Drums of Defiance: Maroon Music from the Earliest Free Black Communities of Jamaica

Featuring complex, West African influenced drumming and dancing, this little-known rural tradition is at the heart of modern, politically charged reggae music. The conviction heard here reveals a long history of struggle. During the 17th and 18th centuries, some of the Africans brought to Jamaica as slaves escaped to the mountains. There they settled, and over time, they became known as "Maroons." Today, four major Maroon colonies still exist in Jamaica's rugged western Cockpit Country and in the eastern Blue Mountains. Some selections on this recording were previously issued in 1981 on Folkways 4027. "..[A]n aural kaleidoscope, presenting small glimpses into the colorful world of the Maroon music of Jamaica." — Sing Out.

RELATED LESSON PLAN
"The Sounds of an Island: Jamaican Music for the Classroom"

Track Listing

101	Tambu: Hear When de Duppy Bawl Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:49
102	Tambu: Fire da Bun Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:52
103	Sa Leone: Remember Rain, John Warren Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:39
104	Sa Leone: Moko Johnny Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:46
105	Jawbone: Morning Star Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:43
106	Jawbone: See Dem Gyal a Molain Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:42
107	Jawbone: Me Aks Me Dasha Weh Him Min Go Maroon musicians, Moore Town	02:49
108	Jawbone: Nyam One Day, Bui Sanga Maroon musicians, Moore Town	03:57
109	Mandinga/John Thomas: Kin an Beri Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:08
110	Mandinga: Banda Gone a Wood Maroon musicians, Moore Town	02:05
111	Mandinga/Tambu: Ya Ya Dempo Maroon musicians, Moore Town	02:04
112	Mandinga: Wiri-oo Sankoma Maroon musicians, Moore Town	02:06
113	Papa: Maki Bo Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:02
114	Ibo: Jo Leh Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:44
115	Ibo: Siyumande Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:47
116	Abeng (Signaling Horn) Maroon abeng player, Moore Town	00:59
117	Drum Language (1) Maroon printing-man (drummer), Moore Town	00:27
118	Drum Language (2) Maroon printing-man (drummer), Moore Town	01:08
119	Kromanti (Country): Shedo Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:41
120	Kromanti (Country): Anabo Yedeng Maroon musicians, Moore Town	01:41
121	Recreational Song: Falla Me Maroon musicians, Charles Town	01:21
122	Kromanti: Dede Bi Ankama Maroon musicians, Charles Town	01:00
123	Mandinga: Ba Wiri-oo Maroon musicians, Scott's Hall	02:12
124	Mandinga: Oh Duppy Maroon musicians, Scott's Hall	01:13
125	Mandinga: Siyumande Yoyo Maroon musicians, Scott's Hall	01:31
126	Kromanti: Grandy Nanny Maroon musicians, Scott's Hall	01:05
127	Kromanti: A Mini Wai-oo Maroon musicians, Accompong	00:52
128	Solo Song: Ingia Mayongo Maroon singer, Accompong	00:32
129	Processional Music: Squire Smith Maroon musicians, Accompong	04:55
130	Processional Music: Clear Road Maroon musicians, Accompong	02:35
131	Processional Music: Wah Me Gwine Do? Maroon musicians, Accompong	02:48
132	Processional Music: Maroon Law Maroon musicians, Accompong	01:48
133	Processional Music: Baakini Maroon musicians, Accompong	02:02
134	Revival: Fight for War Maroon musicians, Accompong	02:11
135	Nyabingi: Medley Maroon musicians, Accompong	06:56