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Soul music, a genre rooted in African American cultural traditions and experiences, can be defined as an expressive form of music that combines elements of gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz to convey deep emotions and social messages. Originating in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, soul music emerged as a response to the struggles and aspirations of African Americans during the civil rights movement. As an ethnomusicological phenomenon, soul music reflects the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of its creators, who use it as a means of expressing their identity, agency, and resistance to oppression. With its powerful vocals, infectious rhythms, and poignant lyrics, soul music has influenced various genres and artists around the world, becoming a universal language of emotion, authenticity, and resilience.