OLDIES SUNDAY: @CeliaCruz – Bemba Colora (1966)

This March on Oldies Sunday, we recognize it as Women’s History Month. We salute the many Women who have taken big steps, and left amazing legacies. Today, we head over to Cuba to salute the “Queen Of Salsa” or “La Reina De La Salsa“, and “La Guarachera De Cuba“, Celia Cruz! We look back at her single, “Bemba Colora“.

Originally composed by Jose Claro Fumero, “Bemba Colora” was released in 1966 through Tico Records. The song possessed a strong anti-racist message, a bit of storytelling, and celebrated a proud African heritage as “Bemba Colora” meant “big red lips/red mouth“, which is a distinct feature of many Black people. The song features a heavy dose of percussion and horns, and will have anyone breaking out in dance. “Bemba Colora” was a hit for Celia Cruz, later on becoming one of her signature songs. “Bemba Colora” was featured on Cruz’s 1966 album, “Son con Guaguancó“.

Celia Cruz would become one of the faces of the then growing Latin Music movement overseas, mastering many forms of Afro-Cuban music styles over time. Celia Cruz has inspired generations of Latin Artists, and her presence is still felt to this day. She is still celebrated around the world, with special tributes being presented yearly. “Celia Cruz Day” is celebrated in San Francisco, California on October 25, and she has a few Schools and roads named after her in her honour.