Jazz and Panamá
To many, Panama is a country whose name is synonymous with its famous canal. To others, the grim legacy of Noriega hangs over the name of Panama like a shroud. In some cases, this may be the extent of people’s Panamanian knowledge, an absolute shame, given the depth of experience this Central American country has to offer.
While both the history of its canal and its political traditions are essential to a full understanding of the country, Panama has an incredibly vibrant and thriving culture. From its indigenous peoples to its rich African traditions, Panama is one of the best countries on Earth for exploring the African diaspora. Whether it’s their Etnia Negra celebration in May or the world-famous Panama Jazz Festival in January, Panama is must-see destination.
In fact, the African history of Panama runs parallel to the history of African-American and African-Canadian people in many ways. Beginning in the 16th century, boats full of slaves from Jamaica, Barbados, and dozens of other countries were funneled into Panama. Their labor was used to construct the Panamanian Railroad and the Panama Canal. Despite this bleak beginning, the African culture in Panama, just like its counterpart in Northern America, has beaten the odds to create a tight-knit community. In fact, this combination of adversity, pride, and sense of community has created some of the world’s most recognizable art forms.
Panama, above all, is a musical country with a long and fascinating history of sonic invention stretching back to the indigenous peoples of the region. While some of the first music in Panama was heavily influenced by these indigenous groups, modern Panamanian music blends traditional influences with those of black people first brought to the country as slaves. This combination, born out of imperialism and slavery, nevertheless created some of the most enduring and immediately recognizable music on Earth. Over the years, Panama has become a hotbed for music like reggeaton, cumbia, tamborito, congo, tipico, salsa, and, of course, jazz.
Luis Russell is the man most often credited with Panama’s connection to the jazz world. A pianist and composer, Russell learned to love music at a young age through his father, who was a music teacher. After a promising career playing professionally for silent films, Russell took his talent to New Orleans, where he worked with jazz legends like Red Allen and Louis Armstrong. Since Russell first put Panama on the jazz map, the country has produced legendary jazz musicians on a regular basis, including Victor Boa, John McKindo, Barbara Wilson, and Clarence Martin.
Of course, no discussion of jazz in Panama would be complete without touching upon the contributions of Danilo Perez, one of the scene’s most influential musicians. Born in 1965, Perez would go on to become a Berkley-educated pianist who played alongside Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, and Jon Hendricks. As such, he is universally understood to be one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time.
His contributions to the jazz scene in Panama, however, surpass even his musical body of work. In many ways, Perez was instrumental in rebuilding the country after the fall of Noriega. Since that time, Danilo Perez has contributed to culture with his eponymous foundation, which teaches music to young people. He also founded Danilo’s Jazz Club, a legendary landmark in Casco Viejo. However, one of the most enduring symbols of Danilo Perez’ philanthropism is the world-famous Panama Jazz Festival.
Dedicating himself to the creation of a distinctly Panamanian style of jazz, Perez organized the first Panama Jazz Festival in 2003. Since then, the festival has featured international talent from Herbie Hancock to Jack DeJohnette. Today, the festival includes musical attractions for both music aficionados and expert jazz musicians. Festival goers can enjoy master classes from some of the best minds in the jazz world. All day long, music fills the streets and attendees are able to enjoy concerts from world-class talent each year. Whether you’re a jazz lover or simply looking to explore the African diaspora through the language of music, the Panama Jazz Festival is a one-of-a-kind experience.
While many countries in Central and South America are still struggling to acknowledge the contribution of their Afro-descendent peoples, Panama has dedicated a full month to the celebration of African culture. This celebration is known as Etnia Negra and makes for an incredible destination experience.