Our third museum trip was on Sunday to the Cidade da Música da Bahia. This museum featured exhibits that celebrated the music of Salvador, and especially from Afro-Brazilians across the city’s various neighborhoods.
Salvador’s culturally rich neighborhoods were a central feature. Different video stations played documentary footage of key performers from various parts of the city. These artists’ work was discussed in the context of broader historical dynamics–shaping Salvador in recent history.
The group Ilê Aiyê was a central feature–as their music, in its artistically rich celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture, highlighted the ways in which African traditions, those from centuries past and those which are being (re)discovered and reintegrated, have left an indelible impact on local artists.
Additionally, various forms of traditional instruments were featured. Patrons had the opportunity to play some of these instruments. Further, a member of the museum staff gave a dynamic presentation on these instruments along with a storytelling demonstration.
