Musica Tipica: Cumbia and the Rise of Musical Nationalism in Panama

The Panama Canal is a world-famous site central to the global economy, but the social, cultural, and political history of the country along this waterway is little known outside its borders. In Música Típica, author Sean Bellaviti sheds light on a key element of Panamanian culture, the story of cumbia or, as Panamanians frequently call it, música típica, a form of music that enjoys unparalleled popularity throughout Panama. Through extensive archival and ethnographic research, Bellaviti reconstructs a twentieth-century social history that illuminates the crucial role music has played in the formation of national identities in Latin America.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 328 pages
\n Publication date: 05 November 2020
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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The Panama Canal, a globally renowned site, holds immense significance in the world economy. However, the social, cultural, and political history of the country along this waterway remains relatively unknown beyond its borders. In his book "Música Típica," author Sean Bellaviti delves into a vital aspect of Panamanian culture, shedding light on the story of cumbia, also known as música típica, a form of music that enjoys unparalleled popularity throughout Panama. Through extensive archival and ethnographic research, Bellaviti reconstructs a twentieth-century social history that illuminates the crucial role music has played in the formation of national identities in Latin America.

Focusing specifically on the relationship between cumbia and the rise of populist Panamanian nationalism in the context of U.S. imperialism, Bellaviti argues that this hybrid musical form, which bridges urban and rural, modern and traditional elements, has been essential to the development of a sense of nationhood among Panamanians. Cumbia musicians, with their unique approaches to musical fusion and carefully curated performance identities, have navigated some of the most profound divisions within Panamanian society.

The book "Música Típica" offers a rich and comprehensive exploration of the cultural significance of cumbia in Panama, providing a deeper understanding of the country's social, cultural, and political history. It serves as a valuable contribution to the field of music studies and Latin American studies, offering insights into the ways in which music shapes and reflects the identities of individuals and communities.

\n Weight: 452g\n
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780190936471\n \n