Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The five themes in caribbean music

What are the five themes that can be concluded from hearing Caribbean music? The first theme that is popular in Caribbean music is  being diverse. The Caribbean is divided among different ethnicities and languages. Caribbean islands such as  Martinique and Guadeloupe, two small islands. Characterize their music to be different, even though both countries composed the genre of calypso. The ending of colonialism led to a fragmentation in traditions and styles of the Caribbean nations.  Also what was quite interesting is that countries that are closer in proximity or even share a border are distant.
The next theme is race and ethnicity. Music from Caribbean countries, like Jamaica; Compose music, to follow the idea of racial tension. During colonial times, blacks were place in a category that is labeled as a second class citizen. living in Jamaica back in the late 1800s through the early 1900s; the idea of having lighter shade of skin and straight hair was mostly accepted in the Jamaican society. many dancehall artist praised the idea of being a BROWNING(fair skin individual) Many Jamaicans up to this day, continually bleach their skin to be put in category of acceptance. although dancehall music is an integration of styles and culture, being black is downplayed in a society that is majority African descendent.
The third theme is the Caribbean international network.  New York  city has become the prime destination for many Caribbean nationals. As you walk along church avenue in Brooklyn, the sidewalks are blasted with dialects and rhythms from the various Caribbean nations. food and music can be linked to a specific country. For example, reggae and curry chicken; Jamaica most likely.
Fourth theme is music and politics. Relative poverty and corrupted government led to the creation of music in the Caribbean. The purpose is a message to be passed along to the listeners, to aware the people of political issues.
The fifth theme is the connection between sex and sexism. The main topic of most Caribbean music is relationships. Many men and women convey their feelings and sexual desires in the lyrics of song that are composed in the Caribbean. Reggae music, specifically Dancehall, can seem raunchy and degrading to women.

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