(Oranjestad)—Many consider ‘tumba’ as a native style of music indigenous to Curaçao and Bonaire, neighboring islands of Aruba. Tumba was first brought to the region by enslaved Africans in the 17th century. The heart of the music was based on the unusual drumming patterns of the tambur rhythm.
Today other instruments and Latin influences play a role in tumba music and on the ABC islands the songs are sung mostly in the local language of Papiamento. Unlike calypso and roadmarch tunes, the tumba song is played all year round, but because of their popularity and roots in the Dutch Antilles, tumba songs are especially revered in Aruba’s Carnival.
Tumba during Carnival often incorporates a bit of political and social satire reminiscent of Calypso style but reflects a danceable beat. Aruba’s tumba rhythm is more melodic and for Carnival the lyrics are dedicated to the celebration.
The first Tumba Contest was held in 1971 for Carnival 17 at which Casin Giel was crowned as Aruba’s first Carnival Tumba King. Many remember famous Juancho Kock and even after his retirement, he has always remained an idol. Other popular musicians on stage are Edwin Zichem and Robert Jean d’Or, not to forget Ito Dania and Reginald ‘Papito’ Rafael. Papito in 2000 won his fifth title with his tumba Den ‘meimei’ and since then, he is even with Robert Jean d’Or in number of titles won.
The subsequent generations include Rodrick Franken, who up until 2020 has seven titles to his name ranging from three in the Children’s, one in the Youth and three in the Grand Tumba Festival. Rodrick Franken is the only singer ever who has won the title in all three age categories. A strong contender is Jerrino Ridderstap. Jerrino, with four titles to his name, is a four-time Aruba’s Carnival Tumba King, while Rodrick is a three-time winner of Aruba’s Grand Tumba Contest.
Tumba ‘pabou di brug’
Even though the tumba is rarely heard during the parades, it is as much a part of Carnival as the roadmarch and calypso. Carnival tumba songs are played everywhere throughout the entire Carnival season and the Tumba Contest creates a thrill especially on the west side of the island.
While calypso and roadmarch are more distinctly bound to San Nicolas with the contest taking place there on the east side of the island, tumba is linked to the west side and Oranjestad, where the festival was held in 1971 for the first time.
San Nicolas goes Tumba
However, in 2019 for Carnival 65 the Tumba Contest was held at the Carnival Village in San Nicolas for the first time. The Carnival Village was finished in 2014 and the first Carnival activity was held there on the 11th of November 2014, named ‘Legends Award’ by S.M.A.C.
Source: Aruba’s Carnival History by Friedrich A. Van der Hans.
