Teach your Spanish students about the rich cultural heritage of Black people in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Black people have played a significant role in the history and cultural development of Latin America and the Caribbean. Their presence in the Spanish-speaking world can be traced back to the transatlantic slave trade, where millions of Africans were forcibly brought to the Americas to work on plantations and mines.
Despite facing slavery, discrimination, and marginalization, black communities in Latin America and the Caribbean have made many contributions to the region's culture. Various forms of music, such as salsa and reggaetón, include elements from African traditions. Additionally, the martial art capoeira, which originated in Brazil, includes many influences from Black culture.
As world language teachers, exposing students to various cultural assets and perspectives is essential. Your students will learn about Latin America's culture and how art can express social and political issues. This will help them appreciate its rich heritage. Let's explore Afro-Latino art and celebrate Black History Month by appreciating the talents of Afro-Latina singers.
Totó la Momposina: The Colombian Singer Preserving Traditional Music
Totó la Momposina is a Colombian singer, composer, and performer widely considered one of Latin American music's most important latina / latino music artists. Born in Talaigua, Colombia in 1940, Totó has dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Colombia's traditional music, particularly the Caribbean coast's music.
Totó's music includes a rich blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish musical traditions. She has received many accolades—including a Grammy—for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Throughout her career, Totó has recorded numerous albums and collaborated with many important musicians in Latin America and beyond.
In addition to her music, Totó is also known for her tireless advocacy for cultural preservation and promotion. She has worked to raise awareness of Colombia's rich cultural heritage and has mentored many young musicians.
Alejandra Robles: The Afro-Mexican Singer Making Waves
Alejandra Robles is a musician and songwriter who has become an essential voice for the Afro-descendant community in Mexico and beyond. In 1978, she was born in Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca, Mexico, surrounded by her community's cultural heritage.
She uses music and advocacy to protect and promote the cultural traditions of the Black Mexican community. Her efforts aim to make these traditions more visible. Many people are unaware of the Afro-Mexican community despite their history and presence in Mexico.`
Support the Afro-Mexican community's cultural legacy by listening to Alejandra Robles’ song, “No me conoces.”
Eva Ayllón: The Peruvian Singer Celebrating Afro-Peruvian Culture
Eva Ayllón is a Peruvian singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and another influential Latin American musician. Born in Lima, Peru, Ayllón developed an early passion for Afro-Peruvian music. The genre artfully combines African, Spanish, and indigenous musical elements. Her powerful voice, which blends African and Spanish influences, has captivated Peruvian and international audiences.
Ayllón has recorded numerous albums that pay tribute to the rich musical heritage of Peru. Her powerful performances have earned her widespread recognition as one of the most important voices in Latin American music.
Besides her music and voice, Ayllón has been a vocal advocate for preserving and promoting Afro-Peruvian culture. Her work has contributed to preserving Peruvian musical traditions and raising awareness of this genre. Her dedication and passion have inspired countless others, and she is a mentor to many young musicians.
Celia Cruz: The Cuban-American Icon of Latin Music
Celia Cruz was a Cuban-American singer and one of the most iconic figures in Latin music. Cruz began her music career in the 1940s as a member of the Conjunto Sonora Matancera. She quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice, earning her the nickname "La Guarachera de Cuba."
Cruz moved to Mexico and continued her successful career before settling in the United States in the 1960s. She became a legendary figure in Latin music known for her signature Afro-Cuban style and upbeat performances. Cruz recorded more than 80 albums, won multiple Grammy Awards, and received many honors for contributing to Latin music.
Many consider Cruz to be one of the greatest salsa singers of all time. She popularized the genre and brought Afro-Cuban music to the world stage. People still love her music today, and the Latin American community regards her as a symbol of pride and cultural identity. In 2023, she became the first Afro-Latina to be on US currency.
Amara la Negra: The Child of Immigrants Making an Impact
Amara la Negra is a Dominican-American singer and actress. She is best known for her appearance on the reality show Love & Hip Hop: Miami. She was born in Miami, Florida and began her music career when she was young. She is influenced by her Afro-Latina background and her life in the US.
Amara la Negra's music is celebrated for its bold and confident sound, which showcases her amazing vocals. She often addresses issues facing the Afro-Latino community in her music and activism, including body positivity, self-confidence, and cultural representation.
Since her appearance on reality television, Amara la Negra has become a rising star in the Latin American music scene. She has won numerous awards and performed at major music festivals. She continues to empower others through her music and advocacy for the Afro-Latino community.
ChocQuibTown: Art as a Means of Expressing Social and Political Issues
Choquibtown is a Colombian hip-hop, reggaetón, and alternative music band formed in Cali, Colombia, in 2002. The band consists of three members: Gloria Estefan, Carlos "Tostao" Valencia, and Miguel "Slow" Martínez. Choquibtown has gained recognition for blending traditional Colombian sounds with modern hip-hop, reggaetón, and alternative music.
The band gained national and international recognition in 2009 with the release of their first album, Somos Pacífico. Their music quickly gained popularity for its energetic beats and socially conscious lyrics that address poverty, corruption, and inequality. Since then, Choquibtown has become one of the most noteworthy bands in Colombia. They've performed at major music festivals and won numerous awards.
Their 2010 hit, "De donde vengo yo," quickly rose in the charts and is one of their signature songs. It showcases the band's unique style and tackles social and political issues while celebrating their roots and cultural heritage.
Note: "De donde vengo yo" contains references to alcohol and therefore may not be appropriate for your classroom.
Bring the Beauty of Afrolatinidad to Life in the World Language Classroom
Afro-Latino culture is a melting pot of influences that have shaped its rich traditions and art. These six Afro-Latino artists push the boundaries of creativity and showcase the beauty of their cultural heritage.. Join us in celebrating them this Black History Month!
Do you want more culturally relevant resources? Join the Language Is Limitless community and be a part of celebrating the diversity of cultures and perspectives around the world.
A former Spanish teacher who is currently based in the Washington DC metropolitan area. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Language and Literature from la Universidad del Zulia and a Master's degree in Spanish Linguistics from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her interests include SEL education in the world language classroom, theater, and finding ways to make the world a less scary place.
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