Groove to the tunes with Colombian Beats

It is a cliché but it is also true that music has no language. All one needs is the rhythm to get in the groove. Delhiites were recently hit by the joropo hurricane from Colombia as people got to witness a concert at the India International Centre by Cimarrón — a group who perform joropo music, originating from the plains of the Orinoco River in the South American country. The style is known for its global and contemporary sound.

The band’s music combines Andalusian, Indigenous American and African music. Artists Anaveydober Ordoñez Triana, Carlos Daniel Quimbaya Balcazar, Carlos Rojas Hernandez, Christhian Gabriel Vega Salcedo, Jimmy Andres Gallego Mendez and Wileiner Rodriguez Buitrago, form the six-piece. Exotic instruments such as a four-stringed cuatro, harp, maracas, Peruvian-flamenco cajón, Brazilian surdo and Afro-Colombian Tambora can be relished during one of Cimarrón’s performances. As for the singing, joropo ensues a very fast-paced style; one that is deeply rooted in tradition, stomp dancing and a fierce play of strings and percussions.

But what does Cimarrón mean? In a chat with Carlos Rojas Hernandez, we learn, “In Spanish, Cimarrón means something or someone that has been domesticated and then becomes wild.” This way, the soul of the band has been captured in its name. The band’s biggest influence is Western African music, followed by tunes from southern Spain. Carlos continues, “The primary purpose of this music is to serve and set up the base for dance.”  

He points out that every instrument plays a role, making the group a complete package, and adds, “The harp is very traditional in South America and the four-stringed cuatro is for harmony. The other melodic instruments, like the Peruvian-flamenco cajón and the Brazilian surdo, are used to complement the professional setting. We also use the electric bass to weigh in a more complex sound.” Even though this is not the group’s first time bringing a twist of Colombian music to the Indian public, it was the first time the six-piece was present in the capital.  

Carlos and the group have performed in many places around the world. Interestingly, even after having done so for long, the nerves are always felt. “It (nerves) is a very important component of being present on stage. While the concert is advancing, you get more control over your nerves. But towards the end of the concert, there are songs that are more complex and challenging. Yet, sometimes towards the end of the concert, you start to feel calm.”

On being asked about what makes Colombian music, more specifically joropo, so special and attractive, he explains, “All the music of Colombia is a product of influences. Joropo music is one such style that better reflects that special mix of influences.”

One of the key achievements this group has had is being nominated for a Grammy Award. But their success has hardly been affected. Carlos continues, “I think the best opportunity for this band is in the future and not in the past. We have achieved so little. We have to work to achieve what we are dreaming about,” he gushes.

On a concluding note, he provides an insight into their shared dream. He says, “The dream is to perform in all the countries of the world. We want to play in front of audiences in every country because every place has a personality. We want to confront our spirits and emotions with every culture in the world. ”