The music of Curaçao encompasses sounds and rhythms from all over the
world. Throughout the island's history, a wide array of ethnic groups
have made long-lasting contributions. European influences include the
Austrian waltz, Spanish dansa, Bohemian
polka, French quadrille, and many more. These rhythms were introduced
mainly by the Jewish colonists and caught on quickly.
But the most influential music and dance came from Africa, including the
following styles:
Tambú
Also called the Curaçao blues. First used by
Curaçaon slaves to express their sorrow and
frustration with life's hardships. Basic instruments: the tambu (drum), kachu
(cow's horn), agan (piece of iron or a
ploughshare), and chapi (hoe). Clapping,
usually by the women of the island, accompanies the music. This distinctive binary measure African dance style, combines
isolation of body parts with elaborate hip gyrations.
Seú
The traditional rhythms of Curaçao's harvest festival. Originally a
festive march through the fields, the seú is
made up of graceful dance steps, called "wapa," mimicking the movements used in planting and
harvesting. Early in the 20th century, the opening of the oil refinery and
corresponding decrease in agriculture resulted in the end of the
traditional seú. Today the dance is performed
only in Willemstad's annual folklore parade on Easter Monday, and
enjoys the participation from more than 2,000 Curacoans of all ages.
Tumba
This is one of the most important forms of Curaçao music. The style
originated in Africa, although the name comes from a 17th century Spanish
dance. As its rhythm evolved-under influence of the merengue and other
Afro-Caribbean beats, as well as jazz-the tumba became Curaçao's most popular dance tune.
Today's tumba is best known for its part
in the official Carnival Road March.
Labor
Songs
These songs helped encourage a constant working pace during digging,
rowing, and other labor. There would always be an accompanying presenter
who knew the repertoire by heart. Labor songs were sung in semi-Papiamentu
(Seshi) or in Guene (Afro-Portuguese dialects of the African west
coast). Over 1,500 of these songs are known.
Music Today
The music and dance of today's Curaçao draws heavily on outside
traditions-including merengue, calypso, reggae, salsa, and
cha-cha-cha-incorporating Papiamentu words and rhythms of African origin to
create an altogether original style.
Although Curaçao has no permanent professional classical orchestras or
ensembles, chamber groups sometimes come together for special concerts.
Occasionally, visiting musicians come from South America, Europe, and the
United States, but local talent hold their
own admirably at the island's major jazz festival.
Curaçoan music can be heard in a variety of venues through out the island
check the K-Pasa entertainment guide or visit K-Pasa.com prior to your
visit.
Curaçaoan Opera Singer wins Dutch Edison
Award
Mezzo soprano Tania Kross was born in Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles
in 1976. She studied voice at the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten in Utrecht. In
recent years Tania Kross has been awarded various important prizes: a first
prize by the Stichting Jong Muziektalent Nederland, first prize in the
Cristina Deutekom Concours 2000, an incentive prize in the Rosa Ponselle
International Competition for Vocal Arts (New York), the NPS Cultuur Prijs
2000 and the Dutch Edison Award 2006. Tania Kross has performed in several
opera productions. In 2006 she is performing arias from Carmen with the
Residentie Orchestra. She will have her debut with the Rotterdam
Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev, release her second
solo cd on the Philips label and she will debut with the Royal
Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Philippe Herreweghe.
