Those people lucky enough to have seen Yoruba Andabo in action during the Cuba50 festival showcase events in London will have been impressed not only by the vivacity of the dancing and the funky and complex drumming but also by their ability to transport their audience directly to the Cuban streets, squares, plantations and forests where the African cultures took root in Cuba.
This DVD, made in 2005, emphasizes this magical quality by intercutting between their stage show and a variety of authentic locations where these dances and rhythms developed. It begins as the audience are gathering at the Teatro Mella in Havana and after a short incantation we are taken directly to an old sugar plantation for an impeccable reconstruction of the Palo Congo tradition (from the Congo). This is followed by a cycle of Yoruba legends (from West Africa) with superb examples of Cuba’s glorious Santeria heritage with bata drumming and singing as well as bembe drums and guiros underpinning the dances of the saints/orishas giving the sense of a celebration.
The rumba – in its most direct, exciting and contemporary form - comes straight from the streets of Havana. Yoruba Andabo have given new life to this traditional form and, in the process, created some of the most vital and exciting music and dance in Havana today. The DVD finishes with a carnival conga taking us out of the theatre and into the city heat.
All of the music on the DVD and CD was recorded in the studio ensuring a high quality sound throughout. DVD extras include a fascinating and detailed insight into the history and background of the drums, legends and dances associated with the orishas as well as 2 extra tracks which fuse traditional rumba with flamenco and hip hop.
The 13 track CD, also introduces their new rumba rhythm known as Guarapachanguero.
Yoruba Andabo ‘s sense of exploration and adventure, nurtured by the revolution since their formation in 1961, helped to reinvigorate the rumba scene during the 90s and beyond when they inspired the spontaneous musical get-togethers in the street known as Callejon de Hamel. This DVD and CD are a wonderful demonstration of how these songs rhythms and dances are a vital part of Cuba’s culture and its landscape.
Dave Willetts
