By: Kevonte Jennings-Lathan

AFRICA INFLUENCE/ GOMBEYS

African influence is more subtle but can be found in island music and
dance - particularly in music of African origin, which comes via the
West Indies, such as reggae and calypso, and also in the rhythm of
Gombey dancers.
Gombey dancing is the most interesting art form unique to Bermuda.
While it has roots in West African tribal music, Gombey dancing also
incorporates influences from Christian missionaries, the British
military and, most visibly, American Indians, from whom the Gombey
dancers have adapted their costumes. To the uninitiated, the Gombey
dancers may just look like wildly costumed characters jumping up and
down to loud music, but in fact the dancing is carefully choreographed
to specific rhythms and often portrays biblical stories. The dancers
traditionally take to the streets on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

CLOTHING
In Bermuda we are influenced by Africa clothing not in a big way. We
are influenced by the African clothing mainly from the Rasta farinas
which comes from west Indians. The clothing originates from Africa
then the west indies then do something with it and we get it from
them. In Bermuda we have two stores that sell products from Africa,
that is located on court street

Hairstyles
In Bermuda we are influenced by originated
hairstyles that come from Africa . From the all
natural looks to box braids, buns, twists, braids ,
even protective styles like Nubian knots and bantu
knots. This styles come from Africa but are worn
by everyone around the world.

AFRICIAN DIASPORA HEITGAGE

However, during the pre-modern times starting from the 16th century, the word
refers to large scattering of the black slaves that mainly took place as part of the
transatlantic slave trade from Africa. It is estimated that during the slave trade
period, over 10 million black slaves were transported from Africa to the western
hemisphere.
Bermuda too had a Legacy of Slavery for over 200 years from early 1600s when
the British colony was formed in the island. It was first in 1616 when Governor
Tucker asked for Negroes to be brought into Bermuda to dive and search for
pearls and also to grow tobacco. They were not indentured or debt bonded, so
could not be called slaves in true sense.
Most people that are here in Bermuda now, that are from the west indies either
came from the west indies but they really originated from Africa. The slaves
originally came from Africa but were then transported to the west indies and some

AFRICAN DANCE
In Bermuda we have a company called Bermuda African
dance company. The company is a group of man and lady
that travel all around Bermuda and perform. They brought
this company about to share with our community the form of
dance that our ancestors use take part in back in Africa. The
company practices every Tuesday and Thursday at the old
Berkeley from 6-7:30