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.
Candombe blanco is a Tango written by Julio Camilloni and composed by Emilio Balcarce.
The lyrics of “Candombe blanco” weave an immersive narrative that explores the profound connection between a person and the vibrant African-rooted rhythms of candombe, despite the speaker’s own racial identity as white. The repeated lines emphasize a resonant struggle and celebration of cultural integration and personal identity. The narrative voice speaks to an irresistible pull towards the beats of candombe drums that transcends racial boundaries, suggesting a deeper, possibly ancestral connection to African heritage.
The use of “gota de sangre negra” (a drop of black blood) is a strong metaphor that suggests a latent African heritage that drives the protagonist’s deep affinity for candombe rhythms, revealing a shared human experience that transcends visible differences. The recurring references to “repicar de los parches” (the beating of the drums) symbolize the heartbeat of Afro-Latino culture that pulses throughout the Americas. The imagery integrates a wide spectrum of Afro-originated musical forms across the continent, symbolizing a unifying cultural force that links diverse peoples through shared rhythmic traditions.
Released in 1961, “Candombe blanco” arrives at a time of significant cultural exchange in Latin America, where music increasingly served as a medium for expressing a pan-Latin American identity. Candombe itself has roots in African slave communities, particularly in Uruguay, and its celebration in this tango bridges geographical and racial divides, echoing broader movements towards acknowledging and celebrating racial and cultural diversity in the region.
Julio Camilloni was a noted lyricist in tango music, known for his profound and often poignant lyrics that delve into themes of culture, identity, and emotion.