The Cambridge Companion to Caribbean Music

The Caribbean's diverse music forms a vital part of its identity and reflects collective continuities and interconnectedness. This Companion introduces familiar and less familiar music practices from different nations, showcasing how they were shaped by resistance and accommodation during the colonial past and how they have developed in the postcolonial present. It encourages a comparative and syncretic approach to studying the Caribbean, recognizing its patchwork of fragmented, dynamic, plural, and fluid differences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The rich and diverse musical traditions of the Caribbean play a crucial role in shaping the identities of individual island nations and their diasporic communities. At the same time, they serve as a testament to the enduring connections and interconnectedness that underpin the region's complex tapestry. This comprehensive Companion offers a comprehensive exploration of familiar and lesser-known musical practices from various nations within the Caribbean region, including reggae, calypso, salsa, tambú, méringue, and soca. Through a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, the book uncovers the historical influences and evolutionary processes that have shaped these musical expressions. It sheds light on how music has been used as a tool for resistance and accommodation during the colonial era and how it has continued to evolve in the postcolonial context. By encouraging a comparative and syncretic perspective, the Companion seeks to challenge traditional narratives and promote a deeper understanding of the Caribbean's multifaceted and dynamic musical heritage. This resource is particularly valuable for scholars and students of Caribbean musical culture, particularly those interested in exploring decolonizing perspectives on the subject.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 168 x 242 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108433068