Caribbean Music Genres: Vibe like the Locals

Caribbean music genres can be described as many things including bright, sensual, pun-filled, positive, and warm. With deep African, European and Asian ancestry, Caribbean music will have you moving your hips sub-consciously, Caribbean islanders will never have an occasion without one of the following genres. Add these 10 genres to your vacation playlist and Vibe like the locals.

Soca- The Soul of Calypso

This genre originates from Trinidad & Tobago, developed by a calypsonian “Lord Shorty” in the 70s in an effort to revive traditional Calypso. It is a mixture of African and East Indian rhythms. According to Masterclass.com “Soca music is distinct from calypso in its use of multi-track recording technology, which allowed soca musicians to commit more sophisticated rhythmic ideas to tape…”

Soca is popular with many English-speaking Caribbean Islands and is known for its intensity, upbeat, and “jump up” party vibes. Soca is definitely played at Caribbean parties, festivals, and carnival.

Zouk- A Naughty French Secret

Zouk is the dance music of the French West Indian territories Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, Dominica, and Haiti. It was developed from the French Caribbean mucic band Kassav in the 80s. The music blends a variety of Caribbean, African, and North American music styles. 

The music is almost exclusively expressed in the French Antillean Creole language and prominent electronically synthesized sounds. The Frech Creole term “Zouk” refers to sensual nightlong dance parties. The Zouk genre includes a rubric of Haitian music styles known as compas and cadence, beguine from Martinique and Guadeloupe, and cadence-lypso, and Trinidadian calypso. Zouk is known for its energetic, sexual, and romantic tones. The perfect house cleaning or a romantic night in the sultry ambiance of a Caribbean Restaurant.

Dancehall- Jamaican’s New Generation Anthem

Some Jamaicans would consider Dancehall the most popular music on the island and even the Caribbean. It all began in the late 1970s and today, the music genre is taking the world by storm. Initially, Dancehall was a more sparse version of Reggae than the roots style, which had dominated much of the 70s. In the mid-80s, digital instrumentation became more common, transforming the sound immensely, with Dancehall becoming increasingly characterized by faster rhythms.

The popularity of Dancehall has spawned dance moves that help to make parties and stage performances more energetic. It is one of the most versatile genres globally and many famous artists from across the world collaborate on tracks that feature Dancehall riddims or try to cut it close to the musicality of its uniqueness. No matter where you roam in the Caribbean, Dancehall will be heard from every bar, eatery, and party.

Bachata- The Latin Caribbean Rebel

Bachata is a style of music and dance that originated in the Dominican Republic in the first half of the 20th Century with Jose Manuel Calderon recorded the first Bachata song in 1962. The genre is an amalgamation of pan-Latin American, African, and Latin America styles and elements. The music and dance have faced many hardships and censorship over its lifetime because it was associated with sex, rebellion, and violence.

Today, it is also danced globally.

“The basics of the dance are three-step with a Cuban hip motion, followed by a tap including a hip movement on the 4th beat. The knees should be slightly bent so the performer can sway the hips easier. The movement of the hips is very important because it’s a part of the soul of the dance. Generally, most of the dancer’s movement is in the lower body up to the hips, and the upper body moves much less.”

www.incognitodance.com

Batacha music and dance are deep, sexual, rough, and fast-paced. A great way to spend a romantic evening in the Dominican Republic. The energy and intensity speak volumes to the history that this genre has endured. Keep your eyes on the hips or you might miss the beat.

Let Jirie Caribbean bring the Caribbean to your vacation playlist!