Based in New York City KumbaCarey is a dynamic ensemble of Afro-Dominican music, which honors the preservation of important cultural traditions from the Dominican Republic. In 1999 the late Master percussionist Boni Raposo founded La 21 Division which delivered notions of the African heritage in the Dominican culture through lecture demonstrations, workshops and live performances, inside and outside of the New York State area. In February, 2007 Boni passed away leaving behind a legacy of learning from the men and women in the Dominican country side who have maintained traditions alive.
Today KumbaCarey continues the legacy of La 21 Division. Directed by Master Dancer Pedro Raposo, the ensemble performs and recreates based on traditional rhythms such as Palos, Congos, Bambula, Machaco, Mangulina and Carabine. Of no less importance are rhythms such as Merengue and Gaga. KumbaCarey has performed in venues such as Hostos Community College Center for the Arts (Quijombo Festival, 2007), Lincoln Center’s La Casita Concert series (summer, 2009), and the Rockland County Folk Festival (2008 and 2009).
“A Song of Praise to Mother Natureâ€, KumbaCarey plays homage to the Villa Mella Congo tradition which celebrates the transcendence of Life through the song of Kumba. Through the sea turtle Carey, KumbaCarey honors the Caribbean Sea, that infinite mass of water through which thousands of men and women arrived to our shores and gave us their sweat and their dreams. By bringing our music, our songs and our dance to today’s world audiences and beyond KumbaCarey continues the legacy in honor all of our ancestors.
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