Lecture Notes: African-Derived Religious Expression in Music

Introduction

• Focus on artistic expression in African-derived religions, especially through music.
• Discussion spans two weeks, combined for better understanding.
• Recent focus on "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley for its powerful, liberating lyrics.

African-Derived Religions

• Include Voodoo, Hoodoo, Santeria, Yoruba, Baptist, Pentecostal, CME, AME, Catholic.
• All have elements of artistic expression and spirituality.

Negro Spirituals

• Originated as Christian songs by African slaves in the U.S.
• Served as oral tradition imparting Christian values and slavery hardships.
• Lyrics had specific meanings: instructions, comfort, storytelling.

"Wade in the Water"

• Secret instructions for slaves escaping via Underground Railroad.
• "Wade in the Water": instructs slaves to enter water to lose scent from dogs.
• "God's going to trouble the water": find moving water to avoid detection.
• Verse analysis:
  • Children dressed in red: Represents those who died on the Underground Railroad.
  • Children dressed in white: Allies (Caucasians) assisting in the Underground Railroad.
  • Children dressed in blue: Symbolizes Confederacy, with blue being the color of the North soldiers.

Harriet Tubman's Songs

• Used to relay messages and instructions to slaves on the Underground Railroad.
• Different songs signified different signals (e.g., danger, all clear).

Other Slave Songs

• "Steal Away": Signaled meetings for planning escapes.
  • "Steal away to Jesus": Represented salvation in the North.
  • Timing and movement often coordinated with storms (water, thunder).
• "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot": Instructions to stay low in wagons during escape.
  • "A band of angels": Helpers on the Underground Railroad.

Cultural Expressions in African-American Religions

• Ring Shout and Plantation Dances:
  • Community-building, ritualistic, artistic expression.
  • Participants experienced spiritual transcendence.
• Call and Response:
  • Succession of phrases as a dialogue for retention and literacy.
  • Used in religious settings for teaching hymns and scripture.

Preaching Styles in African-American Churches

• Hooping: Melodic expression with musical undertones.
  • Examples: E. Dewey Smith, Reginald Sharp.
• Teaching: Academic approach, less entertaining, more informational.
  • Examples: Dean Lawrence Carter, Dean Nichelle Guidry.
• Exhortation/Prosperity Gospel: Motivational and urging belief.
  • Examples: Joel Osteen, Joyce Myers.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to engage with elders and explore religious songs and preaching styles.
• Importance of including lecture notes in upcoming assignments.