Rihanna Star

Chillin’ and Groovin’ to the Music of Barbados

Article by Joe Owens

Music is very powerful and it gives identity to a country. The Caribbean islands are known for its festive music celebrations, where tourists are treated to the country’s best ear candy sounds. If you are staying in a Barbados small hotel, as soon as you get out for some fresh air you will also be treated to a mix of different sounds courtesy of the Bajan culture. So if you are looking for some cool sound tripping this Caribbean island will treat you to a melody feast.

The country is known for many of its high class and very talented musicians like Lalah Hathaway, Smokey Robinson and Grammy Award winner Rihanna. The Tropical Island is heavily influenced by various musical styles such as folk, western classical, religious and popular music. Most of these styles are imported from Trinidad and Tobago which also includes jazz, reggae, ska and Calypso.

In 1974 Calypso music became organized, it was back in the revival of the Crop over festival. This type of music’s rhythm can be traced back in the arrival of the very first African slaves in the country in the 17th century. Music became a tool of communication and planning for revolution by the slaves which is why it is a fundamental part of the country’s culture. Calypso is composed of various skills including story-telling, singing and instrument making. Through the years it was influenced by European, North American and other Caribbean cultures. Calypso usually involves some social commentary presented in a humorous satire on both social and political events blended with a catchy and infectious beat. It is an integral part of Bajan culture. The Bajan community is very proud of this type of music. Children under 16 years old take part in the Junior Calypso Monarch competition which also becomes a training ground for the children to become musicians.

The most anticipated and famous musical celebration on the island is the Crop Over Festival. The celebration originated in the 18th century, where the large scale production of sugarcane at 500 mills on the isle happened. At the event of the harvest, workers celebrate the blessing by having food and song festival. It is a month long celebration which begins from the start of July till the beginning of August and it is usually held in the country’s capital Bridgetown. There are many events in this festive celebration.

The country’s finest calypsonians gather for the Pic-O-De-Crop Calypso Competition. Each of the participants performs several times weekly for the whole month long celebration. Seven of the participants will face off with the last year’s winner. Travelers and visitors can definitely join in the musical celebration. They can participate in the Party monarch competition, where they have to sing on stage. There will be a winner for both male and female performers; winners will be crowned as the Party Monarch king and queen. Last but definitely not the least; the annual festival is ended with the Celebration of Grand Kadooment. It is a massive street parade with lively music and vibrant costumes.

This tropical country is known for its beautiful places, good food and of course engaging music. It is a perfect place to get away from the toxicity of the urban life. Music is the language of the soul and it is very important component of life. If this music is what you are looking for this is the place to go. So get out from your Barbados small hotel and groove and chill to the Bajan music.

Experience paradise on earth. Check out our Barbados Small Hotel for more information and details or you may call us directly at (246) 423-0548.

About the Author

A computer graduate and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats and walk with them in the park with some dogs.

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