In this blog we will discussed how creolization expands itself in several ways. In the last blog we discussed how creolization is seen in music, now we are looking at the fact of how it is also displayed amongst English speaking Caribbean countries. So, in this blog we will look at creolization in Caribbean music in The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago.
According to Chapter 1 of Tour de force, The Bahamas is known for its musical style goombay and it also serves as the name for the drum that is used to incorporate the music tones and beats, "the goombay goatskin drum". The goombay drum is also used in rake n scrape, but my best interaction as to be with junkanoo. The feeling and energy that is given of the rhythm and beat of the combination of the brass band and percussions and the togetherness of the goombay drum just makes you get excited, the feeling is really unmatched when the sound of the drum is licked off. Attached below is a video demonstrating the use, sound and technique that is created from the goatskin drum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOuXi5Hwl7M
In this video you can see that there are two different size drums, and if you listen carefully both drums gives off a unique sound, the smaller drum that is in from is affectionally called a "tum tum", it gives a delicate tone to set the mood for the music it has its own enhancement and for the rhythm and beat that is playing. Then if you listen closely there is the big bass drum, this drum is used to add the finish touches to the beat, it also enhances and intensifies the quality of the beat being played. In the background you can also hear the sound of the cowbells shaking as well. Even though the tum tum has its perks, the bass drum is my favorite its like it sets your mood and wakes your spirit up to get you hype, For me my most favorite part is when the beat is "boom, boom, boom, boom boom boom boom" at that point that is just when I get extra pumped and excited and start dancing.
Also, Creolization can be shown in aspects of food as well, attached below is an image of the dish that adds creolization to The Bahamas.
This dish right here is The Bahamian conch salad, the conch itself is a very important aspect to the Bahamas it has its versatility it can be used to make dishes, jewelry, decorations and music, but right now we will just focus on the dish. The iconic conch can be prepared in many ways:
Conch salad
Conch fritters
Crack conch
Stew Conch
Steam conch
But in the picture above is the Bahamian conch salad, that consists of herbs, pepper, conch importantly and lime, the texture of the conch is amazing, When everything is all brought together it leaves a feeling of you wanting for more. Out of the many ways conch can be prepared this and conch fritters are my two favorite ways to enjoy this dish.
Another example of Creolization in Caribbean music of English speaking countries is Trinidad and Tobago.
According to Tour de force Trinidad and Tobago, their population really grew because of migration that took place during the earlier centuries. In particular persons that migrated to Trinidad were from Haiti and they were traveling during the times of the French Revolutions. So with those persons migrating at that time at the anticipation and cultural aspect of the French and French West Indies their traditions are shown in their culture and creole dialect.
Another example of Trinidad and Tobago creolization style is their cultural dedication to soca and jouvert, which are my top favorite genres and all time party favorite. Jouvert if you do not know is an activity that takes places in the early mornings that involves you getting dirtyy, wild and hype. This party includes: water, dirt, paint, foam. This party calls for getting loose and not focusing on what is going around you, youre just embracing the music, vybes and energy that is around you. Attached below is a video of the appreciation shown at jouvert.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8i5zozbgiE&t=4s
This video displays exactly how it is done, if you ever go to a jouvert and you left the way you came then that means you have not went there to fully experience and have a good time. The music, and vybes puts you in a feeling that makes you wants to get loose and have a great time.
References
Chapter 1 The Bahamas; Tour de force; A Musical Journey of the Caribbean; Christine Gangelhoff
Chapter 1 Trinidad and Tobago; Tour de force A Musical Journey of the Caribbean; Christine Gangelhoff
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