Creolization in the Leeward Islands

Tambu Musical Tradition

The Dutch Leeward Islands main musical tradition is known as "Tambu". This musical tradition is African inspired and has relations to colonialism and slavery.Tambu can be in a musical form or it can be formed into a dance. The tambu drum is the main instrument used in Tambu music. The top part of the tambu drum is made out of sheepskin and the barrel part is made from hollowed log or rum barrel (LeGrand, 2019). The tambu musical style uses call-and-response singing accompanied by participants clapping and stomping. As mentioned before, Tambu can also be recognized as a dance. If you would like to learn how to 'Tambu' just stand directly in front of your partner without touching them, make shuffling steps with your feet while making small circular movements with your hips (or like we Bahamians love to say "wine ya boungee!").
Photo Retrieved from: https://www.jijmaakthetmee.nl/aanvraag/ontdek-tambu

This video was chosen because it shows the audience how to dance the Tambu dance. In the background, you can hear the musical instruments playing that makes up Tambu music. The tambu drums and maracas are mostly heard throughout this video.

Simadan Cultural Festival

Simadan is a cultural festival celebrated in Bonaire during the spring sorghum harvest. This festival is usually celebrated to commemorate the ending of communal work. Some musical instruments that are played in Simadan are the becu, flute, and an aerophone. The Simadan can also be in a dance form: Wapa or bari dance.
Photo retrieved from http://www.geographia.com/BONAIRE/boncul01.htm

This video was chosen because it shows the Simadan Festival being celebrated. Performers are wearing their colorful wardrobes dancing to the Simadan music while carrying dried palm leaves. Some musical instruments heard in the video are scrapers, drums, and cowbells.

References

Antnony Angila.(2017, May 2). Simadan Chana I Doei 2017 HD [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Ai9lURzHdyA

Derbeno. (2008, Nov 9). Tambú di Korsou [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/VnfM8WYtWOQ

LeGrand, C.G. C. (2019). Tour de Force: A Musical Journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9789769624900

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