MUSIC & CARIBBEAN

SOCIETY
Presented by Pathelia Brown, Kayla Samuels, Zachri
Bennett, Oshane Williams
 Introduction
Caribbean music developed as the peoples and cultures of West Africa, Europe,
Asia, and the Americas combined across the island chain during 500 years of
European colonization. The beats and rhythms of various ethnicities incubated
and evolved with the languages and social movements of each island. Each
locale produced distinctive genres which were carried across the world by
migration and media.
 REGGAE
Reggae music originated in
Jamaica in the 1960s from music
genres such as Rocksteady,
American Rhythm and blues, and
Ska. Reggae has popularized the
Jamaican culture throughout the
world and has become a major
form of entertainment.
Despite its evolution into a cultural
phenomenon, reggae music emerged as a
political form of protest aimed at the
oppressive rule of colonialists. Some of the
artistes that popularized reggae and gave it
an international appeal include Bob Marley,
Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, the Mighty
Diamonds, Marcia Griffiths, Bunny Wailer,
and Judy Mowatt among others.
 REGGAE
One key area that reggae has impacted significantly is politics. For
many years, the genre has been associated with poor people
because a large percentage of its lyrics are aimed towards
criticizing the various social challenges that exist in society. For
example, corruption racism, oppression, and poverty are major
themes explored by reggae musicians. Many reggae artists
criticize and oppose the prevalence of injustice and oppression in
many parts of the world that arise from poor governance and
unstable political systems. Reggae is a tool for social change,
especially in the political arena.
 IMPACTS
Since the emergence of reggae music in the 1960s, the genre has evolved into a
cultural phenomenon especially after the rise of the Rastafarian culture. After
its origin, the music’s lyrics mainly focused on socially appealing themes such
as love and peace. However, as the Rastafarian movement gained popularity
in Jamaica, the genre started incorporating themes such as religion and
politics. The Rastafarian culture is founded on the principle of resistance that
reggae music adopts in its advocacy against political oppression. Followers of
Rastafarianism have been marginalized for a long time mainly because of
their beliefs and physical appearance.
 IMPACTS
The situation has been worsened by the association of Rastafarianism with
reggae music. Another reason for the marginalization is the group’s belief that
their ancestry and identity are rooted in the African continent. Rastafarians
were the first Jamaicans to embrace reggae and use it to fight oppression and
the social injustices that they were subjected to by colonial authorities. They
adopted unique beliefs and physical appearances in order to make themselves
distinct from their oppressors. The influence of Rastafarianism on reggae is
evident from the use of words such as Jah to denote God and Babylon to stand
for oppressive authorities.
 IMPACTS
The social impact of reggae music has been felt in the political arena. The genre has addressed social
injustices such as corruption, bad governance, and oppression of the poor for a long time. Since its
founding, reggae has evolved tremendously and given the rise of several denominations such as lovers
rock and dancehall that explore distinct themes. Despite its divergent evolution, reggae has always
been used to present socio-political commentaries to the world. Many reggae lyrics strive to pass
messages that advocate for justice and empowerment of people especially those living in poverty. For
example, a renowned musician is known as Jimmy cliff once described reggae music as the cry of the
poor. A scholar known as Dr. Carolyn Cooper described reggae music as the voice of the oppressed in
society mainly because of the political rants it contains and the themes it explores. Reggae music has
always been used as a platform for presenting social, political, and economic issues that many people
encounter in their lives. Therefore, it is the obligation of reggae artists to speak out against social
injustices through their lyrics.
 IMPACTS
As mentioned earlier, the Rastafarian movement used reggae as a way of disseminating its beliefs, ideologies,
and attitudes. Reggae music advocated for universal equality and pan-Africanism. The movement fought for
national and international political and social equality. Members believed that everyone was supposed to get
equal access to resources in Jamaica and the world, as well as equal political representation in government.
With regard to pan-Africanism, reggae passed the message that it was necessary for African descendants
around the world to progress socially, religiously, politically, and economically. The movement’s philosophical
approach was based on the teachings of Haile Selassie and Marcus Garvey. Bob Marley is widely recognized as
a key pillar of Rastafarianism because of the role he played in spreading the teachings of the movement
internationally. He used his music to create awareness of the philosophy of reggae music as well as
Rastafarianism. The social influence of reggae resulted in the election of Michael Manley as the Jamaican
Prime Minister twice. Manley was elected into government because he represented the interests of the lower
class as well as those of Rastafarians.
 IMPACTS
A key aspect of reggae music is the use of lyrics to attack social ills in the world. For example,
many songs criticizing police brutality, corruption, and war have been written. These songs
have gained international recognition because of the strength and influence of the messages
they contain. Many people embrace reggae music because of its diversity. In addition to
exploring social ills, it also explores general themes such as peace, love, and unity.
Rastafarians incorporate a call for social change in all their activities. Historically, movements
emerge whenever inequalities compel people to live in poor conditions that do not meet their
basic survival requirements. In most cases, movements embrace violent means of expressing
themselves and effecting change. Rastafarians use deviant behavior to fight for their rights. An
example of such behavior is the smoking of marijuana and the growing of dreadlocks.
 IMPACTS
These behaviors are encouraged in many reggae songs as a means of
pushing governments to address the plight of the lower class members in
society. Rastafarianism has received criticism on many occasions because
of the violence associated with its members. One of the social changes that
Rastafarians fight for is the redistribution of wealth and land because the
elite has great control of resources. Hey, argue that redistribution of
wealth and land is the only way that poverty can be eradicated in Jamaica
and other parts of the world. They want change to occur and benefit not
only themselves but everyone in the world. They should be supported in
their efforts to fight oppression, corruption, poverty, and bad governance.
 IMPACTS

Reggae music has for many years been criticized because of the negative
association with poor neighborhoods, poverty, and crime. In many
countries, this music genre is famous among young and poor people who
experience the harsh effects of unemployment and economic difficulties.
Reggae music has evolved from a local form of music to an international
cultural phenomenon that issued to effect change in society.
BOB MARLEY’S “ONE LOVE”
Considered the patron saint of Reggae, Bob Marley
produces mellow island beats that spread the message of
peace, love and positive vibes.

This is a powerful anthem advocating for unity and love.

Its message transcends borders, promoting harmony and
solidarity not only within the Caribbean but globally. The
song's call for people to "get together and feel all right"
resonates with the Caribbean's historical struggles,
promoting a sense of togetherness and social harmony.
The reggae beat and Marley's uplifting lyrics create a
positive and optimistic atmosphere, contributing to the
song's impact as a symbol of hope and resilience.
CHRONIXX’S “GHETTO PARADISE”
This provides social commentary on the challenges
faced by those living in impoverished urban areas. It
addresses issues like inequality, crime, and the
struggle for survival. The song doesn't shy away
from portraying the harsh realities of ghetto life but
also emphasizes the strength and resilience of the
people. It serves as a call for empowerment and
positive change within these communities.
Chronixx's use of reggae rhythms and lyrics rooted in
Jamaican patois reflects a commitment to preserving
and celebrating Caribbean cultural identity.
 CALYPSO
Calypso is a popular Caribbean musical genre
that originated in the island nation of Trinidad
and Tobago. The genre was developed
primarily by enslaved West Africans brought
to the region via the transatlantic slave trade
during the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries. Although West- African Kaiso
music was a major influence, the genre has
also been shaped by other African genres, and
by Indian, British, French, and Spanish musical
cultures.
Emerging in the early twentieth century, Calypso
became a tool of resistance by Afro-Caribbean
working-class Trinbagonians. Calypso flourished
in Trinidad due to a combination of factors—
namely, the migration of Afro-Caribbean people
from across the region in search of upward social
mobility. These people sought to expose the
injustices perpetrated by a foreign European and a
domestic elite against labourers in industries such
as petroleum extraction.
 CALYPSO

The genre is heavily anti-colonial, anti-

imperial, and anti-elitist, and it advocated for
regional integration. Although this did not
occur immediately, Calypsonians sought to
establish unity across the region regardless of
race, nationality, and class through their
songwriting and performing. Today, Calypso
remains a unifying force and an important part
of Caribbean culture.
 CALYPSO
To define Calypso, we must first understand Kaiso. Kaiso originates from West Africa
and was brought to the Caribbean by the enslaved Africans. Kaisos were originally
sung in French Creole and are narrative in nature, offering social and political
commentary. Calypso has its origins in the presence of the enslaved Africans in the
Caribbean as they used kaiso as a way to mock the plantation owners and
communicate amongst themselves.

Derived from Kaiso, Calypso originates from Trinidad and Tobago. Just like Kaiso,
Calypsoes were originally sung in French Creole but eventually made the switch to
English. Kaiso and calypso are often interchangeable terms, but Kaiso refers to
‘genuine’ or ‘traditional’ calypso, as the genre became more modernized over time..
 IMPACTS
Calypso which originated as a voice for the enslaved Africans, continued to be a voice for
Trinidadians to express their socio-political opinions with the use of satire, witty puns and double
entendres.
Early calypso and to some extent even calypso today served as the people’s tabloid so to speak.
Calysponians used their lyrical creativity to express the soul of the people – how they felt about the
situation in the country, politics, topical events and burning issues. Many politicians were made
and even destroyed because of calypso.
During carnival many patrons crowded the calypso tents to listen to the calypsos of the day to let
off steam and get the take on social issues from the top calysponians. Often one could tell the
outcome of a future election based on the sentiment expressed in calypsos of the day
 IMPACTS
Calypso was known for political and social commentary in its lyrics. Often a narration of current events and the
socio-political climate, one can say that calypso often kept democracy in check. In 1948, Kitchener’s released
“Windrush,” a song that referenced those Caribbean families that moved to England due to the increased labour
demands of World War II. Kitchener challenged colonialism as he sang about the exile and inequality these
migrants experienced in Britain.
Calypso continued to be a voice for political topics when in 1962, Trinidad and Tobago became an independent
nation. The Mighty Sparrow sang ‘William the Conqueror,’ where he praised Dr. Eric Williams, the first Premier
of Trinidad and Tobago, for bringing the country to its independence and paving the way for a better future.
Sparrow also has a popular song entitled, ‘Federation’ that explores the collapse of the West Indies Federation.
 IMPACTS

Persons who sang and led calypsos were called griots, meaning storyteller, then this term evolved into
chantuelle, then calypsonian. Calypsonians are the voice of the people, the storytellers who boldly speak out on
topics that many will not dare speak about. They are the ones who make light of serious issues and hold the
powers that be to take account of their actions. In the latter part of the 40s, a new wave of calypsonians would
enter the scene. This would also feature calypsonian greats like Lord Kitchener, Mighty Sparrow, Mighty
Dictator, Lord Pretender, Mighty Terror and many more. Two of some of the biggest names in the Calypso world
would emerge at this time, Lord Kitchener and Mighty Sparrow.
Lord Kitchener brought new lyrics and musical changes to calypso and often included controversial criticism of
the British presence on the island. Carnival and calypso monarch were put on a pause during the years of World
War II, but that did not stop Kitchener from becoming a household name as he became popular among the US
troops based in Trinidad, which led him to international performances. Lord Kitchener won his first road march
title, in the first Carnival after the war.
 IMPACTS

In the 1970s, in the time of the Black Power Movement in Trinidad and
Tobago, new calypsonians would emerge once again. This era featured
Black Stalin, Mighty Shadow and Scrunter, among others. In 1978,
Calypso Rose became the first woman to win the title of Calypso
Monarch. This created opportunities for other female calypsonians,
iconic female calypsonians, Singing Sandra and Denyse Plummer.
SINGING SANDRA’S “DIE
WITH MY DIGNITY”
"Die With My Dignity" by Singing Sandra is a powerful
anthem of empowerment and resilience. It emphasizes
the importance of maintaining one's dignity in the face
of adversity, which resonates with the historical
struggles in the Caribbean. The song provides social
commentary on issues like gender inequality and the
challenges faced by women, shedding light on the need
for respect and dignity. Singing Sandra's lyrics can be
seen as a call for societal change, encouraging a shift
towards a more equitable and respectful environment,
particularly for women in Caribbean society.
 PUNTA ROCK
Punta rock is unique in that it
represents a musical form, a country
(Belize) and a specific ethnic group (the
Garifuna of Central America)
simultaneously. At the same time, the
beat and the dance that accompany it
have universal appeal, and so punta
rock has spread not only to the Garifuna
diaspora in the U.S. and other countries,
but across cultural lines.
Originally known as the Garinagu, the Garifuna
are an amalgam of Carib, native Arawak and
African people. They are said to have originated
from intermarriage between Arawaks and Caribs
on the island of Saint Vincent, then spread
throughout costal Central America and the Lesser
Antilles, where they further mixed with West
Africans brought to the New World as slaves. The
Garifuna are most heavily associated with Belize,
a former British colony.
 PUNTA ROCK
Punta is the name given to Garifuna music and, not surprisingly, it is strongly linked to
West Africa with its rhythmic drumming and call and response patterns. Punta is also
as much about dance as music and is often described as a human mating dance,
performed by couples in a highly sexualised manner and involving a whole lot of
gyrating hip and lower body movement.
Punta Rock took this existing culture of song & dance and simply updated it to the
modern world with guitars, synthesisers and booming sound systems. Indeed, it’s not
often that a whole music genre can be credited to a single person and time although it
is widely acknowledged that Punta Rock was created by Pen Cayetano in 1978.
 IMPACTS
Originating from the Garifuna Music community, Punta’s lively drumming and pulsating melodies
have a magnetic effect that transcends generations. It’s a genre that not only echoes the spirit of
celebration but also serves as a reminder of Honduran heritage, an unbreakable link to ancestral
festivities.
Punta Rock, originating serves as a significant form of cultural representation in Caribbean society,
highlighting the unique traditions, language, and history of the Garifuna people.
The genre contributes to the celebration of cultural diversity within the Caribbean, fostering
understanding and appreciation among different communities.
The energetic and rhythmic nature of Punta Rock may attract younger audiences, promoting cultural
engagement and a sense of identity among the youth
Andy Palacio's "Punta Rock"
This is a pivotal song in promoting and preserving
Garifuna culture. The lyrics, combined with the energetic
Punta Rock rhythm, contribute to the cultural identity of
the Garifuna people. The song's impact extends beyond
the Caribbean, raising global awareness about the
Garifuna culture and the unique sound of Punta Rock,
potentially fostering cross-cultural appreciation.
Palacio's use of music as a tool for empowerment and
cultural pride has a positive impact, encouraging Garifuna
communities to embrace and celebrate their heritage.
 STEEL BAND MUSIC
The steel pan was created in Trinidad and
Tobago in the 1930s. was established in
contexts of Carnival resistance, its history
being traced back to the enslaved Africans
who were brought to the Caribbean in the
1700s. Following emancipation in 1834,
former slaves were allowed to participate
in Trinidadian Carnival activities.
However, African-descended
percussive performance was heavily
targeted by restrictive government
bills, sparking protests and
demonstrations. These protests
facilitated the development of
improvisational and non-traditional
percussive instruments out of scrap
metal, metal containers, dustbins and
bamboo stamping tubes.
STEEL BAND MUSIC
These 'Tamboo Bamboo' bands are widely accepted
as the precursor to modern steel bands. In the 1930s,
it was realised that the convex dent at the bottom of
metal drums could be tuned to distinct musical
pitches and could therefore produce recognisable
melodies, marking the creation of the first steel
pans. One of the groups that was widely recognized
for this line of innovation was Alexander's Ragtime
Band, from the Newtown neighbourhood of Port of
Spain, which paraded on the road for Carnival with
all metal, nonmelodie instruments in 1939.
 STEEL BAND MUSIC
When Trinidad and Tobago were under the rule of the British Empire, prior to 1797, the African slaves
began to revolt against the British and their troops. The enslaved Africans created a rebellious
movement in secrecy because they were not permitted to communicate with each other. They
understood that their lives would be at stake if they were caught communicating with one another, so
they found a medium to stay in touch in a very discrete and creative manner.
"The 1883 ban that outlawed 'the beating of any drum, the blowing of any horn, or the use of any other
noisy instrument' didn't discourage or deter the inventive Africans. Indeed, they became even more
determined to maintain their religious and native customs. In some cases, drumming went
'underground'. This was especially true for drumming used in religious practice and ritual. From the
time that the slaves first arrived in Trinidad, their religious customs were held suspect by the
European colonials. An earlier 1869 ordinance has gone so far as to cite the practice of any African
religion as black magic. Anyone involved in such practice at that time would have been subject to
flogging or imprisonment as punishment
 STEEL BAND MUSIC
By playing their drums in various rhythmic patterns, they were able to communicate
in a way that they thought the British would have difficulty suspecting or even decoding.
These rhythmic patterns would translate into codes and they alerted each other about their
revolutionary plans, current situations and potential attacks from the British troops.

When the British troops discovered this medium of communication, they

destroyed all of the drums. However, that did not stop the slaves from pursuing their rebellion.
 STEEL BAND MUSIC
During the festivities, the Africans found ways to rebel by attempting to participate in the parades, using
bamboo stalks and striking them as loud as possible attempting to get the attention of others through a noise
of awareness because they no longer had their drums. The enslaved Africans would carve holes to make an
open cavity in the bamboo to achieve a mixture of sounds. It all depended on the size, shape and how the
bamboo is cut. Bamboo that is fully grown would not need to be altered because it can naturally produce the
hollowed sound. The hollowed space from the bamboo causes an acoustic echo. The sound is amplified when it
is struck by iron rods or similar materials, such as bamboo or wood. Bamboo stalks are abundant on the island,
so Trinidadians developed ways of incorporating the bamboo into their protest, and it became part of their
dancing and musical demonstrations, eventually becoming known as 'tamboo bamboo. "The word tamboo'
comes from the French word tambour which means 'drums"
 STEEL BAND MUSIC
The varying lengths and diameters of the bamboo tubes would produce different pitches, creating a
rhythmic/melodic protest. They used anything they could find that would amplify the sound to draw attention
to their anger, frustration and rebellion. In the year of 1881 to 1883, the people of Trinidad and Tobago continued
to protest and rebel for their freedom through participation in the Carnival festivities, and their anger grew
more intensely with each passing moment. Then in 1885 the people developed a dance to demonstrate their
unity through the bamboo music with a form of stick fighting.
This phenomenon transformed into "stick-battles" and performed the dance when the tamboo-bamboo was
played in a rhythm and syncopation that was similar to the calypso rhythm.

Now, the steel-pan can be classified as Trinidad’s national instrument. It plays an integral role in Trinidad’s
Carnival, and indeed all of the Caribbean. because it embodies the essence of ancient African roots with
national heritage. The steel drums allow the natives of the island nation to connect with national tradition and
to spread national pride.
 STEEL BAND MUSIC

Based on common belief, the steel pan was invented by a man named, Winston “Spree”
Simon. It is said that Winston “Spree” Simon created the steel pan by simply founding a
dent in his garbage can. As he began to knock out the dent with a hammer, he suddenly
realized each blow with the hammer created a different pitch. After this realization,
Winston continued to bang dents into the garbage can of various shapes and sizes until
he made scales of notes. Soon, Winston was able to note scales and rhythms on his
garbage can. Garbage cans were scarce. The garbage containers were not only hard to
come by but the material was not suitable for long playability.
 IMPACTS

The social significance of steel bands lays in the fact that they allow inclusion of a wide range of
social strata in their performance practice. On the one hand, initially created as a way of music
making for the lowest and poorest classes of society, steel bands easily allowed representatives of
middle class in their friendly community
On the other hand, steel bands included amateurs who could read no score, and therefore they
promoted the spirit of shared improvisation and cooperation between its members. In addition, as
steel bands enjoyed more and more popularity with the people, their competitive nature emerged in
the form of so-called revving which emphasized the individual skills and strong points of each band
 IMPACTS

In terms of political implications, steel bands revealed their unique quality of promoting amateur
culture. Initially frowned upon by the British authorities, steel bands appeared to attract so many
tourists that they were gradually recognized as national cultural heritage and accepted as legal.
In 1951 Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra, TASPO, brought the art of steel pan performance on a
tour around England, and since 1963 a Panorama competition is held among steel bands (Manuel et al.
242). The popularity and the public recognition steel bands have acquired during the last century
shows that this initially underground movement has evolved into a full-blood trend in amateur music
that not only brings enjoyment but also helps to resolve social and political tensions.
Ray Holman’s “Pan On
The Move”
Ray Holman is a Trinidadian steel pan
musician, composer, and arranger known for
his significant contributions to the
development of steel pan music."Pan on the
Move" is one of Ray Holman's notable
compositions, recognized for its captivating
melody and intricate arrangements.
The song has become a classic in the steel pan
repertoire, reflecting Holman's mastery in
crafting engaging and sophisticated
compositions that push the boundaries of the
instrument.
Question Time
Thank
You