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Language & Legacy short version



By Adriana Murray 
Here we delve further into the linguistic origins of one of our incredible oral traditions: The call and response which permeates our Caribbean folk music, calypsos and storytelling.  Call and Response is a rhythmic conversation between two musicians, one playing a sound (the call) which is answered (the response) by the other musician.  

The cultural tradition seems to be ingrained in the African community since the beginning of time. Nathan Keegan described the method in his article like this “The call-and-response…has likely existed since the dawn of Africa's language-proficient communities.”

The practice truly depicts strength of a people and remarkable retention. Often used during spiritual practices and at large social gathering.  It is said to have permeated through communities which are south of the Saharan Dessert.
Today we can hear this African cultural practice is interlaced into popular music such as Jazz, Hip-Hop, Rap and Rhythm and Blues. 

Locally the artistic style is depicted in our folk songs. The style creates the perfect stage for storytelling.  Let’s take the classic folk song: Sugar Cane by The Barbados Folk Singers. 

Call

Sugar cane growing on mi native land 

Response

Cut the sugar cane till it bun me hand

Call 

And I work out in the field from morn till night

Response 

Cut the sugar cane till it bun mi hand

This story told through this traditional style perfectly depicts the hardships of life on the plantation. Be sure to listen to the whole story. Imagine this piece of culture travelled from the shores of Africa and is now an intricate part of our culture.  


This video does not belong to me

(Short Version)

References

Call-And-Response An Ancient Linguistic Device Surfaces in Usher’s “Love in the da Club” (Article) Nathan Keegan
Trevor Marshall Historian

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