How Drumming Made Me a Feminist | Joshua Arana | TEDxBelmopan

Summary

This video tells the inspiring story of a Garifuna drummer who began playing at age five and gradually embraced his cultural heritage. Initially ashamed of his roots, he later took pride in Garifuna traditions, learning discipline from mentors and performing with top bands. He explores the cultural significance of drums, associating different parts with the roles of mothers, fathers, ancestors, and future generations. Through drumming, he conveys the values of connectivity, communication, and nurturing. The video emphasizes the vital role of women in Garifuna culture, linking rhythm, family, and society, and highlights the enduring legacy and resilience of the Garifuna people.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker began drumming at the age of 5 in a culturally rich environment and was exposed to the rhythms of Garifuna culture from a young age.
• 😀 Growing up, the speaker felt ashamed of their Garifuna identity, influenced by the popular American culture of the 1980s, which promoted vanity and materialism.
• 😀 In high school, the speaker realized that many others shared this shame, leading to a turning point in embracing their Garifuna roots.
• 😀 The speaker explored Garifuna drumming in-depth under the mentorship of Mr. Moses Royce, which deepened their understanding of both the music and culture.
• 😀 Each part of the Garifuna drum holds symbolic meaning: the shell represents the core of the people, the vine symbolizes connectivity, the skin represents communication, and the rope binds everything together.
• 😀 The speaker reframed the role of the drums, emphasizing that the **Segunda Drum** (larger drum) has a maternal, nurturing role, similar to the importance of mothers in Garifuna society.
• 😀 The **Primero Drum** (smaller drum) plays a more masculine role, improvising based on the context, much like fathers adapting to different responsibilities.
• 😀 Garifuna culture views women as foundational, with their nurturing role being central to both the family and the preservation of cultural traditions.
• 😀 The earth is referred to as 'Mother Earth' in Garifuna culture, reflecting the importance of nurturing, which is a core value that runs through the culture.
• 😀 The speaker concludes that Garifuna culture is not just a historical heritage but a living, breathing tradition that is carried on through generations, with women playing a key role in its survival and flourishing.

Q & A

At what age did the speaker begin playing drums, and how did their environment influence their early development?

The speaker began playing drums at the age of five. Growing up in Baka Town, a culturally rich area, drums were played frequently, which made it easy for the speaker to pick up rhythms naturally and practice extensively.

Which early musical groups did the speaker join, and what was the significance of these groups?

By the age of 13, the speaker joined two groups: Memory Meaning Light and Illigal Meaning Roots. These groups helped the speaker develop their musical skills and gain exposure to performing in a structured setting.

How did the speaker's perception of their Garifuna identity change during high school?

In high school, the speaker realized many peers were also ashamed of their cultural roots. This inspired a shift in mentality, leading them to embrace their Garifuna identity with pride and explore the culture more deeply.

Who guided the speaker in learning Garifuna drumming discipline, and what impact did this have?

The speaker was guided by Mr. Moses Royce Braggin, who taught the discipline of Garifuna drumming. This mentorship allowed the speaker to perform with top bands and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of drumming.

How does the speaker interpret the different parts of the drum in relation to Garifuna culture?

The speaker describes the shell as the core of Garifuna identity, the vine as connectivity, the skin as communication, the rope as unity, the pins as supporters of cultural revival, and the snares as the resonating voice of the people.

What distinction does the speaker make between the 'segunda' and 'primero' drums?

The 'segunda' drum is seen as feminine, representing the foundational role of mothers in culture and family, while the 'primero' drum is masculine, representing fathers and improvisation within the structure set by the mother drum.

How does the speaker link drumming rhythms to family roles in Garifuna culture?

The rhythms reflect family dynamics: the segunda drum sets the foundational beat like mothers providing structure, while the primero drum improvises like fathers responding to various tasks, demonstrating the balance and interplay of roles in family life.

What role do ancestors play in the speaker's explanation of the drums?

Ancestors are symbolized by the segunda drum on the left, guiding and influencing cultural practices. The segunda on the right represents future generations, and the central drum represents the present, highlighting continuity and mutual responsibility across time.

What cultural perspective does the speaker share regarding gender and nurturing?

The speaker emphasizes that in Garifuna culture, nurturing and laying foundations is traditionally associated with women. They advocate for recognizing the vital role women play in family and cultural continuity, even connecting this to a feminist viewpoint.

How does the speaker connect the Garifuna understanding of nature and divinity to gender?

The speaker notes that elements like the largest ocean and the earth are considered feminine, reflecting the nurturing and foundational role of women. Similarly, God in Garifuna culture is seen as feminine, reinforcing the importance of women in maintaining cultural and societal stability.

What is the significance of songs and rituals in Garifuna culture according to the speaker?

Songs and rituals are passed down by ancestors and are primarily conveyed through women. They serve as a medium to honor heritage, ensure cultural survival, and connect the present generation with both ancestors and future generations.

How does the speaker address the decline of certain male cultural practices?

The speaker observes that male-centered cultural practices, like the 'uma honey' dance, are rapidly disappearing, whereas female-centered practices, like 'pima honey,' continue to thrive, emphasizing the central role of women in preserving Garifuna culture.