What would the Americas and the Caribbean be without the presence of Africans? We would not have rumba, cumbia, salsa, blues, gospel, or soul music; nor would we have zouk, reggae, meringue, jazz, mambo, cha cha, and many other hybrid rhythms we hear today.
The influence of that African presence is obvious in northern, southern, and central American nations and the Caribbean. The imported African culture stood the hardship of slavery; it also withstood the wrath of those whose agenda was a systematic genocide of the African people they forcibly brought to the Americas.
Today African popular music is on the rise all over the world and the fusion with other forms and styles is outstanding. History cannot hide the presence of Mother Africa everywhere around the earth.
Take a listen to five songs that highlight the influence of Africa on music across the globe.
"Kokomo Blues" by Scrapper Blackwell from South Carolina
Scrapper Blackwell was an American blues guitarist playing a very distinct West African blues style. African influences can be heard in blues music from the American south. Many of the early singers were descendants of slaves and elements of their music reach back to African origins.
Naguya Nei by Paul Nabor from Belize
Nabor is best known for the song "Naguya Nei," which translates to “I am moving on.” He is often credited with popularizing Paranda, a style of traditional Garifuna music. The basic rhythm can be heard in Garifuna traditional drumming styles that date all the way back to St. Vincent and West Africa. He was one of the most talented musicians of the genre.
Africa by Aurelio Martinez from Honduras
This song was the intro for AfricaMix for several years. It is by Garifuna songwriter, singer, and guitarist Aurelio Martinez credited with transforming the music of the Garifuna from local curiosity to a global phenomenon. The Garifuna are a mix of people from West Africa, the Carib Islands, and Central Africa.
Cachon dice Elena by Paracumbe from Puerto Rico
This group’s musical styles and associated dances originating in Puerto Rico were developed by enslaved Africans. The drums speak with the voices.
Samba Malata by Lucila Campos from Peru
She deserves a separate award for her extraordinary talent for interpreting Creole music that will never go out of style.
