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Candombe

Candombe is a traditional Afro-Uruguayan music and dance genre originating from Bantu traditions of enslaved Africans in Montevideo. It features explosive polyrhythmic drumming on three wooden drums—piano (bass), repique (tenor), chico (treble)—in comparsa ensembles, paired with call-and-response vocals blending Spanish and Bantu linguistic elements.

Origin: Afro-Uruguayan communities in Montevideo, Uruguay, derived from Bantu traditions of enslaved Africans.

Era: Late 18th century to present, peaking during Uruguay's Carnival season.

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Candombe

Songs (26)