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 Oh Bababa	n/a	02:53
102	Annual Ceremony	n/a	02:49
103	Annual Ceremony (Cont.)	n/a	03:00
104	Solo to Yoruba Deity (1)	n/a	04:48
105	Solo to Yoruba Deity (2)	n/a	01:06
106	Annual Ceremony in a Rural Area	n/a	04:39
107	Annual Ceremony in a Rural Area (Cont.)	n/a	03:43
201	Bell Ringing (1)	n/a	00:31
202	Singing at Shouters Service	n/a	05:53
203	Praying and Singing	n/a	05:56
204	Singing	n/a	02:24
205	Bell Ringing (2)	n/a	02:49
206	Singing and Handclapping (1)	n/a	00:56
207	Fragment of Sermon	n/a	03:48
208	Singing and Handclapping (2)	n/a	02:29
209	Talking in Tongues	n/a	01:43