Conclusion

By embracing their culture, the lives of the slaves had afforded a medium whereby life, spirituality, and community homogeneously existed and manifested through rhythm, movement, and song. Although viewed as barbaric and primitive by European traditions, the music of the enslaved African song makes use of intricately woven melodies and harmonies and multi-linear polyrhythms that were too complex for Europeans to decipher.

Moreover, their music embodied traditional aspects of African mysticism and spirituality. By embracing these commonalities, they transformed elements of their traditional religions in ways that allowed them to survive the conditions imposed on them by slavery.