Afro-Colombian Weekender at SOAS

An exciting weekend workshop introduction to Afro-Colombian music with Adrian Sabogal of Marimbea, over on a short trip from Colombia.

Marimbea

Two contrasting realities coexist throughout the Colombian Pacific coast. First, the reality of violence, abandonment and historical marginalization that the Afro-Colombian population experiences. Second, the magic of a territory inhabited by communities that resist and vibrate with music and dance, keeping alive the traditions of their ancestors. Its roads are the rivers and mangroves where days pass by while fishing and cultivating the land. They are skilled artisans, and they heal themselves with ancestral drinks prepared with plants that grow in the jungle. Moreover, they are exceptional chefs who impregnate their recipes, with their enriching and uncomplicated way of looking at life.
 
Marimbea designs remarkable experiences to immerse anyone in the music, dance, cuisine and other ancestral knowledge from this region, generating alternative sources of income for its inhabitants, enabling knowledge exchanges, and cultivating support networks for its cultural agents.

Juan Mindinero “Canquita”

Juan was born in Tumaco, Nariño. His love for sweets and especially for Can-Can cookies made him known by the nickname Canquita since he was a child. Mindinero has been adding this same flavor into the region's cultural manifestations for more than 20 years, continuing a legacy of his grandparents, that he shares with his siblings. He is a performer and composer of traditional music and has been part of recognized groups such as Changó. Currently, he is the Musical director of the group Bejuco de Tumaco

Adrian Sabogal - Marimbea Director 

Music master with an extensive international experience in the field of musical performance, composition, production and teaching, graduated from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana with emphasis on Jazz Guitar. He has researched on traditional music of the Pacific coast of Colombia for more than 13 years, He created a deep approach experimenting with sounds from the Pacific and Jazz. Founder of Redil Cuarteto and Pambil, groups. Founder and music director of the Marimbea organization, designed to spread the musical culture of the Colombian Pacific through learning experiences, events and cultural tourism.

Content session 1

Rhythms: Bambuco Viejo and Bunde Callejero

• Brief introduction to the context of the Afro-Colombian Pacific Coast Communities. 
• Brief introduction to the context of the Rhythms. 
• Rotative practice of the ensemble and its parts (practice based on traditional method): Bombo, Cununos, Guasás, Marimba de Chonta and voices. 

Content session 2

Rhythms: Juga and Bunde Religioso

• Brief introduction to the context of the Rhythms. 
• Rotative practice of the ensemble and its parts (practice based on traditional method): Bombo, Cununos, Guasás, Marimba de Chonta and voices. 
• Introduction to the basics of traditional dance of this Rhythms. 

*Expect to play most of the time during the sessions, questions about context and technique will be welcome during the sessions. We recommend to participate in both sessions if possible, to achieve a deeper insight.