Why Puerto Rican Bomba Music Is Resistance

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Bomba is an ancient genre of resistance from Puerto Rico created by enslaved people on the island over 400 years ago. Recently, bomba music has been a staple of Black Lives Matter protests calling back to its roots as a music of resilience. Together, hosts Linda Diaz and LA Buckner break down the musical and cultural elements that make bomba, bomba. Ivelisse Diaz of Bomba con Buya teaches Linda about bomba singing, and LA learns bomba drum rhythms.
Get more Sound Field on our Patreon: / soundfieldpbs
Check out more of Ivelisse Diaz in her band Bomba con Buya bombaconbuya.bandcamp.com
Check out more of Mateo Gonzál ez at Los Pleneros de la 21 www.losplenerosdela21.org/
Want to learn more about bomba? Check out If Cities Could Dance's video:
• Puerto Rico's Bomba, A...
Want more Latin rhythms? Check out our video on bachata!
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We like music. You like music. Let’s break it down. Sound Field is a PBS Digital Studios web series produced by Rewire.org. #SoundFieldPBS #Rewire #PBSDigitalStudios latinx african diaspora living in puerto rico latin percussion

[@raymondsantiago7113]

My great-great grandfather was a Bomba drummer, and his wife a dancer. That's how they met. Four generations later, I'm the second drummer of the family and only God knows how proud I am about that.

[@cabezitadealgodon]

Wow!! You're beyond blessed!! Keep honoring your great-great grandfather!

[@jamedraa8472]

That's amazing. A blessing to be so connected with ones family.

[@CarynDPrescott]

@@aldenrhett1074 So you're proud of being a creep and you chose to brag about it?

[@nomeimportaelnombre7637]

Si no vives cada dia aqui no entiendes nada por favor y con todo respeto no hable de cosas que no entiende

[@fasteddie9055]

Well said, Raymond!!!!!

[@hash8944]

I'm african, I'm so proud of them. after all the suffering and struggles they went through for centuries they remain strong and unbroken.

[@idaliagonzalez8879]

Thanks man

[@Rose_n_Ranger]

❤

[@moniquen.torres9201]

🇵🇷❤️🤍💙

[@SARAHDJ104]

Thank you for that

[@JesibelPerez]

Thank you! ❤

[@elisardososa8588]

If you're Puerto Rican you can feel this in your soul...

[@LivingEmotionallyFit]

🙌 Yessss🙌

[@ginelkasias]

If you're African descendant, trust me you can feel it 👌🏿

[@sam2slow670]

@@ginelkasias yesirrrr 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@NicolasMontenegro17]

@@sam2slow670 Love and respect from Colombia, un solo corazón con Puertorro ✊🏽

[@placepoint]

Straight up makes me cry. Not a single layered cry; happy sad angry and empowered. Blown away to see this on pbs. Ty

[@alyrios]

Bomba is one of those things that I love about being Puerto Rican. You hear those drums and can't help it, you move even if you don't know how to properly dance bomba.

[@alexelias3854]

Isn't it amazing.... when the drums sing the feet, hips and shoulders move instinctually. Love it!

[@nomeimportaelnombre7637]

Por favor di puerto rico

[@radrook7584]

​@@alexelias3854 Really? Well, as a Puerto Rican, I have often wondered how my feet are supposed to suddenly become imbued with motion at hearing some drumbeat or melody as you describe. Yes, I have definitely heard of the phenomenon before. For example, my Puerto Rican mother, who was a dancing fanatic, kept claiming that her legs always immediately and suddenly became imbued with the irresistible urge to move when hearing music. In contrast, my Puerto Rican father needed to force himself into some kind of clumsy motions that were supposed to have been dancing, but which seemed more like a desperate attempt at preventing himself from slipping and hitting the floor face-first. I always wondered why he chose to put himself through that ordeal. Should have asked him but never did. Curiously, I, an island-born Puerto Rican who grew up in the states, am similar to my dad with one crucial difference, I am able to play music and have others dance to it, but I am unable to dance the music myself. You see, unfortunately, for some reason my body does not respond to music like my mother's did, and I am not motivated, like my father was, at trying to force myself into frenetic physical contortions that resemble a desperate attempt not to fall face-first to the floor . So sorry, but I cannot identify with the behavior motivated by the sound of music that you are describing, and including me in simply because I am a Puerto Rican who is supposed to react that way. Also, please note that I never observed that phenomenon you describe among any member of my extended Puerto Rican family. As I said, the only Puerto Rican in the family that I ever witnessed reacting to music in that that seemingly involuntary physical way that you describe was my mom. Everyone else, cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents, seemed totally rather indifferent to it.

[@fasteddie9055]

@@nomeimportaelnombre7637 analfabeto

[@fasteddie9055]

@@radrook7584 Dancing doesn t define a true Puerto Rican. It's the way that you carry yourself that counts. Respect is the cornerstone characteristic. That "natural beat" stuff is a fallacy. It is also a dangerous stereo-type used by white racists. You and your family are perfectly normal Puerto Ricans. No worries, Radbrook. Be safe.

[@marcosdelossantos1308]

Dancing the way back to our roots!✊🏽 Im an Afro Mexican and we have a dance called “Obalata” which was originated in western Nigeria. Us blacks Mexicans we are descendants of the Igbo Tribe in Nigeria.

[@MoveMint.est85]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TiqueO6]

While I’m not speaking authoritatively I can outline a bit about this. Obatala is also the name of one of the 22 (and more) 'main' Orisha, the Yoruba deities representing many aspects of human nature, earthly nature and much more. Afro Cuban culture has retains and refined their versions but the Yorubas have continued developing the musical aspect, of which I’m the most familiar, to the point where it bears much less resemblance to what's been preserved and 'curated' in the diaspora. Interestingly this is fairly common in today’s world full of “culture clashes“ where we in the 'western world' think that tradition is static in the countries of origin, for ex., often musicians returning years later to countries of origin are somewhat laughed at if they are still playing the “old way“. I don’t know if this is a modern phenomenon or has been accelerated by the speed of cultural interchange, that would be very interesting to research.

[@deelooks7223]

Your of the lost tribes of Israel!

[@foxworthvorn7826]

@@deelooks7223 that doesn't really exist

[@benwyse]

For sure, you might have folks from all the different parts of Africa. But when I listen to the music, I can hear some dominant groups. From the dance and the musical instrument, the Black Mexicans seem to be more related to tribes that currently live in the South of Cote d'Ivoire. I can recognize the instruments, the costumes and the dance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ7KeGSBos2MpNU kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4erqKeFiM6IiKs kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYjIg3eva76libc The Bomba of Puerto Rico is more related to the Djembe of the Mandingos. The Cubans and the Brazilians are more related to the Yoruba from Nigeria. The Brazilians have a great mix many African cultures (From Angola to Nigeria). The Haitians are have a mix of Yoruba, Congo and many more. In the US, there are more Mandingos (the Blues), Wolof and Nigerian descendants. The Afro-Latino in Brazil seem to have been able to keep some of their music sounds authentic, unchanged from how it sounded back in Africa 400 years ago. That's very interesting! We need to get some anthropologists and ethnologists to work on this.

[@joseobregon9973]

I'm from Mayaguez in Puerto Rico and my Great grandmother Victoria Ruiz Nadal was a very well known Bomba dancer along with my great uncle Aristarco Alfonso...at family get togethers my family would play Bomba,sing and dance. I will Cherish those memories....I'm proud of our culture and heritage. .....Dona Victoria Manda coche.....I miss you Abuela and Tio....I will always have you in my heart.

[@nisa3695]

Hey my last name is Ruiz ☺️☺️

[@arnaldoirizarry4994]

Aristarco Was the best bomba dancer in Puerto Rico

[@arnaldoirizarry4994]

was from Mayagüez

[@randee4550]

I lived in Mayagüez as well.

[@amyt2400]

@randee4550 Shout out to Ricomini Bakery y Rex Cream! 🥖 🍨 There’s a wonderful nonprofit in Mayagüez for those with disabilities called AMPI. ¡Bendiciones!

[@ernestomoralesroman2110]

Forgot to mention Rafael Cortijo Cortijo and Ismael Rivera they took the Bomba music and revive it. Que Viva Rafael Cortijo and Ismael Rivera 🇵🇷👏🏿🙏🏿 R.I.P. never forget

[@eddierosa250]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️✊🏿✊🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@latrekistaboricuablogger7421]

gracias for mentioning two of icons. one of my favorites is Maelo's "las caras lindas"...saludos de una hermana Boricua ❤️

[@ernestomoralesroman2110]

@@latrekistaboricuablogger7421 las caras lindas de mi gente negra son un desfile de velas en flor que cuando pasa frente a mi se alegra de su negrura todo el Corazón "" Tite Curet Alonzo"🇵🇷🙏🏿👏🏿

[@Misria12-14]

I’m half Puerto Rican and black! I’ve always been proud of both my heritage!!!

[@paulramirez8491]

Beatiful! Soy Mexicano pero salutations to all my Boricua brothers and sisters! Pa'rriva always!

[@nomeimportaelnombre7637]

Holaa mi hermanoo

[@BoricuaNyc]

👑💞💐🇵🇷

[@truffletrucker]

🇵🇷 🤞🏽 🇲🇽

[@wilsoncortes1562]

Los mexicanos unidos al borincano cantar coros con coros con El machete en la Mano

[@jorgehuerta6060]

I got chills from the music !!!!! Ancestors give us strength!!!!!! 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@philosophy20]

African history seems like it's at the core of almost EVERY country lol. That's so cool ✊🏽😌.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

You're right, African influence is deep and strong all over the world

[@AquilaLupus9]

More like almost every American culture because that's where, unfortunately, West Africans were forcibly transported during the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

[@nolaffinmatter]

Reminder that Puerto Rico is part of the United States!

[@elizabethparra4354]

@@nolaffinmatter to the US advantage and when is not needed they are forgotten #rememberhurricaneMaria

[@Korcasandromedaa]

Learn the history of puerto rico before talking.. This is not something people started doing because of BLM. Puerto rico is USA territory and in case you didn't know christopher the murderer columbus took hundreds of african slaves to puerto rico. Puerto ricans come from 3 Tainos Africanos Españoles That's who we are but puerto ricans born in the states many of them don't even know these dances very different then the puerto ricans born and raised in the island. My mother is afro puerto rican and this is what we grew up with.

[@SARAHDJ104]

Bomba to me is a lifeline to my ancestors. That's why every time I here the drums and see my/our beautiful dancers I cry . Honestly it's when I feel the closest to them my ancestors the most

[@TheMsbellez]

Omg me toooo everytime !!!!

[@joseanibalrios4181]

Very well documented. Our african roots are very alive in Puerto Rico. Our black community are Puertorriqueños and not labeled as African American. We do respect our roots and honor our heritage. Viva Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@AngelCancel]

This is so important for our people to understand. As she mentioned, there’s so much anti-blackness that is taught with our families. This helps our community understand their heritage and embrace their culture. Thank you for sharing and helping our communities heal from all those generational curses through music. Black and Proud! 💪🏽✊🏽

[@vanityposh]

Im sorry but our family was always taught to embrace our three races-we are all shade proud

[@ubuntuiqinisoofuna7852]

@@vanityposh Not true.

[@vanityposh]

@@ubuntuiqinisoofuna7852 if you read my comment you will see i wrote OUR - its not just your truth we live in a post truth society because of people like you

[@gg5508]

Not in Puerto Rico.

[@ubuntuiqinisoofuna7852]

@@vanityposh You like to tell yourself that. I’m sure there were micro aggressions and ignorant comments, here and there. Don’t lie to yourself - White Supremacy has yet to be defeated.

[@robertoacevedo6247]

At one point in Puerto Rico there was no news papers so the slaves that had travel pass would take the news town to town plantation to plantation with bomba music, 4th grade Puerto Rican history class, Mr Carmelo Pagan, I'm 55 and still remember!

[@latrekistaboricuablogger7421]

que lindo, they taught you that? danggggg. reading your comment put such a smile on my face. saludos, Boricua (raised in nyc).

[@robertoacevedo6247]

@@latrekistaboricuablogger7421 saludos y seneko kakona ( abundantes bendiciones en Taino)

[@robertoacevedo6247]

@@latrekistaboricuablogger7421 yes they taught that, my 4th grade teacher was Mr Carmelo Pagan one of the best teachers I ever had in 55 and still remember him.

[@dondi2129]

Africa continues to give give and give in so many ways. we owe a ton to our African ancestors.

[@teresai1877]

Yes so true!

[@ReggieAllchordz]

Thank you my brother... Myself African ancestors is Your ancestor too !! We are all family especially when it come to the drums and percussion instruments.

[@SuiteTaBuByA]

Yes especially those who were enslaved but refused to give up their traditions

[@melissaroldan7137]

The chills I just got hearing the “sica” being played, as well as the “yuba”. All of my life I have been around this, bc my father is a congero and plays these beats often. My God. I had no idea what the significance was. Time to soul search, to really reach into an understanding of my heritage. Thank you for this video.

[@ronniet71]

Young people educating the masses! Tears are in my eyes because this music is in my heart and is sooo beautiful. Thank you young people for the informing on the public, God bless all of you!!!

[@vargasmartin7143]

You should make more latinamerican genres. Like tango, cumbia, salsa, merengue, etc.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Yes we will! Thanks for watching Martín

[@thomaskane9464]

Especially cumbia! It would be interesting to analyze the differences between nations and how those regional differences within the same genre came to be.

[@joez6235]

They all sound like foods lol

[@RBB8S]

If anything they should do Cuban Rumba... with an interview with Roman Diaz or Pedrito Martinez since they live in the states.

[@EliotRayLugo]

Those are all Afro-latin rhythms, not “Latin American” ;-)

[@lizarrington3636]

I'm so glad you guys talked about puerto rico. Some people think we only have salsa and reggaeton but no. We have bomba. I was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico and bomba is popular bcuz it takes us back to our African roots. I was at the blm protest and saw people playing bomba music. I was so happy that I saw that bcuz basically they were showing their African roots and it kinda brought back memories back when I use to live in Puerto Rico and hear bomba music.

[@Abstract.Noir414]

Well reggaeton is borrowed music so essentially it isnt really puerto rican and merengue and bachata is more popular than salsa is in PR

[@lizarrington3636]

@@Abstract.Noir414 um in PR we don't really play bachata and merengue. Salsa is the main one. Idk where u got that from. In NYC it is popular bcuz it's mostly Puerto Ricans and Dominicans over here.

[@ChrisBX89]

@@Abstract.Noir414 reggaeton was created by Puerto Rican’s so how is it borrowed? & tf u talking about salsa is da main music of Puerto Rico. Ur lost bro

[@ChrisBX89]

@@lizarrington3636 did he really say bachata & merengue is more popular than salsa in Puerto Rico?🥴 I want what he’s smoking

[@lizarrington3636]

@@ChrisBX89 Ayo I don't know what this pendejo is smoking. We all know salsa is the main one and its better. He said bachata. Bachata? Jesùs Christo 🤦

[@trinidadiangoat]

This style of dance has many different names in specific Caribbean islands. In Trinidad and Tobago it is callled Bélé. However, it is also found in Martinique, St. Lucia, Dominica, Haiti, Grenada, Guadeloupe. It is of French origin but very similar to the Spanish influence in terms of the female attire and how they use the movement of the skirts. Trinidad also has a Spanish influence through colonization. The Caribbean islands have so many similarities in terms of culture and ways of life. Blesszzz

[@chyla1]

Thank you for sharing! Always nice to uncover the moments where we find our similarities instead of differences💗. There is a common thread that is woven throughout all of our history. This beautiful and powerful music was borne from that. On each and every island in the Caribbean. Unfortunately the drum was outlawed in America during slavery as it was seen as a tool of rebellion. Some places though, like coastal SC did retain the drum. Cool thing is that once you learn the drum, you can pretty much fellowship anywhere. I play Bomba and Bele’, but was able to jump in at a Bahamian Junkanoo fete! It was a wonderful experience ❤

[@atenraakhu7416]

A very educative documentary about Bomba and it's African roots. And let's not forget El Maestro Rafael Cortijo who was responsible along with Ismael Rivera to put the rhythms of Bomba and Plena out of Puerto Rico, to an International Level.

[@tank876288]

As a current DJ and a Retired U.S. Army Military Drummer, I give mad props to Sound Field educating myself & the rest of the world. DON'T STOP!!!💯💪🏾

[@alarcon99]

i'm thrilled that you are showcasing latin music and specially how it's linked to the African culture and experience.

[@carlogambino9476]

THATS AFRO-CARIBBEAN not Latin music

[@jeanrafael873]

@@carlogambino9476 it is Latin too because pr is Latin

[@carlogambino9476]

@@jeanrafael873 Last time I check Puerto Rico is in the CARIBBEAN. So it is AFRO-CARIBBEAN.

[@thomasrivera8626]

It also has some spanish roots...

[@jeanrafael873]

@@carlogambino9476 ok but it is also Latin, it would only be African if they were all African and spoke an African language, its has some African roots but also Spanish so it is both

[@mayragonzalezgonzalez2463]

I love my heritage viva Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@Radrook353]

I am proud of my European ancestry as I have a right to be. Stop demonizing everyone who doesn't feel exactly the way you do. We are all Puerto Rican regardless of our ancestries. Puerto Rican is a nationality-not a race.

[@Mrmo12]

Wish more people checked out this channel

[@eggy418ful]

I am a light skin Puerto Rican with black blood in my veins, that is why i love afro-tropical music so much!🇵🇷🇨🇺🇩🇴

[@Radrook353]

As a Puerto Rican raised the states, I grew up hearing boleros and Aguinaldo's , tangos, and Mexican and rancheras, with guitar accompaniment and mambos. Also, my primary interest and taste while growing up, was rock and roll of the du wop versions. So this bongo conga driven music, as well as its frenetic dancing is alien to me. Neither do I like salsa. I find it boring for being too repetitive both in themes and in melody.

[@anthonylezama1645]

Bomba is also big in Ecuador. There are african communities in the mountains of Ecuador who have a more Andian Style to their sound.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

This is cool insight thanks Anthony

[@anthonylezama1645]

@@SoundFieldPBS no problem, just search up "Valle Chota, Ecuador" and their you will see. Thank you for responding

[@anthonylezama1645]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWHUf6yciMqSmKs

[@PauletteTheNurse]

Bomba from PR 🇵🇷is different than bomba from Ecuador ! Different rhythm 🎵 different sound .

[@braulindisla-elburrodelaba5361]

Ecuador dominican republic Honduras cuba and many others countries

[@pshilaire]

Great video ! When hearing these amazing drum patterns and rhythmic structures, I can definitely hear similarities with Haitian traditional drum rhythms that also had a significant importance in the Haitian revolution. Similar drum sounds and patterns can also be heard in Cuba, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico and certainly in other countries that had African slaves … This is really amazing... These rhythms are unquestionably central to protest and are all linked to our African cultural, historical and spiritual heritage..

[@amyt2400]

@pshilaire 💯 Born out of pain and protest. Thank you for your insights. 🇭🇹

[@luiguibici]

Si vuelvo a nacer que Dios me de el privilegio de nacer en las montañas de mi Puerto Rico ❤️❤️❤️

[@juniorisclean]

Right true, Jibarito de corason ❤️🇵🇷👊🏾

[@scootafan]

there's so much about my culture and heritage that I don't understand or even know about and this channel always has a way of explaining it. Thank you.

[@hhjm26]

Bomba travels through your soul.💯 And let's not forget Plena which is so rich in its rythym also.

[@kqedarts]

Awesome episode! Thanks again for this collaboration opportunity and for sharing our work with your viewers.

[@puertorock1390]

The only way my great great grand parents could cry, sing, celebrate and express frustration while living under the most extreme of oppressive conditions! Bomba makes you free even if it’s only in your soul! But if your soul is free no chain can keep you shackled!!!

[@cjthibeau4843]

Yes! Such a great a multi faceted episode like always, get to learn so much on so many fronts! Always love when y’all upload!

[@tqxy24]

My dad is a born in NY Puerto Rican. It's nice to learn something about the culture 😊

[@aaronx8006]

Crazy we share a KZbin name

[@pacorodriguez1394]

I am proud of my African heritage!

[@ameliamartinezcruz7650]

Me too!

[@robertmoon9756]

💪🏾

[@dennistaylor6342]

I really enjoyed this... I’m a native New Yorker. Grew up in the South Bronx hearing Bomba while in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷. As an African American I felt a connection. And when I visited the slave museum. In Old San Juan. I could not hold back the tears. I love Puerto Rico and it’s people. We are one.✊🏾

[@marantillano1]

I am happily amazed by your documentary on Bomba music and how this genre is being played at Black Lives Matters demonstrations! I feel very proud that Puertorrican s are making an important contribution in American society. Thank you for your interest in our music and allowing us to be part of an important movement! Gracias!

[@truffletrucker]

Im Afro Puerto Rican and proud of it! 💪🏽💯

[@Kisuke94]

How have I slept on this channel for so long? This is great

[@lonniej5772]

I'm Puerto Rican it's good to see & hear our history.

[@RobertSaxy]

As a boricua how got moved from the island when I was almost an seven and then lived there again for about half a year and turned 9 there then living in Cuban Miami, these rhythms got infused in my blood from the time I lived on the island and by the music selections of my dad never knowing exactly what bomba is or what it meant yet it seeps out of me anytime I touch any instrument but especially when I play hands drums off any kind. My soul has used these rhythms in the ways you’ve shown them to mean with out me trying to. So I must say thank you for teaching me about my people and therefore myself and who during tough times I always go back to my drumming like the past two weeks that has felt like I’m been reclaiming my soul. Watching this video has greatly intensified my reclaiming of my soul, I can’t thank you enough for it (especially since I’m super poor these days and can’t be a financial supporter the way I wish I could be for this channel

[@radrook7584]

I was also brought to New York City from the island as a child, The Spanish music I initially heard were boleros sung by such Puerto Rican singers as Felipe Rodrigues, Paquitin Soto, and Johnny Alvino. These lead singers were invariably accompanied by a trio playing guitars. Later I was exposed to the Mambos of Perez Prado and to the Cuban music of Celia Cruz which my parents played . Then at approx. age 22, I began listening to the music of the Puerto Rican Gran Combo and to the Puerto Rican Aguinaldo's as sung by Jose Miguel Class. However, I never identified any of that music with any particular race. I simply accepted it as a cultural thing. Also, being bicultural, brought up in the USA, I very much preferred to listen to Rock and Roll sung by such artists as Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Bobby Rydell, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and later The Four Seasons. So my listening to Spanish music was because my parents would play those records. Also, I didn't view the songs I liked in English as expressions of any particular race either. I simply liked the songs for what they were- nice songs.

[@michipr0609]

This video is by far the best explanation of our Bomba history I have seen. Thank you for putting this together beautifully and out there for all to see the right way!

[@megaanderson97]

seeing how history and culture today intersect in these seemingly innocuous aspects of life is amazing. knowing the history allows you to connect so much more with the art forms.

[@jjorjj]

you should do one on capoeira

[@SoundFieldPBS]

This is an amazing suggestion yes

[@adyelkariu]

Yeeeess!!!!!

[@ShutItKyle]

Thats what I thought too

[@leslieblanco-velez5871]

What is capoeira? 😶

[@ShutItKyle]

@@leslieblanco-velez5871 "Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. It was developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil at the beginning of the 16th century. It is known for its acrobatic and complex maneuvers, often involving hands on the ground and inverted kicks."

[@abbanjo13]

I find it so interesting how there's some unified traits in traditional African dances and music within the diaspora. In Bahamas and Bermuda Junkanoo festivals mimic and poke fun at the former slave masters like Bomba as did the banyaprei dances of Suriname in the past. Carnival in Trinidad and other islands was used as the gathering sites of resistance until the 20th century. And Haitian traditional music names different percussion rhythms after their places of origin as some of the Bomba rhythms are.

[@dellouxx]

Discovering your channel and I’m loving your work so much! Thank you for enlightening us! You should do one episode on Congolese Rumba and it’s links with South America, especially Cuba, and on Soukouss music (which is a faster-paced derivative of rumba), which is a Congolese genre very popular in Columbia (Shakira played a snippet of it at her Super Bowl performance while she was dancing champeta). The history is so rich and interesting, with so much back and forth through the Black Atlantic

[@eddiegonzalez6824]

Im Puerto Rican and even though I don’t look like I have African ancestry my 18% African DNA dances and screams an emotional cry when I hear this music. keep it alive!!!!

[@Wdiazcharlotte]

Viva la bomba puertorriqueña 🇵🇷😊

[@angelgabriel4642]

Man!! Im Boricua away from the island and I live with this music, its on my playlist also Plena and its kinda sad that the world knows other rythms but our roots have been ignored! Great job!!

[@Heather-fx7sr]

I’m in Luiza now and so entranced and in love with the Bomba dancers! Thank you for this fantastic informational video, it was great to learn about the different rhythms

[@janbonne]

Amazing, I love all the music genres and histories y’all cover!

[@kintsugidotempo4217]

I'm so happy to discover this channel

[@tomvarnadoe4302]

There's a Book called When I was Puerto Rican...my life story. 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷 Caribbean Latin Music 🎶🎶🎶 is beautiful as well as Mexican and all Of S. America etc. 👍

[@amyt2400]

@tomvarnadoe4302 A must read!!

[@myadajanku]

Thank you so much for this video. I teach dance history at a university and my students often ask how is dance resistance and how is dance political. This video answers those questions and so much more

[@flymypg]

This is why I love Sound Field! It's easy to love music just because it's music. But it is so much easier to love it even more after you've learned a bit about it. I do have one request going forward: In the next episode, can we have Linda sing the script, LA get percussive with it, and have Nahre provide the keys to unlock it all?

[@marceloalmeida3850]

this was such an awesome video, congratulations guys! and if you allow me a suggestion, brazil has such an extensive and diverse culture of black resistence that is often, and sadly, unknown to many african americans and it would be so appreciated if you could make a video about it.

[@russelladams7627]

I agree

[@MarcosAlvarado_]

As someone from the island, this video means so much.

[@bao._____]

Aye, much love to Sound Field for blessings us wih so many different scenarios within music, thanks guys😀✊🏽

[@sacerdotusTV]

Fascinating stuff! I love this content. This music does reach the soul. There is a deep connection when one hears it.

[@Beryllahawk]

Such a wonderful video Such a vibrant, loud, beautiful sound I am so glad to see another video from you all

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Sonja you are the greatest and happy birthday! I hope tomorrow is as great as can be. Thank you always for watching and learning with us

[@Beryllahawk]

@@SoundFieldPBS Aw thank you!!! Big hugs for you all! I plan to stay right here, because I can't wait to see (and hear!) what y'all explore next!

[@fredericdondin]

Very similar to Gwo-ka music from Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles. We say Boula for the rythm drum and Makè for the solo drummer who also follows the dancer who can be a woman or a man. The dancer actually challenges the solo drummer.

[@LouisSerieusement]

can't believe this as not more views ! Thank you so much for sharing !

[@chyla1]

NJ Bombera here! This video makes me very happy! Deep down in my soul. Keep on bringing forth the knowledge and carrying on the tradition! To the beautiful cantante Ivelisse Diaz: Your voice is exquisitely powerful!❤️ Y Mateo, thank you for the wonderful overview! Nice job on the overview, everyone! I see y’all 😍 RIP Maestro Ayála🤍🤍 Bambula eh sea ya! 🛢️💃🏽🛢️💃🏽

[@jaypatton217]

This makes me so happy. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Just got a smile on my face. I know you've been patient for this one. Thanks Jay

[@sam2slow670]

They forget African Americans aren’t the only black people 🇵🇷💪🏾

[@Bladavia]

Wow, I didn't know that was the origin of "Bambula", that's a word we use a lot in slang French to say "a party"

[@philosophy20]

Niiiice, that's pretty cool.

[@ninahndz5880]

Puerto Rico has many French descendants. The first mayor of Vieques was French

[@listenup2882]

Sounds African to me.

[@listenup2882]

@@ninahndz5880 lots of Haitian descendants too.

[@zawarudozahandozadusto9626]

@@ninahndz5880 yeah 20% of all surnames in Puerto Rico are French

[@mini_worx]

Great video. Thank you for taking the time to research and speak to people who respect the history and meaning of Bomba. Pa'lante Siempre!

[@veky_witdagudhaircolon1671]

Omg I love this!!! As a child I spent summers in Puerto Rico when school was out and my family exposed me to all this beautiful culture ❤️

[@veronicapadilla9570]

Me encantó todo el video. Pero debo mencionar que la bomba no sólo representa a los afroboricuas. Representa a todo los puertorriqueños. Porque somos una mezcla de diferentes colores de pieles y cultura.

[@Wdiazcharlotte]

❤

[@carlogambino9476]

PUERTO RICAN BOMBA IS THE OLDEST AFRO- Caribbean GENRE. Also the African came to The Caribbean first.

[@senordiaz81]

Interesting! Can you give some credible source that would back this statement up? Ty!

[@gg5508]

@@senordiaz81 It’s always a Latino hating on us, looking for ways to discredit our history.

[@senordiaz81]

@@gg5508 so check this out huele huele...I'm Boricua born and raised in Chicago, but from the very first time on the island I knew one day I would be moving here, and I did! I live here now, while all mainland ricans cringe at the thought of moving to PR, I moved my company here and started employing Puertoricans... that's how much I hate... I know that PR people are pioneers and standouts head and shoulders above in many things, that does not make us better than anyone!!! the reason I ask for a credible source is because I would like to add that legit info to the long list of reasons why Ricans are da BOMB!

[@gboogie360]

@@senordiaz81 that's a fact.. I need that info also.. the information needs to be passed on

[@gg5508]

@@senordiaz81 If you were born and raised in United States? You’re not Puerto Rican. You just want to belong.

[@joseantonioserrano6103]

Bomba is the rhythm of the Boricua Heart... Love this! Bomba is part of Salsa music and other rhythms which means it will survive well into the future.

[@starortiz3483]

This is amazing 👏! BORICUA 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@TheCivico]

Excellent documentation about our culture!!! 🇵🇷

[@jhernandez310]

Que belleza, estoy lejos de mi tierra y como tanto la extraño. Preciosa historia.

[@darthbee18]

At this point I liked the video even before it started 😺😎✨ (Also love the colorful clothes draping LA's room (and the murals too) in this video, really brightens up the mood going into the winter 😄🙌🎆)

[@rider4life763]

Boricua!!! Glad I found this channel, so much knowledge and good people!

[@anthonycruz8833]

I love everything about my ancestors and the culture I’m a part of 🇵🇷❤️🤞🏽

[@leekleek1971]

This is a beautiful piece!!! Thank You for giving voice to our ancestors whose skin is multifarious. May our song and drum awaken the spirits of The Immortals to bring healing back to our sacred earth. 🙏

I loved the videos. Very informative about this beautiful rythim that belongs to all that want to embrace it.

[@kimc4905]

This is amazing!!!! Mi gente 🇭🇹🇵🇷❤️

[@eddiesoto2677]

RIP Benny met him many years ago in a Rumba. Very Humble Brother

[@josequiles6278]

no solo es bomba plena salsa tanbien el freestyle lo crearon los boricuas y italianos en los 80 la bachata tambien es boricua pero los dominicanos la adoptaron y isieron una obra de arte con ella porlo que se puede decir que es dominicana

[@jonathannolan4769]

Such great content! What will you come up with next?!? Flamenco? D.C. Go-go? Grindcore metal? Love the variety!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks Jonathan! What would you like to see us do next?

[@jonathannolan4769]

@@SoundFieldPBS I like when you cover music scenes, like the vogue scene, underground noise, music that encapsulates a city and shows us what's out there that we may not get turned onto otherwise. I also like the latin genres and what differentiates them. I play classical guitar, but can always use more insight on styles like Bossa Nova and tango to be sure I am interpreting correctly and I'm paying respect.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

@@jonathannolan4769 That's perfect cuz our next episode that's coming out is about the Jersey Club scene in Newark!

[@jonathannolan4769]

@@SoundFieldPBS LOVE NEWARK!!!

[@cultura1016]

Im from PR and this video is the one of the best if not the best explaining what BOMBA is congrats to you guys for this VIDEO Wow!!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@cazdlt]

The concept is really similar to Colombian "Bullerengue" family of music genres. What a cool video :)

[@carlogambino9476]

Vise versa

[@atinemassare]

I had no idea. Very interesting. I love history and music. And I loved seeing how that rythms unite a community

[@josephinevalentin6804]

Thank you so much .Wish I had grown up in P.R. Never heard of Bomba until later years. But I just love to hear and see the 💃 and hear the different sounds.

[@pedrobohio1]

This is an excellent piece about the meaning of Bomba. My deep appreciation for your enriching work. Aché

[@evelyngreen8797]

Que bueno saber las rutas de Puerto Rico🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@lonewolfjuannieves7059]

Didn't this video come out a few weeks ago? Anyway great video bomba is one of the many reasons I enjoy living in Borinken thank you very much and yes a video about Cumbia would be welcome.

[@JW-mg1sk]

Ayyyyyydiosmioooo When ivelisse started singing to my hometown Guayama I got hella goosebumps 😍🔥🔥🔥🔥 Bomba is in my soul, in my lineage in my blood that boils hot every time I hear drums.

[@YOULOOTWESHOOT101]

We’ve a very similar thing in Martinique 🇲🇶

[@JC-yf1tc]

Mi patria nuestras costumbres y tradiciones lo mejor del mundo 🇵🇷❤🇵🇷❤🇵🇷

[@josemanuel2244]

Great investigation! Saludos desde Puerto Rico

[@lx9037]

I love that an afro-Puerto rican was the interviewer!!!! I love that I learned something new. I’m not from Boriken. I’m from Ayiti. But I love this!!!!

[@reytherortega]

Terrific. Thank you for teaching us so much about the dance and music from Latin America.

[@devonrobertson8533]

I love this!! So many beautiful different styles of dance and music in the world.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

There is so much beauty in this world and we try to celebrate it with our show

[@devonrobertson8533]

@@SoundFieldPBS 💖💖💖🤗

[@Kalmar917]

People of the world should take PR as an example. If you look white, black, brown, Indian and from Puerto Rico, you are simply Puerto Rican. This is not the same in other countries including the US. PR is made of three races. Taino, African and European. We all from the island have that mix in our veins hence we cannot be against one another due to skin color. Your grandmother might have blonde hair, blue eyes and white and your other grandmother on your other side might be black or brown. To PR is doesn’t matter we are simply Puerto Rican and we embrace all our roots and where they come from. Wish other countries would do the same.

[@stephendulajr.8124]

Interesting how similar to this is to Nyabingi drumming from Jamaica! I like them both! Thank you! Respect and One Love!

[@DojoOfCool]

Thank you your videos are ear and mind opening.