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What Is the Caribbean? The Caribbean is a region mainly made up of the Caribbean Sea and its islands. Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia and the Dominican Republic are all islands located in the Caribbean Sea. Some places, such as Guyana, aren’t in the Caribbean Sea but, because of their culture, they are considered part of the Caribbean community.

History of the Caribbean In 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first voyage to the Caribbean, landing on a small island claiming it for Spain. In 1624, the British arrived in the Caribbean and subsequently, many islands came under British control. Huge sugar plantations were built and the people of the islands were forced to work on these plantations. People from Africa were enslaved and brought to the Caribbean where they were forced to work in dreadful conditions. Workers from India and China also came to the Caribbean. Over the centuries, a range of countries, such as Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Britain, Spain and the United States of America, have held territories in the Caribbean. The arrival of all these people has made the Caribbean a place where different musical and cultural influences blended together. Music produced in the Caribbean has a mixture of European, African and even Indian influences.

What Is Caribbean music? The Caribbean is made up of numerous islands and the type of music produced differs from island to island. There is no single type of Caribbean music. The many influences that have come to the islands has meant that the music of the Caribbean is very diverse. Types of well-known Caribbean music include: • reggae • calypso • salsa • ska • mambo • merengue

Caribbean Instruments There are many different types of instruments used in Caribbean music but percussion instruments are widely used. Claves, a pair of wooden sticks, are often used to maintain a base rhythm. Guiros, maracas, cowbells and the marimba are other popular Caribbean percussion instruments. Many types of drum are used, including congas and the smaller bongos. Guitars in many shapes and sizes also feature in Caribbean music.

Steel Pans Steel band or pan music originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1940 s and the steel pan now their national instrument. Steel bands can play a range of musical styles and their cheerful and exotic sound has become popular around the world. During the 1700 s, French plantation owners arrived in Trinidad, bringing with them a tradition of carnivals. Drumming became popular among enslaved people when they held their own street carnivals. Later on, after slavery was abolished, the celebrations became much noisier and were associated with local disturbances. Eventually, in the 1880 s, the British government tried to ban drums. Local people, looking for a way to carry on with their music, found that they could use old oil drums to make a new instrument known as the steel pan. The bottom of the oil drum is first pounded into a bowl shape. Different sized dents are then knocked into the surface of the pan. The size and position of a dent is what produces the different notes. The steel pan is played with a pair of sticks tipped with rubber. The musician playing the steel pan is called a pannist. “Saint Lucia 2011” by Jon Callas licensed under CC 2. 0

Reggae originated on the island of Jamaica during the 1960 s. Reggae music has become closely associated with Rastafari, a movement that developed in Jamaica during the 1930 s. Rastafarian musicians, such as Bob Marley, use reggae music to spread the message of the Rastafari religion. The lyrics of reggae often talk about standing up against injustice and coming together to create one world. Reggae music is a fusion of many different styles including rhythm and blues, jazz and calypso. It usually features two guitars, playing on the offbeat, with the bass guitar taking the lead. A full drum kit is used along with other percussion instruments such as bongos, claves, cowbells and shakers. Saxophones, trumpets and trombones may be added. In 2008, Jamaica held its first Reggae month and this has become an annual event.

Salsa music was developed in New York during the 1960 s by musicians from Puerto Rico and Cuba. It is a fusion of Spanish and African rhythms. The word ‘salsa’ is also used to refer to a spicy sauce and salsa music is considered to be hot, spicy and wild. Claves are used to form the basic rhythm in salsa music. The cuatro, a Puerto Rican stringed instrument, is often used. Trumpets, trombones and pianos may all be added depending on the musicians playing. Salsa is also a type of dancing.

Calypso music is a type of folk song. It is sung in many Caribbean islands but is most closely associated with Trinidad. This type of music has a slow tempo and a simple rhythm. Calypso lyrics are usually clever and witty. They tease or make fun of events or people in local politics or culture. Words from different languages are used, including Creole, Spanish and African languages and newly invented words may also be sung. Maracas, guitars and steel pans may be used to accompany the singer. Calypso is often associated with the fun of carnival.

Famous Caribbean Musicians Bob Marley is a famous singer, songwriter and musician. He was one of the first musicians to make reggae popular around the world. He was born on 6 th February 1945 in Jamaica. His love of music developed during his childhood and teenage years. He formed a band called The Wailers. He wrote powerful, spiritual lyrics and used his songs to spread his beliefs about peace and to encourage people to stand up for their rights and fight against injustice. Some of his most famous songs include, One Love, Exodus and Get Up, Stand Up. Bob Marley (1945 – 1981) In 1984, his greatest hits album, Legend, became the greatest selling reggae album of all time.

Famous Caribbean Musicians The singer, Rihanna, was born in Saint Michael, Barbados on 20 th February 1988. She is also an actress and businesswoman. She grew up in Barbados before being discovered by an American record producer. She moved to the United States to develop her career in music. She is one of the best selling music artists of all time and one of the wealthiest female musicians in the world. Some of her chart topping songs include; Only Girl, Diamonds and Umbrella. Rihanna (1988 -Present day)

Do It Yourself Search online for some examples of Caribbean music. Listen to the different rhythms you hear. You could try making up your own lyrics or dances to accompany the music. Why not have a go at making some of your own Caribbean instruments and creating your own Caribbean music? You could find two sticks and use them as claves or put some beads into a cup and cover the top with tin foil to make a maraca. Why not try making your own set of steel pans by using saucepans turned upside down? Hit them with wooden spoons and see if the different sized pans make different notes.