Recuerdo de Cumbia

“Recuerdo de Cumbia” by Sonora De Margarita is a vibrant homage to the rich cultural tapestry of cumbia music. The song's lyrics delve into the deep roots of cumbia, a genre that originated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The opening lines describe how the rhythm of cumbia courses through the veins of the singer, especially when watching their partner dance. This imagery highlights the infectious and captivating nature of cumbia, which has the power to move both the body and soul.

The song also paints a vivid picture of the dance itself, with the dancer's feet stirring up the sand and creating melodies in harmony with the waves. This connection to nature underscores the organic and communal aspects of cumbia, which often brings people together in celebration. The reference to the moon and the dance of the “negros” (a term that, in this context, refers to the African heritage of the dance) acknowledges the African influence on cumbia, which is a blend of Indigenous, African, and Spanish musical traditions.

Historical references are woven throughout the song, such as mentions of Christopher Columbus and the arrival of the Spanish with their three ships. The lyrics speak of the cries, chains, and struggles that forged the “cumbia negra,” a term that reflects the genre's origins in the African slave communities. The song also evokes the legendary and heroic spirit of the Indigenous warriors, adding another layer to the cumbia's storied past. The recurring imagery of the Caribbean, with its roaring waves and drumming, symbolizes the birth and enduring spirit of cumbia, a dance and music style that continues to inspire and unite people across generations.