Afro-Futuristic Colombian band Ghetto Kumbé was founded at the end of 2014 by three musicians from the culturally rich and diverse Caribbean coast of Colombia. The lineup includes singer and electronic beats producer El Guajiro (Edgardo Garcés), percussionist Chongo (Juan Carlos Puello), and percussion maestro Doctor Keyta (Andrés Mercado).
The music of Ghetto Kumbé propels you on a joyful journey through time and space, where borders no longer exist and drums and dance abound. Ghetto Kumbé skillfully fuses traditional sounds with modern electronic aesthetics and rhythms. For example, their use of call and response vocals come from the indigenous Colombian tradition called gaita, and the hand drums and fast rhythms they incorporate come from Afro-Colombian traditions. The group also uses the marimba, which comes from the Pacific Coast tradition of Colombia.
Ghetto Kumbé released its first full-length album in 2020 on pioneering South American electronic label ZZK Records. The self-titled debut album combined call-and-response vocals, a wide range of hand drums and rhythms, coupled with the elegant production of electronic music, specially tech and house, with a message denouncing inequalities and abuses imposed by corrupt governments. For example, their first single, ‘Vamo a Dale Duro’, criticized the unjust divide between the poor and the rich, the rising prominence of dirty politicians, and the ethics of the capitalist system while encouraging people to stand up and fight for a dignified existence.
Ghetto Kumbé uses tribal masks and puts together a show that is both a drumming ritual and a dance party. The band has become one of the most important alternative groups to come out of Colombia. Their tribal and ancient, yet modern sound, has made them a leading act in both the Afrohouse electronic music scene and a regular at world music festivals.
Discography:
Kumbé, EP (2016)
Soy Selva, EP (Galletas Calientes, 2017)
Ghetto Kumbé (ZZK Records, 2020)
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.