02/04/2025
I’m not sure why, but I have a fascination with learning about black and brown people in other countries. I thought I’d share this list of countries with significant African influence outside the African continent, shaped by history, culture, cuisine, art, and population:
North America
📍United States – African American culture has greatly influenced music (jazz, blues, hip-hop), cuisine (soul food), and art.
📍Jamaica – Strong African heritage is reflected in Rastafarianism, language (Patois), and music (reggae).
📍Haiti – African traditions blend with French influence, especially in religion (Vodou), cuisine, and festivals.
📍Cuba – Afro-Cuban culture is prominent, with influence in religion (Santería), music (rumba, salsa), and art.
📍Dominican Republic – African heritage is evident in music (merengue, bachata) and religious practices.
📍Trinidad & Tobago – African culture is reflected in music (calypso, soca), Carnival, and cuisine.
📍Barbados – Strong African roots influence its culture, music, and festivals.
📍Puerto Rico – African influence is reflected in Bomba and Plena music, as well as Santería practices.
South America
📍Colombia – The Pacific and Caribbean coastal regions have vibrant Afro-Colombian communities with unique music (Cumbia) and festivals.
📍Venezuela – African heritage influences local music, dance, and religious traditions.
📍Suriname – Afro-Surinamese culture is reflected in language, religion, and festivals.
📍Guyana – African traditions are prominent in festivals, cuisine, and culture.
📍 Brazil – Afro-Brazilian culture is prominent in Bahia, with capoeira, samba, Candomblé religion, and cuisine.
Europe
📍Portugal – African influence is seen in Lisbon’s Afro-Portuguese communities and music like Fado with African rhythms.
📍France – Significant African influence in cuisine, music (Afrobeat, zouk), and culture, particularly from former colonies.
📍Spain – African culture is reflected in music and dance, especially in Andalusia (Flamenco has Moorish and African roots).
📍United Kingdom – African influence is present in cuisine, music (Afrobeat, grime), and cultural festivals due to its Afro-Caribbean communities.
Asia
📍India – The Siddi community, descendants of African migrants, has influenced local culture in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
📍Sri Lanka – The Kaffir community, of African descent, has contributed to local music and dance traditions.
📍Iraq – Afro-Iraqis, descendants of enslaved Africans, have influenced local culture, especially in Basra.
Oceania
📍Australia – African influence is seen in communities of African descent, particularly in urban centers.
📍New Zealand – African culture has influenced music and art through African diaspora communities.
What countries am I missing? Have you been to any of these countries or cities within the US and had interactions with our black and brown sisters and brothers? I kept the US in there because our cultures can even vary by state.