CuBop - Discussing AfroCuban Music
- Mya Brown
- Mar 2, 2024
- 1 min read
This week we were instructed to demonstrate our reading/viewing of the Gates discussion on Cuba infuses our understanding of the development of Afro-Cuban music and dance.
Cubop emerged in the 1940s and 50s. This was a time period of increased musical experimentation and cross-cultural dialogue. Cubop has a very distinct rhythmic structure and elaborate percussion arrangements. The rhythms are captivating and pour energy into the souls of listeners.
I found it interesting how much detail and cultural depth there is in the beats used in Cubop music. I not an avid music listener, so I think this contributes to me not being the most knowledgeable about rhythm and music purpose. By having to do this assignment it forced me to research these musicians and learn something I would've probably never thought to look into unless I ended up traveling to Cuba and took a tour or something.
The specific artist I listened to on youtube was Cimafunk. His song
Cimafunk and George Dr. Funkenstein Clinton performed their song Funk Aspirin during Cimafunk's concert at North Beach Bandshell, Miami, on October 16, 2021.
Funk Aspirin was the first single of his sophomore album, 'El Alimento' (2021). His music consisted of lots of trumpets, drums, and piano involved (key features of Cubop and American Jazz).
In this particular music video by Cimafunk the beat kind of reminded me a little bit of DMVs gogo music.
Hi Mya,
I had never listened to Cimafunk either, so thank you for sharing the music. I actually enjoyed it. I saw something on YouTube where he said his influence was George Clinton and he acknowledged him as basically a musical genius. I can hear the "funk" in his music. I am actually getting more interested in Afro Cuban music as I continue on this class journey.
Hi
Same here, I never heard of Cimafunk before now as well. I was so moved to learn that there is a great respect for George Clinton and the funk! I watched Cimafunk short interview when visiting the White House and to hear the humble and grateful spirit of Cimafunk was very cool. Music, beats and rhythm is who we are as a people! Afro Cuban meets the funk and such a fun experience to witness!
I have never heard of Cimafunk until Professor mentioned in the discussion. I fell in love with his music. I now have added this group to my playlist.
Hey Mya!
Cimafunk has nothing but straight hits! Me Voy is such a great song by them too. Their vibe is so unduplicatable.
Hey Mya,
I listened to the song and I enjoyed it. I definitely can see the similarities between music genres in different cultures because the Cimafunk song you listed reminds me of the Reggae music I grew up listening to. The African diaspora impacts countries around the world!