Afro-Caribbean music

Afro-Caribbean music is a broad term for music styles originating in the Caribbean from the African diaspora.^[1] These types of music usually have West African/Central African influence because of the presence and history of African people and their descendants living in the Caribbean, as a result of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.^[2] These distinctive musical art forms came about from the cultural mingling of African, Indigenous, and European inhabitants. Characteristically, Afro-Caribbean music incorporates components, instruments and influences from a variety of African cultures, as well as Indigenous and European cultures.^[3]

Afro-Caribbean music has been influenced by historical and stylistic influences. Historically, Afro-Caribbean music was influenced by the transatlantic slave trade and later, by the resistance and emancipation of slaves.^[4] Stylistically, afro-Caribbean music has been influenced by various African, European and Indigenous Latin American influences.^[3] African influences are reflected by many of the Rhythms, vocal characteristics and instruments that are used in afro-Caribbean music.^[3] Afro-Caribbean music shares many commonalities with traditional European style music, using many European instruments, harmonies and melodies in music of the genre.^[3] Indigenous Latin American influence can be seen through the use of percussive instruments and certain vocal techniques.^[5] Afro-Caribbean music has many common musical characteristics, including the use of Polyrhythms, call-and-response invocations and a variety of instruments. Instruments commonly used in afro-Caribbean music include: drums, Percussion instruments and Guitars.

Although the roots of afro-Caribbean music go back to the 15th century, the official local industry only began in the 1920s.^[6] Following this, afro-Caribbean music gained global popularity throughout the 20th century. ^[4] As afro-Caribbean music gained popularity, many sub-genres began to emerge. These sub-genres include: son cubano, salsa, calypso, soca, mento, ska, reggae and merengue.^[4]