During the 1600’s the first African people were brought to North America and sent to work as slaves. Their customs and traditions were taken away from them and any musical instruments they had were confiscated on their arrival.

The first slaves were sold to work on tobacco plantations in Jamestown, Virginia. A thriving economy took shape over the coming years and by the 1680’s slaves were imported to many English colonies on the east coast.

There were many years of terrible suffering and fear ahead for the enslaved African people. Owners and masters would push their Christian faith on to them and demand that they attend churches and religious ceremonies.

They felt they had no choice but to comply for fear of punishment and learnt the hymns and psalms.