Music is a universal language that connects cultures, histories, and borders. As someone who enjoys traveling the world, I've had the opportunity to spend time in both modern and traditional musical styles. For this blog, I've collected a mix of music from four different cultures, countries, and time periods. Each of them represents something unique about the culture it is from, and I find it very interesting.
Having been to Jamaica twice, I became fascinated by the music of the island, especially reggae, which is central to its culture. Reggae first appeared in the 1960s, combining rocksteady and traditional ska with strong rhythms and lyrics that addressed social issues. Bob Marley is the icon of reggae music and I got the chance to see where he was from and the famous rock he was sitting on. My favorite song by him is "One Love". But I like a lot of his songs which include harmony, fortitude, and peace. What is important about his music is the lyrics. He was the voice for a lot of people in Jamaica during his time. My experiences in Jamaica are amazing, it´s a beautiful island, and listening to reggae is a nice vibe.
"One Love" by Bob Marley
Moving on to a continent and to the vibrant sounds of Africa, Nigeria is a country that has produced a lot of Afrobeat music, which has become famous all over the world. Afrobeat blends some traditional African rhythms, which we explored in class, with some modern music to create one of my favorite genres. Burna Boy is a very popular artist who leads the modern Afrobeat. His song "Ye" is a perfect example of combining a dancing beat with slower-paced singing. The energy of Afrobeat, as I have talked about in my first blog post, is unbeatable in my opinion. Listening to Burna Boy and other Afrobeats songs I think is a way for people to be happy regardless of their cultures and just be connected through music.
"Ye" by Burna Boy
When I began looking into Brazilian music, I realized how little I understood about it. Samba de Roda, a classic type of samba, shocked me. It originated in Bahia, an area famed for its Afro-Brazilian roots, and combines music, dance, and storytelling. The rhythms are lively and upbeat, with instruments like the atabaque drum, pandeiro, and berimbau producing unique music. Listening to Maria Bethânia's song "Reconvexo" made me realize samba's rich cultural roots and its significance in expressing resilience and joy. Samba de Roda is a celebration of community and identity, not just music.
"Reconvexo" by Maria Bethânia
Taiko drumming from Japan was another discovery for me. I had no prior experience with this powerful and really traditional art form, and it was very cool to learn about it. Taiko drumming mixes precise beats with theatrical performances to create a fascinating energy. Groups like Kodo perform with such discipline and passion that the drums seem to reflect the spirit of Japan's history and environment. Watching their performance of "O-daiko" was amazing. The way they coordinate their movements and generate such rumbling sounds is amazing. Taiko is both ancient and modern, perfectly combining centuries-old traditions with a modern twist. It serves as a reminder of how music, even when heard for the first time, may bring out emotion and unite people.
"O-daiko" by Kodo
After learning about these different cultures from North America, South America, Africa, and Asia there's one big thing I take away from it. Music is everywhere and can be created in so many different and unique ways. But in the end, it usually has a bigger purpose than just creating sounds, and that is to bring people together. Which I think is beautiful!
Hi Isac! I really enjoyed listening to your selections, especially because you chose each from a different continent. My favorite kinds of music are heavy on rhythm and bass, so I enjoyed the Japanese Taiko drumming most of all here. Their showmanship is insane; the massive drums are so cool to see, and I love how it emulates the sound of thunder. Thank you for sharing!
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