Yet another musical tradition that helps to define Argentine culture is the unique sounds that we have come to call Chamamé . Chamamé is a genre of folklore music from the northeastern portion of Argentina as well as southern of Brazil. It’s sound is distinct from other Argentine Folklore because it was brought by Volga German immigrants who hailed from European Russia, resulting in a sound that resembles very much the polka. The polka like music was then influenced by both Spanish guitar and Gaurani sounds, mixing together to produce a whole new and eclectic sound.
Perhaps the most interesting part of Chamamé is the accompanying dance. A hopping hoot of a folklore partner dance complete with gaucho hats and long flowing skirts. With the large amount of movement from the north of argentina into Buenos Aires,Chamamé is present even here in the big city. Keep an eye out and join in if you have the chance.
Raul Barboza is recognized as one of the most important solo chamamé musicians. He put out more than 30 original albums and gained international fame throughout Brasil, Germany, Spain, Holland, France, and Japan.
Enjoy 🙂