Why Puerto Rican Bomba Music Is Resistance

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Bomba is an ancient genre of resistance from Puerto Rico created by enslaved people on the island over 400 years ago. Recently, bomba music has been a staple of Black Lives Matter protests calling back to its roots as a music of resilience. Together, hosts Linda Diaz and LA Buckner break down the musical and cultural elements that make bomba, bomba. Ivelisse Diaz of Bomba con Buya teaches Linda about bomba singing, and LA learns bomba drum rhythms.

Want to learn more about bomba? Check out If Cities Could Dance's video:

Want more Latin rhythms? Check out our video on bachata!

[hash]

I'm african, I'm so proud of them. after all the suffering and struggles they went through for centuries they remain strong and unbroken.

[RayGonz]

My great-great grandfather was a Bomba drummer, and his wife a dancer. That's how they met. Four generations later, I'm the second drummer of the family and only God knows how proud I am about that.

[elisardososa]

If you're Puerto Rican you can feel this in your soul...

[alyrios]

Bomba is one of those things that I love about being Puerto Rican. You hear those drums and can't help it, you move even if you don't know how to properly dance bomba.

[alexhertz]

I am not Puerto Rican, but many years ago, when I was in college at SUNY Binghamton, the Latin American Student Union created a bomba and plena performing group. I was a pretty good drummer, and so the head of the group asked me to join. What a privilege and honor it was for me to be included as a drummer in that fantastic group. I was totally accepted and had a blast traveling, performing, and having the dancers challenge me to keep up with their incredible steps, but honestly, I learned so much more from this video. Inspiring!

[jorgehuerta]

I got chills from the music Ancestors give us 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[ernestomoralesroman]

Forgot to mention Rafael Cortijo Cortijo and Ismael Rivera they took the Bomba music and revive it. Que Viva Rafael Cortijo and Ismael Rivera 🇵🇷👏🏿🙏🏿 R.I.P. never forget

[joseobregon]

I'm from Mayaguez in Puerto Rico and my Great grandmother Victoria Ruiz Nadal was a very well known Bomba dancer along with my great uncle Aristarco Alfonso...at family get togethers my family would play Bomba, sing and dance. I will Cherish those memories....I'm proud of our culture and heritage. Victoria Manda miss you Abuela and Tio....I will always have you in my heart.

[Misria-]

I’m half Puerto Rican and black! I’ve always been proud of both my heritage!!!

[paulramirez]

Beatiful! Soy Mexicano pero salutations to all my Boricua brothers and sisters! Pa'rriva always!

[marcosdelossantos]

Dancing the way back to our roots!✊🏽

Im an Afro Mexican and we have a dance called “Obalata” which was originated in western Nigeria. Us blacks Mexicans we are descendants of the Igbo Tribe in Nigeria.

[ronniet]

Young people educating the masses! Tears are in my eyes because this music is in my heart and is sooo beautiful. Thank you young people for the informing on the public, God bless all of you!!!

[SARAHDJ]

Bomba to me is a lifeline to my ancestors. That's why every time I here the drums and see my/our beautiful dancers I cry . Honestly it's when I feel the closest to them my ancestors the most

[melissaroldan]

The chills I just got hearing the “sica” being played, as well as the “yuba”. All of my life I have been around this, bc my father is a congero and plays these beats often. My God. I had no idea what the significance was. Time to soul search, to really reach into an understanding of my heritage. Thank you for this video.

[atenraakhu]

A very educative documentary about Bomba and it's African roots. And let's not forget El Maestro Rafael Cortijo who was responsible along with Ismael Rivera to put the rhythms of Bomba and Plena out of Puerto Rico, to an International Level.

[elle.roiproductions]

I was in a Bomba band in highschool. I was a lead singer and male/female dancer. We taught at schools etc. I;m also a Black Puerto Rican. Like this young woman said I found my culture and voice through Bomba. Thank you for bringing this art form to a wider audience

[dondi]

Africa continues to give give and give in so many ways. we owe a ton to our African ancestors.

[joseanibalrios]

Very well documented. Our african roots are very alive in Puerto Rico. Our black community are Puertorriqueños and not labeled as African American. We do respect our roots and honor our heritage. Viva Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[AngelCancel]

This is so important for our people to understand. As she mentioned, there’s so much anti-blackness that is taught with our families. This helps our community understand their heritage and embrace their culture. Thank you for sharing and helping our communities heal from all those generational curses through music. Black and Proud! 💪🏽✊🏽

[trinidadiangoat]

This style of dance has many different names in specific Caribbean islands. In Trinidad and Tobago it is callled Bélé. However, it is also found in Martinique, St. Lucia, Dominica, Haiti, Grenada, Guadeloupe. It is of French origin but very similar to the Spanish influence in terms of the female attire and how they use the movement of the skirts. Trinidad also has a Spanish influence through colonization. The Caribbean islands have so many similarities in terms of culture and ways of life. Blesszzz