A podcast centred around socially reflective music and musicians from Curaçao. One of many conversations between Selwyn de Wind and Mathijs “Rozaly” Reinen about Curaçaoan music. Musical pioneers or rebels from the island and their story. Music by Guy Ball, Russel Soleana, Mirtha Salesia, Rudy Plaate and many more.

Ranson: Mano a Mano #02

The Afro-Curaçaoan Tambú genre is not only a dance-able genre, but also a way of life and belief. Tambú was a crucial element for enslaved people during colonial times. In order to resist repression on all expressions of afro descendants on Curaçao. Till today it is mostly played and practiced during the end of the year. The typical instruments - ‘Kueru’ and ‘Chapí’ - are being played and accompanied by critical lyrics till the early morning. 
 
I share with you today a short history of recorded Tambú from Curaçao. 
 
The first public Tambú songs were recorded by Horacio Hoyer on old 78RPM shellac records in the year of 1947 In the neighborhood of Buena Vista. Which took place at the house of Señora Graciela. Four Tambú songs were recorded for Shon Colá. This was actually 5 years before Tambú was legally allowed.
 
The tycoon of show business, Angel Job, also started recording and releasing Tambú on 45RPM singles, which was a music medium mostly used for jukeboxes in the bars and cafes in Curaçao. After 1969 Tambú became more commercial. But starting in the 80s, Tambú groups started to release their music on 12” vinyl records, and afterwards cassettes and CDs. 
 
I created a selection of Tambú from an extensive collection. Mostly releases from the 80s and 90s from the previous century. Songs by Tambu di Pincho i su Grupo, Zojojo i su Grupo, Beno i su Grupo, Grupo Trinchera and Tambú singers like Basilel, Norma Gosepa, Shon Cola, Elia Isenia and Harry Zimmerman.  
 
This selection also entails some Tambú songs influenced by organs. From regular/known bands like Super 8, Super Dynamic, Doble RR and Los Locos Samson. Releasing an album at the end of the year without Tambú is like not releasing an album.
 
Till today Tambú is the most solid expression against repression of the Afro-Curaçaoans. 
 
This is Tambú di Kompayo 2023 vinyl-set. Or better said “Amplifier Toka Disco”. My name is Selwyn de Wind and this is Ranson Music Archive. 
 
We want to thank Garage Noord. The alternative club of Amsterdam who opened their doors for  this recording and story-telling.

Tracklist
01 Donny - Kompa Nanzi i Shon Arei
02 Pincho i su grupo & Elia Isenia - Victoria
03 Pincho i su grupo & Basilel -  Santeria
04 Norma Gosepa -  Trampa
05 Beno Martis -  Piep Piep
06 Watawa y su Plantacion nobo -  Telegram 
07 Shon Cola i Grupo Trinchera - Banana
08 Zojojo i su grupo - Dal un dal dos Spanta
09 Pincho i su grupo - E ta sirbibu
10 Pincho i su grupo - Nan a batie
11 Zojojo i Mystica Stefania - Rin tin tin
12 Basilel - Porongombe ya cayo
13 Pincho i su grupo & Elia Isenia - Baha fo'i mi lomba
14 Los Locos Samson - Mirabal
15 Doble RR Super Special Stars - Auto bieuw
16 Super 8 - Chela
17 Grupo Enos - Mucha Mester Tende
18 Indiscutible Super Dynamic - Hulanda Mi Ta Bai, Atrobe


Produced by Selwyn de Wind & Mathijs Reinen
Camera: Daniel Milton
Gaffer: Neldrick Martis
Photography: Tamira Koeiman
Sound mixing: Selwyn de Wind

Tambú di Kompayo 2024 | Selwyn de Wind selects Tambú on vinyl

El Wincho | Magic Triangle of Afro-Caribbean heritage: West-Africa, Curaçao and Cuba

RANSON: Curaçao Music Heritage Archive

A platform contributed to the musical heritage of Curaçao and its forgotten stories, musicians and music. 

By Selwyn de Wind and Rozaly

RANSON: Curaçao Music Heritage Archive

Popular tracks