Bomba
The Bomba is a uniquely Puerto Rican musical genre for dance.
The Bomba flourished wherever the West African slaves and their descendants lived and worked. In Puerto Rico, this was typically on the colonial plantations.
The Bomba is a uniquely Puerto Rican musical genre for dance. Although critics are uncertain about the exact origin of the Bomba, it is generally agreed that it is derived from West Africa, through the importation of slaves to Puerto Rico from that region. It emerged as a very important form of expression within the system of slavery and a source of spiritual strength. Some have said that it first developed at the end of the 17th century in Loiza, a Puerto Rican town with a strong African presence. The Bomba flourished wherever the West African slaves and their descendants lived and worked. In Puerto Rico, this was typically on the colonial plantations that were common along the coastal plains.
These African communities in Puerto Rico were forbidden to worship their ancient African gods so instead they fused their customs onto the worship of Saint James. During festivals to honor Saint James, Bomba music was played and the traditional mask was worn. The mask, called "vejigante" in Spanish, was supposed to scare away evil spirits and pirates.
There are several different styles of Bomba; they differ in their rhythms. Some Bombas have a name that reflects their African origin, such as babú, belén, cunyá, yubá and others. Other Bomba styles are named for the type of dance with which they are associated, such as leró, which comes from the French words meaning "the rose", in reference to the formation of the dancers.
Typically, a Bomba starts with a female solo vocalist called a "laina" who sings a phrase evoking a primitive call. The chorus makes an antiphonal response to this call, supported by the musicians, who provide the 2/4 or 6/8 rhythm with various percussion instruments. Meanwhile, the dancers proceed with their movements, in pairs and without contact. The vocals rely on the melody, and harmony is not used.
Dancers are essential to Bomba. Dancers take turns challenging the drums, creating a dialogue with their movements that the solo drummer answers in a call-and-response pattern with a lead singer and a chorus. The words are traditional and improvisatory, often revolving around events in the community.
