Energy: When the power of the traditional drums’ rumblings transcends deeply into my soul, yet I am here struggling to express the feeling using my words.

Today, I share a story where the rhythmic beats of the drums touched my receptive heart, transporting me to a melodious setting that captivated all my senses. The atmosphere was permeated with a readiness to inhale this effervescent rhythm, a connection so palpable it felt within arm’s reach. It is an orange-hued, energetic, circular, elevated, and vibrant sound; or at least, that is how I perceive it. A sound that has the power to uplift even the most oppressed of hearts.

How it all began:

Centuries ago, an Afro-descendant beat emerged, initially performed by women as a cultural response within maroon communities, carrying connotations of puberty and fertility. This rhythmic expression intricately interlaced profound sentiments and evolved into a healing ritual and empowerment tool.

Today, this beat thrives, resonating far from where these words are typed, in the Montes de María region of Colombia. Nestled in the isolated Pachamama mountains, it bore witness to the birth of a rhythm embodying resilience and deep soulful moods. Over time, it transcended generations, and one day, the universe presented it to me as a heritage gift for my soul, amidst the bustling life of London.

I recall a cold autumn night, a night filled with intense winds, where the nocturnal symphony of this unique city welcomed me into a realm of rich culture. It was October 2019, and the season was unfolding with everything to cool down my nightly adventures. That night, I immersed myself in a short film production titled “Cantadoras – Musical Memories of Life and Death in Colombia,” featuring singing women empowered by their cultural identity. These melodies illuminated my spirit, creating a lasting imprint that night.

In the intimate setting of Redon in East London, I found myself at the gig of the Colombian group La Perla. Their music, a reinvention of traditional Colombian sounds with drums and pipes, echoed through the venue.

Amidst the melodies and the vibrant energy of the night, I crossed paths with Esteban Card, a captivating Colombian artist whose presence I had already been following on Instagram since the launch of his album “InElementum.” The mystical connection with his musical work reached me through this social network. That night, we exchanged perspectives, and with a powerful hug, we formed a connection fuelled by the vibes of music.

Akolá Tambó: A Prelude (From My Perspective)

A few months after that drum-filled night in early 2020, Esteban invited me to join a new cultural project: Akolá Tambó. This project aimed to create a cultural space showcasing a traditional Afro-Colombian rhythm to the diverse London community: Bullerengue, a rhythm that ignites our hearts through ancestral drumming, healing rituals, and a connection with our divine spirit.

It appeared that the universe, in its mysterious ways, had guided me to rediscover this rhythm.

During my visit to San Basilio de Palenque in 2018, I gained insights into the significance of this ancestral beat within that humble community. However, during that visit, I missed the chance to experience it firsthand. Hence, when the opportunity arose to be a part of this heritage rhythm through the Akola Tambo project, I embraced it with gratitude and have been involved ever since.

What is Akolá Tambó?

Much has happened since then; pandemics, lockdowns, economic crisis, natural disasters, and not to mention Brexit madness along with other frenzied events in this world that never stops. We also learned a new word for our English lexicon: Furlough!

Despite these events, absolutely nothing succeeded in stopping the dynamic spirit of this lovely project, perhaps for the very reason that it is a rhythm of resilience, diverse emotions, and connection with our own soul.

Akolá Tambó has now emerged as a tangible musical proposition for the London cultural scene. Bullerengue and its ancestral power are now part of several cultural gatherings in London, a source of immense joy and intense energy that my words alone cannot describe. You have to experience it yourself to fully grasp its power, to feel it within.

These ancestral African beats trace their roots back to the times of colonialism. They represent a musical trance that narrates the story of enslaved Africans, who performed this ritual as a source of resilience in times of extreme suffering. While their accounts have been told in myriad ways, through this cultural showcase, I have gained a clearer understanding of their history and how they attained spiritual freedom through this mystical empowerment ritual.

Summer seasons are now complemented by the resonant sounds of drums. The ecstatic beats of the “Llamador” and “Alegre” drums fill the air with the thrilling rhythms of Sentaos, Chalupas, Fandangos, and Guapirreos. Our collective energies converge, moving in a circular motion of claps and dances, elevating the atmosphere with a profound sense of celebration, peace, and immense gratitude. Passers-by are occasionally spellbound for a moment by the compelling power of these drumbeats.

Akolá Tambó has successfully introduced these traditional rhythms from the African diaspora to the London cultural scene. They have graced events such as Casa Festival, Iguana Festival, Fusion de los Pueblos Festival, and Streatham Space Project, where the group showcased the “Weaving Sounds” performance designed by Luis Bonilla in a phenomenal fusion with Royal Sounds, among various other engagements.

I express my gratitude to the entire Akolá Tambócrew for their energy and the opportunity to share this fantastic experience with them.

I am also thankful to London’s Latin community and friends. I feel privileged to live in such a culturally rich city, chaotic yet magnificent, where musical experiences are beyond inspiring.

Final thoughts:

As I continue to navigate the moments of my exploratory life, I recognise that today I am here, but tomorrow is uncertain. These musical moments serve as the building blocks of ongoing joy that the path unfolds for me. It’s a beckoning call to savour the power of my seconds more than ever; it’s tangible and real, and I can grab it and squeeze it.

Thanks, Akolá Tambó for instilling in me the mindset of a perpetual apprentice in this ritual of healing. My journey is abundantly enriched, as I hold dear each of these beautiful gifts with a heart brimming with gratitude

Today, I invite you to reconnect with your spirit and experience these ancestral African-Colombian sounds, undeniable proof that music heals souls and empowers our hearts.

I conclude these lines while reminiscing about the graceful movements of the dancers in my nocturnal memories. The sounds gently caress my face, infusing me with doses of pure and warm energy. Content and reflective, I drift off to sleep, feeling love and gratitude for the friendships forged in these moments of music.

“Draw with your body the dances that come from the musical energy of our spirit” Thank you very much for reading my blog.

With love

🙏

Jenny