Gurumbé: Afro-Andalusian Memories

A screening and a Flamenco performance explore the fundamental contribution of Afro-Andalusians to Flamenco.

Flamenco is synonymous with Spanish culture. Yet, since its inception, theorists have sidelined the fundamental contribution of Afro-Andalusians to this art form. Commercial exploitation of the American colonies brought hundreds of Africans to Spain, forming a population which, over time, managed to gain space in a society wrought with racial prejudices. Music and dance were a fundamental part of their expression and the most important affirmation of their identity. As the black population began to disappear from Spain in the late 19th century, so did their contribution to this extraordinary art form.

Gurumbé: Afro-Andalusian Memories is a feature-length documentary by anthropologist Miguel Ángel Rosales that explores the contribution of Afro-Andalusians to flamenco as the art form developed. Gurumbé has won numerous awards in the festival circuit and it is currently premiering around the world.

La Nacional hosts this intimate event that includes a screening of the film with the director, and a Flamenco performance by dancer Yinka Esi Graves, who is featured in the film, with live musicians. The screening is followed by a round table discussion with the performers and the director, moderated by K. Meira Goldberg.

About Miguel Ángel Rosales

Rosales is an Andalusian anthropologist and documentary filmmaker. His short films La Maroma (2011) and Atrapados al vuelo (2012) have won several awards around the world, including Cortos for Caracoles (Spain), Bahía Blanca (Argentina), Latinoamerican Festival (Argentina) and Luz en los márgenes (2013). Gurumbé is Rosales’s first feature film.