No Tempo do Cativeiro

The song 'No Tempo do Cativeiro' by Umbanda is a poignant reflection on the brutal history of slavery in Brazil. The lyrics vividly depict the harsh realities faced by enslaved Africans, who were subjected to relentless physical abuse and forced labor. The repeated beatings and the plea to Nossa Senhora (Our Lady) highlight the deep suffering and the desperate hope for divine intervention. This invocation of a religious figure underscores the role of faith as a source of solace and strength amidst unimaginable hardship.

The song also touches on the grueling labor conditions, with references to working in the fields, sugarcane, and sisal plantations. The imagery of being whipped at the 'velho tronco de pau' (old wooden trunk) is a stark reminder of the dehumanizing treatment endured by the enslaved. This historical context is crucial, as it sheds light on the systemic cruelty that was an integral part of the slavery era in Brazil.

However, the song is not solely a narrative of suffering. It also speaks to resilience and the quest for freedom. The mention of arriving in Bahia and finding liberation through capoeira is significant. Capoeira, a martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music, was developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil as a form of resistance and a means to preserve their culture. This reference symbolizes the enduring spirit of the enslaved and their ability to find empowerment and identity even in the face of oppression. The song concludes with a haunting reminder of the constant threat of violence, encapsulated in the command to 'trabalha negro, negro trabalha' (work, black man, work) to avoid punishment, emphasizing the relentless pressure to comply with the oppressive system.