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Visual Documentary Traces Cumbia's Roots Across the Americas
Photographers Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky have launched a major visual series documenting the journey of cumbia from its Colombian roots to its modern forms across the Americas, supported by the National Geographic Explorer Program.
A Journey Through a Continent's Rhythm
Photographers Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky have launched a sweeping visual documentary series that traces the roots and evolution of cumbia, one of Latin America's most influential musical genres. The project, supported by the National Geographic Explorer Program, chronicles the sound's journey from Colombia to Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and the United States.
The Cradle of Cumbia
Cumbia was born on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, in the wetlands of the Mompos Depression. It emerged during the colonial era from a powerful fusion of three cultures.
African: The driving rhythms come from African percussion instruments.
Indigenous: Melodies are traditionally played on Indigenous flutes known as gaitas or chuanas.
European: Spanish influences are found in the dance forms and lyrical structures.
This tri-cultural heritage created a sound that was initially the music of the working class and a form of cultural resistance.
A Journey Through a Continent's Rhythm
Photographers Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky have launched a sweeping visual documentary series that traces the roots and evolution of cumbia, one of Latin America's most influential musical genres. The project, supported by the National Geographic Explorer Program, chronicles the sound's journey from Colombia to Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and the United States.
The Cradle of Cumbia
Cumbia was born on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, in the wetlands of the Mompos Depression. It emerged during the colonial era from a powerful fusion of three cultures.
African: The driving rhythms come from African percussion instruments.
Indigenous: Melodies are traditionally played on Indigenous flutes known as gaitas or chuanas.
European: Spanish influences are found in the dance forms and lyrical structures.
This tri-cultural heritage created a sound that was initially the music of the working class and a form of cultural resistance.
A Journey Through a Continent's Rhythm
Photographers Karla Gachet and Iván Kashinsky have launched a sweeping visual documentary series that traces the roots and evolution of cumbia, one of Latin America's most influential musical genres. The project, supported by the National Geographic Explorer Program, chronicles the sound's journey from Colombia to Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and the United States.
The Cradle of Cumbia
Cumbia was born on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, in the wetlands of the Mompos Depression. It emerged during the colonial era from a powerful fusion of three cultures.
African: The driving rhythms come from African percussion instruments.
Indigenous: Melodies are traditionally played on Indigenous flutes known as gaitas or chuanas.
European: Spanish influences are found in the dance forms and lyrical structures.
This tri-cultural heritage created a sound that was initially the music of the working class and a form of cultural resistance.
From Local Tradition to Global Symbol
Once viewed as rebellious music, cumbia’s infectious rhythm spread with migrating communities, transforming into a potent symbol of Latin American identity and resilience.
The Matriarchs of a Movement
The tradition of cumbia has been largely preserved and transmitted by Black and Afro-descendant women. Figures such as Emilia Reyes Salgado, Pabla Flores, and Petrona Martinez, who won a Latin Grammy in 2021, have been central to keeping the genre's oral and musical traditions alive for new generations.
An Evolving Sound
As cumbia crossed borders, it absorbed local influences, creating distinct regional variations. From the Andean highlands of Ecuador to the bustling bars of Los Angeles, the music adapted, proving its remarkable versatility and widespread appeal. This evolution is a core focus of Gachet and Kashinsky’s work.
From Local Tradition to Global Symbol
Once viewed as rebellious music, cumbia’s infectious rhythm spread with migrating communities, transforming into a potent symbol of Latin American identity and resilience.
The Matriarchs of a Movement
The tradition of cumbia has been largely preserved and transmitted by Black and Afro-descendant women. Figures such as Emilia Reyes Salgado, Pabla Flores, and Petrona Martinez, who won a Latin Grammy in 2021, have been central to keeping the genre's oral and musical traditions alive for new generations.
An Evolving Sound
As cumbia crossed borders, it absorbed local influences, creating distinct regional variations. From the Andean highlands of Ecuador to the bustling bars of Los Angeles, the music adapted, proving its remarkable versatility and widespread appeal. This evolution is a core focus of Gachet and Kashinsky’s work.
From Local Tradition to Global Symbol
Once viewed as rebellious music, cumbia’s infectious rhythm spread with migrating communities, transforming into a potent symbol of Latin American identity and resilience.
The Matriarchs of a Movement
The tradition of cumbia has been largely preserved and transmitted by Black and Afro-descendant women. Figures such as Emilia Reyes Salgado, Pabla Flores, and Petrona Martinez, who won a Latin Grammy in 2021, have been central to keeping the genre's oral and musical traditions alive for new generations.
An Evolving Sound
As cumbia crossed borders, it absorbed local influences, creating distinct regional variations. From the Andean highlands of Ecuador to the bustling bars of Los Angeles, the music adapted, proving its remarkable versatility and widespread appeal. This evolution is a core focus of Gachet and Kashinsky’s work.
Capturing a Living Art Form
The documentary series provides an intimate look at the people, instruments, and festivals that define cumbia today. It is presented through bilingual visual reports, curated playlists, and stories from the communities that are the custodians of the genre.
The Instruments of Cumbia
Traditional cumbia is defined by its unique instrumentation:
Drums: The tambor alegre, llamador, and tambora form the core of its Afro-Colombian rhythmic base.
Flutes: The Indigenous gaita is responsible for its iconic, melodic sound.
Legacy and Visual Storytelling
The project honors the legacy of pioneers like José Benito Barros, who organized the first cumbia festival in El Banco, Colombia. Gachet and Kashinsky's work continues this tradition of preservation through a modern lens.
The photographers' complete visual reports and stories can be explored further on their websites, karlagachet.com and ivankphoto.com.
Capturing a Living Art Form
The documentary series provides an intimate look at the people, instruments, and festivals that define cumbia today. It is presented through bilingual visual reports, curated playlists, and stories from the communities that are the custodians of the genre.
The Instruments of Cumbia
Traditional cumbia is defined by its unique instrumentation:
Drums: The tambor alegre, llamador, and tambora form the core of its Afro-Colombian rhythmic base.
Flutes: The Indigenous gaita is responsible for its iconic, melodic sound.
Legacy and Visual Storytelling
The project honors the legacy of pioneers like José Benito Barros, who organized the first cumbia festival in El Banco, Colombia. Gachet and Kashinsky's work continues this tradition of preservation through a modern lens.
The photographers' complete visual reports and stories can be explored further on their websites, karlagachet.com and ivankphoto.com.
Capturing a Living Art Form
The documentary series provides an intimate look at the people, instruments, and festivals that define cumbia today. It is presented through bilingual visual reports, curated playlists, and stories from the communities that are the custodians of the genre.
The Instruments of Cumbia
Traditional cumbia is defined by its unique instrumentation:
Drums: The tambor alegre, llamador, and tambora form the core of its Afro-Colombian rhythmic base.
Flutes: The Indigenous gaita is responsible for its iconic, melodic sound.
Legacy and Visual Storytelling
The project honors the legacy of pioneers like José Benito Barros, who organized the first cumbia festival in El Banco, Colombia. Gachet and Kashinsky's work continues this tradition of preservation through a modern lens.
The photographers' complete visual reports and stories can be explored further on their websites, karlagachet.com and ivankphoto.com.
What are the main cultural influences that shape cumbia music?
Cumbia is a rich blend of three main cultural influences that converged in Colombia during the colonial era. Its rhythm is built on **African percussion**, its melodies often feature **Indigenous flutes** (gaitas), and its dance and song structures incorporate **European elements**.
What are the main cultural influences that shape cumbia music?
Cumbia is a rich blend of three main cultural influences that converged in Colombia during the colonial era. Its rhythm is built on **African percussion**, its melodies often feature **Indigenous flutes** (gaitas), and its dance and song structures incorporate **European elements**.
What are the main cultural influences that shape cumbia music?
Cumbia is a rich blend of three main cultural influences that converged in Colombia during the colonial era. Its rhythm is built on **African percussion**, its melodies often feature **Indigenous flutes** (gaitas), and its dance and song structures incorporate **European elements**.
How has cumbia evolved in different countries like Colombia, Mexico, and the United States?
How has cumbia evolved in different countries like Colombia, Mexico, and the United States?
How has cumbia evolved in different countries like Colombia, Mexico, and the United States?
What role do Indigenous and African influences play in the rhythm of cumbia?
What role do Indigenous and African influences play in the rhythm of cumbia?
What role do Indigenous and African influences play in the rhythm of cumbia?
How do the photographers capture the essence of cumbia in their images?
How do the photographers capture the essence of cumbia in their images?
How do the photographers capture the essence of cumbia in their images?
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?
