CHIVA RUMBERA

Traditionally performed with percussion and original flutes, there are already written records from the 16th century relating to the existence of something similar to Cumbia, during indigenous festivals near Mompox, south of Barranquilla, in the Caribbean region of Colombia.

Created at the initiative of saxophonist/clarinetist Romain Meunier, "CHIVA RUMBERA" brings together 9 musicians from the Tours music scene. Their repertoire oscillates between original compositions and reinterpretations of Cumbia standards, the emblematic music of the Colombian Caribbean coast.
Whether outdoors or indoors, the Chiva (the name given to the colorful buses typical of rural Colombia) will take you to your destination: dance and tropical warmth! ¡¡Qué Bacano la Chiva Rumbera!!

Although the origin of the word "Cumbia" is still debated, what is certain is that this music is the result of the syncretism of African and indigenous music which has continued to evolve and blend over the centuries, with, for example, the appearance of the accordion in Colombia at the end of the 19th century, which replaced the flutes.

It was in the mid-1930s with the creation of the "Discos Fuentes" label that the desire to popularize Cumbia around the world was born by incorporating modern instruments such as the trumpet, saxophone, trombone or clarinet, and by creating large orchestras and brass bands in the image of the jazz "Big Bands" that flourished at the same time in the United States.

It is therefore through this latter form that CHIVA RUMBERA reinterprets titles which today make Colombia proud to the point of being considered, for some, as second National Anthems.