Africans brought over to the United States were forced into enslavement and deprived of their culture and families. During their enslavement, these Africans were stripped of their beliefs and converted to Christianity against their will. Despite their conversion, they would create songs that resonate with God, their experiences, and their African roots. While creating songs, these enslaved individuals weren’t allowed to use instruments so they would use their bodies and improvise. Similar to Folk music, these songs were introduced to Americans through minstrel shows.