Cult Music of Trinidad

George Eaton Simpson, of Oberlin College, traveled to Trinidad in 1960 to study and record the music of two cults whose members are largely of African descent.

The Shango Cult derives its beliefs and practices from those of the Yoruba people of Nigeria and from Catholicism. The music is heavily influenced by African sounds and includes drums and rattles; frequently it features a call-and-response pattern.

The Shouters, who refer to themselves as "Spiritual Baptists," evince fewer African elements in their religion and music. Their hymns are accompanied by occasional handclapping, and bell-ringing is an element of services. Tracks demonstrate these traditions, as well as part of a sermon and speaking in "tongues."

Illustrated liner notes provide information on the groups' spiritual roots and ceremonies.

For related recordings, see Jamaican Cult Music (FW04461) and Cult Music of Cuba (FW04410).

Track Listing

101	Shango Cult: Shango Oh Bababa	n/a	02:53
102	Shango Cult: Annual Ceremony	n/a	02:49
103	Shango Cult: Annual Ceremony	n/a	03:00
104	Shango Cult: Solo to Yoruba Deity	n/a	04:48
105	Shango Cult: Solo to Yoruba Deity	n/a	01:06
106	Shango Cult: Annual Ceremony in a Rural Area	n/a	04:39
107	Shango Cult: Annual Ceremony in a Rural Area	n/a	03:43
201	Shouters (Spiritual Baptist) Church: Bell Ringing	n/a	00:31
202	Shouters (Spiritual Baptist) Church: Singing at Shouters Service	n/a	05:53
203	Shouters (Spiritual Baptist) Church: Praying and Singing	n/a	05:56
204	Shouters (Spiritual Baptist) Church: Singing	n/a	02:24
205	Shouters (Spiritual Baptist) Church: Bell Ringing	n/a	02:49
206	Shouters (Spiritual Baptist) Church: Singing and Handclapping	n/a	00:56
207	Shouters (Spiritual Baptist) Church: Fragment of Sermon	n/a	03:48
208	Shouters (Spiritual Baptist) Church: Singing and Handclapping	n/a	02:29
209	Shouters (Spiritual Baptist) Church: Speaking in "Tongues"	n/a	01:43