undanceable” by Europeans.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the term “rumba” began to be used in Cuba to refer to a specific style of music and dance, which was derived from both African and Spanish influences. The style became immensely popular in Cuba, and eventually spread to other parts of Latin America and beyond.
Today, the term “rumba” is typically used to refer to a wide variety of Latin American music and dance styles, all of which are based on the original Cuban rumba style.
Characteristics of Rumba Music
Rumba is a popular genre of music in Latin America that has its roots in Africa. The term ‘rumba’ actually refers to a range of different styles of music and dance, all of which share a similar Afro-Cuban influence. Rumba is known for its catchy rhythms and infectious melodies, and is often considered to be the ‘national music’ of Cuba. Keep reading to learn more about the characteristics of rumba music.
The ‘rumba clave’ rhythm
When people hear the term “rumba” they may often think of aparty or festive event. And while rumba music is often enjoyed at celebrations, the term actually refers to a style of music and dance that originated in Cuba.
Rumba is a compilation of African rhythms and Spanish influences. The most distinguishing characteristic of rumba music is the “rumba clave” rhythm, which consists of three side-by-side beats followed by two back-to-back beats. This rhythm is played on percussion instruments like congas, bongos, claves, and maracas.
The other key element of rumba music is the guitar. Guitars are often used to play Cuban montunos, which are repetitive melodic phrases that provide the lead over the rumba clave rhythm.
Rumba music is often associated with Cuban son, which is another style of music that originated in Cuba. Both son and rumba were popularized in the 1920s by Cuban composer Sebastian improvisation and were eventually fused together to create modern salsa music.
The ‘rumba box’
Rumba is a musical genre that originated in Cuba. It is commonly associated with the Cuban Son and African influences in Cuban music. The term “rumba” is often used as a catch-all term for Cuban popular music, including son, salsa, timba, and other related styles. However, “rumba” also refers specifically to a style of Cuban music that was popularized in the early 20th century.
The “rumba box” is a percussion instrument that is essential to the rumba style of music. It is typically made from a wooden box with metal jingles or bells attached to the sides. The box is played with two beaters, one in each hand. The jingles produce a sharp, clattering sound that contrasts with the softer rhythms produced by the other instruments in the rumba ensemble.
The rumba box originated in Africa and was brought to Cuba by slaves who used it to keep time while they worked. The African origin of the rumba box is reflected in its Spanish name, cajón de bomba (“drum of the pump”). The pumps referred to were used to draw water from wells, and the sound of the jingles was said to resemble the noise made by the pumps.
In Cuba, the rumba box evolved into a musical instrument played in various genres of music, including son, salsa, and timba. The rumba box provides both rhythmic and melodic support for the other instruments in an ensemble. It typically plays simple ostinato patterns (repeating rhythmic phrases) that serve as a foundation for more complex improvised solos by other instruments.
The popularity of rumba music declined in Cuba after the Revolution of 1959, but it has remained popular in other parts of Latin America, such as Colombia and Puerto Rico. Rumba music has also influenced rock ‘n’ roll musicians such as Chuck Berry and Little Richard.
The ‘rumba guitar’
The rumba guitar is characterized by its small size and four nylon strings. The lowest string is usually tuned to D, followed by G, B, and high E. This gives the instrument a range of one octave plus a fifth. The strings are plucked with the right hand, while the left hand stops the strings at different positions on the neck to create different pitches.
Popular Rumba Songs
The term ‘rumba’ is often used to describe a wide range of Latin American music. However, it generally refers to a Cuban music and dance style which originated in the early 20th century. Rumba music is typically very rhythmic and lively, making it perfect for dancing. Let’s take a look at some popular rumba songs.
“Baila Rumba” by Celia Cruz
“Baila rumba” is a song by Cuban singer Celia Cruz. It was released as a single in 1963. The song is about the Cuban dance of the same name.
“La Rumba de Nicaragua” by Carlos Mejia Godoy
“La Rumba de Nicaragua”, composed and performed by Carlos Mejia Godoy, is a well-known rumba song that has become an unofficial anthem of Nicaragua. The song is a traditional rumba, a genre of music that originated in Cuba and spread to other countries in Latin America. “La Rumba de Nicaragua” is a joyful celebration of Nicaraguan culture and traditions, and its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm make it a popular choice for dancing.
“Rumba Tambah” by Susana Baca
Rumba is a term that is used to describe a wide variety of Latin American musical styles, but it originally referred to a specific style of Cuban music. The word “rumba” comes from the Spanish word for “party” or “festivity,” and it initially described a style of music that was played at parties and dances. Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to describe any number of Latin American musical styles that incorporated elements of African rhythms and percussion.
Today, the term “rumba” is most commonly used to refer to a Cuban dance style that is also known as “Cuban rumba.” This style of rumba is characterized by its use of clave, or traditional Cuban percussion, and its focus on rhythm rather than melody. Rumba Tambah is a popular song in this style of rumba, and it was popularized by Susana Baca, a prominent Afro-Peruvian singer.
