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For decades, the rhythms of “Asambeho” have pulsed through the streets of Aruba during Carnival, igniting a fire in the hearts of revelers and musicians alike.
This distinctive brass band music, born on Aruban soil, is more than just a sound; it is a cultural heartbeat, a symbol of resilience, and a celebration of Aruba’s creativity. Its roots run deep, connecting us to our island's rich history. As Aruba celebrates its 71st Carnival, the Aruba Tourism Authority is honoring “Asambeho” as part of its commitment to safeguarding the island’s musical heritage.
This year, the Sunset Parade in Noord and the other four main Carnival parades: Lighting Parade Oranjestad, Parada di Luz San Nicolas, Grand Parade San Nicolas and Grand Parade Oranjestad, will open to the sound of Asambeho brass band music, performed by the Massive Brass Band, led by Mr. Roderich Lopez.
The birth of Asambeho
The roots of brass band music in Aruba stretch back to the early 20th century, when bands such as the Pan-Am Club of San Nicolas and the Aruba Refinery Brass Band (formed on March 7, 1930) began incorporating brass instruments into their performances.
However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that two musicians from San Nicolas, Arnold Beyde and Samuel Hodge, pioneered a new rhythmic style specifically suited for Aruba’s Carnival: Asambeho.
Inspired by a blend of samba, calypso, and marching band rhythms, they crafted a sound built for dancing, with brass instruments (trumpets, trombones, saxophones) carrying the melody. At the same time, percussion (bass drum, light drum, snare drum) created an infectious beat. The debut of this music style in 1967, when it accompanied the Goldfinger Fan Club in the Carnival parade, marked the beginning of a new musical era for Aruba.
The name “A-SAM-BE-HO” was not officially chosen until 1988 through a contest, forming an acronym from the names Arnold (A), Samuel (SAM), Beyde (BE), and Hodge (HO). This acronym pays tribute to its creators and symbolizes the unity and collaboration at the heart of Aruba's cultural heritage.
A legacy of brass bands
Over the years, brass bands became a defining element of Aruba’s Carnival, with groups such as Excelsior Brass Band, YMCA Brassband, Brass Explosion, San Fernando Brothers, Savaneta Brass, The Blue Diamond Brass, Daimari Brass, Good Guys, Academy Brass Intl, Gramling Brass, Jamming Brass, Shiribana Brass Band, Hotel All Stars, Rufo All Stars, Royal Stars, Hell’s Angels, Born Losers, The Out Laws, Kids of Fame, DuziDuzi Brass, Little Devil, Dynamic Brass, Energy Brass, Savage Brass, MoonDogs, D2U-365, and Quality Brassband bringing a distinctive energy to the streets. These bands competed fiercely, introducing new elements, such as quad drums, steel drum rolls, and synchronized dance moves, to elevate the brass band experience. In the 1980s, groups like Hell’s Angels revolutionized the genre with their high-energy performances, while other bands followed suit, adding modern influences and refining the unique Aruban brass band identity.
Yet, despite its dominance, brass band music in Aruba faced challenges over time. The rise of amplified music, electronic instruments, and shifting trends led to a decline in traditional brass bands. Once a staple of the genre, the iconic wheel-hub percussion sound gradually faded from performances, leaving many to wonder if the spirit of Asambeho was being lost. This decline, however, has sparked a renewed interest in preserving and reviving this unique musical tradition.
A revival led by the Aruba Tourism Authority
Recognizing Asambeho's cultural significance and historical value, the Aruba Tourism Authority has taken a proactive role in preserving and revitalizing this unique musical tradition. Just as ATA honored the steelpan in 2024, this year’s Carnival 71 celebrations will highlight Asambeho, ensuring that the rhythm that once defined Aruba’s streets takes center stage once again.
ATA has enlisted the Massive Brass Band, led by Roderich Lopez, to restore Asambeho as the heartbeat of Aruba’s Carnival. Chosen for their legacy and dedication to traditional brass music, they are the ideal torchbearers for this revival. Their deep roots in Asambeho and ability to engage diverse audiences make this performance a celebration of history and a vision for the future.
Go Cultura: a partner in preservation and innovation
Go Cultura Foundation, Aruba’s leading advocate for the Cultural and Creative Industries has once again been entrusted with bringing a powerful cultural initiative to life. With its mission to formalize and develop Aruba’s cultural sector, Go Cultura ensures that Aruba’s heritage is not just remembered but actively integrated into the island’s sustainable development.
After successfully executing the Steelpan Project in 2024 for the Aruba Tourism Authority—a project celebrating and revitalizing an essential part of Aruba’s musical heritage—Go Cultura has proven itself a driving force behind safeguarding and elevating the island’s traditions. In 2025, this partnership continues with the Asambeho Project, reaffirming ATA and Go Cultura’s shared commitment to protecting and elevating Aruba’s cultural identity.
More than a celebration of the past, projects like these are investments in the future. They ensure that new generations connect with, reinterpret, and continue traditions like Asambeho.
By integrating cultural projects into Aruba’s broader vision for sustainable development, the Aruba Tourism Authority and Go Cultura not only preserve history but actively shape the nation’s creative future. Preserving Aruba’s culture isn’t just about looking back; it’s about moving forward with strength, vision, and pride. It's about ensuring that the unique cultural identity of Aruba, as represented by Asambeho, remains a vibrant part of the nation's future.
The future of Asambeho
The revival of Asambeho is more than just a tribute to the past. It is a promise to the future. Through the efforts of the Aruba Tourism Authority, the Massive Brass Band, and Go Cultura, Asambeho is not only being honored but actively reinforced and reintegrated into Aruba’s musical landscape. Your support, enthusiasm, and active participation are crucial in this journey. You are not just an audience but a vital part of this cultural revival.
The streets will continue to echo with the sounds of trumpets, trombones, and rolling percussion as Aruba’s Carnival proudly embraces its own musical identity. This momentous project is a statement that Aruba values its cultural roots, that tradition and innovation can coexist, and that the heartbeat of Asambeho will continue to pulse for generations to come.
The Aruba Tourism Authority ensures that Asambeho remains essential to the island’s identity through strategic investment, collaboration, and a shared passion for cultural heritage.
As the 71st Carnival unfolds, Asambeho will not just be heard; it will be felt, reminding every Aruban and guest that culture is not just history but a living, breathing force that shapes a nation's soul.
The audience's active participation and appreciation will truly keep the beat of Asambeho alive for generations to come.
A selection of Asambeho performances
Asambeho through the Decades
Research conducted by Go Cultura Foundation, with text written by Edjean Semeleer. Special thanks to the Arubiana-Caribiana Department of the National Library of Aruba and Mrs. Graciela Ned Cheng for their invaluable support and cooperation.
