Maria Isenia (Bea Kalukrei)
She was a master of words and earned a lot of money through her singing (likely referring to tips or payment for her performances).
Bea, along with Ana Lòlò, Anita Abrikó, Shon Minta Korá, Betorin, Resmonda, and others, dominated Tambú singing in the first half of this century. She inspired many singers, one of whom was her successor, the talented Shon Kolá. Bea impressed Shon Kolá so much that he started attending every tambú where she sang. From there, he began to respond to her songs.
Experience has shown that responding to songs is an excellent school for learning to sing, provided one has sufficient talent and dedication.
Bea Kalukrei: Shon Kolá’s Mentor in Tambú
As previously noted, in the past, particularly in the first half of the 20th century, tambú singers were predominantly women. While most of these great singers from Punda, Banda Riba, and Banda ‘Bou have passed away, Bea Kalukrei stands out as one of the most prominent.
Shon Colá considers Bea as his teacher, not because she formally taught him to sing, but because he gained most of his experience by observing and performing with her. Shon Kolá’s tambú experience primarily comes from Punda, specifically Hanch’i Punda.
Shon Kolá first met and admired Bea when he was 15, at a tambú event in Duminguitu on a Sunday. The following Monday, while Shon Kolá was working a carpentry job at Casa Bernardo, he opened a back door and came face-to-face with Bea in Hanchi Bientu.
Bea asked him, “My child, I think I saw you somewhere yesterday.” Shon Kolá replied, “Yes, I saw you yesterday at the tambú in Duminguitu.”
From that moment on, the two became inseparable in their musical pursuits. Initially, Shon Kolá would respond to Bea’s songs wherever she sang, which allowed him to gain considerable experience. Later, Bea began to respond to Shon Kolá’s songs.
Shon Kolá and Bea Kalukrei also recorded together. Bea recorded “Waya den kurá” under the HOYCO label at 78 speed. Afterward, she recorded “Mi Ropa.”