Caribbean music is full of rhythm and exotic beats played by all types of instruments, especially the steel pan. It is the type of music that you dance to, with sways, gyrations, foot-tapping and any other kind of movement that is in sync with the beat. Even though some of the Caribbean genres of music were derived from different nations, it has been embraced by all of the Caribbean. Some of the more popular genres are calypso, soca, reggae and zouk.
Many new songs of these genres are released during national celebrations like carnival. In New York, the West Indian Day Parade takes place on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn and is a version of carnival that is held in all the Caribbean nations, except as a united celebration. West Indians get a chance to meet friends and family that they had not seen in a long time, while enjoying the music, the costumes of the revellers and the wide variety of Caribbean food.
Those who want to enjoy the music on a regular basis and not just on the Labor Day weekend, must find other means. “I usually go on youtube and google to find the latest soca music,” said Shaun Caleb, an international student, “and I look forward to family gatherings when West Indian music is played.” Caleb also added that he can enjoy himself at clubs that play other genres, but a few West Indians songs would make it even better.
Others just go to nightclubs that play Caribbean music or have special themed nights while some go to house parties held by West Indians. “Some of the good clubs that West Indians party at in Brooklyn are The Base, Cafe Omar, Caribbean City, The Elite Ark, Temptations and Cafe 400,” said Christopher Polius, a Brooklyn resident, “they play good West Indian music.”
I personally just look forward to going home to Guyana where I can really enjoy the Caribbean experience on my own home soil. Although i like other genres of music, it make an effort to stay up to date with what’s hot in Caribbean music since it helps me fit right back in when I return home.
I think that people are beginning to really get into Carribean Music. I here more soca and other types of west indian music on the radio.
I don’t think that most of the United States is ready for a Caribbean music explosion. Our music and the dances that go with it are very sensual and explicit. Just look at Verizon’s reaction to Akon dancing on stage at a Trinidadian concert with a fifteen year old; when I saw it I was like you better not go to Jamaica then!