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NPR Series Visually Explores Cumbia's Journey Across the Americas
A new photojournalistic project by Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky, featured by NPR, documents the cultural journey of cumbia from its Colombian roots to its evolution across six American nations.
Photojournalists Document Pan-American Rhythm
Photographers Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky are creating a visual record of cumbia, one of the most popular music genres in the Americas. Their series, featured by NPR, spans six countries to capture its enduring spirit.
The project, titled "Cumbia Across Latin America," follows the rhythm through Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and the United States. It aims to document the diverse people, places, and cultures that have shaped and sustained the genre.
This extensive photojournalistic work is supported by the National Geographic Explorer program, highlighting its significance in cultural documentary journalism.
Photojournalists Document Pan-American Rhythm
Photographers Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky are creating a visual record of cumbia, one of the most popular music genres in the Americas. Their series, featured by NPR, spans six countries to capture its enduring spirit.
The project, titled "Cumbia Across Latin America," follows the rhythm through Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and the United States. It aims to document the diverse people, places, and cultures that have shaped and sustained the genre.
This extensive photojournalistic work is supported by the National Geographic Explorer program, highlighting its significance in cultural documentary journalism.
Photojournalists Document Pan-American Rhythm
Photographers Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky are creating a visual record of cumbia, one of the most popular music genres in the Americas. Their series, featured by NPR, spans six countries to capture its enduring spirit.
The project, titled "Cumbia Across Latin America," follows the rhythm through Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and the United States. It aims to document the diverse people, places, and cultures that have shaped and sustained the genre.
This extensive photojournalistic work is supported by the National Geographic Explorer program, highlighting its significance in cultural documentary journalism.
The Roots of a Continental Sound
From Colombia's Caribbean Coast
Cumbia was born on Colombia’s Caribbean coast from a powerful blend of cultures. Its foundation is a synthesis of African, Indigenous, and European influences.
The genre’s core rhythm comes from African drums brought by enslaved people. This is combined with the melancholic melodies of Indigenous flutes, or gaitas, and European-influenced dance and dress. This fusion first took place in the wetlands of the Mompos Depression and the Montes de María mountain range.
Instruments and Legacy
Traditional cumbia features percussion like the tambor alegre, llamador, and tambora, alongside the iconic gaita. These instruments became symbols of peace and cultural resistance in regions affected by conflict.
The tradition has been preserved by key figures, particularly Afro-descendant women. Matriarchs such as Petrona Martinez and Emilia Reyes Salgado are recognized for safeguarding and transmitting cumbia’s legacy through sung dances.
The Roots of a Continental Sound
From Colombia's Caribbean Coast
Cumbia was born on Colombia’s Caribbean coast from a powerful blend of cultures. Its foundation is a synthesis of African, Indigenous, and European influences.
The genre’s core rhythm comes from African drums brought by enslaved people. This is combined with the melancholic melodies of Indigenous flutes, or gaitas, and European-influenced dance and dress. This fusion first took place in the wetlands of the Mompos Depression and the Montes de María mountain range.
Instruments and Legacy
Traditional cumbia features percussion like the tambor alegre, llamador, and tambora, alongside the iconic gaita. These instruments became symbols of peace and cultural resistance in regions affected by conflict.
The tradition has been preserved by key figures, particularly Afro-descendant women. Matriarchs such as Petrona Martinez and Emilia Reyes Salgado are recognized for safeguarding and transmitting cumbia’s legacy through sung dances.
The Roots of a Continental Sound
From Colombia's Caribbean Coast
Cumbia was born on Colombia’s Caribbean coast from a powerful blend of cultures. Its foundation is a synthesis of African, Indigenous, and European influences.
The genre’s core rhythm comes from African drums brought by enslaved people. This is combined with the melancholic melodies of Indigenous flutes, or gaitas, and European-influenced dance and dress. This fusion first took place in the wetlands of the Mompos Depression and the Montes de María mountain range.
Instruments and Legacy
Traditional cumbia features percussion like the tambor alegre, llamador, and tambora, alongside the iconic gaita. These instruments became symbols of peace and cultural resistance in regions affected by conflict.
The tradition has been preserved by key figures, particularly Afro-descendant women. Matriarchs such as Petrona Martinez and Emilia Reyes Salgado are recognized for safeguarding and transmitting cumbia’s legacy through sung dances.
A Genre Without Borders
Regional Transformations
Once marginalized by Colombia's elites, cumbia is now a pan-Latin American phenomenon. As it traveled, the music adapted, creating distinct regional variations.
The photographers' series documents this evolution, showing how cumbia has been reinterpreted in different cultural contexts, from urban centers to rural communities across the continent.
Viewing the Project
Gachet and Kashinsky's work offers a rare, in-depth look at cumbia as both a social unifier and a living artistic tradition. Their visual narrative explores the music's deep connections to identity and community.
The ongoing project can be viewed on the photographers' respective websites and social media channels. Images and stories are shared on their Instagram accounts, @kchete77 and @ivankphoto, offering a direct window into their journey.
A Genre Without Borders
Regional Transformations
Once marginalized by Colombia's elites, cumbia is now a pan-Latin American phenomenon. As it traveled, the music adapted, creating distinct regional variations.
The photographers' series documents this evolution, showing how cumbia has been reinterpreted in different cultural contexts, from urban centers to rural communities across the continent.
Viewing the Project
Gachet and Kashinsky's work offers a rare, in-depth look at cumbia as both a social unifier and a living artistic tradition. Their visual narrative explores the music's deep connections to identity and community.
The ongoing project can be viewed on the photographers' respective websites and social media channels. Images and stories are shared on their Instagram accounts, @kchete77 and @ivankphoto, offering a direct window into their journey.
A Genre Without Borders
Regional Transformations
Once marginalized by Colombia's elites, cumbia is now a pan-Latin American phenomenon. As it traveled, the music adapted, creating distinct regional variations.
The photographers' series documents this evolution, showing how cumbia has been reinterpreted in different cultural contexts, from urban centers to rural communities across the continent.
Viewing the Project
Gachet and Kashinsky's work offers a rare, in-depth look at cumbia as both a social unifier and a living artistic tradition. Their visual narrative explores the music's deep connections to identity and community.
The ongoing project can be viewed on the photographers' respective websites and social media channels. Images and stories are shared on their Instagram accounts, @kchete77 and @ivankphoto, offering a direct window into their journey.
How has cumbia evolved in different countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina?
Originating in Colombia, cumbia has adapted into distinct regional styles. In Mexico, it blended with local sounds; in Argentina, it gave rise to the urban cumbia villera movement; and in Peru, it developed unique coastal and Amazonian variations. The genre's flexible rhythm allows it to fuse with local traditions wherever it travels.
How has cumbia evolved in different countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina?
Originating in Colombia, cumbia has adapted into distinct regional styles. In Mexico, it blended with local sounds; in Argentina, it gave rise to the urban cumbia villera movement; and in Peru, it developed unique coastal and Amazonian variations. The genre's flexible rhythm allows it to fuse with local traditions wherever it travels.
How has cumbia evolved in different countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina?
Originating in Colombia, cumbia has adapted into distinct regional styles. In Mexico, it blended with local sounds; in Argentina, it gave rise to the urban cumbia villera movement; and in Peru, it developed unique coastal and Amazonian variations. The genre's flexible rhythm allows it to fuse with local traditions wherever it travels.
What are the main cultural influences that can be seen in cumbia music?
What are the main cultural influences that can be seen in cumbia music?
What are the main cultural influences that can be seen in cumbia music?
How do the African roots of cumbia manifest in its music and dance?
How do the African roots of cumbia manifest in its music and dance?
How do the African roots of cumbia manifest in its music and dance?
What role do women play in the preservation of cumbia traditions?
What role do women play in the preservation of cumbia traditions?
What role do women play in the preservation of cumbia traditions?
What are the most iconic cumbia songs documented by Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky?
What are the most iconic cumbia songs documented by Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky?
What are the most iconic cumbia songs documented by Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky?
