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World Routes

Image for Matanzas, birthplace of rumba and danzon

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Matanzas, birthplace of rumba and danzon

World Routes, in Cuba Episode 3 of 3

Duration:
1 hour
First broadcast:
Saturday 16 June 2007

Lucy Duran concludes her 1000-mile road journey in search of Cuba’s musical roots.

Lucy visits Matanzas, the birthplace of two crucial musical styles: rumba and danzon. There she records a session with “Munequitos de Matanzas”, one of Latin America’s biggest cult bands.
She returns to Havana and meets record producer Juan de Marcos Gonzalez who tells her the story of Buena Vista Social Club.

Music and featured items

17 items
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • Rumba

    Lucy Duran explores Matanzas, the birthplace of Rumba, with the help of Juan Jacomino.

  • Music Played

  • Rumba and its origins

    Rumba’s characteristics, dance style and connection to Afro-Cuban religion are explained.

  • Music Played

  • Danzon

    Lucy discovers Danzon – the other musical style that Matanzas is famous for.

  • Music Played

    • 00:16

      Orquesta Acierto Juvenil Las Alturas de Simpson

      BBC recording on location

  • The origins of Danzon

    Jesus O’Reilly explains the origins of Danzon.

  • Music Played

    • 00:21

      Orquesta Acierto Juvenil Angoa

      BBC recording on location

  • Buena Vista Social Club

    Back in Havana Lucy meets the Juan De Marcos, the man behind the Buena Vista Social Club.

  • Music Played

    • 00:28
      Image for Buena Vista Social Club

      Buena Vista Social Club Chan Chan

    • 00:32

      Buena Vista Social Club featuring Ruben Gonzalez Pueblo Nuevo

    • 00:34

      Buena Vista Social Club featuring Omara Portuondo Veinte Anos

    • 00:39
      Image for Buena Vista Social Club

      Buena Vista Social Club Buena Vista Social Club

  • Lucy Duran and her father

    Lucy Duran talks about her father, a Spanish musician and his love for Cuban music.

  • Music Played

    • 00:47

      Septeto Tipico de Sones Dime que si

      BBC recording on location.

  • Lucy finishes her trip around Cuba

    Lucy talks about the professionalism of Cuban musicians and the strong oral tradition.

  • Music Played

    • 00:55

      Septeto Tipico de Sones Goza mi rumba

  • Muñequitos de Matanzas

    Muñequitos de Matanzas

    Lucy Duran with Muñequitos de Matanzas in their rehearsal room, Matanzas

  • Orquesta Acierto Juvenil

    Orquesta Acierto Juvenil

    The violin section of the Orquesta Acierto Juvenil in Matanzas; the BBC’s driver “Pupy” looks on

  • Juan de Marcos Gonzalez

    Juan de Marcos Gonzalez

    Lucy Duran with producer and musician Juan de Marcos Gonzalez inside the Egrem studios in Habana; this is the piano used by the late Ruben Gonzalez

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