Many people are familiar with the phrase Afro-Latino but what does it mean? For starters this term is used with pride by those of both African and Latino descent. Being the combination of these two rich cultures in one. A reclamation of an identity worth celebrating comes from struggles brought on by decades of colorism and turning a blind eye to the understanding of our shared history as Latinos. A history plagued by oppression and triumph that is.
On a similar note, to be Latino or Hispanic also must with the acknowledgment of the diverseness that went into its cultural creation as well. Including the part that is not always noted: our African roots. One of the many interesting aspects of culture is the mixing of traditions from various backgrounds that all combine to become one distinctive nature. Unlike more popularly known examples based on nationalistic practices, Hispanics have a level of uniqueness intertwined. This comes from the age of colonialism placed upon them from European powers such as Spain in the Caribbean.
Looking specifically at the experiences of the Native population following the conquistadors’ setting claim to their respective islands gave way to a new era of exploitation. Native groups of the Caribbean like the Tanios, Ciboney, and Arawak lives were changed forever once Europeans had washed ashore. From the first introductions between the old and new worlds came decades of disease, conversion efforts, exploitation, enslavement, and the overall decimation of Native life.
Due to the drastic loss in the native population came the need to supply similar cheap labor to staff cash crop projects like sugar, coffee, and tobacco growing. The solution to their problem was found in Africa.
The early years of the transatlantic slave trade saw the transportation of Africans to the Caribbean. As reported by the United Nations “Some 40 percent of Africans were shipped to the Caribbean Islands, which, in the seventeenth century surpassed Portuguese Brazil.” Other areas besides the Caribbean that were subject to this included Mexico, Brazil, and other various modern-day countries of Central America.
This not only marks the start of an era of slavery to come but was some of the first encounters between these two groups that otherwise would not have met.
For both Natives and Africans their original ways of life would fade from not only the passage of time but also the lack of passing their traditions to their youth. Both sides’ youth would grow up in settings far different than their ancestors. The resulting loss of original culture combined with the shared hardships and struggles of these groups at the hands of their oppressors would contribute to the blending of solidarity between the various groups and ultimately the creation of something completely new. If not completely new, then highly influenced by their struggles and previous traditions.
Their once separate ways of life and traditions would make their way into becoming shared cultural practices and traditions passed through generations. This melting pot that started to happen in the Caribbean would make way into other areas as well and so would follow the blending of two cultures into one. Often finding itself manifesting in the form of song and dance.
Highlighting one of these cultural practices as an example is that of Bomba from Puerto Rico. Bomba is not the name of the dance but rather the name of the drums that are used during the dance. “[Bomba was] brought to Puerto Rico by enslaved ancestors hundreds of years ago, most of the Island’s cultural expressions evolve from it” noted by Discover Puerto Rico. From the oppression and enslavement that was the plantation work came this expression of solidarity and emotional reflection.
Unlike popular dancing styles like salsa, bachata, and meringue that all follow the rhythm of the music played for the dancers, Bomba stands different from all others. In Bomba the dancer is responsible for setting the rhythm of the dance. They have all authority over the drums and other percussion used. It almost resembles a duel between the part of the dancer and that of the band going back and forth in order to create the expressive sensation of rhythm and emotion.
There are various types of Bomba that reflect the whole spectrum of emotions. The upbeat style is called “holandé”. On the other end is “yubá” which embraces the sadder emotions. All styles work to depict the hardships faced by a life of plantation work and forced labor.
In reflecting on examples like that of Bomba we can see how our African roots have made their way into becoming a key part of what makes up all Latino and Hispanic culture. Proving to have stood the ultimate test of time and survival for generations to come.
