What if every drumbeat was a message in plain sight?

In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we break down bonkó enchemiyá—the coded drum language of Cuba's Abakuá brotherhoods. But this isn’t just history; it’s a key to understanding how Black communities across time and continents have used music as resistance, refuge, and revolution.

From the streets of Havana to the basslines of hip-hop, we explore how sound becomes cipher, how rhythm becomes rebellion—and how the oppressor always hears noise while the community hears truth.

Featuring reflections on reggae, jazz, steel pan, and trap, this episode reveals the pattern beneath the pattern… and invites you to listen more closely.

Help Me Make This Show Great - by letting me know About:

•⁠ ⁠Pronunciation: Did I mispronounce any names, places, or terms? Teach me the right way. Your cultural expertise matters.

•⁠ ⁠What's Missing? What important detail or perspective did I leave out of this story? Your knowledge fills the gaps.

•⁠ ⁠Cultural Context: How would your community or family describe this differently? Help me understand the full picture.

How to Contribute:

Email voice recordings to: podcast@blackhistorybuff.com

Leave voice messages at: https://www.speakpipe.com/Black_history_buff

30-90 seconds is perfect

Leave a comment right here.

My Promise:

Your contributions will help improve future episodes, help all of us to learn more and might be featured in upcoming episodes.

It takes a village thank you for helping to make this one better x

The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.

We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you.

So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon:

Membership benefits include:

• Early access to new episodes
• Bonus episodes and content
• Be part of the creation of new episodes
• Guest memberships
• Get featured In Episode End credits
• Ad Free Episodes

https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff

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Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.

Stay Blessed,

King Kurus,

The Black History Buff

When British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK risked becoming an "island of strangers" without tougher immigration controls, the backlash was immediate. Critics immediately drew parallels to Enoch Powell's notorious 1968 "Rivers of Blood" speech. Now Starmer claims he "deeply regrets" the phrase and had no idea about the historical connection.

But King Kurus isn't buying it. In this powerful episode, he traces the pattern of how British politicians from both major parties have weaponized immigration rhetoric against Black and Brown communities for over 75 years - then claimed ignorance when called out.

From the moment the Empire Windrush docked in 1948, Labour MPs were writing letters warning about "coloured people" damaging Britain's social fabric. Government officials even seriously considered diverting the ship to force Caribbean passengers into manual labor in East Africa. The Windrush generation was never invited - they pushed through closed doors, not open ones.

King Kurus explains how a series of immigration laws from 1962 onwards systematically stripped away the rights of Black and Brown Commonwealth citizens, culminating in the 1981 British Nationality Act that abolished birthright citizenship. This legal foundation enabled what became the Windrush scandal, when Theresa May's "hostile environment" policies targeted the very people who had been told they were British.

Through the concept of "the spirit of the law," this episode reveals how politicians craft neutral-sounding policies designed to exclude while maintaining plausible deniability. It's the same playbook whether it's "swamped by different cultures" in 1978 or "island of strangers" in 2025.

This is essential listening for understanding how racist rhetoric gets recycled across generations - and why we can't fall for the same tricks over and over again.

Content Warning: Discussion of racism and discriminatory policies

King Kurus is the host of the Black History Buff podcast, bringing daily stories that matter to our community with historical context and unflinching analysis.

The video referenced in the episode is this one https://youtu.be/2AJSgmxnzFI?si=LQzorwIH7vGn1wgg

The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.

We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you.

So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon:

Membership benefits include:

• Early access to new episodes
• Bonus episodes and content
• Be part of the creation of new episodes
• Guest memberships
• Get featured In Episode End credits
• Ad Free Episodes

https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff

Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts

https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory

Find me on Social Media

https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff

Buy me a Coffee

https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast

Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.

Stay Blessed,

King Kurus,

The Black History Buff

In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we explore the word Griot, a term deeply rooted in West African history and culture.

You’ve likely heard the word in conversations about storytelling, oral tradition, or African heritage, but what does it actually mean? And why does it matter?

This short, accessible episode defines the role of the Griot, explains its historical context, and introduces its lasting influence in Black communities around the world.

Whether you’re brushing up on your knowledge, teaching others, or simply curious about the origins of Black cultural expression, this episode gives you a clear, foundational understanding of a powerful tradition.

Perfect for learners, educators, and anyone looking to enrich their cultural vocabulary, one definition at a time.

Stay curious. Stay proud. Stay blessed.

The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.

We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you.

So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon:

Membership benefits include:

• Early access to new episodes
• Bonus episodes and content
• Be part of the creation of new episodes
• Guest memberships
• Get featured In Episode End credits
• Ad Free Episodes

https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff

Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts

https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory

Find me on Social Media

https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff

Buy me a Coffee

https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast

Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.

Stay Blessed,

King Kurus,

The Black History Buff

Why did Spanish colonial authorities in 1836 fear a drumbeat more than a rebellion in Havana?

In this episode, King Kurus uncovers the hidden origins of Cuban music's most distinctive rhythm. a sound that carries secrets from West Africa's leopard societies straight to your modern playlist. From the docks of colonial Cuba to today's dance floors, discover the brotherhood that Spanish officials called "ñáñigos" and tried desperately to silence.

Featuring: African diaspora history, Cuban music origins, secret societies, colonial resistance, and the surprising connections between ancient rituals and modern rhythms.

New Community Feature: Share your cultural knowledge and help improve the show! Links in description.

Perfect for fans of: Black history, Caribbean culture, music history, African traditions, Cuban heritage

Listen now to hear the leopard's roar that echoes through the centuries.

#BlackHistory #CubanMusic #AfricanDiaspora #Cuba #Podcast #History #Caribbean #Africa #Abakua #Culture

Help Me Make This Show Great - by letting me know about:

•⁠ ⁠Pronunciation: Did I mispronounce any names, places, or terms? Teach me the right way. Your cultural expertise matters.

•⁠ ⁠What's Missing? What important detail or perspective did I leave out of this story? Your knowledge fills the gaps.

•⁠ ⁠Cultural Context: How would your community or family describe this differently? Help me understand the full picture.

How to Contribute:

Email voice recordings to: podcast@blackhistorybuff.com

Leave voice messages at: https://www.speakpipe.com/Black_history_buff

30-90 seconds is perfect

Leave a comment right here.

My Promise:

Your contributions will help improve future episodes, help all of us to learn more and might be featured in upcoming episodes.

It takes a village. Thank you for helping to make this one better x

---

The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.

We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners, or a major enterprise. Our existence depends on our loyal listeners—we depend on you.

So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture. Join my free Patreon:

Membership benefits include:

Early access to new episodes

Bonus episodes and content

Be part of the creation of new episodes

Guest memberships

Get featured in Episode End credits

Ad-Free Episodes

https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff

Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts.

https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory

Find me on Social Media

https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff

Buy me a Coffee

https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast

Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.

Stay Blessed,

King Kurus,

The Black History Buff

In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we break down the term Maroon Communities, a powerful example of resistance, self-determination, and cultural survival in the face of enslavement and colonialism.

Maroon communities were formed by formerly enslaved Africans who escaped captivity and built free, independent settlements across the Caribbean, the Americas, and parts of Africa. These were not hidden camps, full-fledged societies, fiercely defended and rooted in African traditions.

From Jamaica's hills to Brazil's forests, Maroons fought off colonial forces, negotiated treaties, and preserved languages, music, and spiritual practices that still endure today.

This short episode explains what Maroon communities were, why they mattered, and how they represent one of the clearest forms of Black resistance in global history.

The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.

We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners, or a major enterprise. Our existence depends on our loyal listeners. We rely on you.

So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture. Join my free Patreon:

Membership benefits include:

Early access to new episodes

Bonus episodes and content

Be part of the creation of new episodes

Guest memberships

Get featured in the Episode End credits

Ad-Free Episodes

https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff

Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts

https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory

Find me on Social Media

https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff

Buy me a Coffee

https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast

Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.

Stay Blessed,

King Kurus,

The Black History Buff

Help Me Make This Show Great - by letting me know about:

•⁠ ⁠Pronunciation: Did I mispronounce any names, places, or terms? Teach me the right way. Your cultural expertise matters.

•⁠ ⁠What's Missing? What important detail or perspective did I leave out of this story? Your knowledge fills the gaps.

•⁠ ⁠Cultural Context: How would your community or family describe this differently? Help me understand the full picture.

How to Contribute:

Email voice recordings to: podcast@blackhistorybuff.com

Leave voice messages at: https://www.speakpipe.com/Black_history_buff

30-90 seconds is perfect

Leave a comment right here.

My Promise:

Your contributions will help improve future episodes, help all of us learn more, and might even be featured in upcoming episodes.

It takes a village thank you for helping to make this one better x

In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we explore the Great Migration one of the largest internal movements of people in United States history.

Between 1916 and 1970, over six million African Americans left the rural South in search of better opportunities in cities across the North, Midwest, and West. They were fleeing racial violence, segregation, and poverty, and seeking work, education, and a future they could shape for themselves and their children.

This episode defines the Great Migration, explains why it happened, and highlights how it reshaped American cities, culture, and politics from music and literature to civil rights activism and urban development.

Whether you’ve heard the term before or are learning it for the first time, this short, clear explanation gives you the context and meaning behind one of the most important movements in Black American history.

Ideal for learners, educators, and anyone wanting to build a stronger understanding of Black history one definition at a time.

The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.

We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you.

So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon:

Membership benefits include:

• Early access to new episodes
• Bonus episodes and content
• Be part of the creation of new episodes
• Guest memberships
• Get featured In Episode End credits
• Ad Free Episodes

https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff

Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts

https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory

Find me on Social Media

https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff

Buy me a Coffee

https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast

Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.

Stay Blessed,

King Kurus,

The Black History Buff