Which musical form is expressed through soulful melodies and was created by slaves and their descendants while working in the fields?

The correct answer is blues, which is a musical form that originated in the late 19th century among African American communities in the southern United States. It emerged from the work songs, spirituals, and folk music of slaves and their descendants, reflecting their experiences, struggles, and emotions. Typically characterized by expressive, soulful melodies and a specific twelve-bar structure, blues music often conveys themes of heartache, resilience, and life’s challenges, making it deeply relatable and poignant.

The blues style has had a profound impact on various music genres, leading to the development of rock and roll, jazz, and R&B, among others. This form is not only significant musically but also serves as a powerful cultural expression of the African American experience.

Marabi is a genre that comes from South Africa and is rooted in township culture, while jive is a lively dance music style that emerged in the United States and later became popular in swing music. Soul music, while also expressive and stemming from African American roots, evolved later and combines elements of blues and rhythm and blues, rather than being directly tied to the agricultural or labor experiences that shaped the blues.