Musings.
Though many are familiar with Negro Spirituals, their true meaning is largely not understood, or remembered. They were essentially coded messages for fellow slaves to enable them to successfully escape to freedom. These messages were hidden in what appeared to be Christian songs because slave owners usually attended large gatherings such as Sunday worship services. Interestingly, a huge percentage of slaves were originally Muslims.
The 'chariots' in Swing Low Sweet Chariot does not refer to the after life with Christ, but rather to whatever vehicle those assisting runaway slaves might use to ferry them further along the path - a wagon, a boat, anything in which a runaway slave could be hidden and conveyed to freedom. The 'Jordon River' is actually the Ohio River, or whatever body of water on the other side of which lay freedom, be it in the U.S. or Canada.
I have 'Africanized' these songs with vocalizations, and by giving back the drums which were forbidden to slaves in the U.S. for fear of helping to incite a mass uprising such as the bloody revolt that occurred in Haiti where drums were allowed.
My mother sang these songs to me, and they are deeply rooted in my being. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed recreating them.
Though many are familiar with Negro Spirituals, their true meaning is largely not understood, or remembered. They were essentially coded messages for fellow slaves to enable them to successfully escape to freedom. These messages were hidden in what appeared to be Christian songs because slave owners usually attended large gatherings such as Sunday worship services. Interestingly, a huge percentage of slaves were originally Muslims.
The 'chariots' in Swing Low Sweet Chariot does not refer to the after life with Christ, but rather to whatever vehicle those assisting runaway slaves might use to ferry them further along the path - a wagon, a boat, anything in which a runaway slave could be hidden and conveyed to freedom. The 'Jordon River' is actually the Ohio River, or whatever body of water on the other side of which lay freedom, be it in the U.S. or Canada.
I have 'Africanized' these songs with vocalizations, and by giving back the drums which were forbidden to slaves in the U.S. for fear of helping to incite a mass uprising such as the bloody revolt that occurred in Haiti where drums were allowed.
My mother sang these songs to me, and they are deeply rooted in my being. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed recreating them.