The Origins of Black Slave Music in North America

[Roger]

The recent interview of Dulce Sloan claimed that the only music genre not created by black people is classical music. However, I beg to differ, as long before blacks were brought to the United States as slaves, the indigenous people of America, otherwise called, American Indians, created their own music with drums, hollow logs and other simple instruments. Some of that music, arguably, even sounds a bit like modern music.

Also, her claim is so very broad that it's difficult to ascertain where the ridiculous ends and the ludicrous begins. Honestly, I've never heard such arrogance before, especially not from someone who is supposed to be intelligent. Maybe, it was meant as comedy relief?

Also, there is this to consider, each society can trace a music derivation back to a basic source. Take the early Portuguese, their music had a significant impact on African slave music, particularly during the colonial period.

Language barriers were a major challenge for African slaves who arrived in the Americas. They came from diverse regions in West Africa, each with its own languages and cultures. Separated from their families and ethnic groups intentionally, communication among slaves was limited. To adapt, new languages and dialects emerged in the New World, allowing slaves to communicate covertly and preserve elements of their culture.

The Spanish and Portuguese brought their Roman Catholic religious music to the colonies. Churches were established, and Gregorian chant and Spanish sacred polyphony became part of the musical repertoire. Popular religious music, influenced by native traditions, played a crucial role. Patron saints’ feast days and community fiestas blended indigenous and Christian elements.

The Spaniards and Portuguese introduced various secular music genres from their homelands. These genres were adapted to life-cycle celebrations, work, and social occasions. Traits like shoe tapping, finger snapping, and the use of scarves persisted in Latin American folk dancing.

And by the late 16th century, cathedrals and universities were established in major cities. European art music, cultivated in Spain and Portugal, made its way to the colonies. This influence contributed to the rich musical heritage of Latin America.

In summary, early Portuguese music influenced African slave music through language adaptation, religious syncretism, and the introduction of secular and art music genres. The fusion of African and European musical elements laid the foundation for genres that continue to shape Latin American and Afro-Brazilian music today.

My aim here is not to belittle the accomplishments of blacks especially the black slaves, however I abhor misinformation and disinformation. Hence, my one goal in this is to offer a more informed perspective in the history of black slave music.

I cut this article short as it originally was much longer. It reminded me of a paper I wrote back in the day. Anyway, this is shortened because I believe I've proven my point earlier in this paper, the rest was merely fluff.

Sources:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/da ... r-BB1iJPZt
https://flypaper.soundfly.com/discover/ ... can-music/
https://www.britannica.com/art/Latin-Am ... -1492-1821
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-Brazilian_music
https://earlymusicmuse.com/guitarhistory/
https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio ... and_Brazil

[ChatGPT]

The recent interview of Dulce Sloan claimed that the only music genre not created by black people is classical music. However, I beg to differ, as long before blacks were brought to the United States as slaves, the indigenous people of America, otherwise called, American Indians, created their own music with drums, hollow logs and other simple instruments. Some of that music, arguably, even sounds a bit like modern music.

Also, her claim is so very broad that it's difficult to ascertain where the ridiculous ends and the ludicrous begins. Honestly, I've never heard such arrogance before, especially not from someone who is supposed to be intelligent. Maybe, it was meant as comedy relief?

Also, there is this to consider, each society can trace a music derivation back to a basic source. Take the early Portuguese, their music had a significant impact on African slave music, particularly during the colonial period.

Language barriers were a major challenge for African slaves who arrived in the Americas. They came from diverse regions in West Africa, each with its own languages and cultures. Separated from their families and ethnic groups intentionally, communication among slaves was limited. To adapt, new languages and dialects emerged in the New World, allowing slaves to communicate covertly and preserve elements of their culture.

The Spanish and Portuguese brought their Roman Catholic religious music to the colonies. Churches were established, and Gregorian chant and Spanish sacred polyphony became part of the musical repertoire. Popular religious music, influenced by native traditions, played a crucial role. Patron saints’ feast days and community fiestas blended indigenous and Christian elements.

The Spaniards and Portuguese introduced various secular music genres from their homelands. These genres were adapted to life-cycle celebrations, work, and social occasions. Traits like shoe tapping, finger snapping, and the use of scarves persisted in Latin American folk dancing.

And by the late 16th century, cathedrals and universities were established in major cities. European art music, cultivated in Spain and Portugal, made its way to the colonies. This influence contributed to the rich musical heritage of Latin America.

In summary, early Portuguese music influenced African slave music through language adaptation, religious syncretism, and the introduction of secular and art music genres. The fusion of African and European musical elements laid the foundation for genres that continue to shape Latin American and Afro-Brazilian music today.

My aim here is not to belittle the accomplishments of blacks especially the black slaves, however I abhor misinformation and disinformation. Hence, my one goal in this is to offer a more informed perspective in the history of black slave music.

I cut this article short as it originally was much longer. It reminded me of a paper I wrote back in the day. Anyway, this is shortened because I believe I've proven my point earlier in this paper, the rest was merely fluff.

Sources:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/da ... r-BB1iJPZt
https://flypaper.soundfly.com/discover/ ... can-music/
https://www.britannica.com/art/Latin-Am ... -1492-1821
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-Brazilian_music
https://earlymusicmuse.com/guitarhistory/
https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio ... and_Brazil

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