Led by an Angolan named Jemmy, the men gathered at the Stono River bridge. The road gang was poorly guarded, and twenty men took this opportunity to rise up against the mistreatment and backbreaking slave labor. In 1739, a group of enslaved Africans were part of a work gang building a public road in South Carolina. The Stono Rebellion was the most serious and deadly revolt by enslaved Africans in colonial United States. These musical traditions addressed how people experienced elements of life, work, play, and praise, and passed down traditional African-derived dance movement and rhythmic styles. Bessie Jones is responsible for creating the term “drumfolk”, which referred to people who practiced the song, movement, and percussive traditions of the Gullah-Geechee culture. Mary Elizabeth “Bessie” Jones (Febru– July 17, 1984) was an American gospel and folk singer who taught traditional songs, games and stories to young people and their families in rural Southern America. The Gullah people developed their culture not only from their distinct African roots, but also because of their isolation from white people. Even after the abolishment of slavery, the deeply rooted African traditions continued to shape the culture of the Gullah people. The Africans developed survival and resistance strategies, as well as cultural and spiritual practices that were necessary to endure the Carolina environment. Angola is bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia to the east, and Namibia. Angola is located in southwestern Africa, along the Atlantic coast. ![]() More Africans from the country of Angola were brought to the Lowcountry region of South Carolina than any other African country, totaling about 40% of the enslaved population. ![]() One of the largest importations of Africans to the Carolina area occurred in the early 1700’s. Ultimately, this was the beginning of the Gullah people. ![]() Forced to adjust in their new life, the enslaved people created a new culture based on the intermingling of their various languages and customs. The original Africans were taken from different tribes and regions that also spoke different languages. The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of Africans who were enslaved on the rice, indigo plant, and cotton plantations on the lower Atlantic coast in the late 1500’s. When slaveholders recognized the power of the drum, they drafted the Negro Act of 1740, making it illegal for Africans to use the drum to communicate or celebrate. Since enslaved Africans came from all over the continent and spoke many different languages, the drum became a universal way to communicate across cultures. When Africans were first arrived in America, they brought their traditions and culture with them. As a crucial element in many cultures, the drum is used to celebrate significant events, entertain listeners, mobilize community, and to communicate across long distances. Drums are the world’s oldest and most ubiquitous musical instruments, and the basic design has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years. The drum is a type of percussive instrument and central to telling the story of African dance, music, and culture. The History of the Drumfolk The Importance of the Drum ![]() You will find information on the history of the Drumfolk, the development of percussion in African American culture, and the exploration of Resistance, Resilience, and Reclamation. This educational guide is designed to help you enjoy Step Afrika!’s performance of Drumfolk. Welcome to Step Afrika!’s Educational Guide for Drumfolk! This term restores their humanity, acknowledges their experience, and affirms their cultural impact on American history. Note: Step Afrika! uses the phrase “enslaved Africans” to honor the life and legacy of those who endured the era of slavery. Looking to learn more ahead of the show? Our educational guide is designed to help you enjoy Step Afrika!’s performance of Drumfolk. Step Afrika! will bring Drumfolk to theaters across the country for a minimum, one-week residency, including feature-length performances, student matinees, master classes and workshops. New percussive forms took root leading to the development of some of our country’s most distinct performance traditions like ring shout, tap, and stepping. When Africans lost the right to use their drums, the beats found their way into the body of the people, the Drumfolk. Inspired by the Stono Rebellion of 1739, the production explores this little-known event in American history that would forever transform African American life and culture. Drumfolk will be taking its final bow this November at the Charleston Gaillard Center in Charleston, SC.ĭrumfolk is a rhythmic storytelling of the development of African American percussive dance and movement traditions.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |