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 The Columbia is a form of Rumba often described as being in 6/8 time (though this is a simplification), which is played at a fast tempo. It is the oldest surviving form of Rumba, and unlike the urban Yambú and Guaguancó, it emerged in the rural areas around Matanzas. In fact an early style was called Ñongo, a word used to describe something from the country. It was named Columbia after a hamlet close to the railway near Sabanilla in Matanzas province where rumberos gathered. The instrumentation is usually the same as for Guaguancó: three drums, a bamboo 'cata' or 'guagua' beaten with sticks, and a 'chekere' or 'maruga' (shaker), but in the traditional group, a metal timekeeper such as a 'guataca' (hoe-blade) or bell is used instead of the clave. The 'Lloraos' (cries) of the 'Gallo' (lead singer) are particularly plaintive and reminiscent of Flamenco. In songs, along with the Spanish, there are often words from the languages of the major Afro-Cuban religions.
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 The dance is for solo dancers, usually in succession, to demonstrate their skill and virtuosity in a spirit of competition. A dancer sometimes balances a glass of water or a candle on the head, manoeuvres around a bottle blindfolded, or stabs knives close to the body. It is generally for male dancers, but there have been a few notable women who danced Columbia. There is a significant influence from the exclusively-male Abakuá religion both on the dance and the music. During the danced section of the Columbia, there is rhythmic interplay between the dancer and the drummer playing the quinto. Listen to Columbia Havana Style |