What Are The Similarities Between America And Brazil
African-Derived Music of Jamaica and Brazil:
All contemporary music can be traced back to cultures that came before. Most music eventually turns into an amalgamation of styles as cultures borrow best practices from each other and then put add their own flair. Such is the case with the current style of music known as Reggae, particularly that found in Jamaica and Brazil. Although contemporary artists have added their personal touches to the genre, its roots can be traced back to the forced migration of millions of slaves during the early 17th century. As these slaves settled in Latin America and the surrounding areas, they brought their African music with them. Eventually, traits of this music was adopted by local musicians and integrated into their music. Although there are distinct differences between the music found in Jamaica and Brazil, the similarities between the two cultures is pronounced.
A culture’s music can be viewed as a definition of their identity. Much more than just musical attributes finds its way into the musical expression of a society. Religious beliefs, psychological phenomena, societal expectations and mores – these all factor into the artistic expression of a specific culture or region. This is definitely that case with both Jamaica and Brazil, as the music in each country …show more content…
has been shaped by a variety of factors – over and above just music. These factors will be compared and contrasted in regards to the music of both countries in order to provide a complete breakdown of each.
One of the biggest musical influences across cultures is religion. A society’s shared religious beliefs and traditions often filter into most, if not all, types of expression. In Jamaica, for instance, African slaves brought with them their religious spirits and fetishes. For example, the kumina dance is still practiced throughout the island as a curative. Its history as a religion can be directly traced back to Africa. Native Jamaicans, many of which still refer to themselves as “Africans,” whole-heartedly believe in the healing power of the kumina. As explained in the book Three Eyes for the Journey: African Dimensions of the Jamaican Religious Experience, “When a person experiences grave misfortune, in terms of physical or psychological illness or any other person problem, a Kumina queen may organize a ceremony at the request of the client or based upon her own assessment of the problem,” (Stewert 151).
A crucial part of the Kumina religion is drumming, especially in terms of a master drummer. In her book Rock it Come Over: The Folk Music of Jamaica, Olive Lewin describes the critical role of the drummer, "the cyas drummer is crucial to the success of a bands. He must not only be conversant with information about spirit activity and rhythm requirements, but he must also learn the African language and interpret immediately,” (37). This religious drumming has become one of the most identifiable parts of Jamaican Reggae music. In fact, it is such a distinct and inimitable system; many of the best non-Jamaicans have trouble performing it. In the book Reggae Bloadlines, this exclusivity was discussed, “Reggae is Jamaican soul music, a sort of tropic rock and roll with accents on the second and fourth beats, a metric system so flamboyant and unique that only seasoned Jamaican drummers can keep it together and flowing” (Davis 12). The distinct drumming found in Jamaican Reggae is a prime of example of religion influencing music.
Another religious body that has had a direct impact on Jamaican Reggae is the Rastafarians. If there is one religion closely tied to Reggae, it is this religion. In his book The Rastafarians, Leonard E. Barret Sr. discussed the religion and its ancestral ties to Africa. Barret said, “The Rastafarian cult is a messianic movement unique to Jamaica. Its members believe that Haile Selassie, former Emperor of Ethiopia, is the Black Messiah who appeared in the flesh for the redemption of all Blacks exiled in the world of White oppressors” (1). Rastafarians believe Ethiopia is the promise land where all Black people will once again be reunited and redeemed. Rastafarians and Reggae go hand-in-hand, and both are a prime example of the effect Africa has had on Jamaican religion, culture, and music. Like Jamaica, African influence can be seen throughout the country of Brazil. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the largest number of African slaves was sent to Brazil. With them came the religions, traditions, and music of their native land. Although a large majority of Brazilians are Christian, several African religions are also still practiced on the island. Among them is Candomblé, which can be translated to mean “dance in honor of the Gods.” Practitioners of Candomble believe in one all-powerful God called Oludumare, who is served by lesser deities called orixas (Candomble). Like many religions, music and dance are an important part of ceremonies and celebrations. Unlike many slave populated countries, including North America, Brazil allowed the country’s slaves to continue playing their African drums. As a result, much of Brazilian music adopted the drumming found in religions like Candomble. As in Jamaica, this drumming has become a very identifiable part of Brazilian contemporary music. In regards to religion, the biggest influence in Brazil was from the Europeans who introduced Catholicism to the country. Unlike Jamaica, the largest religious domination in not African based. According to “Brazil Religion,” approximately three-fourths of Brazil claims to be Catholic. In fact, there are more Catholics found in Brazil than in any other country around the world (Brazil.org). That doesn’t mean that other religions aren’t present throughout the country, many of which have African ties. The biggest area of African influence, however, can be found in Brazilian music and dance. Brazil’s most famous dance is the samba, which is a direct descendant of African dance. The samba is characterized by syncopated rhythms, call and response vocals, and diatonic melodies. The word "samba" originally meant to pray, and the dances were designed to invoke the dancer 's personal god or saint (Giepel). The samba is synonymous with the Brazilian carnival tradition. As explained in the article “An In-Depth Look at the Carnival History,” the carnivals adopted the tribal practices of African slaves. These practices included:
“Parading around the village which was actually done to ward off all the bad spirits in the area. People began to use costumes and tribal masks during the celebrations. Feathers were also used in many of the African costumes and this symbolized rebirth and the rise of the spirits which are also important components of the modern day Brazilian carnival” (“An In-Depth Look”).
As with much of the music in Jamaica, the roots of contemporary music in Brazil, especially the Samba, can be traced directly to the influence of African slaves. Music is not the only medium that displays distinct cultural influences. Societal attitudes and beliefs are often a by-product of pre-cultural integration. This is very apparent in the anti-establishment attitude found throughout much of Jamaica. This attitude is very much the result of the harsh conditions on the plantations Africans were enslaved at. Dr. Kwame Nantambu discussed the history of this antagonism in his study entitled “Impact of Slavery in the Caribbean.” Nantambu contends that, “It is this psychological legacy of slavery and indenture that permeates fashions and condones the antagonistic and sometimes violent interaction between African and Whites today.” Although countries like North American have become a melting pot for numerous differing cultures, Jamaica has remained largely populated by natives. As a result, societal attitudes and beliefs are passed on from generation to generation, especially by those with African ancestry. In comparison, contemporary Brazilian society does not feel as much antagonism toward the “establishment.” Cultures have intermingled with each other on a much larger scale and societal attitudes have adjusted accordingly. Other traces of African culture can also be found in Brazil. One of the country’s most recognizable past times is Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines features of acrobatics, music, and dance. Capoeira was developed by African slaves and gradually spread into the world-wide phenomenon it is today. As with other elements of Brazilian culture, music is a vital component of the sport. “Music sets the tempo and style of game that is to be played within the roda. Typically the music is formed by instruments and singing. Rhythm, controlled by a typical instrument called berimbau, differs from very slow to very fast, depending on the style of the roda,” explained Brazilian scholar Salome Kilkenny (“Brazil’s African Heritage”). The roda
Kilkenny refers to is a circle formed by spectators and musical instruments in which every participant sings traditional songs and either plays their instrument or claps along to the beat. The songs are usually in the call and response style; which is another musical trait adopted from Africa. The music of both Jamaica and Brazil has definite ties to African.
Millions of slaves were transported to the two countries, resulting in an influx of African culture. Both Jamaica and Brazil embraced this culture and integrated it into all aspects of music. The identifiable drumming found in both countries’ music is a direct descendant of African tribal music. Furthermore, many of the dances found in Jamaica and Brazil can also be traced back to Africa. Although there are slight differences between the two countries in terms of musical attributes, the similarities are striking. The music of both countries would not be what it is today without the influence of
Africa.
Works Cited
“An In-Depth Look at the Carnival History.” RioCarnival. 2012. Web. 17 April 2014.
Barret, Leonard E. Sr. “Paradise Island.” The Rastafarians. Massachusetts: Beacon Press, 2002.
Print.
“Brazil Religion.” Brazil.org, 2001. Web. 19 April 2014.
“Candomble at a Glance.” BBC Religions. 15 Sept. 2009. Web. 19 April 2014.
Davis, Stephen. Reggae Bloadlines: In Search of Music and Culture in Jamaica. DaCapo Press,
1992. Print.
Giepel, John. “Brazil’s African Legacy.” History Today, 47:8 (1997). Web. 18 April 2014.
Kilkenny, Salome. “Brazil’s African Heritage.” The Network Journal, June 2001. Web. 18 April
2014.
Lewin, Olive. Rock It Come Over: The Folk Music of Jamaica. West Indies Press, 2000. Print.
Nantambu, Kwame. Impact of Slavery in the Caribbean. University of the West Indies Press, 14
November 2009. Web. 20 April 2014.
Stewert, Dianne M. Three Eyes for the Journey: African Dimensions of the Jamaican Religious
Experience. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. Print
Williams, Marcus D. “West Indian Slavery: The Shaping of Caribbean Culture.” Blogspot, 3
April 2010. Web. 19 April 2014.
All contemporary music can be traced back to cultures that came before. Most music eventually turns into an amalgamation of styles as cultures borrow best practices from each other and then put add their own flair. Such is the case with the current style of music known as Reggae, particularly that found in Jamaica and Brazil. Although contemporary artists have added their personal touches to the genre, its roots can be traced back to the forced migration of millions of slaves during the early 17th century. As these slaves settled in Latin America and the surrounding areas, they brought their African music with them. Eventually, traits of this music was adopted by local musicians and integrated into their music. Although there are distinct differences between the music found in Jamaica and Brazil, the similarities between the two cultures is pronounced.
A culture’s music can be viewed as a definition of their identity. Much more than just musical attributes finds its way into the musical expression of a society. Religious beliefs, psychological phenomena, societal expectations and mores – these all factor into the artistic expression of a specific culture or region. This is definitely that case with both Jamaica and Brazil, as the music in each country …show more content…
has been shaped by a variety of factors – over and above just music. These factors will be compared and contrasted in regards to the music of both countries in order to provide a complete breakdown of each.
One of the biggest musical influences across cultures is religion. A society’s shared religious beliefs and traditions often filter into most, if not all, types of expression. In Jamaica, for instance, African slaves brought with them their religious spirits and fetishes. For example, the kumina dance is still practiced throughout the island as a curative. Its history as a religion can be directly traced back to Africa. Native Jamaicans, many of which still refer to themselves as “Africans,” whole-heartedly believe in the healing power of the kumina. As explained in the book Three Eyes for the Journey: African Dimensions of the Jamaican Religious Experience, “When a person experiences grave misfortune, in terms of physical or psychological illness or any other person problem, a Kumina queen may organize a ceremony at the request of the client or based upon her own assessment of the problem,” (Stewert 151).
A crucial part of the Kumina religion is drumming, especially in terms of a master drummer. In her book Rock it Come Over: The Folk Music of Jamaica, Olive Lewin describes the critical role of the drummer, "the cyas drummer is crucial to the success of a bands. He must not only be conversant with information about spirit activity and rhythm requirements, but he must also learn the African language and interpret immediately,” (37). This religious drumming has become one of the most identifiable parts of Jamaican Reggae music. In fact, it is such a distinct and inimitable system; many of the best non-Jamaicans have trouble performing it. In the book Reggae Bloadlines, this exclusivity was discussed, “Reggae is Jamaican soul music, a sort of tropic rock and roll with accents on the second and fourth beats, a metric system so flamboyant and unique that only seasoned Jamaican drummers can keep it together and flowing” (Davis 12). The distinct drumming found in Jamaican Reggae is a prime of example of religion influencing music.
Another religious body that has had a direct impact on Jamaican Reggae is the Rastafarians. If there is one religion closely tied to Reggae, it is this religion. In his book The Rastafarians, Leonard E. Barret Sr. discussed the religion and its ancestral ties to Africa. Barret said, “The Rastafarian cult is a messianic movement unique to Jamaica. Its members believe that Haile Selassie, former Emperor of Ethiopia, is the Black Messiah who appeared in the flesh for the redemption of all Blacks exiled in the world of White oppressors” (1). Rastafarians believe Ethiopia is the promise land where all Black people will once again be reunited and redeemed. Rastafarians and Reggae go hand-in-hand, and both are a prime example of the effect Africa has had on Jamaican religion, culture, and music. Like Jamaica, African influence can be seen throughout the country of Brazil. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the largest number of African slaves was sent to Brazil. With them came the religions, traditions, and music of their native land. Although a large majority of Brazilians are Christian, several African religions are also still practiced on the island. Among them is Candomblé, which can be translated to mean “dance in honor of the Gods.” Practitioners of Candomble believe in one all-powerful God called Oludumare, who is served by lesser deities called orixas (Candomble). Like many religions, music and dance are an important part of ceremonies and celebrations. Unlike many slave populated countries, including North America, Brazil allowed the country’s slaves to continue playing their African drums. As a result, much of Brazilian music adopted the drumming found in religions like Candomble. As in Jamaica, this drumming has become a very identifiable part of Brazilian contemporary music. In regards to religion, the biggest influence in Brazil was from the Europeans who introduced Catholicism to the country. Unlike Jamaica, the largest religious domination in not African based. According to “Brazil Religion,” approximately three-fourths of Brazil claims to be Catholic. In fact, there are more Catholics found in Brazil than in any other country around the world (Brazil.org). That doesn’t mean that other religions aren’t present throughout the country, many of which have African ties. The biggest area of African influence, however, can be found in Brazilian music and dance. Brazil’s most famous dance is the samba, which is a direct descendant of African dance. The samba is characterized by syncopated rhythms, call and response vocals, and diatonic melodies. The word "samba" originally meant to pray, and the dances were designed to invoke the dancer 's personal god or saint (Giepel). The samba is synonymous with the Brazilian carnival tradition. As explained in the article “An In-Depth Look at the Carnival History,” the carnivals adopted the tribal practices of African slaves. These practices included:
“Parading around the village which was actually done to ward off all the bad spirits in the area. People began to use costumes and tribal masks during the celebrations. Feathers were also used in many of the African costumes and this symbolized rebirth and the rise of the spirits which are also important components of the modern day Brazilian carnival” (“An In-Depth Look”).
As with much of the music in Jamaica, the roots of contemporary music in Brazil, especially the Samba, can be traced directly to the influence of African slaves. Music is not the only medium that displays distinct cultural influences. Societal attitudes and beliefs are often a by-product of pre-cultural integration. This is very apparent in the anti-establishment attitude found throughout much of Jamaica. This attitude is very much the result of the harsh conditions on the plantations Africans were enslaved at. Dr. Kwame Nantambu discussed the history of this antagonism in his study entitled “Impact of Slavery in the Caribbean.” Nantambu contends that, “It is this psychological legacy of slavery and indenture that permeates fashions and condones the antagonistic and sometimes violent interaction between African and Whites today.” Although countries like North American have become a melting pot for numerous differing cultures, Jamaica has remained largely populated by natives. As a result, societal attitudes and beliefs are passed on from generation to generation, especially by those with African ancestry. In comparison, contemporary Brazilian society does not feel as much antagonism toward the “establishment.” Cultures have intermingled with each other on a much larger scale and societal attitudes have adjusted accordingly. Other traces of African culture can also be found in Brazil. One of the country’s most recognizable past times is Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines features of acrobatics, music, and dance. Capoeira was developed by African slaves and gradually spread into the world-wide phenomenon it is today. As with other elements of Brazilian culture, music is a vital component of the sport. “Music sets the tempo and style of game that is to be played within the roda. Typically the music is formed by instruments and singing. Rhythm, controlled by a typical instrument called berimbau, differs from very slow to very fast, depending on the style of the roda,” explained Brazilian scholar Salome Kilkenny (“Brazil’s African Heritage”). The roda
Kilkenny refers to is a circle formed by spectators and musical instruments in which every participant sings traditional songs and either plays their instrument or claps along to the beat. The songs are usually in the call and response style; which is another musical trait adopted from Africa. The music of both Jamaica and Brazil has definite ties to African.
Millions of slaves were transported to the two countries, resulting in an influx of African culture. Both Jamaica and Brazil embraced this culture and integrated it into all aspects of music. The identifiable drumming found in both countries’ music is a direct descendant of African tribal music. Furthermore, many of the dances found in Jamaica and Brazil can also be traced back to Africa. Although there are slight differences between the two countries in terms of musical attributes, the similarities are striking. The music of both countries would not be what it is today without the influence of
Africa.
Works Cited
“An In-Depth Look at the Carnival History.” RioCarnival. 2012. Web. 17 April 2014.
Barret, Leonard E. Sr. “Paradise Island.” The Rastafarians. Massachusetts: Beacon Press, 2002.
Print.
“Brazil Religion.” Brazil.org, 2001. Web. 19 April 2014.
“Candomble at a Glance.” BBC Religions. 15 Sept. 2009. Web. 19 April 2014.
Davis, Stephen. Reggae Bloadlines: In Search of Music and Culture in Jamaica. DaCapo Press,
1992. Print.
Giepel, John. “Brazil’s African Legacy.” History Today, 47:8 (1997). Web. 18 April 2014.
Kilkenny, Salome. “Brazil’s African Heritage.” The Network Journal, June 2001. Web. 18 April
2014.
Lewin, Olive. Rock It Come Over: The Folk Music of Jamaica. West Indies Press, 2000. Print.
Nantambu, Kwame. Impact of Slavery in the Caribbean. University of the West Indies Press, 14
November 2009. Web. 20 April 2014.
Stewert, Dianne M. Three Eyes for the Journey: African Dimensions of the Jamaican Religious
Experience. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. Print
Williams, Marcus D. “West Indian Slavery: The Shaping of Caribbean Culture.” Blogspot, 3
April 2010. Web. 19 April 2014.