ABSTRACT
The circulation of music, musicians, and instruments associated with religious ceremonies affects music's purposes and significances for practitioners and audiences. This chapter introduces Afro-Brazilian religious music and movement in contrasting recontextualizations: a worship house in southern Brazil, Carnival parades in northeastern Brazil, a folkloric performance on a U.S. stage, and educational activities in an undergraduate college. In each setting, people affirm the religious associations and retain core musical characteristics, yet the functions and meanings of the music vary widely. In ceremonies, the music aids sociability and communion with divinities, whereas in public parades the same music has supported protests against racism and celebrations of Black pride. On college campuses, this music is used to improve student competencies with percussive polyrhythms, increase their intercultural and international awareness, and support education about Afro-Brazilian cultural history. This chapter is written for both instructors and undergraduate students, and primary sources are included.
