Concept in Definition ABC

It comprises a musical genre and a dance whose origin is in Colombia. However, it has evolved and currently there are several modalities, such as Argentine, Peruvian or Venezuelan.

Historical origin

It emerged in the 19th century in the Colombian Caribbean as a expression of the culture of the rural world. In this sense, it is an artistic genre in which three musical traditions are combined: black, mestizo and white.

In its roots it was a rhythm accompanied by three musical instruments: bagpipes, flutes (especially the cane of millo) and drums. With the passage of time it was transformed and the cumbia reached the halls with orchestras in the cities and with a new instrument, the accordion.

The dance choreography is performed from a series of steps:

1) with a drumbeat the women stand in a circle and in front there is a formation of men,

2) the men initiate courtship movements in such a way that each man makes a few initial turns on his corresponding dance partner and

3) women and men execute specific movements of the feet, trunk and arms. It is a music and a dance in which you can appreciate the Colombian cultural miscegenation: the African rhythms marked by the drum, the melodies of the indigenous people accompanied by the flute and the tradition Spanish musical.

The cumbia villera argentina

This musical genre is associated with the popular classes of Argentina. From a historical point of view its origins date back to the 1990s, when the term was first coined cumbia villera (the word villa in Argentina refers to a poor neighborhood in which its inhabitants are known as villeros). The lyrics of the songs deal with everyday relationships between men and women and the problems associated with the underworld. And all this with a language colloquial, sometimes macho and with a critical spirit.

It is a musical genre that has generated some controversy. Some of the most prestigious bands are "Damas Gratis", "Pibes Chorros", "Flower de Piedra "and" Yerba Brava ". Fans of this music, especially teenagers, are known as "cumbieros".

In recent years, slum youth have identified with the lyrics of these songs

Some scholars of this musical phenomenon argue that the key to its success is based on the use of sexist, provocative and marginal language. With these ingredients, the young cumbieros express their discomfort and nonconformity in the face of a social model that does not satisfy their needs.

Like rock or tango in its origins, the cumbia villera has been harshly attacked and ridiculed. Those who criticize this musical genre affirm that it encourages delinquency, sexism and consumption of drugs.

Photos: Fotolia - Laiotz / Underdog