The African rhythms in Cuban music came from the Yoruba, Congo and other West African people, who were transported to the Caribbean as slaves. They used them to call forth various gods. Cabillolos still exist in Cuba to keep alive various rhythms for over 200 different African gods. Mambo means "conversation with the gods" and in Cuba designates a sacred song of the Congos. The Congos absorbed a variety of foreign influences and the mambo drum rhythm became a cocktail of Bantu, Spanish and Yoruba. Coupled with Western Jazz, this beat provided the basis for the creation of the Mambo and then the Cha Cha and Salsa.
In Haiti, the "Mambo" is a voodoo priestess, who serves the villagers as counsellor, healer, exorcist, soothsayer, spiritual adviser, and organiser of public entertainment. Master the dance and you'll find yourself in "conversation with the gods".
From Mambo, Salsa, Cha-Cha History.
 |
