Skip to main content

Cult Music of Trinidad

Various Artists
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

icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
101
Shango cult members, Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad
02:53
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
102
Shango cult members, Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad
02:49
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
103
Shango cult members, Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad
03:00
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
104
Shango ritual leader singing liturgical song, Arouca, Trinidad
04:48
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
105
Shango ritual leader singing liturgical song, Arouca, Trinidad
01:06
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
106
Shango drummers and singers in a ritual ceremony, Couva, Trinidad
04:39
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
107
Shango drummers and singers in a ritual ceremony, Couva, Trinidad
03:43
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
201
Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad
00:31
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
202
Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad
05:53
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
203
Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad
05:56
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
204
Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad
02:24
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
205
Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad
02:49
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
206
Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad
00:56
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
207
Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Santa Cruz, Port of Spain, Trinidad
03:48
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
208
Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, Tunapuna, Trinidad
02:29
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
209
Shouters (Spiritual Baptists) Church congregation, D'Abadie, Trinidad
01:43