ctrl LIVE: Tumbe

TUMBE is a musical project built on a profound message about the place of cultural traditions and diversity in today’s world. It is deeply rooted in Aromanian folklore and culture, but offers a fresh, contemporary musical outlook.

TUMBE brings back to life old Aromanian songs through an innovative style of musical expression. The beauty and the rich meanings of Aromanian traditional themes have inspired the musicians and producers of TUMBE to place them in a melting pot, work their alchemy, and bring forth world music or jazz fusion sounds. Their intention is clear: to preserve the essence of old Aromanian music and to showcase its full potential through elevated forms of musical production and live performance.

TUMBE has released two live sessions so far, “Ti Un Lai Dor & Câti Steali” and “Bana & Ocljiu’ a tău masinâ lai”, and has given several performances, some of which were part of major Romanian music festivals (Neversea, Untold, Plai Festival, Codru Festival, Jazz in the Park).

TUMBE currently consists of: Camelia Panaitescu-Alegria aka Mara (lead singer), Radu Vâlcu (guitar), Mihai Balabaș (violin, live electronics), Răzvan Florescu (vibraphone, traditional percussion), Masha Enache (bass, vocals), Anthony (drums).

Mara, the daughter of an Aromanian family, is thus fulfilling a mission from her ancestors – to sing to the whole wide world that Aromanians are here, alive, taking their values into the future. TUMBE is, therefore, part of an important cultural awakening of Aromanian ethnic identity, by helping preserve the old Aromanian culture and language, while at the same time creating a modern body of work that honors the vitality of this fascinating people.