
🎁 You can support us in the music production process. Thank you!
-
- (Patreon)
- *Formation and Early Years*
*Original lineup:*
- Ramon Hernández (Trumpet, Vocals) - Cuba
- Marcel Boungou (Percussion, Vocals) - Congo
- Elena "La Voz" Torres (Lead Vocals) - Cuba
- Jean-Pierre Dikamona (Guitar) - Congo
- Carlos Mendoza (Bass) - Cuba
- Maria Sanchez (Percussion) - Cuba
- Pascal Bikindou (Saxophone) - Congo
- Concubanas - Caribe Latino (1974) [Full Album]
- Hermanos Cubanos - Festival Afrolatino (1977) [Full Album]
- Sarau Tropical - Onda Azul (1970) [Full Album]
- Kwame Roots - Sahara Bounce (1973) [Full Album]
The group's foundations were laid when Congolese percussionist Marcel Boungou from the Brazzaville National Academy of Arts met Cuban trumpeter Ramon "El Fuego" Hernández during a cultural exchange program in Cuba. Their shared vision of creating music that truly represented the "living together" meaning of their chosen name would soon become reality. After their debut performance at Havana's famous Casa de la Música in late 1971, the group gained significant attention for creating an original sound that blended traditional Cuban son and rumba rhythms with Congolese soukous and rumba styles.
- *Musical Style*
Concubanas' most distinctive feature was their masterful blend of musical traditions from two different continents. The group became known for combining Cuban son and rumba rhythms with Congolese soukous style, multilingual lyrics (Spanish, Lingala, and French), and rich percussion arrangements.
- *Cultural Impact*
Throughout the 1970s, the group served as one of the most important representatives of the Cuba-Africa musical bridge. Their concerts weren't just musical performances but cultural fusion celebrations. The group regularly performed at Havana's famous Tropicana club and achieved great success with their African tours.
- *Musical Influence*
Concubanas' innovative approach to rhythm and arrangement influenced numerous artists in both Africa and Latin America. Their unique blend of Cuban tres guitar with Congolese guitar styles, combined with traditional African percussion and Cuban brass arrangements, created a template for future Afro-Latin fusion projects.
The group was particularly noted for their ability to seamlessly switch between different African and Latin rhythms within the same song, a technique that would later become common in world fusion music. Their use of multiple languages in their lyrics also helped bridge cultural gaps and create a more inclusive form of musical expression.
- *Legacy*
The fusion style created by Concubanas profoundly influenced the next generation of Latin American and African musicians. The group's name became symbolic of their mission - just as "Concubanas" means "those who live together," their music represented the harmonious coexistence of different musical traditions. Before disbanding in 1992, the group recorded four studio albums and delivered countless live performances.
*Tracklist:*
00:00 La Tierra del Sol
05:26 Baile de Congo
10:52 Mar y Cielo
15:46 Ritmo Salvaje
20:40 Luna de La Habana
26:06 África en Cuba
31:00 Noche de Carnaval
35:21 Corazón del Caribe
- *WARNING:* "Everything that happens on this channel is fiction. But what is the truth? _F*ck it, just listen!"_
To support Zaruret Records, join one of our *Join* memberships:
*OTHER MUSIC CHANNELS:*
- Nerduban Records
- Yakazha Records
- Pasthal Records
*© [2024] Zaruret Records. All Rights Reserved.*
_Unauthorized copying, reproduction, distribution, or re-uploading of this content is strictly prohibited.
#cuban #afrocubano #afrocuban #latinjazz #rumba #congo #cuban