Cumbia

Do you hear that. Boom-boom-boom goes the drum. Tweet-tweet-tweet sings a little flute. Swish-swish-swish go the long, colorful skirts as they spin and twirl by the big blue water. The air is warm and the sun shines on my face. It feels so happy. I am Cumbia, a song and a dance all in one. I am the sound of smiles and tapping feet. When you hear me, you just have to wiggle. I love to see everyone move and sway together. My sound is like a big, warm hug for your ears.

I was born a very, very long time ago, way back in the 1600s. I was born when three groups of friends decided to share their favorite sounds. The Indigenous people, who lived there first, played sweet flutes that sounded like birds in the morning. People from Africa brought powerful, happy drums with a deep boom-boom beat that made your heart feel strong. And people from Spain brought guitars that they strummed with a happy strum-strum sound. They put all their music together. The sweet flute, the strong drum, and the happy guitar all began to play as one. That beautiful new sound was me. I became a song for everyone to share.

From my home by the sea, I traveled all over the world. My happy rhythm floated on the wind to parties and fun festivals. My beat makes everyone want to tap their feet, clap their hands, and smile big smiles. I am a sound of friendship. I show the world that when we share our favorite things, we can make something new and beautiful for everyone to love. So the next time you hear my happy drums and sweet flute, I hope you will get up and dance with me. Let's wiggle and giggle together.