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Warm Pacific breezes , the scent of coconut and the unmistakable rhythm of Esmeraldas become tangible in a group dedicated to spreading traditional Afro-American music. Marimbas, cununos, bombos and guasás are the typical instruments of the band Bambuco. The name comes from one of the African rhythms that the band interprets. Other rhythms are the currulao, andarele, chigualo y guabaleñas.

The members of the band are: the director, Larry Preciado (marimba), Hugo Quiñónez (bombo), Iván Montaño (cununos macho and hembra), Mario Macuacé (lead vocals), Segundo Nazareno Mina (backup vocals) and Guillermo Paéz Garcia (vocals).

In their own words: "The motivation of Bambuco is based in the preservation and revitalization of our intangible cultural patrimony such as music. We do not want to let our roots disappear. Something inevitable is happening: our elders, the grandparents are dying and they are taking with them an abundance of irreplaceable knowledge. As a result, there is a necessity to conserve all these images in books, videos and CD's." To that end, the band participates actively and tirelessly in workshops, festivals and concerts, both nationally and internationally.

Among their local appearances are: the Young Rappers Concert in Esmeraldas (2001), the International Festival of Fruits and Flowers (2001) in Ambato and a gig in the Quito bar El Pobre Diablo (2003). Internationally, the band appeared in: the Ethnic Festival of Flanders (2001) in Brussels, Belgium; in Cali-Colombia, at the II International Festival of Afro Latin Music and Dance (2002); the International Festival of Marimbistas in Chiapas, México; and a cultural and educative tour through the United States.

Bambuco currently has produced two CD's. We present one song here from their latest release, Yo soy el Hombre (I'm the Man!), for your enjoyment!