Conga
Introduction
Background
Traditions
Instrumentation
Media
The Cuban Conga
"La Conga" is one of the most authentic cuban musical traditions, one that makes everyone move. Santiago de Cuba is where the biggest, best and hosttest congas are found, they all gathers in the Santiago the Cuba Carnivals for the best Conga show in the world. In this video the conga is performed by childrens as a practice for the later Santiago´s Carnival opening that same day. Original music by Yaso. More Cuba videos at cubavideos.com
Conga Los Hoyos Invasiòn!
The Los Hoyos conga is a famous musical ensemble from the Los Hoyos district in Santiago de Cuba. Its founding date is unknown but it was already established in 1902. Originally consisting of instruments such as a pilón, bocúes, and a cowbell, the group has evolved over the years to incorporate various instruments, including redoblantes, campanas, quinto, and requinto. In 1916, Los Hoyos became one of the first groups to incorporate the corneta china, a defining feature of Cuban carnival music. During carnival season, Los Hoyos performs traditional invasions, marching around the streets of Santiago and visiting other famous congas. They also close the traditional parades of the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba, paying homage to the Army of Liberation and the War of Independence.
Añaranza por la conga - Sur Caribe
Añoranza por la Conga" by Sur Caribe features a unique blend of traditional Cuban conga music with modern orchestration. The song showcases the versatility of the conga style by incorporating elements such as strings, brass, electric piano, and bass, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape. With the addition of a vocalist, the song offers a complete musical experience, capturing the essence of the timeless conga tradition while also pushing the boundaries of the genre. \n \n The lyrics are in Spanish and are about a woman named Micaela who has gone to another land in search of paths, imposed upon her by fate, good or bad. She lives crying, suffering and thinking about her "wine," which is not wine, but rather the conga, the symbol of the carnavales of Oriente. The people say she is dying and wants what she does not have, which is to participate in the conga. The singer (Chago) says that the conga is what Micaela is missing, and that he himself is a conguero, not a rocker. He says to take care of your partner and not to play with saints. The best congueros have discipline, and they should continue with the conga. The song ends with the singer saying that the singers should sing, and the people of Santiago should keep moving forward.