Artist Profiles: Tabanka

Tabanka – Photo by Bas van der Wel

Rotterdam-based band Tabanka plays lively music from Cape Verde. The band was inspired by artists from an earlier generation, such as Bulimundo and Américo Brito. Tabanka performs a contemporary version of funaná, a danceable and energetic music of the Cape Verdean island of Santiago. Funaná is the music of the descendants of slaves that was combined in the 1980s with pop and jazz. It became part of the Cape Verdean identity after independence. The foundation for Funaná is the diatonic accordion (gaita) and the ferrinho, a metal rod with notches which is grated.

The lineup in 2018: Pai Gomes on gaita, lead vocals; Tati Gomes on drums, vocals; Jason Gomes on bass; Jerry Gomes on percussion, vocals; Hat Gomes on percussion, vocals; Tomas on percussion, vocals; Landy on guitar and vocals.

Discography:

Spertador (Tabanka, 2018)

Author: Angel Romero

Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.

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