Mobilizing social development through music

Abstract

The Olodum Cultural Group describes itself as a nongovernmental organization that combines a variety of profit‐making show business activities with wide‐ranging nonprofit programs addressed to cultural, social, and political action. Show business activities, music production and recording, dance, and theater presentations build on Olodum's research on Afro‐Bahian origins, history, and customs, which serve as a rich source of new artistic themes and rhythms. Social and political action programs are focused on highlighting the identity of the Black population of Maciel–Pelourinho, a district of the city of Salvador that UNESCO has declared to be a heritage of humankind but is inhabited largely by social cast‐offs, prostitutes, transvestites, and drug addicts. Olodum also grows its own talent by operating a “Creative School,” where district children enroll in courses that range from Black identity and human rights to the performing arts. Additionally, Olodum campaigns include curbing police violence, cooperation with AIDS prevention, city clean‐up drives, and representing Maciel–Pelourinho in world events. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.