Creolization in Caribbean Music- French Speaking

 As mentioned in my last post, there are many examples of creolization throughout the book Tour de Force. Not only is creolization displayed in music and food, but also in language.  In chapter one, we discussed creolization in music in the English-speaking Caribbean. Now, in chapter two, we will discuss creolization in the music of the French-speaking Caribbean. 


(https://ziloka.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/bele-when-martinique-dances/)


1) Zouk genre of Martinique and Guateloupe. This genre of music, popularized in both Martinique and Guadeloupe, is distinguished by its electronic rhythm and upbeat tempo. This style evolved from the Beguine genre, which rose out of Martinique with its distinct "syncopated rhythm" and upbeat tempo of the tambour drum and tibwa (LeGrand, C.G. C., 2019). The Zouk genre takes the 'orchestral, big-band-like beguine' and replaces it with more electronic rhythms and wind intruments. Similar to Soca music of Trinidad and Tobago, Zouk ushers one to dance and thus is very popular for parties. An example of this style is the song, "Laisse Parler Les Gens", by Guadeloupen Zouk artists Jocelyne Labylle and Cheela; featuring Zouk legend, Jacob Desvarieux, and Zouk hip hop artist Passi. This collaboration, in my opinion, is one of the best representations of Zouk. The eletric rhythm and upbeat tempo combined with the call-and-response style reminds me of the Fete. I can's help but shake a little leg while listening to it. Here is the song below, hope you enjoy!


(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G02YNxLk7g)



2) Traditional Rara music of Haiti. According to chapter two of Tour de Force, Voudou is severly misuderstood. Voudou, which is one of the most widley practiced religions in Hait, is a "syncretic" religion which a result of creolization between traditional African spiritual traditions and European Catholicism (LeGrand, C.G. C., 2019). 

(https://globalpressjournal.com/americas/haiti/female-rara-bands-haitian-women-break-musical-barriers/)


I mention Voudou becuse this kind of music is tied to the religion; rara music. Rara music, according to the text, is festive music known for being loud (LeGrand, C.G. C., 2019). Rara music is tied with Voudou as it is a kind of ritual in the practice. Rara is set apart from ofther genres as it uses traditionally homade instruments such as the vakin (single-note trumpet made from bamboo or metal), drums, maracas, and household items like scrapers, rattles, bottles, and whistles. The point of traditionsl Rara is to be boistrous and passionate. Below is a video demostration of traditional Rara by musician, Jeff Pierre.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvwtcbjG0Zo)






























References


Jeff Pierre Music. (2019, January 31). Rara - Haiti. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvwtcbjG0Zo

LeGrand, C.G. C. (2019). Tour de Force: A Musical Journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean.https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9789769624900

Montlouis, D. N. (2009, July 28). Bèlè, when Martinique dances! Gwoka, Dance, Drumming, Traditional Culture, Creole - Ziloka. https://ziloka.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/bele-when-martinique-dances/

Passi Officiel. (2013, July). Jocelyne Labylle, Cheela feat. Passi, Jacob Desvarieux - Laisse Parler Les Gens [Clip Officiel - HD]. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G02YNxLk7g

SYLVESTRE, O. S. (2018, March 13). All-Female Rara Bands: Haitian Women Break Musical Barriers. Global Press Journal. https://globalpressjournal.com/americas/haiti/female-rara-bands-haitian-women-break-musical-barriers/


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