Capítulo 6. La huella africana en el son jarocho. Veracruz Afrodescendiente

Summary

This script explores the rich cultural history and significance of Son Jarocho, a traditional music genre from Veracruz, Mexico. It highlights the Afro-descendant roots of the music, its connection to the land and people, and how it embodies the struggles and joys of daily life. Through the influence of African, Indigenous, and Spanish traditions, Son Jarocho has evolved into a powerful expression of identity, community, and resistance. The script also delves into the emotional and rhythmic aspects of its dance and music, emphasizing the deep connections between performers and their cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The origins of the 'son jarocho' are rooted in the cultural blending of Indigenous and African traditions, particularly in Veracruz, Mexico.
• 😀 'Son jarocho' music and dance have deep African influences, seen in the rhythms, instruments like the 'leona' (large guitar), and the dance steps, particularly the syncopated rhythms and counterbeats.
• 😀 The 'son jarocho' has a long history, dating back to the 16th century when coplas (songs) were sung to celebrate life, nature, love, and significant events.
• 😀 During colonial times, the Spanish colonizers were critical of the freedom of movement in 'son jarocho' dances and its lyrics, which often expressed the hardships of Afro-descendant communities.
• 😀 There is a clear link between 'son jarocho' and African music, with key elements like call-and-response singing, rhythmic complexity, and instrumental sounds that can be traced back to African roots.
• 😀 The 'chuchumbé' was a form of satirical song that mocked high-ranking church figures and was banned by the church but later became a popular song form.
• 😀 The rhythm of 'son jarocho' is deeply connected to the rhythms of the African diaspora, with instruments like the marimbol and the syncopated rhythms of the 'toro saca mando' embodying this connection.
• 😀 'Son jarocho' music is not just for performance but is deeply embedded in the everyday life and emotions of the communities who practice it, offering an outlet for expression, resistance, and celebration.
• 😀 The dance at a fandango (traditional gathering for music and dance) is a communal ritual where both the musicians and the dancers contribute to the emotional expression of the music.
• 😀 The joy and resilience of 'son jarocho' lie in its ability to connect people to their history, identity, and shared struggles, despite social and economic challenges.

Q & A

What is the significance of 'La Lluvia de San Juan' in the transcript?

La Lluvia de San Juan is a traditional song that blends African rhythms with Andalusian airs, symbolizing the communal and cultural fusion in the Veracruz region, particularly within Afro-descendant communities. It is celebrated in various forms, such as dance and song, highlighting the region’s unique historical and cultural heritage.

How does the music of Son Jarocho reflect Afro-descendant influences?

Son Jarocho incorporates distinct African elements, particularly in its rhythms, such as the use of counterbeats and syncopation. Instruments like the leona (large bass guitar) and rhythms in songs like 'Toro Saca Mando' demonstrate clear African influences in both music and dance.

What role does the 'Leona' instrument play in Afro-descendant communities in Veracruz?

The Leona, a large bass instrument, is central to the musical identity of several Afro-descendant communities in Veracruz, especially in areas like Chacalapa and the Sierra de Soteapan. It characterizes the sound of the region, with a unique construction and tone that connects these communities to their African roots.

What is the relationship between African and Spanish musical traditions in the region?

The musical traditions of Veracruz are a product of the mestizaje process, where African rhythms and Spanish lyrical forms fused. The 'décima' style, brought by the Spanish, evolved in the region, incorporating African storytelling through music and the expressive, rhythmic elements of Afro-descendant culture.

Why was Son Jarocho initially considered subversive by colonial authorities?

During the colonial period, Son Jarocho music, especially the fandango, was viewed as subversive by Spanish authorities due to its association with the freedom of movement between men and women, its sensual dances, and its satirical lyrics. The music often expressed the everyday struggles and resistance of Afro-descendant communities.

How does 'Chuchumbé' reflect the social context of its time?

'Chuchumbé' is a satirical collection of songs that caricatured powerful figures, especially within the Catholic Church. The song was part of a broader tradition where music and lyrics served as a form of resistance and expression of the hardships faced by marginalized communities.

How does the practice of fandango continue to maintain cultural significance?

Fandango, a dance and musical tradition rooted in Son Jarocho, remains a powerful cultural practice. It brings together communities in a ritualistic celebration of their collective identity, where music, dance, and spontaneous improvisation are integral. It continues to be a living, evolving expression of cultural resilience.

What is the significance of rhythm in Son Jarocho, particularly in the 'Toro Saca Mando'?

The 'Toro Saca Mando' is significant for its dual rhythms—one on-time and the other off-beat—which reflect African rhythmic structures. This syncopated pattern is a hallmark of African musical influence and is fundamental to the unique sound of Son Jarocho, especially in the way it is performed during fandangos.

What role does improvisation play in Son Jarocho music and dance?

Improvisation is a key aspect of Son Jarocho, allowing musicians and dancers to express themselves creatively within the traditional structure. The spontaneity of rhythm and dance movements enables participants to engage deeply with the music and adapt to the energy of the collective performance.

How does the sense of 'joy' persist in Son Jarocho despite historical hardship?

The sense of joy in Son Jarocho is deeply tied to the resilience of Afro-descendant communities in Veracruz. Despite facing marginalization and hardship, the music’s infectious rhythms and melodies carry an undeniable sense of celebration and cultural pride, providing a way for people to connect with their roots and find joy in the present.