Creolization in Caribbean Music - "Introduction"

 Portfolio Introduction 


Creolization of Caribbean music will be the subject of this blog. What is Creolization? According to the Tour de Force, it can be defined as "the process of cultural exchange that results when multiple cultures come into contact and mix, which results in unique cultural products, combining elements of the original cultures, with new and distinct ones." 
The concept of Creolization in Caribbean music is a pretty simple one. When African rhythms were blended with European melodies, it produced a diversity of various Caribbean musical styles. On one end there were native drumming and singing, and on the other end, there was singing with a European sound, and a Neo- African accent, thus, creating a creolization. Bomba is an example of creolization from Puerto Rico. Besides describing the music genre, Bomba is also the instrument that accompanies it. The music can be played with upbeat tunes that will get you dancing enthusiastically, or it can be played with a  more sorrowful tone.
The photo was taken from: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/bomba-is-essential-expression-puerto-rican-culture

Here is a video giving an insight into the Bomba genre in Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is Bomba
I chose this video because it gave a detailed description of the definition of Bomba, as well as its history, and importance. 
  • Creolization can also be found in other areas, other than music. One example of this is religion. As an example, consider Cuban Santeria. 
  • Santeria's roots came from the religion known as The Lucumi. During the 17th century, when slaves were imported to Cuba, they were banned from practicing their religious traditions. As a result, they disguised their Gods as Catholic figures to worship them. 
The photo was taken from: https://www.apollofilm.com/en/films/filmprojekte-en/cuban-santeria-divinities-and-trance-rituals

Here is a video giving insight into the religion of  Santeria: Santeria Religion in Cuba 
I chose this video because it gave various people's point of view of the religion, as well as giving an insight into the dance practices that take place throughout this religion. 











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