Dutch Caribbean music: tambú, tumba and papiamento
The former Netherlands Antilles (dissolved in 2010) included Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire (the “ABC islands”) as well as Sint Maarten, Saba and Saint-Eustache. Their music is deeply influenced by African traditions, the papiamento language and exchanges with the entire Caribbean region. Tumba and tambú are the dominant ancestral musical expressions.
Tambú / tumba: the quintessential Afro-Antillean music
Tambú (or tambú) is the ancestral musical genre and dance of the ABC islands. Tambú descends directly from African traditions brought by slaves during the Dutch colonial period. It is a cylindrical drum originally played inside empty barrels, covered with goat skin. Tambú is accompanied by the wiri (metal scraper, similar to the Dominican güira or Caribbean güiro), triangle and modern instruments. Tambú is played during street festivals, community gatherings and traditional celebrations.
Tumba: the Curaçao tumba
Tumba is the dominant carnival musical genre of Curaçao, closely linked to tambú but with more elaborate arrangements and orchestral direction. Tumba is the music of the Curaçao carnival and is played with drums, wiri and brass instruments. Tumba groups compete in the annual carnival competitions.
Dande: New Year tradition on Aruba
On Aruba, dande is a musical New Year tradition (before December 31st). Dande groups parade through the streets singing and playing tambú. This tradition is deeply rooted in Aruban culture and brings together local communities.
Cah’i orgel: a unique instrument on Aruba
The cah’i orgel is a small clay wind instrument, a kind of traditional Aruban ocarina. It is an instrument unique to the culture of Aruba, used in folk dances such as pasjè (dance of freed slaves) and popular festivals.
Kaseko and other influences
Kaseko is a Guyanese Afro tradition that shares roots with tumba/tambú rhythms. Soca and calypso, both from Trinidad, are also popular in the Dutch islands, particularly on Sint Maarten.
References
[1] Caribbean Currents, ch08 — French and Dutch Caribbean, Manuel & Largey (Temple University Press) [2] « Music of Curaçao », Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Curaçao [3] « Tambú and Tumba », Afropop Worldwide, https://www.afropop.org/genre/dutch-caribbean
