Milwaukee Studio Preserves Afro-Latino Culture Through Music
Location: Near Layton and Pierce on Milwaukee’s south side, you’ll find a white house bustling with Afro-Latino sound.
Key Voices:
- Beto Torrens, a Puerto Rico native and historian, emphasizes the vibrant daily presence of Afro-Latino culture in community life.
- “In Puerto Rico, this culture is alive…it’s a daily occurrence,” he said.
Understanding Bomba
What is Bomba?
Bomba is a centuries-old music genre tied closely to Puerto Rican heritage. Emerging during the Transatlantic slave trade, it reflects the resilience of West African descendants. Torrens explains, “It’s our duty to honor those who maintained their identity despite adversity.”
Bembé Drum and Dance in Milwaukee
Afro-Latino Identity
An Afro-Latino is someone of Latin American or Caribbean descent with African ancestry. Torrens is dedicated to exploring the intersection of Afro-Latino culture and music, helping younger generations connect with their roots.
Local Community Focus
Bembé Drum and Dance
The headquarters on Layton offers year-round drumming and dance classes for all ages since 2015. Music Director Bony Benavidez highlights the emotional comfort music provides: “Everything is better with music.”
Bembé Drum and Dance in Milwaukee
Cultural Education
Eneida Machado, a dance instructor raised in Los Angeles, reflects on the importance of learning these cultural dances tied to her ancestry. She states her experience at Bembé has been eye-opening: “There was a space here that actually collected all of us.”
Reflecting on Heritage
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Torrens urges recognition of the significant legacy from African ancestors. The work at Bembé aims to celebrate and share this heritage, creating a community space where culture flourishes.
For the complete experience, watch the video here.
