La Chambelona (English: the lollipop) is a Cuban conga song performed in comparsa that gained prominence during the 1916 presidential campaign.[1] The song's rhythm and lyrics quickly resonated with the populace, leading it to become an anthem for the Liberal Party during their political activities, and it became the namesake for the Chambelona War.[2][3] "La Chambelona" remains a significant cultural artifact in Cuban history, symbolizing the intersection of music and political expression during a pivotal period in the nation's early 20th-century political landscape.[4]
In 1916, because of its prominence during the election, President Menocal banned the performance of La Chambelona in public.[5]
Recorded versions and adaptations
- 1927 recording performed by Rolando Levia (Sexteto Habanero) found on the album "Grabaciones Completas 1925-1931" [6][7]
- 1950's recording performed by Celia Cruz[8]
- 1959 recording performed by Los Papines[9]
- 1974 recording performed by Chorolo Y Su Combo[10]
- 1976 recording performed by Cachao[11]
- 2009 recording performed by Ricky Campanelli[12]
Yo Bailo La Chambelona
Yo Bailo La Chambelona (English: I dance to the lollipop), is a distinctive adaptation and variation of the original song
- 1965 recording by Sonora Habanera De Flores Valdes, featuring Florencio Hernández[13]
- 2002 recording by Chico Álvarez[14]
Modern variations
References
- ^ "– HISTORY of one of the Most Popular Cuban Political Songs.. "La Chambelona !."". theCubanHistory. 2018-08-29. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
- ^ 14ymedio (2024-02-03). "La Chambelona". Translating Cuba. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
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- ^ "LA GLORIA AND LA CHAMBELONA" (PDF). Florida State University. Retrieved March 25, 2025.
- ^ Sublette, Ned (February 2007). Cuba and Its Music: From the First Drums to the Mambo. Chicago Review Press. ISBN 978-1-56976-420-6.
- ^ Anderson, Thomas F. (2011-03-01), Anderson, Thomas F. (ed.), "Drumming Up the Black Vote: Chambelonas and Cuban Electoral Politics in José Zacarías Tallet's "Quintín Barahona"", Carnival and National Identity in the Poetry ofAfrocubanismo, University Press of Florida, p. 0, ISBN 978-0-8130-3558-1, retrieved 2025-03-26
- ^ "Sexteto y Septeto Habanero - Grabaciones Completas 1925-1931 Volumen 1: Tres Lindas Cubanas". Blue Sounds. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
- ^ Sexteto Habanero - Topic (2015-05-21). La Chambelona. Retrieved 2025-03-26 – via YouTube.
- ^ Celia Cruz - Topic (2019-05-22). La Chambelona. Retrieved 2025-03-26 – via YouTube.
- ^ Arturo León (2007-12-20). LOS PAPINES - LA CHAMBELONA. Retrieved 2025-03-26 – via YouTube.
- ^ Chorolo Y Su Combo - Topic (2024-06-14). La Chambelona. Retrieved 2025-03-26 – via YouTube.
- ^ Neodop (2018-03-17). Cachao – La chambelona. Retrieved 2025-03-26 – via YouTube.
- ^ DJ Ricky Campanelli - Topic (2015-11-05). La Chambelona. Retrieved 2025-03-26 – via YouTube.
- ^ Sonora Habanera De Flores Valdes - Esa China / Yo Bailo La Chambelona (in Spanish), 2023-01-21, retrieved 2025-03-26
- ^ Chico Álvarez - Topic (2014-08-28). Yo Bailo la Chambelona. Retrieved 2025-03-26 – via YouTube.
- ^ Groove Addiction (2023-01-26). Groove Addiction - La Chambelona. Retrieved 2025-03-26 – via YouTube.