Abstract

Abstract Maroons (descendants of Africans who escaped enslavement) have long been locked in an antagonistic relationship with the Surinamese government over gold-mining legislation and its reinforcement. This contentious topic includes complex debates over land rights and conflicting economic and environmental priorities. This article considers how three contemporary Maroon popular musicians have gone beyond stock metaphors about gold to reference local engagements with gold and the gold-mining industry. I introduce the concept, performative figuring, as a strategy whereby a speaker or performer uses their embodied presence to assert their rights and/or self-worth against practices and policies that threaten to undermine them.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.