Music is known to be one of the most important aspects of any culture around the world. Through the different beats and lyrical contents of each song, thoughts and emotions are being expressed through a very melodic way. As they encounter various challenges in life, people find themselves able to relate to an art form, a literary piece, or a music which states their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
For instance, during times of depression or atrocities, the often form of entertainment that people enjoy is music. Likewise, during the time of slavery, the African-Americans created poems, rhythms, and beats in order to express their ideas and feelings regarding their situation or an event. Moreover, they have created their own type of music which has developed through time.
Similar to the African-Americans, the Hispanics have also created their own style of music, including the Cubans. Cuba is known to have had a very eventful political history due to the difficulties that they have encountered. Among these difficulties is the economic problem that Cuba faced during the United States Embargo against the country.
Cuba experienced a sudden economic downfall, making Cubans helpless of the financial crisis that was ahead of them. Without the help of other nations such the United States and its allies, the government of Cuba would have been vulnerable and weak because the supplies, which used to support the nation and its people, were prohibited from going in and out of the country. Thus, the Embargo created a huge impact in the lives of many Cubans during those times.
The video made by the Afro-Cuban All Stars at the Salon of Dreams presents the situation of Cubans during the times when Cuba faced economic difficulties. Given that the whole country is faced with a financial downfall, individuals who are watching the video can vividly see the situation of Cuba which is very amazing to see due to the richness of culture as well as the lifestyle they have.
Many of the people are somehow living in the past due to the lifestyle they have. Cubans have very old cars, appliances, and the likes which could be dated back to the 1950‘s or 70‘s. Most people do not have their own cars to ride from work to their home and vise versa.
More often than not, they are encouraged to join a carpool, ride the public vehicles or a bike, or just simply walk until they arrive to their destination. Thus, whole nation of Cuba is in poverty and underdevelopment in terms of technologies.
Cubans are known to be very musical; hence, music has become one of the most important factors during their times of poverty. Due to the atrocity involved in the relationship between Cuba and the United States, several limitations have been set for citizens of Cuba such as freedom in having supplies as well as the types of work they could have.
As a natural reaction of any individual to any limitation, Cubans rebelled through the use of music. Through the beats and lyrical components of the songs, the upheaval among the people as well as the sadness that they feel for the situation is expressed through music.
Salsa is one of the most popular kinds of music in Cuba, the development of which has been evidently influenced by the Son. The beats which are added to the normal beat of the salsa created a much lighthearted and upbeat tone which is more enjoyable to dance with.
The development of salsa is greatly supplemented by the traditional beats of the Cuban culture. The salsa being heard by the viewers today are owned by the Afro Cuban All Stars. In the recent times, such supplement or additional touch is called “owning a style,” creating a new genre out of the original.
Noticeably, all the singers in the band are a lot older than the musicians of the band. Many of the band members are over fifty (50) years old, while the musicians’ age ranges from 20 to around mid-30‘s. It is interesting to note how such people are able to disregard one’s age for the sake of making wonderful music for the people.
In addition, the tradition of the Cuban music is sustained through time due to the variety of age groups available in the whole band. Consequently, having younger musicians bridges the gap of teenagers, young adults, and adults. Afro Cuban All Stars represents the whole Cuba regardless of their age and even status in life through the music they make.
Reference
Knox, T. (Director). (1998). Afro Cuban All Stars at the Salon of Dreams [Documentary]. (Available from London Weekend Television., Upper Ground London, SE1, United Kingdom).
