A simple sound from an instrument can spark an interest and ultimately turn it into a career. This may be “impossible” for some, but for others it is a dream and they turn it into a reality. But how?
The music style, BombaYo, was emerged from the streets and schoolyards in the Bronx and is where salsa and hip-hop were born. Under the direction of Jose Ortiz aka Mr. Drum and Melinda Gonzalez, BombaYo was created and is a youth project dedicated to preserving the rich Afro Puerto Rican tradition of Bomba.
To put it simply, Bomba is more of an experience rather than a show and is where singing, dancing and drumming come together to within the community and celebrate life. LatinTRENDS sat down with Mr. Ortiz to talk more about BombaYo and how it all started.
LatinTRENDS (LT): What type of music does your band perform?
Jose Ortiz (JO): “The type of music that we perform is Afro Puerto Rican Bomba, which is the oldest African derived music in Puerto Rico.”
LT: What inspired you to go into music?
JO: “When I first heard the musical tones of the drums is where it all began. It led me to what is happening today and ‘Bomba music’ a big part of my identity. Additionally, music creates a different experience for everyone, but it was missing when I was growing up. For me really, it is how I connect it to my roots.”
LT: What are you best known for when someone hears your music?
JO: “Key Words as opposed to just one song, is what I am best know for. The key words are inter-generational, organic, spontaneous and dynamic. Reaching out to our community and accessible to all. Most importantly, ‘Giving’. Most people are impacted by our rawness and interaction.”
LT: Where do you get your inspiration to create new music?
JO: “Nothing is ever intentional, but what makes me feel better is the response from the audience—an energy into synergy real life experience—same songs feel differently each day.” He went on to say, “the response from the audience is dynamic— they understand that the drum will respond to their movements, that its an interaction that creates synergy—it can’t be reproduced, same songs feel differently each day.”
LT: Where can fans find you on social media?
JO: “My fans can find me on Facebook and my website.”
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