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.
El negro cambambá is a Tango written by Juan Carlos Bagalá and composed by Osvaldo Pugliese.
“El negro cambambá” depicts the vibrant life of an Afro-Argentine individual known affectionately by the nickname “cambambá.” The lyrics portray this character’s journey through the streets with a hopeful demeanor, characterized by the dream on his hat and love symbolized as a flower in his suit’s lapel. The imagery suggests he is in search of happiness, a theme underscored by his vibrant and rhythmic movement, akin to a dance known as candombe, implying his joy and how he captivates the town’s spirits on a Sunday.
The tango uses symbolic references to highlight themes of hope, joy, and celebration. “A dream on the hat” symbolizes hope and aspirations, while “love in the lapel” represents the passion and driving force in one’s life. The vibrant descriptions of Cambambá’s movement, likening it to a dance, underscore an uncontainable joy and a communal spirit. Furthermore, mentions of his smile brightening the city and sparrows cheering him on suggest a communal connection and impact on those around him.
The tango was written and recorded in 1967 during a socially and politically vibrant era in Argentina. This period was marked by significant cultural expressions where music often served as a narrative of the people’s feelings and societal issues. “El negro cambambá” mirrors this dynamic, encapsulating the essence of Afro-Argentine communities and the broader theme of searching for happiness amidst societal challenges. The song’s references to local elements, like the lively Sundays and community interactions, place it deeply within the Argentine cultural fabric of the time.
Juan Carlos Bagalá was an Argentine Tango lyricist known for his contributions to the genre, infusing his work with local color and emotional depth.