VietNamNet Bridge – Chango Foundation will offer Vietnamese audiences a Colombian folk traditional music performance on May 4 in a collaborative programme by the Embassy of Colombia in Viet Nam and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Marimba melodies: The Chango troupe will perform Columbian traditional music as a part of cultural exchange programme. Photo courtesy of the Embassy

Nine members of the troupe from 12 to 17 years old will perform marimba music. The pieces will include Torbellino, Marinero and Quitate de mi escalera.

Founded in 2004, Chango (Fundacion de Masica del Pacifico Chango) was named after the African god of fire, thunder and holy drums. It aims to preserve, strengthen and spread traditional music from Colombia’s South Pacific Coast.

The group’s music, which includes pango, patacore and caramba, among many other genres, reflects the unique cultural makeup of the region, including its African influence.

Chango has been recognised for their involvement in international music festivals, including the International Festival of Currulao. Currently the group works in six municipalities in Colombia with more than 2,500 young people.

The troupe will visit within the framework of the cultural diplomacy programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. This initiative aims to promote sport and culture as a tool to build peace, reconciliation, inclusion, peaceful coexistence and intercultural dialogue within children and adolescents that have been affected by violence.

"This is a unique opportunity to experience culture and music from the Colombian Pacific Coast," Nguyen Thi Thanh of the Columbian Embassy said.

“The Colombian government understands culture as an effective means to educate people, promote wellness and generate social processes," Thanh said. "They encourage expectations and healthy lifestyles in younger generations.”

Marimba music from Colombia’s Pacific Coast is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This kind of music has long been iconic for the mainly Afro-descendant communities living in the coastal jungle region.

The most common Marimba music style from the Pacific is currulao, an acoustic genre used in social gatherings that has made its way to the world music stage, thanks to its beautifully hypnotic chants, Marimba melodies and rhythms.

The performance will take place at the Cong Nhan (Workers) Theatre, 42 Trang Tien Street, Ha Noi. The troupe will also perform during the 2016 Hue Festival.

VNS