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BombaYo, a youth project dedicated to preserving the rich Afro Puerto Rican tradition of Bomba.
BombaYo took its name from several meanings of YO
Yo, is "I" in Spanish, or self - "I am Bomba"
Yo, English slang to call one's attention, as in "Hey, it's Bomba"
Yo' , short in English from Your, "Your Bomba"
Bomba was developed in Puerto Rico over 300 years ago by enslaved Africans from parts of West Africa and the Kongo region and also includes influences from the Spanish colonizers and native Taino people. Bomba is more of an experience than a show. It's where singing, dancing and drumming come together in a community celebration of life. Boricuas on the island and stateside are reviving this tradition and in turn uncovering part of their cultural heritage.
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About BombaYo
BombaYo emerges from the streets and schoolyards of the Bronx, where salsa and hip hop were born. Under the direction of Jose L. Ortiz aka Dr. Drum and Melinda Gonzalez, this group of teens brings youthful energy to a centuries old Afro Puerto Rican music and dance tradition. BombaYo starts from within. At the core is a connection to the soul, where drum and dance become one. African inspired call and response singing complete the synergy. Beyond the appeal of a performance, they create an inviting and engaging experience. In the spirit of Sankofa, BombaYo draws from the bomba tradition to enrich their lives and embrace their cultural legacy.
In a short time, the group had been invited to perform at schools, youth conferences and Latino Heritage Month events across NYC, National Women’s Heart Day at Madison Sq Garden’s Expo Center, and an off Broadway performance. The group has shared their musical talents at sweet sixteens, funerals and other social gatherings.
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Go to Eventful.com for scheduled performances.
Type in bombayo under the what search section. |
Jose Ortiz
aka Dr. Drum, a Bronx native, is a self taught percussionist of Afro Caribbean rhythms. For the past 9
years, he has been involved with various afterschool programs throughout NYC and has developed original curricula for teaching
percussion to young people. His students have been on Broadway, at Madison Square Garden, consulates, galas
and conferences, schools, and community events. Presently, he co founded and is musical director of BombaYo Youth Project.
He has been a percussionist for local groups, such as Segunda Quimamba, Alma Moyo, Los Bomberos de Brooklyn and Co chaired
a committee for the Bomba Research Conference.
His engaging style encourages children and families to explore their
own son musicality. He sees this art form as a vehicle for self discipline and motivation, cultural affirmation and
educational excellence.
Available for: Performances, Presentations, Lecture demonstration, Community events,
Social gathering