MOZAMBIQUE: The Manny Oquendo Touch

The mozambique is a popular style that was developed in Cuba by Pello 'El Afrokan' in the early 1960s. Pello, first presented his new style at a show titled Ritmo de Juventud ('Rhythm of Youth') and then at the carnivals festivities of 1964. This large ensemble style rhythm, originally performed with numerous drums, was greatly influenced by another important Afro-Cuban carnival style; the conga de comparsa. Interestingly in regards to the ensemble configuration, is that apart from the large containment of drums, Pello also incorporated trombones in the ensemble.

The parts presented rhythms here are examples of the style adapted by the New York bands who popularised the rhythm in the late 1960s, and in particular the band led by Eddie Palmieri which featured trombones, Tommy Lopez on congas and the great Manny Oquendo on timbales.

According to noted bassist Andy Gonzalez (WKCR-FM interview, 1995) “Manny had a great deal to do with popularising the mozambique. The actual pattern has become the repertoire for almost every timbal player, a standard rhythm that Manny synthesised from a bunch of parts played in a big ensemble of percussionists. To this day you ask any drummer or timbalero to play mozambique, and they will play the beat that Manny came up with. It's too bad he didn't patent it!.”