Versatility in the English Caribbean Music.

  

Welcome to What’s the Beat with Branee T.-PART II

Versatility in the English Caribbean Music.

Firstly let us explore the musical versatility of Trinidad. 

A group of Trinidian performers playing the steel pan, an instrument popular in the country

Similar to other English Caribbean speaking countries, musicians in Trinidad have adapted a degree of versatility.

Because Trinidad is indeed a melting pot of many cultures, it is paramount for musicians to be well versed in the instruments associated with these cultures. These include the sitar, steel pan and tasser drum.

                          This video captures a beautiful rendition of the song Curry Tabanca by steel pan performers.

Along with being well versed in these instruments, musicians, in order to stand out. must add lyrics to this music, making them composers. They also can function as producers and directors depending on the musical style and their ability. 

Tour de Force details how "Atiba Chike Williams functioned as both a composer and artist well versed in playing the steel pan."

Williams composes mainly for the steel pan, his own main instrument. For compositional inspiration, Williams looks to Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, the famous pan arranger.

Now let us explore the versatility of music in the Bahamas.

Before we begin does anyone remember this classic?

 

This video captures The Bahamas National Youth Choir performing the song "Celebrate" composed by Mr. Cleophis Adderley

Many artists in the Bahamas must have an aspect of versatility and it is evident in the music. One of the key factors of Bahamian singers is that they must be able to hold a key. Did you know many local artists have a hand in the production, composition, and advertisement of their own music? These include artists like Dyson Knight, Wendi, Julian Believe and even Ronnie Butler.

Photo capturing the night Bahamian composer and performer Ronnie Butler being inducted into the Caribbean Hall of Fame

However, Tour de Force references a specific artist in the text Mr. Cleophas Adderley. Adderley is an excellent example of a versatile Bahamian musician. "He is a founder of the Bahamas National Youth Choir and created many of the compositions and arrangements that they regularly perform. This makes Adderley a composer, teacher, director and artist. This is just amazing!

Bahamian composer, director and artist Cleophis Adderley

But there's more! 

Versality can also exists in many other disciplines of life. This includes fashion in the Caribbean. Many fashion designers both design, manufacturer and even model their pieces. Because of the economic climate her in the Caribbean, fashion designers must find themselves, "solid jobs' to pay bill as the fashion market tends to fluctuate. An example of a Caribbean fashion designer is Felisha Noel, owner and founder of Fe Noel. She for a long time, designed and modeled her pieces while working her primary job. It was until her pieces were recognized internationally; she was able to pursue fashion full time.

Photo capture Grenadian Fashion Designer Felisha Noel owner and founder of Fe Noel in Sheen Magazine 

If you made it to the end, Congratulations! You are now a certified English Music in the Caribbean Versatilist. 

Be sure to share this blog with everyone you know!

 

Until next time signing off as

… Branee’ T. - Chief Versatilist Consultant

References 

LeGrand, C.G. C. (2019). Tour de Force: A Musical Journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9789769624900