Bomba Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Bomba is one of Puerto Rico's most famous musical styles. Although there is some controversy surrounding its origin, most agree that it is a purely African music. The rhythm and beat are played by a set of west African drums called congas. Dance is an integral part of the music: the dancers in move their bodies to every beat of the drum, making bomba a very wild and rich dance. Bomba is described to be a challenge between the drummer and the dancer. The drummer will beat the drums and the dancer is to dance as fast as the drummer is beating the drum. The dancer must be in great physical shape to keep up and the challenge usually continues until either the dancer or drummer discontinues. The main instrument used in bomba style music are low pitched bomba drums which usually supports the rhythm of bomba music called the buleador. Other instruments used are the palitos or clave, which are sticks that are struck together to form the sound similar to a cowbell, and one maraca. A guiro are also heard in many bomba songs, which are believed to have been invented by the Taino Indians.The music style was brought to Puerto Rico during the colonial slave trade. The slaves mostly coming from the Yorùbá people of Nigeria brought over this musical form. The dance was mostly practiced at the northern coast of the island because the majority of the people were black. The dance was used to mock the slave owners. The men used to use a series of pelvic thrusts while the women would swish their skirts around. The traditional clothing for Bomba for men was a white outfit and fedora hat. The women wore big plantation skirts, Santería beads, and a head scarf or bundaloo.
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