What is Negro Spirituals?
Negro Spirituals, first published in the 1860’s, were one of the first genres of music. Negro spirituals came about during the era of the Transatlantic Slave Trade where Africans involuntarily migrated to the New World, which is a nice way of saying Africans were forced to leave their homes to be enslaved in the Americas to work on plantations. Working on the plantations and in the field were nearly impossible and the conditions were unspeakable. Negro spirituals was a way for the enslaved africans to cope with the oppression of being in slavery. In a sense Negro Spirituals was a form of resistance, which is why the word freedom is so common in this genre. This music was a way to resist mental enslavement and remain free even if they were physically enslaved. It was a way for the slaves to communicate amongst one another in secret without their masters knowing. They are typically executed in a call and response manner. Negro Spiritual is a sacred form of music because it usually dealt with God and the almighty Jesus.
Years Later…..
After slavery was abolished in 1865 Negro Spirituals blew up and people were now intrigued by this “new” genre of music. Europeans recognized Negro Spirituals as a commodification and began composing and publishing these songs that were originated from enslaved africans. They did what they always do. They take credit for all of our prodigious creations/ inventions. This led to the genesis of Jubilee Singers who were former slaves who toured American and performed in concert halls.
Legend of Negro Spirituals
Some of the most classic and beautifully written Negro Spirituals are Swing Low, Sweet Chariot which was sung by Africans while working through these ruthless conditions. The song describes their want to leave these cruel conditions and return to their homes. Another famous Negro Spiritual was Wade in the Water, Lord how come me here by Kathleen battle and Motherless child and many more great hits sung by phenomenal artists.
