04/09/2026
Students had a pretty cool opportunity presented to them today at the Middle School! The performing group Conjunto Bantú performed some candombe drumming music for our students and even gave them an opportunity to try it themselves! Then, after school, students got to walk out to the sound of the drums.
Candombe is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is an Afro-Uruguayan music and dance tradition developed by Bantu African slaves. It features an intense and vibrant array of drum rhythms, dancers, performers, and more. It is commonly seen in street parades.
Tomás Olivera Chirimini created his group in 1971, and has won a series of awards for his outstanding work as a musician, researcher, lecturer, writer, teacher, sculptor, and disseminator of Afro-Uruguayan traditions. His group was even featured on Got Talent Uruguay! They will performing tonight, Thursday April, 9th, at Java River in downtown Montevideo from 6-8PM!