by kkhemet » Sun Feb 13, 2011 11:57 pm
This instrument is found throughout the Caribbean, not necessarily transplanted from Cuba, but direct from Africa. In Jamaica the instrument is commonly known as Rhumba-box, Church and Clap (because of it's use in the pentecostal churches of Jamaica), Jazz Jim, etc. Marumba seems to be a variation on a theme, i.e. a combination of Marimbula and Rhumba-box.
The instrument has been used for decades by Jamaican Mento bands and prior to that by the Rastafarian community. You can find an old recording of the instrument on the Folkways label. I don't remember the name of the album, but it should not be hard to find. It comes complete with a booklet describing the musical selections, the musicians and the cultural context that created the music.
For more info on the origins of Marimbula you can reference Credo Vusamazulu's book Indaba My Children, also known as My People My Africa, currently being sold under another title, which devalues the importance of his writings to the level of childrens' folktales. Nevertheless, he tells of the origin of all the first musical instruments and the Goddess who created them, Queen Marimba. So far, his story is the only credible account of the origins of a number of instruments, which originated in Africa and are now found throughout the diaspora with various names recalling this African queen.