The name "Concubanas" derives from Latin, meaning "those who live together" - a fitting name for a group that embodied the cultural coexistence of African and Cuban musical traditions. This multicultural ensemble was formed in Havana in 1971, creating a unique fusion of Cuban and Congolese music. The group's name would prove prophetic, as they became one of the most significant examples of artistic cohabitation between African and Latin American musical styles of their era.
- *Formation and Early Years*
*Original lineup:*
- Ramon Hernández (Trumpet, Vocals) - Cuba
- Marcel Boungou (Percussion, Vocals) - Congo
- Elena "La Voz" Torres (Lead Vocals) - Cuba
- Jean-Pierre Dikamona (Guitar) - Congo
- Carlos Mendoza (Bass) - Cuba
- Maria Sanchez (Percussion) - Cuba
- Pascal Bikindou (Saxophone) - Congo
The group's foundations were laid when Congolese percussionist Marcel Boungou from the Brazzaville National Academy of Arts met Cuban trumpeter Ramon "El Fuego" Hernández during a cultural exchange program in Cuba. Their shared vision of creating music that truly represented the "living together" meaning of their chosen name would soon become reality. After their debut performance at Havana's famous Casa de la Música in late 1971, the group gained significant attention for creating an original sound that blended traditional Cuban son and rumba rhythms with Congolese soukous and rumba styles.
- *First Album and Success*
Their debut album "Rumba Congo," released in 1973, was recorded at EGREM studios under the direction of renowned producer Alberto Castellanos. The album made waves in both Cuba and Africa. The opening track "Baila Conmigo Esta Noche" and the emotional ballad "Amor del Caribe" became the group's signature songs.
- *Musical Style*
Concubanas' most distinctive feature was their masterful blend of musical traditions from two different continents. The group became known for combining Cuban son and rumba rhythms with Congolese soukous style, multilingual lyrics (Spanish, Lingala, and French), and rich percussion arrangements.
- *Cultural Impact*
Throughout the 1970s, the group served as one of the most important representatives of the Cuba-Africa musical bridge. Their concerts weren't just musical performances but cultural fusion celebrations. The group regularly performed at Havana's famous Tropicana club and achieved great success with their African tours.
- *Musical Influence*
Concubanas' innovative approach to rhythm and arrangement influenced numerous artists in both Africa and Latin America. Their unique blend of Cuban tres guitar with Congolese guitar styles, combined with traditional African percussion and Cuban brass arrangements, created a template for future Afro-Latin fusion projects.
The group was particularly noted for their ability to seamlessly switch between different African and Latin rhythms within the same song, a technique that would later become common in world fusion music. Their use of multiple languages in their lyrics also helped bridge cultural gaps and create a more inclusive form of musical expression.
- *Legacy*
The fusion style created by Concubanas profoundly influenced the next generation of Latin American and African musicians. The group's name became symbolic of their mission - just as "Concubanas" means "those who live together," their music represented the harmonious coexistence of different musical traditions. Before disbanding in 1992, the group recorded four studio albums and delivered countless live performances. Today, they are still remembered as pioneers of the "Afro-Latin fusion" genre.
Throughout their eleven-year career, Concubanas not only created innovative music but also demonstrated how cultural fusion could transcend political and geographical boundaries.
*Tracklist:*
00:00 Baila Conmigo Esta Noche
05:26 Amor del Caribe
10:53 Tambores de Mayombe
16:19 Libertad y Dignidad
20:40 Funkila Montuna
27:12 Mi Corazon Africano
33:12 Rumba de Brazzaville
37:33 Tambores del Alma
41:22 Baila Mi Soukous
45:11 Hermanos de Sangre
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