Video

Africa

Music of the African Diaspora
Duration 6:27

Highlights from the African Immigrant Program at the 1997 Smithsonian Folklife Festival illustrate the musical diversity and richness of the new African diaspora in the USA.

Somali Freedom Song
Duration 3:35

Hasan Gure performs a Somali freedom song celebrating Somali independence proclaimed from Britain and Italy on June 26, 1960.

Ghanaian Durbar Ceremony
Duration 4:31

This reenactment of traditional ceremonies is an example of how communities of African immigrants adapt traditions to life in the USA.

Music of the Maroons
Duration 5:08

The music of the Maroons is a unique blend of African, Native American, and European musical traditions. This video features four modern Maroon communities.

La Drivers Union Por Por Group
Duration 5:26

The La Drivers Union Por Por Group is an organization of truck drivers in Ghana who lobby for drivers' rights and practice a form of music using honk horns and other vehicle parts.

La Drivers Union Por Por Group Perform "M.V. Labadi"
Duration 4:13

Por por music is played with truck horns, tire pumps, and other everyday objects a truck driver uses. The sound is rooted in Ghanaian tradition and a broad range of musical influences from New Orleans jazz to Highlife. The song performed here honors and praises past drivers.