The Beat is the History
500 years, 5000 miles
Visit this map: The Decolonial Atlas
Perspective
The Americas
The cultural imprints of the African diaspora in the Americas spans an Atlantic arc from Virginia’s James River (United States) to the Rio de la Plato Uruguay. Spanning 5000 miles and encapsulating 500 years of Africans in the Americas, this arc delivered the new music forms and cultural expressions across the Americas.
The confluence of Africa’s polyrhythmic beats and European harmonies and melodies–including indigenous music– reverberate into the varied sounds and rhythms across the Americas.
THE BEAT IS THE HISTORY.
Not imitations of European nor transplanted African cultures, the new cultures heralded the music of the Americas.
500 years, 5000 miles
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American
Music
The roots of modern day ‘American’ (United States) music is traced to the areas connected to the delta regions and rivers of the American deep south.
Think Blues, Gospel, Rock, Jazz and R&B/Soul.
Carribean
Beats
Like its northern and southern continental neighbors, Caribbean islands developed varied distinct music and dance styles that are globally known.
Think Calypso, Reggae, Steelpan, Salsa and Ska.
Rhythms of
South American
The melding of Africa’s polyrhythmic beats, European harmonies, and indigenous influences further evolved iterations and syncopations in South America
Think Candombe, Marcatu, Tango, Rumba, Cumbia, Samba and Corrulau.
Uruguay’s Candombe
This comparsa (group of drummers) was filmed in August 2022 in the neighborhood of Barrio Sur in Montevideo, Uruguay.