Aspects of African Musical Folklore Essay

Introduction

Bomba and Plena serve as examples of how crucial African music may be for maintaining traditions, despite the fact that folklore is not often connected to musical traditions. Two lively and rhythmic musical genres from Puerto Rico, the bomba and plena, have their origins in the African and indigenous cultures of the island. These musical subgenres are a way to celebrate cultural diversity as well as Puerto Rican identity.

Discussion

Bomba is a form of music and dance that originated in Puerto Rico during the era of African enslavement. It is characterized by its distinct rhythms, which are created by the use of hand drums called barriles, cuá, and maracas (PasosCaribenos, 2011; 4:15). Probably, the most surprising aspect about this style is that such music can be actually be accompanied by dances, which flow naturally with the rhythm (sawing14s, 2008, 6:02; dan vazquez, 2013; 2:57). Despite the drumbeat, the music is smooth and melodic, which can be attributed to the hand made nature of the instruments.

Plena, on the other hand, debuted in the early 20th century and is a more recent addition to Puerto Rican music. Plena is a kind of music and dance that shares a strong African and indigenous background with bomba. It is performed on the pandero and the güiro, and its lyrics frequently discuss subjects like social injustice, poverty, and the sufferings of the working class (Gíbaro de Puerto Rico, 2017, 3:09; Ibrahim Gonzalez, 2011, 1:43; sonicmetaknight96, 2011, 1:10). Overall, both bomba and plena are important cultural traditions in Puerto Rico, reflecting the island’s rich history and serving as a means of cultural expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the bomba and plena experience is one that is brimming with vitality, rhythm, and cultural meaning. It is a manner of expressing the struggles and victories of the Puerto Rican people as well as a celebration of Puerto Rican identity. Bomba and plena, whether through drumming, dancing, or singing, stand for the soul and heart of Puerto Rican culture, and their impact is felt not just on the island but also around the globe.

References

dan vazquez. (2013). Bomba Puertorriqueña [Video]. YouTube. Web.

Ibrahim Gonzalez. (2011). Alma Moyó – Bomba y Plena [Video]. YouTube. Web.

Gíbaro de Puerto Rico. (2017). Bomba Puertorriqueña en Turquía (2015) [Video]. YouTube. Web.

PasosCaribenos. (2011). Bomba ~ Pasos Caribenos, coleccion de los Hermanos Ayala [Video]. YouTube. Web.

sawing14s. (2008). ¡¡BOMBA!![Video]. YouTube. Web.

sonicmetaknight96. (2011). Puerto Rico Bomba y Plena [Video]. YouTube. Web.