Guarjira

By Tony Bryant

The guarjira is another style from Cuba which made its way to Andalucía around 1840.

The Spanish use the word Guarjiro to describe a Cuban farmer, but the word guarjira means girl in Yucateca, the language used by the native Indians of Cuba. The lyrics of the guarjira normally refer to the young beautiful maidens from Havana, and its rhythm is the same to that of the bulería, although with different accentuations.

This was another style made popular by the singer Pepe Marchena, the fixed rhythms and sweet melodies and harmonies were to become something of a trademark for him. It was these characteristics that made many laugh off the seriousness of Pepe Marchena’s flamenco, as pure flamenco possesses none of these elements.


 

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