Creolization in Caribbean Music - English-speaking
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Among the many themes discussed in chapter 1 of Tour De France, creolization is one that interested me the most. There were many examples of creolization discussed throughout the chapter, some of which I touched on in my last post (creolization of music and food in Jamaica). In this post, I will continue to focus on creolization throughout music in the Caribbean by sharing two examples.
1) Junkanoo of The Bahamas. This genre is described, by the authors, as one of the most important events on the Bahamian calendar as it is a homegrown tradition (LeGrand, C.G. C., 2019). The earliest form of Junkanoo, which was performed in the early morning of Boxing and New Year's day, is said to consist of homemade costumes made from paper mache and a band comprising of easily accessible instruments (often played by nonmusicians). As the tradition evolved over the years, more elements were added. These consist of the addition of brass and wind instruments, free dancers, and more elaborate or colorful costumes and floats (LeGrand, C.G. C., 2019). Below is an image of a recent Junkanoo Parade:
(Bahamas Information Services, January 3, 2023)
Traditional Junkanoo music is quite unique as it features instruments such as the 'goombay' drums, made from discarded barrels and goatskins cured by fire, which produce a tone other drums cannot produce. These drums mixed with the rhythmic sound of cowbells give Junkanoo music its signature. The modern Junkanoo combines the traditional aspects of Junkanoo music with the additions of brass and wind instruments orchestrated to produce renditions of popular songs of today. Below is an exert from Junkanoo A group 'One Family: Warriors' from their 2023 New Year's Day rendition of RnB singer Chris Brown's 'Under the Influence'. Timestamp beginning at 8:16.2 to 9:05.7
(This video makes me want to go back on Bay Street all over again!)
2) Soca of Trinidad and Tobago. Soca, as the authors mention, is described as the 'dancehall' of Trinidad and Tobago. Soca can be likened to Calyspo, a genre also native to the islands, but with a faster pace and electronic beats(LeGrand, C.G. C., 2019). Below is an image that depicts the Carnival Parade which typically features Soca music.
The goal of Soca music, essentially, is to get everyone dancing. Hence the genre's popularity at Carnival, Trinidad and Tobago's annual end of Lent parade (LeGrand, C.G. C., 2019). Unlike Junkanoo music which traditionally relies on percussion of drums and cowbells, the Soca genre takes on an even more modern approach as it is known for its electronic beat and fast-paced rhythm. Below is one of the most popular Soca songs, 'Famalay', by Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano & Bunji Garlin. This song transports me right to the Fete.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD4lqYEwmiI)
3) Creole Cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago. Another example of creolization throughout the Caribbean would be the food. In Trinidad and Tobago, creole foods such as its signature "Doubles", which is a street dish comprised of curry chickpeas (channa) served over two flatbreads (doubles). Below is a image of this delicious dish and then a video on how to make it.
Creolization in Caribbean music: Spanish-speaking Caribbean Throughout my blog posts, we explored the various ways in which creolization had manifested in Caribbean music. We started with the English-speaking Caribbean, then moved to French, then Dutch. Now, we will be looking into one of my favorites; the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. The countries touched on in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean include Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. However, for the purpose of this post, I will be highlighting the musical styles of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Creolization in the Music of Puerto Rico ( Bomba Is an Essential Expression of Puerto Rican Culture, 2023) Puerto Rico, located between the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands, is an island of immense history. The country, associated with the U.S. and a part of the Commonwealth since 1952, was colonized by Spain and has both Hispanic and African influence (Thompson...
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