What is music? For many it is a lifestyle. The Chinese philosopher Confucius recognized the importance of music in people’s lives, saying: “Music produces a kind of pleasure, without which human nature cannot live.” Music is not just a combination of sounds. For some it is therapy for the body, mind and soul, and it is the cure for the chaotic world of noise. It is a clue to our lives. The music is so powerful that when we hear a particular melody, it can transport us in an instant to a special moment of our life. From the beginning, music has been an integral part of all cultures. From beating two sticks, to the complexity of a group, music identifies the people. Music can also unite people with different ideas, idiosyncrasies and lifestyles. Music also records time. It’s amazing how we can review the past and, thanks to music, we can identify a particular lifestyle. For example, say the word “disco” and immediately images of go-go boots, and afro hairstyles come to mind. you can get NaijaVibe Music online.
Music
not only allows people to be categorized, but unites them. Music is a
universal language. How many people have seen Japanese dance salsa
rhythms, Australians dance Tango, or Chinese sing country-style music? Music
destroys the barriers! Music can also be used as an instrument. How
many times have you used “Jingle Bells” or “Mary Had a Little
Lamb” to remember the answers on an exam? Music is a powerful force
of nature. Yes, from nature, because animals can also make music. An
obvious example is to hear the birds singing. Think of the image of birds
singing in the early morning and you will feel that calm invades you. In our
case, music is a bridge, a bridge that takes us to our origins. Some came
here looking for a better life, while others, due to political instability,
came looking for freedom of thought and expression. But something they all
brought with them was their music. Music is that part of our homeland that
we carry in our hearts. The people of whom he will read in the next issue
of The Messenger, came to Rochester from different places, but brought with
them the music taught by his parents and grandparents.
But
before we begin, it is very important to talk about the beginnings of our
community, and how this influenced our musical talent. When we talk about the
golden age of Latin music in Rochester, we have to go back to the 50s. A Puerto
Rican community of approximately 8,000 people was well established in the Brown
Square Park area. Part of a great Puerto Rican migration to Rochester, challenging
the harsh winters of western New York, they looked for ways to stay attached to
the island. Many of those residents arrived only with the clothes they were
wearing and with a guitar to calm their sorrows. As jobs were available on
farms near Geneva, Egypt and Newark and in factories in Rochester, many of the
newcomers found work and saved to bring the rest of their families. Some
came because they already had relatives in Rochester and risked staying here. In
the next issues we will talk about those brave and how music was a way to
entertain the community and bring it back to its roots to relieve the pain of
living in a new environment.
