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	Shango cult members, Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad	02:53
102	Annual Ceremony	Shango cult members, Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad	02:49
103	Annual Ceremony (Cont.)	Shango cult members, Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad	03:00
104	Solo to Yoruba Deity (1)	Shango ritual leader singing liturgical song, Arouca, Trinidad	04:48
105	Solo to Yoruba Deity (2)	Shango ritual leader singing liturgical song, Arouca, Trinidad	01:06
106	Annual Ceremony in a Rural Area	Shango drummers and singers in a ritual ceremony, Couva, Trinidad	04:39
107	Annual Ceremony in a Rural Area (Cont.)	Shango drummers and singers in a ritual ceremony, Couva, Trinidad	03:43
201	Bell Ringing (1)	Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad	00:31
202	Singing at Shouters Service	Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad	05:53
203	Praying and Singing	Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad	05:56
204	Singing	Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad	02:24
205	Bell Ringing (2)	Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad	02:49
206	Singing and Handclapping (1)	Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad	00:56
207	Fragment of Sermon	Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad	03:48
208	Singing and Handclapping (2)	Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Tunapuna, Trinidad	02:29
209	Talking in Tongues	Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, D'Abadie, Trinidad	01:43