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A Means of Escape


by Adriana Murray

Although the enslaved people were oppressed by their masters. They found a way to make life more palatable for themselves. How was this possible? The African Slaves returned to their roots using a tool to communicate and entertain. The enslaved sometimes did this through the unwitting help of the plantation owner.

The drums are synonymous with Africa and slaves used their drums to communicate with each other. Slaves were able to use the drums to send messages to each other from one plantation to another. The British colonizers believed that music was a motivator. Surely it was used to strengthen and motivate rebellions. It was through this belief that slave masters banned the beating of drum. Ultimately the use of the instrument was banned in 1675. It seems the British felt threatened by the beating of the drums. In 1688 all drums and loud instruments were burnt.

Despite this attempt to suppress the drum, Tuk music was born in the 17th century on the plantation. It is thought that the enslaved were forced to march and play military music.  This was how the sound of tuk was created a blend of British and African influences. The sounds of the British military and African beats can be heard emanating from the tuk band. Slaves used colonial instruments and made their own drums of animal skin. Initially the primary instruments were inclusive of a penny whistle and two snare drums.
                                                                             Photo by BTMI


However the tuk band has evolved and the instruments used today are a penny whistle, a snare drum, a bass drum and sometimes a triangle. The Tuk Band today consists of several musicians. Musicians are generally wearing vivid colours and the sound of the music is sure to invigorate persons and thrust them into movement and dance.  The band can be found in the streets today as a reminder constant of our great heritage and culture.
(short version)

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