How multiculturalism affects the arts A group of Indian dancers performing at a heritage banquet, hosted by the National Council on Indian Culture in Jamaica, at the Hilton Hotel, New Kingston, recently.
Justin Whyte, Senior Staff Reporter
THE FABRIC of the arts is woven from many threads, each originating at a different loom. However, in the end the tapestry is uniquely Jamaican. Jamaican culture inculcates elements adopted from English, European and Afro/Caribbean art forms. Multiculturalism is a phenomenon of artistic expression and could be described as an attitude which is a propelling force behind the arts in Jamaica. This attitude has changed the art world's demographics, expanding its terms of reference beyond Western horizon, calling traditional aesthetic expressions into question. The cross-fertilisation of the many cultures brought by migrants from across the world since the late 1500s has produced Jamaica's unique blend. The Spanish were first, followed by the British, who captured the island in 1655. From Africa came the Akan (Ghana), Yoruba (Nigeria) and Kikongo (Congo). From the Levantine coast came Arabs and Jews; Asia gave us the Indians of the Deccan Plateau. Hakka-speaking people of the Cantonese Valley, who were brought in as indentured labourers to replace African slaves after abolition in 1838, came from China. The immigrants' influences were not confined to specific sections of the island, but were spread wherever they maintained communication with each other. The influences are evident in Jamaica's dialect, folk dance and music. Slavery and its cousin, colonisation, have been determinants of Jamaica's cultural formation. Time and evolution have brought Jamaica's arts to their present state of development. With over 500 years of recorded history, we have developed a homogeneous community, multi-culturalism carving out discrete, high-visibility areas. Jamaica Talk, sometimes described as broken English, is defined in linguistics as a language all of its own. However, there is no doubt that it has its roots in Britain and Africa. This 'Talk', which resulted from these influences, was the source for The Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverley's tremendous poetry and story output, as well as the drama presented in Jamaican farce. The Little Theatre Movement Pantomime, folk songs and proverbs, as well as the lyrics of reggae/dancehall geniuses are all rooted in this widely-used expression of multi-culturalism. According to Barbara Gloudon, talk show host, playwright and writer of several Pantomimes, "our cultural expression is enriched by the various textures and tones which come from the diversity of sources which is our heritage". However, she lamented the fact that we have not fully grasped the challenge and opportunities offered in exploring the many roots of our national family tree. "Our visual arts music, dance and drama can be greatly enhanced through exploration of influences from the East as well as the West. The influences of India and China, alongside Africa and Europe, can create a real cultural mosaic," Mrs. Gloudon said. Brian Heap, staff tutor in drama at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, UWI, Mona, feels that "the Jamaican theatre is intrinsically multi-cultural. It reflects performance traditions that can be traced through their African lineage to the ancient Griot traditions of West Africa, as well as their European lineage. Our drama tends to explore our rich double heritage in plays, including those by Derek Walcott, Trevor Rhone and Dennis Scott, among others". Mr. Heap is also of the opinion that "the integrated theatre forms of Africa, which comprise ritual, theatre, dance, music and singing, are combined in most of our Jamaican pantomimes". Our dance forms also show the influence of many cultures. However, with all the multi-cultural influences on Jamaica, we have now fashioned a culture all of our own, using our own vocabulary and idioms. Despite our achievements, Professor Rex Nettleford has pointed out multiculturalism's negative effects. "We in Jamaica, and indeed the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), have over the years been fighting with class and culture snobbery. All things African are deemed inferior to all things European," he said. The UWI Vice-Chancellor said that for over four decades the NDTC has been trying to create a Jamaican dance vocabulary, technique and style that reflect the positive side of multi-culturalism. He said the company continues its struggle, although there are still those who wish to relegate kumina, dinkie minie, jonkonnu and other Jamaican dance forms to second-class status. Jamaica's dance culture is also enhanced by Indian influences. Dr. Sitanam Podder, secretary for National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica told, The Gleaner that "our influence in Indian dances and folk dance dates back to over 150 years ago. These influences came from three different groups of workers, those living in West Bengal, Bihar, and Madras". Dr. Podder also said that each of the Indian folk dances which influence Jamaica's dance forms has its own special features. Dances which suggest fertility, celebration and good harvest, or portray religious festivals, are encouraged by indentured Indians, businessmen and professionals living here. The Indian influence on our dance forms is passed on through summer workshops and various exchange programmes. The Chinese influence on Jamaica's arts has been mainly through dance. Some of us may remember the work done by the late Madame May Soohih, founder of the Soohih School of Dance in Jamaica. Europe's influence can be identified in our music. Upon close examination, European liturgical music is evident in the hymnody of pocomania, Zion and revivalism. It is all underpinned by the rhythms of Africa, as seen and heard in the drums. In addition, pocomania utilises cymbals heavily. Through multiculturalism, chorale groups have come together to produce a mix of works which is identifiably Jamaican. Singing from Mozart to Marley, from Bach to Buju, their excellent output defies the notion that 'other' music is better than ours. With all its challenges, multiculturalism encourages debate and has enabled Jamaica to produce the best in dance, drama, music art and painting.
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