Negra Tomasa

Negra Tomasa, a song by Sergio Umbria, delves into the life and legacy of a woman born into a complex social and racial context in Birongo, Edo Miranda. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Tomasa's origins, being the daughter of an enslaved mother, Dorotea Castro, and a powerful white landowner. This dual heritage places Tomasa in a unique position within the societal hierarchy of her time, allowing her to navigate both worlds with a blend of resilience and grace.

The song emphasizes Tomasa's spiritual significance, describing her as a spirit of high light, a beacon of strength and love for her spiritual children. This portrayal elevates her story from a mere historical account to a symbol of enduring strength and maternal care. Her upbringing, despite the constraints of her mother's enslavement, is marked by a sense of privilege and responsibility, as she is raised as the sole heir to the estate. This duality in her life—being both a product of enslavement and an inheritor of wealth—highlights the complexities of identity and legacy in a colonial context.

Tomasa's marriage at the age of 16 to Don Ismael Yaguarú, a much older landowner, further underscores the societal norms and expectations placed upon her. Despite the significant age difference and the lack of descendants from this union, Tomasa's life is portrayed as one of endurance and adaptation. The song's repetitive structure, recounting her birth and lineage, reinforces the importance of remembering and honoring one's roots, no matter how complicated or painful they may be. Through this narrative, Sergio Umbria not only tells the story of Negra Tomasa but also invites listeners to reflect on themes of heritage, resilience, and the enduring impact of one's origins.