Bomba, medicine for my soul! <3
AfriCaribe’s 10 Year Anniversary: Photo courtesy of Alyce Henson
January 15, 2018
Happy Monday! In light of Martin Luther King day, I am going to introduce you to the love of my life, Bomba de Puerto Rico. Bomba: medicine for the soul! En español, Bomba es “medicina para el alma.” Bomba is over 400 years old. It originated in the beautiful isla de Puerto Rico and was influenced by our phenomenal African ancestry. Bomba is an afro-caribbean folkloric genre of music that has been passed down by our elders. When we dance Bomba, we pay respect to those who have paved the way towards freedom, resistance, & political autonomy. In 2006, I was introduced to this outstanding tradition. My mom registered me for my first Bomba beginners class with my current dance group, AfriCaribe.
I was in love. Do not underestimate the power of the drums! When you hear the drums or barriles pounding, healing takes place. Bomba truly is medicine. It is also radical because it was a resistance movement in retaliation against colonization. Bomba continues to be so instrumental in my life, mental health, and my overall happiness. La tradición de Bomba es algo especial. The tradition of Bomba is so special because it connected me to my culture, ancestors, & history. What can be more amazing than paying respect to my ancestors who fought and risked their lives for my people? To top it off, Bomba is one vigorous workout! When I dance certain rhythms in Bomba, such as holandé or seis corrido (fastest rhythm in Bomba that originated in Loíza), I feel like my legs are going to fall off. You want to have an intense leg day, come dance Bomba!
“The beauty that is exemplified in Bomba is demonstrated by the dialogue that takes place between the drummer and the dancer.”
Bomba: Dance of Resistance
Bomba is a historical and percussion driven dance that dates back to the 17th century. These musical traditions were brought to Puerto Rico by African slaves as political and spiritual expressions. The lyrics frequently reflected personal stories and oftentimes, the songs demonstrated anger and sadness relating to the colonial consequences of slavery. Songs were used in conjunction with rebellions and uprisings. In the same way, the music created a sense of community & Latino/Afro-Latino identity. Bomba paved the way through history and allowed us to be able to have the freedom to educate, empower, & continue with this beautiful, spiritual, and political expression.
Puerto Rico is still suffering from its political and dysfunctional affiliation with the United States. As a U.S. colony, Puerto Rico has suffered first hand at the expense of the U.S. government. Today, we use Bomba to fight, unite, celebrate, & resist. Through Bomba, we find our identity as a Puerto Rican people. “Latinos, escucha, estamos en la lucha!” Due to the painstaking and detrimental effects that Hurricane Maria has had on our families & loved ones, communities all over the states unite and convey our pain and bring awareness through the traditions of Bomba.
POWER of the Barril, Drum!
Bomba involves a lead drummer, also known as the primo. Following the primo’s lead, the remaining drummers keep the heart beat and rhythm. Of course, this style of music involves a chorus, also known as coro in Bomba. Essentially, the dancer is the musical note. The relationship between the dancer and the primo is so beautiful because it displays a bond and spiritual connection. Synchronicity is involved when the primo plays and the dancer simultaneously lets her Bomba spirit free! While the bombera expresses herself through freestyle dance, she is dictating the rhythm & piquetes (hits) on the drum. The primo drummer follows the dancer’s lead and almost magically anticipates his or her movements. ¡Dale duro! The harmony that is created takes away any negative energies that may lie among or within us!
“El movimiento elimina las cosas malas!” “The movement will eliminate bad energies.”
What Bomba means to me:
I’m sure it’s no secret that Bomba is my first love. As a second generation Boricua, I can definitely attest to the diaspora that exists amongst Puerto Rican’s from the island and Puerto Ricans, such as myself, who have grown up in the states and whose primary language is English, Spanish secondary. Despite the different political ideologies that exists amongst my Boricua brothers and sisters, there is one thing I can say with confidence. Bomba unifies us as one. Bomba ignites our souls and allows us to teach the next generation the value of their history and contributions their ancestors have made.
Of all the physical activities that I have taken up over the past 2 years, Bomba has been with me from the beginning, almost 13 years to be exact. Although Bomba is excellent exercise, I do not use it as a means to stay fit. I continue to dance & express myself through Bomba to keep my culture alive, gives praise to my ancestors, and purify my soul. Mi gente, I’m not lying when I say that Bomba is medicine for the soul.
You may be asking, “How does this tie in with health and wellness?” For starters, you have to find something that you’re passionate about. When you’re doing something that you genuinely adore, it does not feel like a routine, or working out. I invite you all to try Bomba, AfriCaribe holds their monthly bombazos every last Saturday of the month! This weekend AfriCaribe had their holiday party. I danced so much I could barely feel my legs the next day. Find an exercise or hobby that is non orthodox, one that you look forward to pursuing. For me, that’s Bomba!