T HE C ARIBBEAN Caribbean music, much like types of South American music, is very influenced by its historical African connections. It utilizes a lot of drums that we saw in South America, and drums that we will see later on in Africa. Some of the vocal style, also like the Capoeira music (also influenced by African music!), is a sort of “call and response” style. It implies a certain level of attention and participation from the audience.

V ODOU M USIC Vodou music is very devotional. There are songs and rhythmic patterns devoted to different gods in the Vodou pantheon. Some of these songs are dedicated to gods such as Shango (God of thunder and lightning), Ogoun (God of Iron), and Oshun (Goddess of the Sea).

C ALYPSO Calypso is a popular type of traditional music from Trinidad, and like South American music, is utilized for dancing. Similar to Capoeira, it is African inspired. Another phrase for African inspired Caribbean music is Afro-Caribbean Calypso! The lyrics in Calypso usually discuss societal issues.

S TEEL P AN Steel Pan

C UBA IN C ONTEXT As seen in other parts of the world, colonization had an effect on many aspects of different cultures and traditions. Caribbean countries are no different in this regard. Many instruments and types of music from Europe made their way to the Caribbean over time, and many types of folk music from Africa were passed on from slaves living in this part of the world.

C HUTNEY M USIC Chutney music is a unique type of Indo- Caribbean music. (Indo meaning Indian!). Slaves and workers who came from India brought along their own instruments such as the harmonium and the tabla and fused those instruments and ideas with the music of the Caribbean. Chutney Music