Caribbean Music

By Nishan

As you sit down to relax and listen to your favorite song or instrumental song version you will not be thinking of the various styles of music which compose these works of art. However if you take the time you may hear some interesting styles which give the music that unique “look and feel”. Of the many musical styles that you will find Caribbean Music is one which is very interesting to look at. This is due to the various musical sounds and genres which make their way into this wide umbrella of music.

The various styles of music that you will find residing under the name of Caribbean Music will include famous ones like Salsa, Mambo, Listera, Merengua and Reggae to name but a few well known styles. The main differences that you will find in these forms of Caribbean Music are the country of origin and the different musical instruments which are used to create the rhythmic beat you can hear from all of these musical styles. As an example you will find that Con. Trova, Salsa and Timba music are all forms of Cuban Music. Here you will hear instruments like the claves, maracas, conga drums, the cencerro, and the cabasa.

Some forms of Caribbean Music will have influences from western countries as well as the African heritage music running through the musical compositions. These will include music from Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Here the western influence can be heard clearly in the Puerto Rican jiharo music as well as in the Jamaican Reggae Music. As you look closer at these styles you will find that Jamaican Reggae music emerged in the later 19060s. At this time it was made as different interpretation of American R&B music. There have been many famous singers like Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, and Peter Tosh who have helped to bring this musical sound to international attention.

For the many people who listen to Caribbean Music you will find there are many forms that it can take. The wonderful sounds which are part of this musical style provide a music that is rich and full of rhythms which are part of life and passion. Caribbean Music is one of the best forms of music to dance with joyous abandon and a way of expressing your inner freedom.