Bomba music originated in Puerto Rico almost 400 years ago. It started with the slaves and has served many purposes over the years. It is both a dance and a music genre full of different rhythms, dance movements and instruments that vary regionally. It’s also been called a “newspaper” since many of the songs talked of events that happened or would be happening such as revolts. Today there are many opportunities to learn how to dance bomba.
A melting pot of a dance
The vocabulary that surrounds Bomba is a snapshot of the multiple influences that created this unique style. Words with African, Spanish, Dutch, English, Taíno and French origins evidence the melting pot that the island has been throughout its history. Many escaped and traded slaves from the different islands arrived in Puerto Rico some for freedom others for the plantations.
Many Caribbean rhythms such as salsa and merengue have their roots in Spanish dances. Bomba, however is one of the only genres that is not an adaptation of a European tradition. It is a truly authentic Caribbean expression. One of the unique aspects of bomba dance is that the dancer dictates the pace of the music. The primo drum, is tuned higher and has to follow and accent the dancer’s movements. It’s more of a conversation between the drummers and the dancers. During a bombazo you’ll hear people yelling “¡habla!” or “speak!” a phrase meant to incite the dancer to engage the drummer.
The bomba drums
The unique sound of bomba drums comes from their construction. Traditionally they are made from rum barrels of different sizes. The drum head is always goat skin. The larger and lower sounding drum, called buleador, uses male goat hide while the smaller, higher tuned drum or “subidor” uses female goat hide to produce their particular sound.
There’s a unique structure to a bomba dance that dictates what the dancer must do upon entering the “batey” or dance area. He has to salute the drums and execute his or her steps in a particular manner. It’s a fascinating ritual that has evolved over the centuries.
Want to learn how to dance bomba?
Restaurante Villa Pesquera Herrera- (787) 249-6861
https://goo.gl/maps/Hga7CoyTpiPTEvYJ7
Go to Villa Pesquera Herrero, a restaurant next to a fishing village in Loíza, one of the towns where bomba music originated . The Villa Pesquera could be one of your more memorable stops on your visit to Puerto Rico. This extremely interesting restaurant is also a fishing village, a cultural center, museum, beach hangout and bomba batey. Located right next to a small river it’s also a lovely, picturesque destination. The managers are both artists and singers in their own right and proudly display the works of other Loíza artists along with authentic Taíno artifacts found in the area. Their aim is to show the world all that this unique coastal community offers.
Besides the natural beauty, the rustic charm enhances the flavors that come out of the kitchen.Try the Seafood Orgy, a breaded grouper filet stuffed with shrimp and octopus in Mojo Isleño. They also feature Mofongos and a couple of unique, Loíza style dishes.
On Sunday they offer free Bomba classes right next to the beach. From 3 to 5 pm The Taller de Bomba El Legado or The Legacy Bomba Troupe gives visitors a sampling of the different rhythms, styles and routines that surround the dance. They’ll explain the difference between the holandé, yubá, cicá, seis corrido de Loíza versions and even invite the brave to try out their steps in front of the drums.
El Taller de Bomba N’Zambí
Right next to Villa Pesquera Herrero you’ll find the open air Taller de Bomba N’Zambí run by Sheila Osorio. She offers bomba classes and more on weekends and by special request. Contact her on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/taller_nzambi?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Bomba School
Is In Old San Juan you’ll find the Escuela de Bomba y Plena Doña Caridad Brenes de Cepeda. She comes from a famous Bomba family, the Cepedas and she has become a bomba ambassador giving classes and demonstrations all over the US and internationally. They offer classes for beginners, kids and even for drummers. You can reserve at puertoricoesbomba.com
