The quick-paced melody driven by guitar, accordion, rasp and drum beat signals the arrival of the Dande group of traveling musicians each New Years in Aruba. The inhabitants of the house are at once joyful and expectant as the singer begins to spin his or her own variation of an age-old song bespeaking of both blessings and the promise of opportunities for the coming year.
In short time, the air once again fills with a harmonious collage of musical rhythms, this time heralding the start of carnival, with the steady beat of steel bands, the commanding presence of brass bands, commentary-laden calypso-inspired tunes, a drum-driven tumba and Aruba's own unique Roadmarch of quick-witted stanzas omnipresent throughout the entire month-long celebration. Each tune follows it own distinctive composition but is similar in that it conveys a jubilant tone, uplifting the spirits of both spectators and brilliantly costumed participants during parades, competitions and "jump up" street parties.
In June, it's the chanting rhythms of “Dera Gai” that highlights the traditional Feast of Saint John. As December roles around again, it's the harmony of voices of gaita that signals the start of the holiday season. Aruba celebrates all these unique traditions and shares them with guests during the weekly Bonbini Festival, held at historic Fort Zoutman in downtown Oranjestad.
Music plays a central role in all of Aruba's major holidays as well as its more informal celebrations. Every evening music can be heard drifting down from terrace bars, flooding through the doorways of nightclubs and intimate pubs alike, working in a pied piper-like fashion in drawing in revelers in animated social interaction. Latin rhythms of salsa and merengue, mixed with American top forty and European house music offer a cornucopia of musical backgrounds in which to experience Aruba's exuberant and cosmopolitan attitudes.
Local musicians, benefiting from a rich musical background as well as exposure to international trends, often provide a new take on conventional rhythms. Their creativity and musical knowledge can be appreciated during live performances regularly scheduled at the local theater of Cas di Cultura, nightclubs or in Aruba's finest hotels, dinner theatres and restaurants.
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Ivan Jansen
CON ALMA
Ivan Eugene Jansen, born in Aruba in 1955, completed his studies in classical guitar at the Academy of Music "Francisco Cristancho" in Bogota, Colombia in 1978.
Distribution and Correspondence:
Ivan E. Jansen, Primavera 60, Aruba, Dutch Caribbean
Email: ivanjansen@setarnet.aw
 Listen to "Vals No.4 Opus 8"
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Nico Connor
CARIBBEAN MOODS
Nico Connor is known for arranging the music of popular recording artists with a unique blend of electronic instruments and steel drums.
Produced by N. Connor
Recorded and Mixed at Aruba Recording Studio
Listen to "Fragile"
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Padú del Caribe
RECUERDONAN STIMÁ
The local population of the small island of Aruba has in its midst an individual of exceptional talent in Padú del Caribe. This multifaceted composer, pianist, author and painter has, for more than half a century, popularized the music of the Dutch Caribbean through his infectious, highly dancable recordings.
Listen to "Shi Maraya"
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Grupo Guadirikiri
Conserva nos Historia y Cultura
If you would like to experience the true cultural flavour of the island, Grupo Guadirikiri delivers up a lively blend of this island's music in it's native language, which is Papiamento.
Listen to "Aruba ta Campeon"
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Tino Ruiz
ARUBA SUCURSAL DI CIELO
(ARUBA BRANCH OF HEAVEN)
Listeners will be uplifted by the heavenly strings of Tino Ruiz, softly lilting Spanish music characterized by relaxing tropical melodies featuring the mandolin.
Produced by Tino Ruiz
Listen to "Aruba sucursal di cielo (wals)"
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Lee Connor
NEW ELAN
Lee Connor dishes up the sounds of calypso using synthesizers and steel drums. All songs are composed by and arranged by Lee Connor
Recorded and mixed at Cabs Studio
Info/Distribution: connorlee@hotmail.com
Listen to "Bone Appetite (Welcome)"
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The Happy Islanders Steel Orchestra
If the oldies are still your favorite and you can't resist the pulsating rhythms of a raw steel band orchestra, this spirited Aruban group will have your heels tapping, making you feel like you're already here on this one happy island!
Listen to "Love Theme"
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