Orichas Roots of Latin American Music: Syncretism, Music, and Its Possibilities for Missionaries

The African diaspora as a result of the Caribbean slave trade had long reaching consequences, specifically for the Ikwere people. Due to the Catholic Church's support and, at times, encouragement of syncretism, a new religion was formed. Lucumi tradition is based on the musical rhythms specific to the Orichas from Nigeria, referred to as Igboland, the term employed by the citizens. The Ikwere are one people group of many affected by the slave trade and had their religious practices transformed as a result. The Ikwere are focused upon due to their prominence as the majority of slaves from Igboland were Ikwere and their strong system of beliefs that led to the formation of Lucumi music. Lucumi tradition combined the rhythms of the Orichas with aspects of Catholicism to create a new religious form of musical expression. The rhythms were then adapted and used in Latin American popular music, separately, but still rooted in Lucumi tradition.\nWhile there is documented study of the musical transmission as a result of the diasporic slave trade in the Caribbean, this paper will further explore the far-reaching implications of musical transmission among a displaced people and the effects this has on surrounding culture. Additionally, the exploration of current practice compared to historical practice among both professionals and practitioners will seek to display the changes that can occur in the transmission of a musical style from one people to another. New practice of Orichas traditions as observed by those in the field will provide further context not only for understanding this change but also provide a pathway for researchers and those working with displaced peoples to recognize change and adaption and utilize this knowledge in an appropriate manner.