Music from Saramaka: A Dynamic Afro-American Tradition

Retreating to the inland forests of Suriname to escape harsh conditions on slave plantations, small communities were founded upon diverse African heritages and newly emerging cultural practices. The Saramaka, who eventually became one of the largest Maroon (runaway slave) groups of this area, have a musical repertoire that employs a multitude of languages, gourd instruments, hand pianos, and drums. In this collection of music recorded from 1967 to 1976 by Richard and Sally Price, the songs of the Saramaka people convey a narrative of struggle, determination, and cultural survival. Liner notes include musical analysis, lyrics and translations, and photographs of the artists and instruments.