Do you listen to African American music?
A variety of works by superstars such as Michael Jackson and Beyonce, who is famous for speaking out for feminism, and other leading performers, are known throughout the world. Their music gives comfort, inspiration and spice to our lives, while also reflecting the social and cultural background of their era.
Tracing the history of African American music and songs reveals a period without the free atmosphere of today, when expression itself was forbidden. But there were excellent works and musicians even in that atmosphere. Why is this?
ICC has invited Professor Keiko Wells, a specialist in African American music culture of old times, to talk about the history of African American songs from the era of slavery to the early 20th century, as well as its social context, and share the music sources!
How did African American songs survive and change in the era when the very expression of their souls was prohibited? Through Professor Wells’ talk, you can look back at the great evolution of African American songs and immerse yourself in its unique worldview.
In addition, the Waseda approved circle THE NALEIO, which focuses on the unique rhythm of Black music, will entertain you with a recorded performance.
This is an opportunity to connect with and enjoy African American music, and to learn its cultural and social roots. If you are interested in music and song lyrics, history, civil rights or American culture, please join us!
- Guest: Ms. WELLS Keiko
Professor at Ritsumeikan University, studying folksong lyrics, Black Spirituals and African American folktales, vernacular literature and music culture. Published works include: 『ヴァナキュラー文化と現代社会』（編著）, 岩波ジュニア新書『魂をゆさぶる歌に出会う―アメリカ黒人文化のルーツへ』、祥伝社新書『アメリカを歌で知る』、『黒人霊歌は生きている ― 歌詞で読むアメリカ』、『アメリカ黒人霊歌 19世紀・20世紀初頭文献復刻集成』、『狼女物語』（編著）and more. Instructor for NHK Radio program “宗教の時間/ ハワイに仏教歌を探して”. She has also produced English-language works on medieval narrative song performances in Japan, as well as papers on Japanese American Buddhism, European fairy tales. Recently published “Love Songs that Have Lived 100 Years: Broadway Musical Lyrics from 1920-30s in the Tradition of Romantic Songs”.
- Cooperation: THE NALEIO (Waseda University official circle)
Date & Time
Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 6:15-7:45pm
*Zoom opens 6:00pm
Place
Online (Zoom)
*Zoom link provided to confirmed participants
Eligibility
Waseda Students, Faculty and Staff
Language
Japanese
*Questions accepted in English
Fee
Free
Registration
Via MyWaseda
Deadline
Friday, June 10, 9:00am
Capacity
approx. 80
*Lottery results announced by email on the deadline day
Before Applying
Canceling after applying causes confusion and may prevent others from participating. Please read the ICC Cancellation Policy and check your schedule carefully.
Inquiries
ICC
Tel: 03-5286-3990
Email: [email protected]
