Los Muñequitos de Matanzas
A Conversation with
Bárbaro Ramos Aldazabal y Jesús Alfonso

by

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

April 7, 2002, Miami Beach

Bárbaro Ramos Aldazabal comes from a long family tradition of rumberos. His grandfather, Severino Ramos, danced with the original members of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. His father, Diosdado, is one of the most reknowned members of the group and known in Cuba as one of the best Yambú dancers in the country. He is also the Director of the group. Bárbaro, following in his father's footsteps is the choreographer of the group. Just two days before this historic show, their first in Miami, celebrating 50 years of traditional musical excellence, they granted us an exclusive interview. Always a gentleman, in spite of being exhausted after their trip from Washington, he sat down to chat with SalsaPower.

Jacira: I understand that the name of the group comes from a song track on the the first album from the original group, Guaguancó Matancero, which told about cartoon characters, or "muñequitos" as they are called in Spanish, and that this song was such a hit that the name stuck, and they've been called "Los Muñequitos de Matanzas" ever since. What was the group like at the beginning?

Bárbaro: We began playing Guaguancó, but without dance. We later added Yambú and Columbia. It wasn't until our first tour outside of Cuba in 1989 where we added dance. That was because the show was an hour and a half long. Some of the dancers came from another group called, Los Folklóricos de Matanzas.

Jacira: I know that some of you are Babalawos. Are you all Santeros?

Bárbaro: All except three.

Jacira: And you are children of whom?

Bárbaro: Five are of Changó, one of Ochún, one of San Lázaro, one of Ogún, one of Obatalá and 3 are of Yemayá.

Jacira: If the drums are the voices of the Orishás, what does the dance signify?

Bárbaro: The dance represents each one of the Orishas. Each one has his song, his rhythm and his dance.

Jacira: In spite of being so young, you've been with the group for 22 years. The group has evolved in that time. Today, what is the musical focus of the group?

Bárbaro: We stay very close to the vision of the founders of the group. We have some numbers that are relatively new, such as the one we did in '92, Saludo a New York, but we always stay faithful to the tradition.

Jacira: What has happened to the original members who recorded the famous album "Rumba Abierta" in 1959?

Bárbaro: Unfortunately, almost all of them have passed away. The only one who is still alive is Esteban "Cha Cha" Vega. He has a group called Los Tambores de Cha Cha and he is doing Batá and playing Yoruba in Cuba.

Jacira: About how old would he be now?

Bárbaro: He would be around 78 or 79 years old.

Jacira: If a person who is totally anglo-saxon, with American roots, no idea what Afro-Cuban music is, and only vague notions about Afro-cuban culture, compounded with a language barrier... if this person were to go to the show on Tuesday, April 9th at the Jackie Gleason Theatre in Miami Beach, what would he learn from it?

Bárbaro: We transmit our message through our songs and the dance. We would give them a good idea of what Yambú folklore is, so it would enter their hearts.

Jacira: What are your plans for the future?

Bárbaro: We will be traveling to Spain, Mexico, then returning to Atlanta in June to give some shows and workshops. On October 10th we'll be at the National Theatre in Havana to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the group.

Jacira: How I would love to be there! Congratulations! Your last album, La Rumba Soy Yo was a commercial success and was recognized as an artisitic triumph. Will you be coming out with another album?

Bárbaro: Yes, our 50th anniversary album will be coming out in October to coincide with the celebration.

Jacira: Do you have a message for the SalsaPower readers?

Bárbaro: Cuban music gives new life and rejuvenates the soul. It doesn't matter where you are from, but it will make you feel re-born!

Just then, Jesús Alfonso, the Artistic Director of the group who has been with them for more than 30 years, sat down to join us.

Jacira: Tell us a little about the show you have planned for Miami.

Jesús: We will open with a salutation to the Orishas, percussion, arará, then the three forms of Rumba: Guaguancó, Columbia y Yambú. After that some conga and a comparsa to close.

Jacira: The Columbia is traditionally danced only by men. Why don't women participate in this dance?

Jesús: This is a very strong dance. There are a few women in Cuba who dance it, but it is really for men.

Jacira: I'm going to repeat a question that I asked Bárbaro because I really feel that you have so much to teach North Americans, but unfortunately, many of them don't go to shows like this one because of the language barrier and their lack of cultural understanding. What could a North American learn from going to your show on Tuesday night?

Jesús: It isn't necessary to have previous knowledge of the dance or the music. It is much harder to learn English! The dance and the music speak for themselves.

Jacira: And do you have a message for our readers?

Jesús: The most important thing is that they continue to cultivate Cuban music. This music has so much to impart, and they should not let it die!

Jacira: Thankyou, both of you, and thanks to all of the Muñequitos who have come to bring their music, their dance and their positive energy to all their fans here in Miami. We will see you Tuesday at the show!

 

-- Miami Beach, Florida, 7 de abril de 2002

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