Often confused with xylophones, marimbas are a traditional folk instrument of the people of Southern and Central America. And though the instrument’s roots lie in West Africa, it ties together the music of the African diaspora and the inhabitants of the Southern and Central American shores on which they landed on in the 16th century.

The Pacific coast of Colombia is home to many genres of music. From its local music of the Afro-Colombian chirimia, the marimba, and outside influence of salsa, the music scene in Colombia continues to blend the old with the new.

When we look to rural towns such as Timbiqui, home of singer Nidia Gongora Bonilla, where musicians play in dedicated marimba houses and listen in awe. The music never stops, and the houses vibrate with the rhythm of the marimba all day long.

Memoria de Justinho By Quantic y Su Combo Barbaro Featuring Nidia Gongora Bonilla on Vocals is a tribute to legendary Marimba player, Justinho Garcia from Timbiqui. It was written by legendary female songwriter Ines Garanja on the occasion of his passing and holds enormous cultural significance. It is a classic song in the tradition of the Pacific Coast and was first recorded by Grupo Socovan, Nidia’s family’s band.

As Nidia introduces the song in the beginning of the video, she explains it is a Rumba from Timbiqui in the style of Quantic; a collision of sounds and influences in the best possible way.

Though the QCB has never recorded this song, it was worked out specifically for their first LA show and in many ways, this was the song that reached the audience’s musical souls. Los Angeles was open to Quantic and the new album and the band he had brought with him, but this song managed to put a smile on everyone’s face and a extra shuffle in everyone’s step.

It is with extreme pleasure that MOCHILLA was there to capture it and for VTech to premiere it.  This is history here. With beating hearts and hands in the air, connect your computer up to those speakers, kick back and feel the Afro-Colombian magic.

FULL SCREEN
The Sounds of VTech / Quantic and his Combo Barbaro: Memoria de Justinho

Quantic y Su Combo Barbaro:

Will Quantic Holland: Guitar/ Alfredo Linares: Piano/ Fernando Silva: Bass

Malcolm Catto: Drums/ Jack Iglesias: Percussion/ Freddy Colorado: Percussion

Reggie Ambrose: Sax/ Todd Simon: Trumpet

Shot by: Eric Coleman, Todd Mazer, and B+ for MOCHILLA

Edited by: Luke Lynch

Sound Recorded and Mixed by: Benjamin Tierney