Keeping Puerto Rico’s African Heritage Alive Through Music and Culture
Puerto Rico’s cultural identity is a beautiful blend of African, Spanish, and Taíno influences. While each of these traditions has helped shape the island’s history, African heritage has played a particularly important role in Puerto Rican music, dance, food, language, and everyday life. Today, organizations like Afro Borinken Roots Performing Group, Inc. are working to preserve these traditions and ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the African roots of Puerto Rican culture.
Based in Miami, Florida, Afro Borinken Roots is dedicated to celebrating and promoting Afro-Puerto Rican heritage through music, dance, cultural education, and community involvement. Its mission extends beyond entertainment, focusing on educating people about their ancestry while creating opportunities for local musicians and artists to share their talents.
Celebrating the African Roots of Puerto Rico
African influence is deeply woven into Puerto Rican culture. During the colonial period, enslaved Africans brought to the island contributed traditions, rhythms, instruments, dances, and customs that continue to influence Puerto Rican life today.
One of the most recognizable examples is Bomba, a traditional Afro-Puerto Rican musical and dance expression that developed among African communities on the island. Bomba is especially distinctive because the dancer communicates with the drummer, creating an interactive musical experience in which movement and percussion become part of a conversation.
Another important musical tradition is Plena, often described as the people’s newspaper because its songs have historically shared stories about everyday life, community events, and social issues.
These traditions represent much more than music. They are expressions of identity, resistance, creativity, and cultural survival. Preserving them helps maintain a connection to the generations who shaped Puerto Rico’s history.
Meet Jennie Delgado: Founder of Afro Borinken Roots
At the center of Afro Borinken Roots is its founder, Jennie Delgado, a Puerto Rican percussionist originally from Guayama, Puerto Rico, who is now based in Miami.
According to her biography, Delgado graduated from Miami International University of Arts and Design and developed an appreciation for musical rhythms from around the world. Although she initially began her musical journey playing guitar, her direction changed after attending her first drum circle at the age of 17.
That experience sparked a passion for percussion that would eventually take her around the world.
Throughout her career, Delgado has traveled and performed with several musical artists and groups, including Doctor Nativo, Fabi World Music, and Mofongo de Plena. She also performed at the Latin Grammy Awards for two consecutive years alongside Mr. Pauer.
Drawing from these experiences, Delgado established Afro Borinken Roots to create a platform where Puerto Rican cultural traditions could be shared, celebrated, and passed on to others.
Music, Dance, and Cultural Education
Afro Borinken Roots recognizes that keeping cultural traditions alive requires more than simply remembering the past. It requires active participation, education, and opportunities for people to experience those traditions firsthand.
Through performances, cultural presentations, and community activities, the organization helps introduce audiences to the sounds and traditions of Afro-Puerto Rican culture.
Music and dance provide an especially powerful way to connect people with their heritage. Whether someone grew up in Puerto Rico, belongs to the Puerto Rican diaspora, or is simply interested in learning about Caribbean culture, these experiences offer an opportunity to discover the island’s African influences.
The organization also emphasizes creating employment opportunities for local musicians and artists, helping support the individuals who dedicate their talents to preserving traditional and contemporary cultural expressions.
Keeping Boricua Heritage Alive for Future Generations
For Puerto Ricans living outside the island, maintaining a connection to their heritage can be especially meaningful. Across the United States, Puerto Rican communities continue to celebrate their identity through festivals, music, food, dance, and cultural organizations.
Groups like Afro Borinken Roots help ensure that younger generations understand that Puerto Rican culture is much more than its familiar symbols and celebrations. Its African heritage is an essential part of the island’s story and deserves recognition, appreciation, and preservation.
By bringing people together through music, education, and artistic expression, Afro Borinken Roots is helping keep these traditions alive while introducing them to new audiences.
Puerto Rico’s cultural heritage is a living legacy, shaped by generations of people whose traditions continue to influence the island and its diaspora. Through the dedication of artists like Jennie Delgado, the rhythms and traditions of Borikén will continue to inspire future generations.
Learn More: Visit Afro Borinken Roots to learn more about its mission, founder, performances, and opportunities to support the preservation of Afro-Puerto Rican culture.
