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Artists 2001
Afro Cuban rite music with a touch of night clubs? Whenever Mirta González and her band play at a wedding or a party back in Havana, they play music that is a beautiful and tasteful mix of African drums, spiritual prayers and elegant violin music from the parlours of the 1930s! This spicy music is deeply influenced by the history of the Cuban slavery and the Conquistadors, as well as the diverse religious beliefs. The music, often performed by a so-called violin-band, lead a parallel life with the other, more famous, styles of music that exist on the island, such as son-music. The music was originally used for Afro Cuban rites and religious festivities. In the spiritual logbook of Cuba there are many entries mentioning the explosive and animating meetings between the gods of the African slaves and the Christian saints – they still perform complex religious ceremonies where the most diverse credos seem to enjoy each other’s company. And in those ceremonies, the music plays a very important role! In the 30s the island’s authorities on Cuba decided to be more tolerant towards different religions and at the same time, instruments and music from Europe were introduced and it didn’t take long before these factors created something new. Soon, a French violin would accompany the African Bata-drum! Mirta González’ down-to-earth gospel is perfect for dancing! On Cuba you would do the Orisha-dance, God’s dance. You can hear the rolling rhythms of Africa, the crooning violins, the guitar, the sturdy double bass and of course the deep-blue vibrant voice of the leading lady – who often leads the characteristic call-and-response-song. Mirta González and her eight piece band have only played outside Cuba twice before. This will be her first time in Sweden. | Thursday
The Dance Hall 22.00 |
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Mirta González
- Cuba