Afrocandombe

Afrocandombe formed in Montevideo in 1999, a group of musicians focused on the traditional candombe rhythms from the city's southern neighborhoods. Their music builds on those polyrhythmic patterns, which trace back to Afro-Uruguayan ancestors. The song 'Baile Del Candombe' gives a clear sense of their approach, pulsing, hypnotic, and grounded in that tradition.

They've released albums like 'Candombe' in 2001, 'Ave Negra' in 2004, and 'Afrotambor' in 2012. Their lineup has included Carlos 'Tite' Fernández on vocals and percussion, Matías 'Pato' Ortiz on bass, and several other percussionists handling the tambor chico and repique. Their work has drawn some criticism from parts of the traditional candombe community, who've seen it as commercializing ritual forms. The band has generally responded by framing their music as a way to keep the tradition accessible.