Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
Azabache is a Tango written by Homero Expósito and composed by Enrique Francini.
The tango “Azabache” captures the rhythms and the soul of Candombe, a traditional Afro-Uruguayan form of music and dance, through its intense and evocative lyrics. Homero Expósito, as the lyricist, delves deep into the heart of Buenos Aires, specifically San Telmo, which historically is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods known for its vibrant, multicultural heritage. The lyrics explore themes of nostalgia, yearning, and the cultural memory of the African influence in Buenos Aires expressed through the evocative refrain of “Candombe negro!”.
The word “Azabache,” which translates to “jet black” in English, symbolizes deep, natural beauty and is often associated with protection and warding off negativity in various cultures. In the context of the tango, it is used metaphorically to describe the darkness and allure of the protagonist’s beloved’s eyes. Her eyes like “luz de azabache” (light of jet black) symbolize a deep, compelling allure that is both beautiful and mysterious. This metaphor extends to a broader interpretation of the Afro-Argentinian heritage—their profound, dark, and enduring influence on the cultural fabric of Buenos Aires. The recurring rhythmic patterns and beats described as “Retumba con sangre y tumba, tarumba de tumba y sangre” (Resounds with blood and tomb, dazed by tomb and blood) reflect the struggle and enduring spirit of Afro-Argentinians.
“Azabache” was written and composed in 1942, during a period where tango was evolving and incorporating more complex, reflective themes of social issues, including the expressions of African heritage which had often been marginalized. The setting in the San Telmo neighborhood, known for its resonance with the African community in Buenos Aires, is particularly evocative; San Telmo historically was a hub for the slave trade, and its cobblestone streets and colonial buildings echo a past that intertwines sorrow with artistic resistance and survival. The Candombe rhythm, integral to the identity of Afro-Uruguayans and Afro-Argentinians, speaks to a broader narrative of African influence across the Rio de la Plata region. Therefore, the tango evokes historical pain while also celebrating the enduring cultural legacy.
Homero Expósito was a renowned Argentine lyricist and poet, famous for his deep and evocative lyrics in the realm of Tango music. His works often explored themes of love, nostalgia, and the socio-cultural fabric of Argentina.