The jongo is a musical style that has its origins in a guessing game from Angola. It concerns the poor, the black and mixed population of Sudeste. Originally, it was a way to curse the White masters. Over time, it has disappeared from many communities. However, although on the verge of extinction, jongo has reinvented itself in the 80s, which has helped to save it, traditions are handed down to new generations.
"One of the roots of samba, Jongo was brought to Brazil by African slaves from Angola, but it's almost died out in Brazil. Quilombo de Sao Jose is a community of descendents of Angolan slaves, living in an isolated spot in the interior of the state of Rio de janeiro two hours drive out of Rio." (Traditional Sounds of Samba)
Saved by the New Technologies
Today, technology is coming to the help of jongo. Indeed, the jongueiros surf on electronic cultural media, especially the Internet to make their movement to go out of the ghetto and impose it to make it known to all. The players went to mitigate the mystical and religious jongo side to be accepted more easily. This is not to deny the roots of the movement, but to save it for a wide dissemination.
Music impregnates the Brazilian soul, it allows the jongo to proceed its way and its development by reaching a new audience. The aim is to put in contact a public ignoring the jongo and the marginalized people who practice it (Simonard, 7).
Audiovisual, NGOs and Networks
Audiovisual products are also a way to enable distribution of jongo by demystifying it. CD-books have helped in 2001 to take the music away from "anonymity" by explaining what it actually was.
Moreover, the support of NGOs can give more strength to jongueiros because it also allows a wider dissemination. Meanwhile, communities rely on networks of jongueiros and organize meetings to a better distribution of their music while increasing their power and their links. The meetings were also intended to strengthen the bonds of sociability. Moreover, the Brazilian government has recognized the jongo as a part of intangible heritage of the country. Cultura Viva program - that meets cultural initiatives in the field of art, culture, citizenship and solidarity economy - will reinforce this culture. Finally, the jongueiros communicate with the government, which is essential to the dissemination of jongo.
The New Identity of Jongo
All these points help to forge a new jongueira identity, especially since they do not hesitate to mix different movements, while maintaining their commitment to blackness. It links the past with the present. Included in this evolution process of creolization.
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For more information:
• Simonard Pedro (edited by), Salve jongo!, Rio de Janeiro, Independente, 2005. Video and DVD (25 min.).
Pascal Marion - Author, independent researcher, responsible of Terres d'Asie.
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