Caribbean Music: Its Past and Future

Posted by
October 16, 2011

 

When one thinks of Caribbean music many things come to mind as the islands in this archipelago that stretches across the Atlantic Ocean and encompasses the Caribbean Sea is as diverse as it is beautiful.  With sounds and flavors stemming from cultural influences such as African, Indian, Latin American and European; Caribbean music is known for its rich, cultural sounds.  There isn’t one language spoken throughout the Caribbean either, as English, Dutch, French and Spanish are the predominant dialects.  This too is reflected in Caribbean music as various inflections and accents are present in vocal performances. African and Latin American drum beats are present in many forms of Caribbean music.

Caribbean islands are those that are located in the Caribbean Sea and extend from the southern parts of the United States to the northern tip of South America.  As the region is home to thousands of islands, the Caribbean is generally divided into two areas: the Bahamas and the Antilles which is comprised of the Greater and Lesser Antilles.  The sheer amount of island land mass in the region and their tropical climates lend to the Caribbean’s popularity as a honeymoon spot and tourist destination.  As each island has its own history and cultural influences, music varies from one island area to the next.  Countries, territories and islands that contribute to the Caribbean are as follows.

List of Caribbean Islands

African slaves played an important role in the development of Caribbean music styles.   Musical influences and styles that are traced back to African slaves are known as Afro-Caribbean.  Here is a list of regions where Afro Caribbean music is predominant.

Afro-Caribbean Music Regions and Styles

¨       Cuba

 

¨       Antigua and Barbuda

 

¨       Barbados

 

¨       Puerto Rico

 

 

¨       Haiti

 

¨       Trinidad and Tobago

 

¨       The Bahamas

 

¨       Belize

 

¨       Dominica

Before European exploration and slavery brought the French, Dutch, Spanish and African slaves to the islands of the Caribbean, the lands were filled with indigenous Indians.  Known as “Amerindians” the indigenous people had their own music styles which to a slight degree, is still heard throughout the Caribbean.   Drums, maracas, chanting and gourds were often used in ritualistic dancing throughout the area.  Many of the indigenous people were killed or enslaved and much of their music perished with them; however some of it still survives.  Much of the surviving indigenous people remaining in the Caribbean are the Arawak or Taino.  They are present throughout Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Many of the modern day people living in Puerto Rico, apart from those known to be Arawak or Taino, show strong lineage as verified through DNA testing.   Listening to the rhythms of the Arawak or Taino people instantly brings to mind modern day sounds of the Caribbean and it is easy to see how the indigenous people contributed to the sounds classified as Caribbean music today.  Essentially, modern day Caribbean music is a blend of Amerindian, African, European and Hispanic.  These culturally contributions extend far beyond Caribbean music and reach into dance, customs, festivals, restaurants and more.

Those visiting the Caribbean clearly see and hear the importance of music to these lands.  From the rhythmic beats of times past to the modern day variations of styles that have merged with Americanized music genres such as jazz, blues and country,  the Caribbean is drenched in music.  Music isn’t reserved solely for special events but makes up the backdrop of Caribbean life and culture.   It isn’t uncommon to see musicians break out in fervent songs, and rhythmic beats whenever the moment presents itself.  Not only is the Caribbean rich with a history that is steeped in music, but new musical styles are continually birthed from the lands.  With rich diversity and a plethora of genres to choose from, music lovers of all tastes are sure to find a Caribbean music style that will satisfy their preferences.

Check out some of the videos below for more “Sounds of the Caribbean”

 

 

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