Question

In Puerto Rico what is the history and musical traditions movement that plena,bomba,and danza plays major role in?

Answer 1

Plena, Bomba and Danza reflect the African heritage of Puerto Rico. They are percussion driven musical traditions from Puerto Rico, that make people to dance.

Bomba dates back to early European colonial period in Puerto Rico.It came out of musical traditions of enslaved Africans of 17th century. To them, Bomba was a source of spiritual and political expression.Though the lyrics conveyed anger and sadness, Bomba also made them to move and dance, helping them to create a community and identity. It has sixteen rhythms.Bomba instruments include barrel, drum and two sticks which are played against the wood of barrel.

Plena developed from Bomba around the beginning of 20th century in Southern Puerto Rico. The lyrics narrate event, political protest movements and satirical commentaries. It has only one basic rhythm. Plena instrumentation changed over the years, but pandereta a round handed drum remains indispensable and defining element of Plena.

Danza originated in Ponce, a city in Southern Puerto rico. It is a rigid form of dance revealing European influence that has very specific movements and patterns. A lead or most experienced dancer dictates the movements of other dancers in Danza.Influx of Cuban immigrants around 19th century brought a new spark to Danza.. Danzas can be either romantic or festive.