Versatility in the Dutch Caribbean Music.
Welcome to What’s the Beat with Branee T.-PART IV
Versatility in the Dutch Caribbean Music.
Firstly, let us explore the musical versatility of Aruba.
Similar to other Dutch Caribbean speaking countries, musicians in Aruba have adapted a degree of versatility.
Musicians hailing from the beautiful island nation of Aruba are quite versatile. In order to gain any sort of recognition on the musical scene nationally and internationally, they must be well versed in differents genres and instruments of music and also be familiar with the music of their country. Tambu, like the other two island nations that make up the ABC islands, is a dance that "accompanies the dance and the drum which it is played on" unique to Aruba. Tambu is a cultural expression that is evidence of the versatility of Aruban musicians. The genre associated with this dance and drum can be "dressed up" for special ceremonies and occasions and also "dressed down" for family gatherings and small parties.
The below video depicts the process of a tambu drum being "warmed up" on a beach in Aruba
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScGsuKb9Ch8
Interestingly, this is the same process that take place when Goombay Junkanoo drums are tuned. We as persons in the Caribbean are all in some way or another a connected.
A wonderfully unique Aruban musician is Mr. Rufo Weber. He is one of the composers of the national anthem of Aruba "Aruba Dushi Tera ". This proves the versatility of this artist. His musical background and upbringing did not deter him from excelling in classical international music. Instead he brought these teachings to the people of his country and made a meaningful impact. Today, there is a music school in Aruba named in his honor.
A wonderfully unique Aruban musician is Mr. Rufo Weber. He is one of the composers of the national anthem of Aruba "Aruba Dushi Tera ". This proves the versatility of this artist. His musical background and upbringing did not deter him from excelling in classical international music. Instead he brought these teachings to the people of his country and made a meaningful impact. Today, there is a music school in Aruba named in his honor.
Below is a photo is Mr. Rufo Weber.
Now let us explore the versatility of music in Curacao.
This beautiful island nation is home to a plethora of cultural expressions. Similarly, the musicians hailing from Curacao encompasses a degree of versatility in the music they produce, compose, play and sing. According to Tour De Music, the authors reference a culturally importance festival in Curacao, Seu. Seu is "the spring festival, an important subsistence crop that serves as both food and housing material." This time, historically, was used a time to celebrate a bountiful harvest. However, this festival has vastly been associated and celebrated through music. The music performed during this festival is usually played using many types of instruments including woodwind, percussion and stringed instruments. However, many of the instruments were made using "repurposed items".
The below video is the depiction of typical song performed at the Seu festival.
Video credits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gRH_a3trno
Notice the aspect of call in response in this piece.
Izaline Calister is an example of a versatile in musical artist hailing from the island of Curacao. She, in order to hone her musical abilities, left her home country to attend a musical conservatory in the Netherlands. She fuses elements of the Curacoan music and combines it with the sounds a jazz. Thus, bringing the music of her home country to an international stage. This is evidence of her versatility being versed in music of homeland and classical music.
Below is a photo of Ms. Izaline Calister
Versatility can also be seen in the category of food. Countries that make of the ABC Dutch islands are home to many delectable dishes. "Keshi yena is widely considered the signature dish of Curaçao. This delectable creation is a perfect example of the fusion of cuisines and cultures that are steeped in Curaçao’s history."(Line & Line, 2019)
Below is a photo of a signature dish of Curacao Keshi Yena.
If you made it to the end, Congratulations! You are now a certified Dutch 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
Line, C. C., & Line, C. C. (2019, August 5). Top 10 things to eat in curaçao: Carnival cruise line. Away We Go | Carnival's Travel Blog | Carnival Cruise Line. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.carnival.com/awaywego/travel/caribbean/top-10-things-to-eat-in-curacao#:~:text=Keshi%20yena%20is%20widely%20considered,are%20steeped%20in%20Cura%C3%A7ao's%20history.
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